In short; these people are rude and do perform their job duties. In discretion for those involved and for those reading, their appears to be no oversight on case workers or their assistants. I received a phone call three weeks back regarding a phone interview for renewal from the assistant of my case worker. First problem, after I was done with an appointment I checked my voicemail and I found my friend needed a interview to renew food assistance. The assistant left a 10 digit number for me to call back and I'm not talking about the #1 in the area code so I then checked my phone logs to get the right number as there is only 9 digits for local calls. I then immediately called her back after I was done with an appointment when at during which time I got the call. I stated my name, case # etc. and asked what day and time is good for the interview with my friend, the assistant was silent for a good 5 seconds (this is rude.) Then in a angry and condescending tone she said why are you calling me. I said you called me and said my friend needs an interview I assume this is a phone interview correct? I would like to schedule a time and day. She then said you need to call your case worker. Note: she did not even acknowledge my question. She was talking at me not with me. I then called the case worker and got a voice mail basically saying, leave your info and we will call you back in 48 hours don't call us cause we get to many calls. I heard nothing for 72 hours so I had my friend who shares the came case number as we both need assistance and live under the same house call, leave a message and call then leave a message. Each time she gave her time and availability to interview and stated our history of attempts to reach them. Never did we hear from a live person, just the voice mail system. Then, it gets even more interesting I get a call out of the blue from the case worker stating that he would like to have a "phone" interview with me???? Note: My friend was calling this case worker because the assistant originally stated that my friend needs the interview and my friend was the one who called and called Wow! Now I get a call? Further, the case worker did not even state that he was sorry to miss our call or anything; it was like he called for the first time. I then called him back later that day and wouldn't you know it I got the voice mail system. I left him a message stating that since he is now asking for me I am available all day and wouldn't you know it he never called back. I then called back before they closed for the day and again got the voice mail so I said that if he calls me again and I miss the call or my friend misses the call to please leave us a day and time to have this phone interview. We would like to let us know when you are not busy, please put this day and time on your calendar as we can never seem to reach each other. Okay so as you can see these peoples phone logs are not monitored, they don't care about their jobs or you, they are not organized, rude and do not know how to set appointments with clients not too mention the whole calling my friend then not returning her calls then calling me....what kind of rackett is this? I worked seven years for the same company then got the boot. I have a doctorate degree, mortgage and student loans coming out my ears. My friend is working two part jobs because employers do not want to higher full time to save money on benefits. I have been seeking employment feverishly and this is what our state bodies do! According to the letter if we do not have an appointment or reschedule one, note: the case worker never even set an appointment, I did, then our benefits will end January 31st 2020. Oh believe me, if our benefits are not reinstated this is not the last DCF will hear from me. It is now February 2nd 2020 (Sunday) so they are closed. Guess who I"m calling tomorrow when they open.

For those who have problems with DCF as I have please let the office of inspector general know as a first step. The online form and directions can be found here. https://www.myflfamilies.com/about-us/office-inspector-general/investigations/file-a-complaint-or-make-a-report.shtml

When you notify this office give them details of your names, phone numbers, phone extensions and nature of the case/problem.

Please also check this forum on or after February 14th (when I get food assistance money) because if you see another post from me it will be because the office of inspector general did nothing nor did DCF and for those sharing my problem you certainly want to see my next comment because it will help to you.