Dept of Child & Families, Access Florida Customer Service Issues

I recently spoke with a representative at the Ocala office regarding my food stamps application. After being asked to provide information on my last four weeks of work, I explained my long-standing disability with my attorney present. I clearly conveyed my disability status to the Ocala representative. I have submitted my income details and declared that I have no significant assets. If I do not receive a response from the office soon, I will escalate this matter to Senator Nelson, the governor's office, and Washington. I am entitled to Medicaid and food stamp benefits and am disappointed with the handling of my case by the Florida representatives in relation to taxpayers like me.

Case 16-[redacted]-DR-[redacted]-FM I am writing regarding the Support Enforcement hearing scheduled for Wednesday, August 15th, [redacted], at 8:30 AM in the Duval County Courthouse. My address is [redacted] 15th St. NW Apt #2, Canton, OH [redacted], where I have resided since Saturday, November 21st, [redacted]. I was terminated from my job at Huntington National Bank in Akron, OH, on Thursday, January 18th, [redacted]. I received the Motion For Contempt, Motion to Intervene, and Notice of Hearing from my ex-wife at [redacted] Broken Oak Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. I have contacted Hemphill & Hemphill legal office and Florida Child Support Enforcement. Due to my termination and health issues, I am struggling. I am working with a law firm to resolve my termination, dealing with heart failure, and seeking employment through OHIO MEANS JOBS. I was approved for a Project Management Professional Certification Scholarship, which should help me secure a job soon. I am unable to travel to Jacksonville on 8/15, but I am eager to resolve this matter. You can contact me at [redacted] or [redacted]. Thank you, Robert H. Younge II

I have a complaint regarding the child support office requesting backpay from me for cash assistance I never received. Despite applying, I never got any funds. I have documents showing the amount supposedly sent, which I never utilized, along with paperwork stating I was ineligible for cash assistance. Could you please check for any transactions on the claimed dates and mail the details to me at Iesha Respres, [redacted] N 15th St apt#[redacted], Tampa FL [redacted]? I need this proof to prevent my child support backpay from being withheld. Thank you. You can reach me at [redacted].

I received approval for my Food Assistance renewal dated October 31, [redacted] for $[redacted].00 per month for myself and my two children, Gabriel (15) and Jocelyn (13). However, I previously received $[redacted].00 per month since the approval in April [redacted]. My household situation remains the same, raising concerns about the $[redacted].00 decrease in benefits. In April, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) had some uncertainty regarding the financial support I receive from my father ($1,[redacted] monthly). I provided them with a detailed letter dated April 13, [redacted], explaining the breakdown of these funds for Rent: $1,[redacted], Washer & Dryer: $50.00, Administrative Fee: $6.00, and Approximate Monthly Water & Sewage Fee: $40.00. I believe this information should be on record and considered before the recent benefit reduction, as my circumstances have not changed.

My food assistance has been reduced once again while my electricity bill keeps increasing. I spend most of my time in a wheelchair and struggle to go grocery shopping. Even if I buy cheaper options, it's not enough to sustain me. Being a diabetic means I have to pay more for healthier food. Due to medical issues from a past hospital incident, I cannot consume unhealthy frozen foods. Cooking used to be a passion of mine, but my health now limits me to short periods of standing. I rely on Gianna to help with cooking, but it's not her strong suit. Dealing with governmental challenges in Florida makes it harder for disabled individuals like us to make ends meet. The decrease in food stamps has made it difficult to afford nutritious food. I am in need of assistance for both myself and Gianna, especially considering her mental health struggles. The current situation has left us struggling to afford basic necessities like gas, car maintenance, and even a cracked windshield.

My granddaughter, Christina Curtis, was requested to call for a phone interview scheduled between 10-11 AM on Monday, December 17. Despite calling three times during that timeframe and leaving voicemails each time, she did not receive a response. Due to work constraints, she cannot keep her phone with her at all times. The initial notification promised a follow-up within 24 hours, which has not occurred yet. To ensure she remains in the system, I, William White, am reaching out via email to receive guidance on the next steps she needs to take. Christina, like many young single parents, greatly requires any assistance available. Please inform us promptly on the necessary actions needed. My email is [redacted], and Christina's email is on file within her application. However, please note reaching her during work hours is challenging. Thank you in advance for your anticipated support. William H. White

I did not receive my SNAP benefits on January 20, [redacted], even though I submitted my renewal before the deadline in February. My name is Lori Ann Oliver. I usually don't have issues with my benefits, but this time they did not arrive on time. I finished my renewal on January 16, [redacted]. When I called 1-[redacted], I was on hold for 22 minutes before the call got disconnected. When I tried again, the line was busy. I have three teenagers at home. I am wondering when I will receive my February food stamps. Thank you for your hard work, especially during tough times. Let's not just blame one person like President Trump. We should support each other and work together for the greater good. The USA is a united nation under God. Thank you.

I recently left a daycare named Twinkle Toes due to negligence, constant screaming, and discovering they were violating several DCF laws, including propping up bottles for newborns who couldn't hold them. Despite having solid references from other daycare providers and families I babysat for, Twinkle Toes gave me a negative reference after I left for reasons related to their unacceptable practices. This misrepresentation is hindering my ability to secure new employment. The daycare's actions, such as inappropriate bottle-feeding practices, improper storage of milk, and mistreatment of children, should warrant DCF intervention. I can elaborate further on these incidents, like using a freezer as a changing table and limiting interaction with infants. For additional communication, please reach me at [redacted].

My name is Ana Garcia, a single mother from Spain with a 14-year-old child. I have been living in this country for 5 years and receive family children's benefits. I consider myself a citizen of this country as I pay my taxes every year. On July 30th, I had to renew my benefits, which went smoothly until the next day when I received a call from a Family Services employee regarding my case. This person insulted me, unfairly humiliated me, and discriminated against me by saying I wasn't from here and had no right to claim anything in this country. I stood my ground, feeling mistreated and discriminated against based on my nationality. I hope the necessary actions are taken against this individual to prevent them from causing further distress to families like mine. If you cannot resolve this, I will continue seeking solutions to ensure no other families go through what we experienced. Thank you.

I recently reapplied for Medicaid after it was suspended due to a missed response in July. With limited mobility from my broken left femur, I encountered difficulties during the verification process where the lady was unable to authenticate me. Additionally, I'm currently battling cancer in my right eyeball, a complication from previous treatment with stem cells 13 years ago. The anti-rejection medication weakened my immune system, making me susceptible to papillomavirus and eventually leading to cancer nine years later. Undergoing chemotherapy, I had a PET scan scheduled today to detect any further cancer spread. Discovering that my Medicaid was suspended, reinstating it promptly is crucial for my pending medical tests and procedures. Any help facilitating the processing of my Medicaid application would be greatly appreciated given my challenging circumstances.

On Monday, I received a letter informing me of a phone interview for my food stamp eligibility by the tenth. I contacted Teresa Lancaster's number and left a voicemail, she mentioned she'd reply within twenty-four hours. I faxed my husband's monthly expenses statement on Tuesday to the number provided. I've been calling every day since Monday, leaving messages, and tried twice today. The deadline is tomorrow, and my expense statement has my case number on it. I'm worried. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

I have been eagerly awaiting my December benefits to provide food for my children. However, after completing all the necessary requirements, including a phone interview and submitting all requested documents, I was informed that my benefits would only start in January [redacted]. Surprisingly, my benefits for November were received without any issues. Can you please clarify why there is no assistance for the month of December?

I received a message from Edward on Wednesday the 4th at around 2:45 PM asking me to call back. I returned the call on Thursday the 5th at 9 AM and left a message. Later that day, around 2:30 PM, I called again and left another message. I made another attempt on Friday the 6th around noon, leaving yet another message. Despite the answering machine indicating a response time of 24 hours, it is now Tuesday the 10th, and I have not heard back from Edward. I would appreciate a prompt response to my inquiries. Thank you.

Every year, I have to go through the process of applying for coverage, and it always comes with difficulties. Being on disability is a constant for me, as my income only changes with the COLA, which is public information. Despite DCF having my disability information, it remains challenging to ensure my daughter has health coverage. Dealing with the system is extremely time-consuming and frustrating. I've been on disability for a decade, and every year, the renewal process is just as stressful. Getting assistance over the phone takes hours, and the renewal forms are confusing and ask for unnecessary details. As a disabled individual, my assets should not matter, and my income is not earned, yet each year, there are issues with ACCESS FLORIDA. I simply want my 12-year-old daughter to have health coverage without all this distress for her disabled veteran mother. She needs it for her upcoming allergy and dental appointments, and the current situation has even affected her allergy shots this month. Can the process be improved, please?

I have submitted all my required documents 6 weeks ago but I have not received any response from the Department of Children and Families (DCF) regarding my food stamp benefits. My online access account still shows that I have been denied due to missing verifications even though the documents are uploaded and processed. My family has not received food benefits for 2 months. I have been trying to contact customer service daily since before Christmas without success. I opted for the callback option multiple times, scheduled call times, but no one has reached out to me. This seems to be a common issue for many Florida welfare recipients. The situation is unacceptable and a disservice to families in need in the state of Florida.

I have been waiting for three days for my benefits to be credited to my card. I emphasized the urgency due to being on maternity leave and having three kids as a single mom. Last month, I was informed that all necessary documents were submitted, and I received benefits. However, my current situation is dire as I only have frosted mini-wheats crumbs and lettuce at home. When I spoke to "Fab," she declined to assist me further or connect me with a supervisor. Despite being assured by three different staff members that my benefits would be available, they have not been deposited. I feel abandoned by the unhelpful staff during this crucial time of need, leaving me unable to purchase groceries for my children. I have requested multiple times to speak with a supervisor or receive a call back from my case worker, but I have not received any assistance. As a result, I am now struggling to feed my family due to the misinformation provided.

I forgot my user ID and case number. I have been trying to apply for EBT benefits for myself and my five-year-old daughter, but my application was denied. Upon reviewing my past applications, I noticed that a man was listed as my daughter's father, which is inaccurate. I suspect my mother used my phone to apply on my behalf. I have since secured my account, but I need this misinformation corrected to receive TANF, EBT, and HUD housing benefits if eligible. Thank you.

I contacted the Department of Children and Families on Tuesday, January 5th, [redacted], at [redacted]. I waited for 1 hour and 35 minutes before finally speaking to someone. When I mentioned my long wait, the person I spoke to acknowledged it but with an attitude, mentioning that others are also waiting. I requested to speak to their supervisor, but instead, I was put back on hold for another 30 minutes with no response. We received a hospital bill that we are unable to pay due to discrepancies in approved and eligible dates. This issue led me to seek assistance from DCF. Unfortunately, it seems like the department lacks concern for helping individuals, as waiting on the phone for extended periods without resolution is a recurring problem. Staff should focus on assisting people in need rather than turning them away from the service. If necessary, I can provide my contact number and the exact time of my call for your records.

My case underwent review in November. I completed my renewal and submitted income verification, only to be informed that a phone interview was required. Despite leaving multiple messages after calling the provided number, I did not receive a callback until a Saturday around noon. Upon returning the call immediately, I was unable to reach anyone, and my case was closed abruptly. I had to reapply on December 4, and after struggling to connect, I finally managed to complete an interview regarding my uploaded pay stubs. The representative assured me that she had all necessary documents and that a decision would come shortly. However, the Access FL website still indicated I needed further verification. After being on hold for days, I was eventually told I had submitted everything required, and they had 30 days to process it. Despite surpassing this timeline, I continue to face challenges reaching a representative due to repeated disconnections. I urgently need my case to be expedited as I have been in limbo for too long, especially considering my youngest child's recent dietary restrictions.

My father doesn’t speak English well and is unfamiliar with the system. I've been trying to contact someone at DCF for two weeks to help him, but we haven't made progress. My father, Marcelo Izaguirre, aged 73, has been caring for his grandkids alone, taking them to school, doctors, and meetings. Despite my sister receiving benefits for them, she doesn't assist our father. It's unfair that my father is struggling like this. We need to reach DCF for support, but it's incredibly challenging to get through. I'm Marisela Padilla, his daughter, seeking assistance for my father's situation.