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Originally Posted by texasfirewheel
Not so, moved. There's info on assistance in paying for food, utility bills and others. It's a great resource. Thanks so much, Glory!!
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Last year I went through h*ll with the food stamp program. I spent at least one day per month sitting in the welfare office for two hours to resolve a problem that the county started. When my unemployment came through, they decide that I made too much money, and I had to pay them back $71.00. A year later, I find out that they actually OWE me the $71.00 back, and I have to spend 2+ hours in the welfare office to discuss the refund, then I have to deal with Revenue and Recovery to get it back.
Last year and this year, I got energy assistance, and I get free food from a church when I have time to go to get it.
My problem is that when I lost my job, my income was cut down to 1/4. My part-time job that I've had since 11/07 pays $8.50 per hour, and I'm looking for more part-time work until I'm rehired by the federal government.
I've had to stop driving unless it's an absolute necessity, and I take the bus most places. I can't go anywhere that costs $$, because I can't afford it. I just barely make my rent and bills every month. After I pay rent and bills, whatever is left over goes for whatever groceries I need at the time, and I keep my cat stocked with food and litter.
If I'm on unemployment next year, my benefits will go down, just like they did this year, and one two week check doesn't cover my rent. I have to make it up out of my savings, and it's very low. My savings is my federal tax return from this year, so when it's gone, it's gone.
If I have medical problems, I buy whatever medication I need across the border, I can't afford to see a doctor. I need extensive dental work, and can't afford it. I've been to a dental clinic where they go on your income, and it would cost less for me to go across the border to get the work done. You can't get rental help unless you're being evicted.
I've looked into all the programs that there are, and I don't qualify because I'm not disabled, on SSI or Social Security. I can get discount prescriptions, energy assistance and free food - that's it.
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