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Florida Department of Children and Families - Food Stamp Program

Florida Department of Children and Families - Food Stamp Program review: Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families 146

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12:21 pm EST
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The Florida Department of Children and Families' ACCESS website should be disabled as well as the ACCESS toll-free number. It is at an expense to tax payers to maintain the website and the toll-free number and both, especially the ACCESS toll-free number, are practically useless. There is not any contact or email address on the website to assist one if you have a problem other than the listed ones. You can not reach a live person at all on the 800 number. I have a simple problem. I need my case number. I can not access any information with out it and I can not get anyone to help me get it. I am homebound, as many, many others that receive assistance are. This long-standing issue needs to be brought to the attention of our law makers as it is a gross misuse and mismanagment of tax payers dollars. I actual feel the the FDCF is intentionally making it as difficult as possible to receive assistance so that perhaps people will be discouraged and not apply or give up.

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The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

146 comments
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Acia Williams
, US
Nov 20, 2023 3:56 pm EST
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This is an ongoing issue we have but they allow people who are not born here to get all our benefits and we have to run around in circles like a dog, then they act like we have to beg it's truly sad we are struggling and the government doesn't care.

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mother.phoenix
, US
Mar 28, 2023 10:52 am EDT
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Amazing that there are comments here from 2008 and here I am, writing this in 2022 to complain about the same problems that have been affecting people since the past 14 years. This is utterly ridiculous. I reapplied for assistance since my benefits were going to end this month. Normally I reapply online and within a few days, I do the interview that is required and I continue to receive benefits but this time, I reapplied and almost a month later, my application says Pended in my access account. I have not received any letter for an interview and when I call, the lines are too busy and they don't even have a call back option. The automated machine just says call back later. Either hire more people for the call center or catch up with the times and have virtual agents. Lord knows there are plenty of people seeking work-from-home jobs.

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mother.phoenix
, US
Mar 28, 2023 10:54 am EDT
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2023***

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mother.phoenix
, US
Mar 28, 2023 10:55 am EDT
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15 years***

I need more coffee...

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Karen55p
Miami, US
Apr 27, 2023 10:33 pm EDT

Hey. The same is happening to me now I applied over a week ago for the renewal and is still saying pended. Smh. What happened in your case ?

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mother.phoenix
, US
May 03, 2023 10:47 am EDT
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Replying to comment of Karen55p

It took about a month for them to finish reviewing and to continue to receive benefits but for some reason, this month, I didn't receive my benefits which I usually get on the 23rd. I was never able to get ahold of them...

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Kelleypeak
, US
May 13, 2022 4:12 pm EDT

I'm still trying to get my application from March approved in mid May. They don't call for your interview and is near impossible to speak to someone. I had to call several times to let them know my verification of income was uploaded almost a month ago. I haven't had any work for three weeks. The minute I reported that they sent me a notice saying I needed to apply for unemployment. What about the past two months income I reported? I'm starving and about to give up. That's exactly why they do this [censored].

We spend $800b/year on military, Jeff Bezos just got a $50b grant and I can't get 200/ month for food assistance.

Help

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Kristen Eckel
, US
Aug 04, 2017 10:15 am EDT

What does this mean
YOU ARE RECEIVING THE SAME TYPE OF ASSISTANCE FROM ANOTHER PROGRAM

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Familychick
, US
Oct 12, 2016 11:50 pm EDT
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I agree. You can't ever get anyone on the phone. I was to renew my foodstamps that Ive had for 5 months. I did and I did by the date they gave me to keep from getting a gap in my foodstamp deposit on my card. After 2 days it showed my case was closed. Then 2 weeks later I got back on to try and put in another application. Apparently their system was down when I put in my renewal app. So last minute I had to run around and turn everything in. I had 1 day to do so. I have turn everything in and it shows on my account and also shows a pending amount I should be receiving. It says technical verification. Why? Nothing has changed! I check my account everyday! Ugh! I have 4 kids and need to buy food for them!
For those that say we pop out babies to live off welfare! Um how about you don't judge when you don't know why I need it! I was a homemaker because my kids father made enough for me to stay home with my babies! I was with him since I was 16! He has since decided to leave me and our children for another woman! He works under the table and refuses to pay child support! His words "why should I make your life easier?" Im because they are your children too! And if not they do without! I work my butt off to support my kids! I will accept any extra shifts I can! But it's never enough! I barely pay bills! I can't even afford daycare for my children! I don't make enough to cover it if I didnt have any bills! I don't make enough to buy food! I live paycheck to paycheck barely paying my bills! I beg family members to watch my kids so I can work! It's a daily struggle! Meanwhile their father is posting on FB and tagging himself traveling and living the dream life going out to dinner every damn day! He won't see his kids! He says he's now responsible for his fiancés kids! Smfh easy to be responsible for someone else's kids when their father sends $1, 200 a month for two kids! I get $000 big fat nothing from him! So before you judge us get the facts! I sure didn't choose to need help! But guess what? I haven't left my kids like I see most parents giving up and sending their kids away! No they are my life! I will starve and [censored] before I leave my children! Sometimes bad things happen and we need help!

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MizzJazzy BaddAss
, US
Jul 05, 2016 7:12 am EDT

I know young girls receiving all benefits, living in free rent facilities and getting free checks for rent to only sale and trade illegal and legal personal wants but independent people working hard for a living but needing help get the yearly run around with no help at all. I applied for foodstamps and was told so many reasons i can not get them that its a joke. I no longer want or need the minor help but i refuse to not help those that cant survive without them due ro inside sceaming at our local dcf offices. I applied and was approved but only received them 2 months for $90 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 i need to know what do i pay taxes toward. I promise you all i will investigate and strive for help untill the white house is aware of all this goin on in florida with so many uneducated crimminals working behind desks, phones and personal information, and gladly reminding us there is no managers or supervisors to ever contact.

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Christina Sjoberg
, US
Feb 29, 2016 9:38 pm EST

I agree with everyone. okay so where do I begin. I live in St Petersburg Florida in the Food Stamp office stuff here is crazy. I'm on disability due to a car accident. I work in nursing for many years and unfortunately now rely on disability and food stamps and Medicaid and Medicare. I make less than $900 a month on disability. I have a permanent live in home care provider and a service dog. everything about a service dog is claimable on every government program. the Food Stamp has discriminated against my service dog they refused to count her. this is absolutely illegal. I try to put her on for over 2 years like they asking the questions about service dogs. every time I do someone goes back in the system and takes her back out. note you she is a legal service dog with great credentials. has been my service dog for 6 years. I have not spoke to any workers in about 5 years I have requested for them to call me back or speak to me. now they have stopped my Medicaid needy. for what reason I have no idea. they give me $41 a month in food stamps and my bills override my check. so how the heck am I supposed to live on $41. in the couple of times I did get to speak to someone 5 years plus to go they were very very very rude. and of course no lawyer wants to take a case like this. so I myself for Am looking into a way to petition some government that might listen I've also contact of the White House over this and will be starting a petition over service dogs. what gets me the maddest it was a foreigner comes over and our government give them all these perks finances and food stamps and we can get it. and we live here... this is just crazy and absurd

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Angelpie2
, US
Feb 05, 2016 11:47 am EST
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I was on food stamps for over 6 years, and let them expire because I had to borrow money one month from my sons to pay bills the month before I had to recertify, and they count that as income. When I tried to recertify, they asked first for two month's verification of income, when it has only ever been one they needed before. Then this time they asked for one month. I sent them the information and had my phone interview. Now my account says "Technical verification, " and I have no idea what that means. Maybe they got suspicious because I let my account lapse, but I am sitting here with $3 and no food in my house, and they have received everything they asked for. I want to know what "technical verification" means. I've never seen that before on my account, but I can't get in touch with anyone to find out. I have tried calling the number before 11 a.m. in the morning when they are doing interviews, and no one answers. I've asked for a call back and never get one. I never had any problems before this.

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Michael d Armstrong
Ormond Beach, US
Oct 28, 2014 10:49 am EDT

I have been trying to talk to a live person for over a year and I can not get through

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lvebeinghismommy
, US
Aug 15, 2014 12:11 am EDT

DCF is horrible! These people don't even work in an office, they all sit on their behinds at home! I applied in June after my son was born and they denied my food stamp application in 1 day because they said they didn't receive all of the verifications they needed. They did receive them, so I called and the woman i spoke to told me that she would send an email of some sort for them to review my case again. i called back 3 days letter as i was instructed to do and was told they had not responded so another email would be sent. I believe a total of 4 emails were sent before a supervisor got involved and for that to happen i had to request tht a supervisor contact me, but i would have to wait up to 2 business days to be contacted! After speaking with the supervisor, she told me she would email my case workers supervisor and I would be contacted hopefully the next day, which i was. They then proceded to tell me that i needed to send in more information. Are you kidding me?! So i sent them more info and still have heard nothing omn my case. I have called and left messages for the supervisor, but i have yet to receive a return phone call. MY son will be 3 months on the 22. These people and this system is RIDICULOUS!

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mystical48
Bradenton Beach, US
Jul 25, 2014 12:38 pm EDT

To jc its not a matter of not wanting to work. I cannot physically work. I do think there are flaws in the acceptance process of getting disability, too many folKs of all ages are drawing ssDi or ssi. even Children get ssi, Not for once saying there are not children that rise to the disability of qualifying for ssi, but the system is out of control. If a child is mainstreamed in public school imo that hardly qualifies for diSability.

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mystical48
Bradenton Beach, US
Jul 25, 2014 12:30 pm EDT

This is to mollie wollie i realize you made your snarky comments quite sometime ago, but attitudes like yours needs adjusting at anytime. i applied for assistance because i am disabled, not because i refuse to work, i physically cant work. not only are you tax payer dollars used but so were mine prior to my disability, my husbands taxes are used as well. Furthermore, my children were all but one were grown, out of the home and self sufficent. Now that child is active duty army. you paint all those requesting help from the state with the same broad brush, we are all unique people with diverse backgrounds. Just because u think something like tHis could never happen to you...you are delusional.

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JC in FL
Ocala, US
Jul 12, 2013 10:38 pm EDT
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Many of you people just need to get a job! There's jobs out there, if you want to work. I know several business owners who need people and can't find any that want to work. Many of them want to be paid under the table, so they can continue to mooch off of the rest of us and get a pay check. Too damn many sorry ### people in this country and it's going to be our downfall. If you want your kids to have a country and opportunities to succeed, stop being part of the disease that could cause your kids to live in a terrible world. It took great, hard working people to build this country, not a bunch of free-loaders. If you have a real disability that keeps you from working, disregard my comments. They aren't intended for the people who deserve to be helped. All of you women spitting babies out, with no husband or the means to raise a child, stop having them. If you aren't able to take care of your child, don't make it my responsibility.

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AmyMiranda
, US
Oct 29, 2022 7:08 am EDT
Replying to comment of JC in FL

Hey JC, GFY! Not all of us are able to do that. You really are an Ahole!

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strugglin_mom
Homestead, US
Jul 12, 2013 6:52 pm EDT

I agree with the complaints I'm 7 months pregnant living on a fixed income I just did my review and was denied foodstamps and denied an insurance card for my unborn I kept explaining to the people that after I pay my bills I habe no money for food I haven't had a decent meal since June 10, 2013 and it seems as if they don't care.I don't know what elsego do I'm due soon and I have no food I live off 1 check a mmonth and I keep getting denied but I have seen people who get way more income than me get assistance and they don't even need it...what am I supposed to do?

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Truly fed up nana
Sebring, US
May 05, 2013 6:00 am EDT

Please help, I was approved in March for food stamps throughout till the month of August, received the letter in March 2013.. now on the day that my food stamps are to be put on my EBT card I see on the website that my case is closed due to them saying a letter sent to my previous address was not deliverable? thats bull I looked on there site and under my notices they sent me and the last thing they sent me was the notice i got showing i was approved and now they cut my food stamps off 2 days prior to my allotment date? Why does this agency keep screwing up my case I have always received mail from them regarding my case, this is not the first time they have messed up my case and when i called last time and explained to them that I have no food because of their negligence I was threatened by a worker on the phone well maam if you have no food we need to have child protective services come and check on the kids? How dare threaten me a grandmother that is trying to help her grand babies to eat with taking them away from me?

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oinkpiggieoinkoink
jackonville, US
Sep 06, 2012 9:29 am EDT
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my food stamps were cut off cause i was kicked out and couldnt get ahold of anyone in time to report it cause noone ever answers and now im hungry

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JC in FL
Ocala, US
Aug 31, 2012 6:13 am EDT
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Unfortunately, the moochers make it bad for those who really need it. I get so mad when I see a lady, with a couple of kids, in the grocery store and they are all dressed in expensive clothes, all have expensive cell phones and all kinds of jewelry on - only, to see her pay for 2 buggies, filled to the top, with food stamps. Then, she goes out and gets in a nice car. She has never worked, nor does she want too. Why get a job, when she can spit out babies and get all kinds of benefits, while those who work or have worked all of their lives, get turned down or have to jump through a bunch of hoops? Unfortunately, there are thousands and thousands of those moochers, clogging up the system. Until they reform welfare and really make people get jobs, this kind of crap will continue. There's not enough working people, anymore, to pay for all those on Welfare; so, this will only get worse! Call your Legislator and demand they revise the welfare law, to work with those who really need the help, in mind!

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genesis4
Melrose, US
Aug 20, 2012 6:38 am EDT

I have called numerous times in regards to my case. The 866 number is frustrating. I have been hung-up on my numerous agents, spoken to in a language that I do not understand, nor did I request to speak to someone in a foreign language. The agents did not provide the info that I needed. The 866 line is useless and should be disbanded...Like many people on this comment board I have worked hard and paid my taxes for many years before needing some type of assistance. There are no numbers provided to be able to talk to someone directly in regards to your case and all that we are given is the runaround. I feel like I need to physically go into an office to ensure that the cases are handled properly. A person can starve to death waiting for help. It is ridiculous and frustrating...

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Gb_77
, US
Jun 15, 2012 2:53 pm EDT

I can vouch that the FL system is a JOKE. I work menial jobs after getting laid off a few months ago. I got expedited 5 months after applying. I got it the first month, then they cut me off. I didn't get anything for 5 months. I had to find ways to feed 3 people on 20 or 25 dollars a week. They finally gave it to me again after 5 months, then at the end of the month they tell me I need to re-apply because I've had it for 6 months. Wtf? I sent in all of the paper work again, the day they told me I would need to start getting it together. It's now been another 2 months and I have the STRANGEST feeling I'm going to go through it all again. I tried calling and got a very rude person one time, who talked to me for about 5 seconds before saying all she can do is help reset my online password.. okay I don't need that, can you give me the number to someone who can help me? She gives me the number I had just called.. the number I was talking to her on right that second! When I told her this, she just said "oh well" and hung up on me. I have a can of green beans to split between us 3 until it gets figured out or some extra money pops up somewhere.

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Ms Tired
, US
May 24, 2012 1:40 am EDT

I agree with the government not wanting to help us. The laws and policies they have are ridiculous. First of all they need to change the cost of living guidelines. Also going by someones gross income instead of the net pay needs to be reevaluated. People who receive unemployment and have children should qualify for full benefits. Really unemployment does not pay the bills. Why should a recipient pay back over paid foodstamps given to them by the fault of DCF not doing their job, especially if the information was faxed to them several times.

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Rodney Samuel
Gainesville, US
Apr 26, 2012 11:44 am EDT

I think it a shame that apparently this is common place with an agency that is supposed to be there for Children. I am an African American man and single custodial father of a young child. I reapplied for my food assistance online as I have in the past. I recieve no support from the mother and have not in the 10 years I have been a single father. My situation has not changed since the last time I recertified. I recieved notice of a phone interview. I had to take the day off from work to make the call since I work 8 am to 5 pm. I called on the day I was supposed to at 8 am sharp. I received a recording and was placed on hold where I remained for an hour and 45 mins. I had to leave for a Dr appointment. When I returned I called again and received a message tthat stated that due to call volume my call could not be taken and to call later. I sent 2 letters into the local office asking what I should do and recieved no response at all. I made a personal trip to the local office and was told that I would have to reapply. I am in TOTAL DISBELIEF. iT appears that they make it almost impossible for you to get the assistance that is supposed to be there for the kids.

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Pissedkara
fort walton beach, US
Feb 10, 2012 4:24 pm EST

Well, I too am in the same predicament as all of you. But, I KNOW why they are forcing this system that DOES NOT WORK on us. Yes, florida does have programs for needy families but most of the higher ups are the people who want this program to stop. its all about taxes. The people who make money are paying for us to be on food stams, yes. Therefore, they do not want us on food stamps. So, legally we are entitled to this but only if you are proactive in getting every single document the exact way you want it. I have been on food stamps for 2 years now since my daughet was born and last year, thi switched jobs; reported it and still, after a whole YEAR, they do not have my ifo right. they are saying i make 200% more than i make. I've changed called, done everything. Provided loss of income verification..every time i do, they raise my income in their system. they are CORRUPT!

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philandy
, US
Feb 03, 2012 3:28 pm EST

They recently added the option to submit computer files to ACCESS (instead of faxing perhaps) when you log in - go to "Upload and View My Documents."

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ITforHire
Orlando, US
Jan 17, 2012 10:20 pm EST

Welp, got the card today. Amazing... 3 days after I did what I posted in the above comment.

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ITforHire
Orlando, US
Jan 14, 2012 3:58 am EST

Get this- on a whim I called up the EBT Customer Service line [protected]) and followed the prompts to report a lost/stolen card. I was then prompted to verify my social security number and birth date. Once I did that, they (the robot) asks you to press one to accept that the card you're reporting will be deactivated. Then it asks that you verify your zip code- DO NOT ENTER YOUR ZIP. By not entering the zip it forwarded me to a live person (at 10pm on a Friday night- so I'm assuming they are a 24/7 call center).

A live person answered almost immediately and I let them know that I had never received my EBT card (tomorrow it will officially be 2 months since I was approved). They went on to re-verify my social security number, date of birth and went on to ask for my case number. They were able to look up my account and see that... and get this... A CARD WAS NEVER SENT OUT IN THE FIRST PLACE! WTF!

After they verified my current address they put me on hold. Once they came back they told me I would be receiving my card in 5-7 days- wow! It's amazing how simple it was. I guess the trick was to completely avoid DCF and go straight to the card issuing company. So, after nearly two months after being approved for "expedited" food stamps, I'll finally be able to use the funds that have been compounding without me being able to touch them. I can't wait to get off the dollar menu/ramen diet. I'll be back to let you know if this actually solved the problem.

So, thanks for nothing, Rick Scott and the useless bureaucrats running (into the ground) DCF.

Ramelle
Ramelle
Weed, US
Jan 11, 2012 2:59 pm EST
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IT - you say : "To all the people, like MollieWollie, who are posting disparaging remarks about people utilizing public welfare programs- just keep in mine that, while you may never need to use such services, there is at least one person in your family or that you know who probably has. This economy touches everybody in one form or another. The people in need could be family or friends- you never know. So try to apply the same compassion you would to them before you run your mouth due to your superior financial situation."

I say: Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and the wrong. Sometime in your life you will have been all of these.
( I read your last paragraph. *hugs* )

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ITforHire
Orlando, US
Jan 11, 2012 1:14 am EST

I also notice I posted "keep in mine"... MIND*

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ITforHire
Orlando, US
Jan 11, 2012 1:13 am EST

Lol... believe me, that is the summary. =P

Ramelle
Ramelle
Weed, US
Jan 10, 2012 11:56 pm EST
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You expect anyone to read that novel IT? Summarization is your friend, superfluous info is your enemy.

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ITforHire
Orlando, US
Jan 10, 2012 11:52 pm EST

Here's my experience with the underfunded DCF here in Orlando, FL's Orange County:
Basics:
I am a network administrator who was working for a company who's three senior partners had a falling out that, consequently, led to the demise of a majority of the company's operations. So, I was laid off in November of 2011 and applied on the 14th of the same month and was approved for expedited food stamps ($208 pro-rated for November and $367 for each following month up to April 2012).
My Situation:
I'm married and we pay about $1, 200 a month for all bills (rent & utilities) before food expenses. We lived comfortably on my salary and my wife was able to be a homemaker, so we were blessed in that way. Unfortunately, because I was a contracted employee, I worked under the company as a contractor (shady, yes... it helps them save on benefits, etc- whatever, no biggie) and thus had to save money for taxes- due to the fact that they aren't taken out automatically by the company. So, while we were able to eat out and catch movies when we wanted, we weren't exactly living it up. But, as I see it, we were stimulating the local economy and paying our fair share of taxes- so the circle of suburban life was playing out up until the layoff.
Current Employment Situation:
After I was laid off, I applied to positions within my field (I.T.)- which was, in retrospect, a big mistake. The people who were hiring in November were retail and places that would receive a lot of business during the holidays. By the time I figured that out, and started applying for jobs I was (and I hate to use the haughty term, even though it's true) overqualified for in late December, these employers (Publix, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Walgreens, etc) were experience hiring freezes and post-holiday layoffs. Which has made my job hunt a bit tougher. I will likely be moving back to Texas where I'm from if I don't find anything in January.
The DCF Nightmare:
After applying for foodstamps on November 14th, I was contacted a couple of days later by a DCF employee who conducted an interview and told me that I was approved for expedited food stamp processing and that he was going to send some documents for me to fill out- which I received a couple of days later.
There was a form in the two pages sent to me that I assumed I needed to fill out despite the fact that they had neglected to check the box(s) next to the information block(s) they wanted me to fill out. I had to look at my status online to figure out that the portion of the form they needed was "proof of loss of income"- no big deal. So I filled that section in and sent it back.
I religiously checked my mail box and the online status to verify that they had received it. But to no avail. Nothing came in the mail and the Florida Access website profile for my case indicated that this form was still required.
I got a little frustrated and worried because I had read that they would close my case in 30 days from the time it was opened if they did not receive the information they requested (the proof of loss of income form). So I found the fax number and the required form they needed at the Florida Access website, printed it out, filled it out again, scanned it to PDF and then used a free online fax service (which allows one to send up to 5 pages for free) to fax it to the DCF fax number for my area.
Unfortunately, each time I tried to fax it in, the fax was rejected. I'm assuming the line was busy or simply didn't work. But, because I was using an online service, I didn't really know. The message I kept getting from the service was "fax failed". So, I'm not entirely sure that it was the DCF fax number's fault- but I'd love to hear from anyone who's had problems with faxing anything to DCF to put that wonderment to rest.
At this point I tried to get through to a real, live person to no avail until I called a downtown DMV office who gave me the physical address of the Access office closest to me. Fortunately for me, it was over on West Colonial, about 3 miles down the road from where I live. But because we had sold our car a couple weeks before, I walked down instead. I could have taken the bus, but it was about an hour trip due to the fact that it detours around all sorts of places. The walk would only be about 45 minutes and, in the spirit of saving money, I opted for that instead. The weather was really great, too- so it was kind of nice to be out and about on foot.
When I got down to the office, I was greeted by a lady who, and I'm not exaggerating, would not make eye contact with me. She droned (in every definition of the word) that I needed to fill out an information slip- which was a piece of paper that was cut in half with blanks asking basic information. I asked if I had to fill out the social security block and she said no (why in the world would that even be on there then?).
After I had filled out the slip, I went on to explain my situation described above, she called the supervisor over. He told me that, because I was technically self-employed, I would need to fill out the section reserved for the employer- weird, but no big deal. This was in addition to the "proof of loss of income" portion. So, I did, and then was told to give it to a third lady who scanned the slip, document and my final pay stubs into a big Xerox-type machine. They said that that was it and didn't give me any explanation as to why my snail-mail and fax never made it to them- I'm not really the type to pry so I just left it alone and headed home. P.S. I found a really neat hobby shop at a shopping center at West Colonial and Kirkman and spent a few minutes walking around in awe at all the cool R/C vehicles and models- but I digress...
I checked online the next day and saw that all was well- as far as things I was required to submit. The interview was complete and the paperwork was finally showing as completed. I assumed that I was 100% good-to-go and relieved to finally have everything taken care of.
About two weeks later, having not received my EBT card, I tried calling in to find out why I hadn't. But, like a lot of other people posting, I kept running into brick walls. It's nearly impossible to get in touch with someone from the Orlando, Orange County area. So, after further research, I found numbers for several of the DCF offices.
After no luck getting a live person, I finally got through to the Secretary of Communication's office [protected]). I explained my story and the gentleman on the line told me that he wasn't sure why I hadn't received my EBT card yet (he was able to access my account) but that he would put in a request for a new one. He stated that, if they act immediately (and said so in a way that lead me to believe that they don't often act "immediately"), I would receive it in 7 days. He also informed me that the DCF staff had been reduced at a time when demand was very high- thanks, Rick Scott...
That call was on the 27th of December, 2011. It is now the 10th of January, 2012. So, it's been about 14 days (10 business days) and I have yet to receive the card. In four more days it will have been about two months since I was approved for "expedited" services from DCF.
Today, after checking my snail-mail and it being empty, I decided to make some more phone calls. I started with the Secretary of Communications (the one I actually managed to get through the last time) to no avail- it simply rang to voice mail each time. I left a message the fourth time I called and decided to try other DCF offices. I got nothing until the Office of the Inspector General. I had the pleasure of speaking to a rude and nasty woman named Latrice Macy who, after telling me they have nothing to do with what I was trying to find out, gave me a number to call. Upon calling said number, I was told that they were the office that dealt with fraud. However, the lady I spoke with gave me the extension to the number I needed- YES!
The extension went to the Client Relations department [protected] ext. 7045 for anyone who wants to know) and, after a long-winded message that made clear that they couldn't access your account number (I'd love to know why they felt it necessary to state that- could it be that they obviously get a lot of calls from people frustrated that they can never get account information from a live person?) I realized it was a voice mail message. The voice mail message ended in stating that the mail box was full- wonderful...
So, for the sake of my blood pressure, I gave up and started searching online for others who've had problems with DCF- and here I am. After reading all of the above posts, I felt the urge to give my story. Sorry for the length, but I couldn't really condense my situation any more (believe it or not, this is condensed). It's obvious that DCF is underfunded and broken.
My personal opinion is that, being a good-ol'-boy Republican state, they assume that if they have a working assistance program then they will receive an influx of people trying to game the system and abuse it. Now that the economy has been limping for the last couple of years since the real-estate bubble burst, it's coming to light because more people like me are having to turn to assistance programs and exposing the Republican's fear-of-moochers policies that have been in place for years which include underfunding, reducing or eliminating social programs.
I feel like I can identify with those in poverty that feel as though they can't get a break. They've been screwed conservative fear-mongering for a long time and people like me have never noticed it while we were out at the movies or on a cruise. It's sad, really.
P.S. To all the people, like MollieWollie, who are posting disparaging remarks about people utilizing public welfare programs- just keep in mine that, while you may never need to use such services, there is at least one person in your family or that you know who probably has. This economy touches everybody in one form or another. The people in need could be family or friends- you never know. So try to apply the same compassion you would to them before you run your mouth due to your superior financial situation.
Also, you never know- it might be you next. I never thought it would happen to me, either.

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No1's Fool26
Miami Shores, US
Dec 24, 2011 12:10 am EST

I agree with everyone 200%. I used to have the exact same problem in regards to getting thru to a live person, faxing/sending paper work dozens of time just to be denied because they claim they hadn't receive anything! I applied for food stamps for my mom who's having a really hard time due to the economy I applied in November it was a whole month & she still didn't hear anything from them so I had to re-apply in December, here's my issue they approved my mom for food stamps but she still hasn't gotten a dang thing! But on her access account it claims that they gave her $84 in November, $200 on December 01, that's ###! She hasn't received a thing from them. & they denied my sister on my moms application & when asked why? They simply told her that they consider a person her age should be working... WTF?! First off working where?! There's no jobs out here unless your ok working for $6 an hour for the holidays... So I want to file a complaint but I can't seem to locate the number of the head office... I usually add my sister on my moms application & I have been doing so for the past 2 years now . My mom used to get $367 than they lowered it to $295 now they only give her $200! How is $200 suppose to feed 3-4 people in the household.. My mom hasn't had anything in her refrigerator in months! I've had to buy her groceries & food... This is rediculous

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determineswelfare
202 Address, US
Dec 10, 2011 11:59 pm EST

Before you go saying DCF doesn't care, do me a favor and read this.
http://www.tumblr.com/blog/determiningwelfare

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MaddadJax
, US
Dec 09, 2011 4:33 am EST

Hey people I don't know who really 2 blame because of this welfare situation thou. Gov. Scott fired a lot of dcf workers and in turn hurting us together. http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20111113/NEWS01/111130320/Fla-s-DCF-staff-labor-vain-make-difference-people-s-lives?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7Cfrontpage%7Cp what is a person to do. How about contacting out rep. And state senators.

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MaddadJax
, US
Dec 09, 2011 4:24 am EST

Child protective investigators with the Florida Department of Children and Families look into complaints of child neglect and child abuse. They determine whether there is probable cause to remove children from parents' or guardians' custody.

Statewide, their average salary is $36, 315. In this judicial circuit, it is $37, 728.

Statewide, an investigator averages 16 active investigations. In this area, it is 17.

Because of job stress, many investigators quit. The turnover rate statewide in a given year is 31 percent. Locally, it is 37 percent.
This is y dcf is so much having problems. http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20111128/ARTICLE/111129625/-1/sports?Title=Child-safety-investigators-face-their-own-ordeals

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MaddadJax
, US
Dec 09, 2011 4:18 am EST

No wonder dcf workers are tired and don't want 2 help http://www.theledger.com/article/20111130/NEWS/111139929/1002/SPORTS?Title=DCF-Labor-Department-Continue-Talks-

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MaddadJax
, US
Dec 09, 2011 4:16 am EST

Check this out that dcf is still using pen and paper when handling cases. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/state-agency-enlists-help-from-businesses-for-social-2014156.html

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Gulfresident
Valparaiso, US
Dec 08, 2011 1:27 pm EST

I cannot tell you how much I agree!I emailed a complaint today to the secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families (david_wilkins@dcf.state.fl.us). While I think the accessflorida website could be a very useful tool, it will not work, if people don't do their job efficiently. My reapplication was completely ignored and faxes I sent were never received. When I told them I have the fax report the call center said it didn't matter if I can prove it - the DCF doesn't have it. Period. The same happened with a letter send via USPS. They never received it. Now, three months later they finally have all the information as "processed" in their system and -- tata -- nothing. Another week has passed and nothing! In the meantime I call the call center every day and have them mail the DCF and the supervisor to please process my case. My children are not used to canned fruit, as we have never been in a situation like this. I water down their milk to stretch it and there will be no birthday cake. It is emotionally rough and I cry at the top of a hat. My husband works and is underpaid while his employer just bought his second $ 270 000 Porsche - at least he supports the automobile industry! I went to a workforce center to have my resume checked and was told to better omit that I have an MBA. Depressing!

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MaddadJax
, US
Dec 08, 2011 3:27 am EST

They gave me food stamps and next month was on hold because they never received my pay stubs, but I faxed it in 2times and still waiting. I tried calling to find out what's going on. The phone just takes you back to the main menu. I got a job but only pays 8.00. I have a master degree and cant a decent job to support my daughter. It is hard to find any answer. I read all the articles and they all ate true. Dcf does not care at all.

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jade118
, US
Oct 27, 2011 3:27 am EDT

i emailed the Governor rick scott because i was so frustrated witht he call center not answering because it was "busy". i needed to ask a question and i couldn't get a hold of anyone to help me. well i got a phone call the next day and got to talk to a live person who helped me. i cant believe i had to do that in order to get a live person on the phone. is there an office i can go to in the orlando area that has people or case workers who can help me in the future?

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ineligible letter customer recipient
, US
Sep 12, 2011 5:03 pm EDT

i just called the [protected] number and I got thru thanks hcc11 in orange county. she just gave me this number to call for phone interviews [protected] because no one answers the other 866 number child please

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