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Florida Department of Children and Families - Food Stamp program

United States, Florida

Consumer reviews about Florida Department of Children and Families - Food Stamp program

MaddadJax
Dec 9, 2011

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

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

MaddadJax
Dec 9, 2011

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

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-

MaddadJax
Dec 9, 2011

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

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

MaddadJax
Dec 9, 2011

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

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.

determineswelfare
Dec 10, 2011

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

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

No1's Fool26
Dec 24, 2011

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

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 bullshit! 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

ITforHire
Jan 10, 2012

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

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 (850-488-4855). 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 (407-317-7000 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.

Ramelle
Jan 10, 2012

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

You expect anyone to read that novel IT? Summarization is your friend, superfluous info is your enemy.

ITforHire
Jan 11, 2012

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

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

ITforHire
Jan 11, 2012

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

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

Ramelle
Jan 11, 2012

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

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* )

ITforHire
Jan 14, 2012

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

Get this- on a whim I called up the EBT Customer Service line (1-888-356-3281) 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.

ITforHire
Jan 17, 2012

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

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

philandy
Feb 3, 2012

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

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."

Pissedkara
Feb 10, 2012

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

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!

Jamstar
Jan 4, 2013

Florida Department of Children and Families

I am a grandmother who is raising my five year old grandaughter. I need to talk to a live person at the Department of Children and Family about my case. There is no prompt to reach a live person. I reapplied and so far no one has gotten in touch with me. Foster parents get more help than relative caregivers. Raising your grand child turns your life upside down. It affects your work life because of child care issues. It affects your finances because your work life is affected. I have TEMPORARY CUSTODY for FIVE YEARS. And very little help. I will continue to do my best with the grandchid I have, I made a committment and love her dearly. The dead beat, irresponsible parents are expecting another child and I will not lift a finger to help. And if DCF contacts me to take custody of this one too, the answer will be NO. I save the world without sinking myself and DCF does not help.

vickygaga55
Feb 10, 2013

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

ive been searching online trying to find a number to a real LIVE dcf person. about my ebt account. a few months ago it cut off & still im unable to talk to anyone. i leave msgs & they DONT CALL BACK. like why the hell do they do that, were struggling in this world. i need help if anyone knows a number to anyone that could help me. please.
[email protected]

vickygaga55
Feb 10, 2013

Inability to reach the Florida Department of Children and Families

Im 19 living on my own , in school & paying my bills & rent. i make around $850/ a month but i pay rent which is 650 a month. my car insurance is $150 / a month. that leaves me with $50 dollars a month for food. Whoever can take $50 / a month for food & make it work is amazing. in other words my ebt account was cut off for some reason & i haven't been able to talk to a live soul since i applyed. does anyone know a number to dcf where they will actually help, or return my calls.

[email protected]

srfergrl
Mar 14, 2013

Inaccurate record taking causes my children and I to lose our Food Stamps

Recently I called to update my new phone number. When I spoke to the rep, she re-asked me the same questions that had already been asked before. I gave her teh exact same answers. Somehow.....after our conversation, my Foodstamp amount was changed from 450 a month to $99. I am a single mom with two children working part-time. I am listed to recieve unemployment but it offsets my income...meaning if I make over a certain amount...I do not recieve it. So I called to try and resolve the issue. I was told that someone had listed me as making $400 more than I actually make. So I quickly faxed proof of income showing my total monthly income.---- no repsonse---- so I called and spoke to an agent----she took my name and phone number----and said someone would get back to me........no response. I have been trying to get a hold of a person ...but the phone line always says its to busy and disconnects. In the meanwhile.....even though I am a working citizen......we have no food because of my bills.....car/elect//rent/phone/gas.....so we will have to start going to food banks because of they are not handling this in a timely manner. The system is very disfunctional.....I would be surviving better if I had chose not to work but since I am trying to work and better myself.....my children an dI are suffering. This doesnt make sense!!! Welfare should be supportive of those individuals trying to move ahead not just kick them to the curb and force them to become dependent again on the system.
THIS IS TRULLY THE REASON WE HAVE SO MANY UNEMPLOYED CITIZENS. We cannot survive on part time minimum wagew/ o a little assistance but we can survive w/o a job with total assistance. I cannot believe no one in government office has stepped up to address this issue!!! So Sad...So much Beauracracy! AMERICA

mverlene
Apr 1, 2014

In 3rd month with no food stamps

I applied for food stamps in February of 2014 and was approved. I noticed they used a previous last name and contacted them, but could not get through. Finally one day they contacted me for another reason and I relayed the message about my name. It sounded like it was being corrected while I was on the phone. I received another letter for benefits because there was a mistake made. My name was still not corrected. I cannot even get on line because of this. It is March 1st and still no food stamps nor can I get anyone to answer the phone for food stamps or access card. I never received a card. They want a card number when I have never received one. I am ashamed of our state as should the Governer be at this mess. I could use a job are they hiring?

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