Anybody on Federal Assistance?

I have been trying to get on food stamps and on medicare. Last time I applied, they told me I was not eligible because I didn't have the children with me and that I had to work 20 hours or more. I got really mad. I really need assistance. The only place that has helped me was the local food bank. I do believe that Welfare is baised! Help only those that have children with them. I see my children every weekend. I could use help with housing and foodstamps. Why is it that only those that have most custody are eligible. I knew a couple who got a house and they only have to pay $150 a month. The state helped them. I almost feel like lying(I won't)by going to apply with my children's ss cards. The divorce with my husband is almost final. we've signed the papers just waiting for a reply from the courts. I really need assistance. Anyway, its just very frustrating!!!!

Alicia, I am so sorry you are having such a hard time. I agree, you should definitly qualify if you need the assistance. Unfortunately I dont have any good advice for you though, I don't know much about the assistance program with food stamps and such.
I hope it all works out for you in the end. You are in my thoughts.

Alicia, here you get a flat-rate monthly allowance (about 500 a month) plus extra for each child living with you in order to pay for rent, food, etc (oh and a Christmas bonus once a year); it's by no means much to live on, but it helps. We don't really have the food stamps plan, so if you need extra over and above your allowance from social services you have to go to the food bank. I know how hard it is for you because I have a non-visible disability (epilepsy) and can't work full-time. Right now, I'm at university though funding it through a combo of loans and grants and I've moved back in with my retired parents to help them out and save on housing costs. I don't know what advice to give you other thand the squeaky wheel gets the grease; keep at them and write a letter to your local government representative.

Good Luck:angel4:

Amazing. I pay taxes so that people like you ~ that honestly need the help ~ can get it, yet the only people that ever actually get any of it are people that know how to work the system and don't really need or deserve it. It infuriates me!!! I've about had it up to my eyeballs with public assistance programs in my area going to help the illegal aliens, and watching my friends that are here legitimately and are doing everything they can to try to make ends meet get turned away because of some sort of governmental red tape. Makes me want to SCREAM!!!!!!!

I don't have any suggestions for you Nena, but I wanted to wish you luck with your battle

I know just what you mean! I am fortunate enough right at the moment to not need food stamps or housing, but I could really use healthcare. I had a kidney stone a few months ago and was treated at the local hospital. At the time I was unemployed and they said I should qualify for asistance with the bill through the county. For some reason they are still sending me bills and I am getting phone calls nearly every day. I filled out all my paperwork! I tried to apply for medicaid for another medical condition and they turned me down flat. It just kills me to see all these people who breed like rats and get everything handed to them just because they are irresponsile enough to have a brat every nine months and ten minutes. I was homeless through no fault of my own when I was pregnant with my daughter and I couldn't get any help at all. They said I had to have a permanant address. Those of us who are willing to work or are maybe just going through a rough patch can't get a break at all!

I understand the frustration here.

I have Multiple Sclerosis and luckily, I am fairly healthy and able to work, but I really NEED my medical card...my weekly injections cost $856.00 per month for 4 shots...even though they are self injections! If it werent for the medical card, I could not afford that and would probably be in a wheelchair...or worse.

Alicia, with it being Christmas time, so many places are hiring seasonal labor...maybe you could get a job, and once you're working 20 or more hours a week, you could get aid? I know that doesnt help right now, but it's a good start?

Good luck, its a tough situation, but in most states it really is designed to help those with children in the home, or severe disabilities.
Krazykat is right though, so many people have children they cant afford, fully knowing that the state will pay for them and have no desire to ever try to help themselves.

Ugggghhhh.

It seems the harder life is, the harder the red tape gets. I have a similar situation in that if I don't work, I can't get medical assistance. However, if I'm so sick that I can't work, I don't get it. What if someone is trying very hard to find work, but can't find anyone to hire them because there is always someone with more experience, better skills or education, or a longer work history?

My mom was out of work for 6 months, but couldn't get anything but medical and food stamps after the first 3 months. Her disability declaration was rescinded because she didn't want to take her meds, which were making her so sick she couldn't function . She was turned down for unemployment. How do you pay rent? Or buy gas to go job hunting? Or wash your clothes?

Sometimes relatives can help, but only so much--they're trying to make ends meet too.

I don't have any answers. But I feel for you, Alicia. Hang in there.

Nena, I don't have any advice, but I also just want to wish you luck with this, and tell you that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Alicia~ this is a tough one. I work for the 'system' and find it very difficult to deal with the new Welfare Reform. It makes things so hard for folks like yourself. There is little personalization that the workers can take into account. There are new requirments that the local State Agencies must comply with. You do have the right to apply for a Fair Hearing when you are denied benefits. The way to file that claim should be listed on the denial form that you received. Keep trying and good luck to you. I have MS myself, like Cleo. I am blessed that I can work full time still. I take the Avonex medication too and in NYS it costs $1,200 a month. I am fortunate to have health insurance, so the co-pay is a lot less. Thank God for that!
Good luck to you and do not lose faith.

Debra, I'm glad you started Avonex, I've been on it since mid '95, and it really helps! I notice if I even miss a week.
$1,200.00? Wow, and I thought it was spendy here! :

Thanks Cleo - I really hate the shots, and Friday night is shot night! I usually feel better by Saturday morning. I have been on it for 2 months now. difference? Can't tell, but sure don't want to find out! The thought of ending up like some of my Adult Protective clients does NOT appeal to me! Keep the faith kiddo!

Yep, Faith is something they cant charge us for, but always keeps us going!

I once had to go 3 weeks without my injection, and I darn near fell apart...my legs shook and went out from under me, my hands were unresponsive and cold, and my vision was blurred...I swear by the Avonex!
The reason I had to miss the shots was because the pharmacy didn't refridgerate it, and it had to be thrown out (at their loss) and re-ordered.
Always be sure when you pick it up that it has been in the fridge...if you didn't know, this stuff comes from some "icky" sources (don't ask or read the pamplet if your squeamish) and Must be refridgerated!

I am so glad that you're doing well though, and like I offered before, if you have any quetions, just ask.

this stuff comes from some "icky" sources (don't ask or read the pamplet if your squeamish)

Click to expand...

You know, Cleo, that when I read something like that I just HAVE to go investigate! I just finished reading all the info on Avonex available at their site. Quite an interesting process they use in manufacturing. It amazes me the technology we have now. Wow.