I'm not eligable

[IthinkNOT!]

I spent the morning at social services, had all my paperwork ready, spent 2 hours in the waiting room. When they finally called me to the back, I wasn't even there long enough for my but to hit the seat good when they told me I wasn't eligible. For numerous reasons, they said that we make too much money by 15 cent an hour, and that even if there was less income we still wouldn't be eligible because I am in school. She pretty much told me that I needed to get a job in addition to my school, which I know I need a job, I just really don't have a way to get there. I asked her if I would be eligible if I wasn't in school and not working, and she said yes. So technically, I could sit on my ass and not do a damn thing, and they would help me, but since I am trying to help myself, I am not. Whats wrong with this picture?

[pepperpot]

*sigh*

:hug

[MsLynn]

i'm so sorry i know how you feel.. i'm working 5 jobs right now.. 1 full time, 2 partimes and 2 as needed, because i don't qualify for anything... by the time they take insurance and taxes out of my full time check its barely a 1000 a month.. it just sucks...

just know you're in my prayers

[Kelsey1224]

Everything is wrong with this picture. I'm so sorry.

[1luckylady]

The system is so screwed up. It does nothing to help out the honest worker trying to make it on their own. I just get so frustrated when I read about it. Now if you were at home, sitting in front of the tv all day they'd be sending you $$, heating oil/ gas etc. But since you are trying to better yourself it seems they say YOU aren't worth it. Just makes me sick.

[Mini]

I wish there was a way they would do each case individually instead of going with the guidelines. There are tons of people who get help who do NOT need it at all and those that really do honestly need it dont get anything. But atleast you are trying by going to school and you definately arent alone. I know its hard to think of this right now but there are people in worse situations and things will get better with time.

[DrGrin]

Not only is this how the system works-- but just watch our fine government come up with the bailout for the three big automakers....

something is definitely wrong with this picture.

[ttistin]

We went and signed up and they told us we make $75 to much a month, and if we had another child they would help us. We already have 3 kids.

[tracyb]

it is soo sickening that people that need the help can not .....they told my bil...that he worked before so he needed to keep working....the man had disk in his back degenerating and could not hardly walk and he had heart trouble to the last few months...he died almost a yr ago and Thank God his wife and family got backpay because he died of what they was telling him that he was not disabled from.....the government that is....God rest his soul now....he will be gone 1 yr Dec 21....he fought for yrs to get help to no avail.

[IthinkNOT!]

And whats really wrong with this picture is that I am in college and still spelled eligible wrong...LOL! Of course I was so mad at the minute that I really didn't care, but still...

And I know there are people worse off out there, I only hope that the ones worse off aren't also being turned down for help. We have made t this long without help from social services, and we can keep on making it. We've just been having a rough few months, with the guy hitting the car, and now the car needs repairs mechanical wise too. I guess I thought that if we could get assistance for a couple of months, we could get things straight to where we could handle it ourselves again.

After the guy hit the car, I had no choice but to put a windshield in, it shattered it, so just for that and to get the car safe to drive again was 300$. Which the guy promised he would pay. So, we paid the repair bill, luckily my landlord has rented to my Mom off and on since I was born, so there was no hesitation when we told her that we needed to fix the car so we could go to work and school. She didn't give us a month off, but she is allowing us to make it up over a 3 month period. That was great, and would work out, except now the car has a blown head gasket, and things are already tight because of the windshield. And of course, the guy that hit me, only gave me 100$ in payment, haven't seen him in 2 weeks, and he moved out, so I dunno where he is.

I am sorry to whine, really I am. I guess I was disillusioned this whole time, and thought that places like social services were here to help people like us that really are trying. Now I know I was wrong.

On another note, I asked about family planning medicaid while I was there, which according to their website is supposed to be available to all women between 16 and 35 that have below a certain income, no questions asked. And they told me that I wasn't eligible for that either. They referred me to the health department. When I called the health department and made an appt and asked what I needed to bring, they said that since I am not working, I am not eligible for prorated services, and would have to pay the full cost before they even would see me. It's truly getting ridiculous.

[dena_darling]

I'm sorry it didn't work for you either. I tried and was told I make too much money also. I am a single parent of 3 boys and make around $377 every two weeks. I do not get child support or anything else. But my coworker is living with her boyfriend has one child, makes the same amount of money as me, she gets FI, Food Stamps, gas cards to get to work, and her daycare paid for. Now how does she qualify for all that? Some people have it made.

[IthinkNOT!]

I guess it boils down to some people can play the system better than others. Or actually that some people play the system while others genuinely need the help and don't want to play.

[buglebe]

While in college, my husband and I both worked. Our neighbors didn't either work. They were supported by parents. We both wanted to move to the government subsidized projects, like a slum but better than where we were living. They were approved, we weren't. We had a taxable income. They didn't. Go figure.

[Mary Jo]

Some people lie.
Some people who lie get caught. See my posts titled SSI Questions.
I'm sorry to here here you didn't qualify but you are doing the right thing.
A big hug to you for being honest.
Hope it gets better soon.

[gmyers]

I'll never figure out how they decide who to help and who not to help. It seems like they always get it backwards. Help who doesn't need it and not help who does need it.

[atprm]

Not only is this how the system works-- but just watch our fine government come up with the bailout for the three big automakers....

something is definitely wrong with this picture.

being one of the families that are COUNTING on the automakers -- and not as UAW employees either... as part of the "little guys"...

I hope they do get a loan (it's not a handout bailout like the banks and AIG got)...because otherwise, we are FARKED.

at $11 an hour, we also make too much for a family of 3 to get any kind of assistance...I know how you feel ITN... :(

[ilovecats]

I guess it boils down to some people can play the system better than others. Or actually that some people play the system while others genuinely need the help and don't want to play.

Unfortunately you are absolutely right.I have tried to get help before too.Unless you can't speak English,you aren't going to get anything.I'm sorry and hope things work out somehow,they usually do.I have had horrible times before and really stressed myself out,things find a way of working out anyway.Good luck!

[JKATHERINE]

The only thing we ever qualified for was Maine Care (the state's health care program) and that was only because Adam was laid off from work and I was pregnant. They kicked us off FIVE WEEKS PRIOR to my having Ahren and our caseworker told me to give her a call when I quit my job because then she could offer me some help. All we wanted was the health insurance for our kiddos (Aiden has a history of asthma). We never asked for WIC/TANF/PAS/Foodstamps--ever. They absolutely DO NOT believe in "a hand up"--here it's "a hand OUT." All we needed (and still need) is a little help and yet they won't give us anything unless one of us quits our jobs--and then they'll give us everything. I'm sorry, but I've worked too hard and too long (yes, I'm young, but my first job was at 9 doing a paper route and I've never NOT worked since then) and complained TOO MUCH about those who cheat, to go and essentially defraud the system. It truly sucks and I can totally sympathize with you, ITN. :(

[1busymomma]

Oh, that sucks.:hug

I've stated before that I was on the program for a very long time. We actually just got off it back in May (getting them to actually let us off the program...that's a whole story in and of itself!)

My hubby and I were in there one time right after his car accident a few years back for our recertification appt. We were not asking for additional help or anything we just wanted to keep it going because hubby was out of work.

I kid you not, the social worker literally sat there and flat out told him if he smoked pot and had a dirty UA they could give him an additional 300.00 a month in food stamps and medical.

Needless to say we were slightly floored and turned down the offer.

Hang in there!!

[gemini26]

Ithinknot, if you are in college try to get a work study job. The thing about work study jobs and food stamps is that it will make you eligible (even if its the normal 15 hours a week) and its not countable income since its federal money. Make sure to get a work study job that is paid with federal money and not institutional money because that is countable income. IF you can, then reduce your income somehow and you will do good. They can make you and ineligible college student but if you dont make income with you on the case having no income, then you surely wont without you on the case.
I'm assuming you dont have kids right? Or any under 6?

[gemini26]

I use to constantly argue this with my bosses (even though they had no control over any of it). The fact that college students trying to better themselves are screwed if they are not working or dont have work study. Yes, if they werent trying to better themselves theyd get full benefits. Also my other pet peeve was old folks. They get screwed too. Living on maybe $600-800 a month of ssi or oassdi or ss and only getting $10-$20 in fs. Ridiculous!!!

[ma4angels]

I'm sorry it didn't work for you either. I tried and was told I make too much money also. I am a single parent of 3 boys and make around $377 every two weeks. I do not get child support or anything else. But my coworker is living with her boyfriend has one child, makes the same amount of money as me, she gets FI, Food Stamps, gas cards to get to work, and her daycare paid for. Now how does she qualify for all that? Some people have it made.

You need to talk to someone else because you should qualify for all services through SS. If that is all you make with three dependents you should get everything. I would get back in touch with them asap and if you get the same person ask to speak to the supervisor. Good Luck

[ma4angels]

I spent the morning at social services, had all my paperwork ready, spent 2 hours in the waiting room. When they finally called me to the back, I wasn't even there long enough for my but to hit the seat good when they told me I wasn't eligible. For numerous reasons, they said that we make too much money by 15 cent an hour, and that even if there was less income we still wouldn't be eligible because I am in school. She pretty much told me that I needed to get a job in addition to my school, which I know I need a job, I just really don't have a way to get there. I asked her if I would be eligible if I wasn't in school and not working, and she said yes. So technically, I could sit on my ass and not do a damn thing, and they would help me, but since I am trying to help myself, I am not. Whats wrong with this picture?

If you need some temporary help contact red cross or salvation army they help with food. Also try to see if you have the Angel Ministry near you. They have the program where you can buy about 150.00 worth of gorceries for 39.00. Plus they all kinds of special boxes with differenet food in it. You have a certain time that you have to order by then you go to the pickup place about two weeks later and pick your food up. You have to pay in advanced. One box is suppose to feed a family of four for a week

[wobblypops]

I spent the morning at social services, had all my paperwork ready, spent 2 hours in the waiting room. When they finally called me to the back, I wasn't even there long enough for my but to hit the seat good when they told me I wasn't eligible. For numerous reasons, they said that we make too much money by 15 cent an hour, and that even if there was less income we still wouldn't be eligible because I am in school. She pretty much told me that I needed to get a job in addition to my school, which I know I need a job, I just really don't have a way to get there. I asked her if I would be eligible if I wasn't in school and not working, and she said yes. So technically, I could sit on my ass and not do a damn thing, and they would help me, but since I am trying to help myself, I am not. Whats wrong with this picture?

This is how they can lead us down the path to socialism.

[wobblypops]

And whats really wrong with this picture is that I am in college and still spelled eligible wrong...LOL! Of course I was so mad at the minute that I really didn't care, but still...

And I know there are people worse off out there, I only hope that the ones worse off aren't also being turned down for help. We have made t this long without help from social services, and we can keep on making it. We've just been having a rough few months, with the guy hitting the car, and now the car needs repairs mechanical wise too. I guess I thought that if we could get assistance for a couple of months, we could get things straight to where we could handle it ourselves again.

After the guy hit the car, I had no choice but to put a windshield in, it shattered it, so just for that and to get the car safe to drive again was 300$. Which the guy promised he would pay. So, we paid the repair bill, luckily my landlord has rented to my Mom off and on since I was born, so there was no hesitation when we told her that we needed to fix the car so we could go to work and school. She didn't give us a month off, but she is allowing us to make it up over a 3 month period. That was great, and would work out, except now the car has a blown head gasket, and things are already tight because of the windshield. And of course, the guy that hit me, only gave me 100$ in payment, haven't seen him in 2 weeks, and he moved out, so I dunno where he is.

I am sorry to whine, really I am. I guess I was disillusioned this whole time, and thought that places like social services were here to help people like us that really are trying. Now I know I was wrong.

On another note, I asked about family planning medicaid while I was there, which according to their website is supposed to be available to all women between 16 and 35 that have below a certain income, no questions asked. And they told me that I wasn't eligible for that either. They referred me to the health department. When I called the health department and made an appt and asked what I needed to bring, they said that since I am not working, I am not eligible for prorated services, and would have to pay the full cost before they even would see me. It's truly getting ridiculous.

Do you remember all the good advice you were given in that thread? I am not going to say 'I told you so' but I cannot feel sorry for you in that situation at all. How could you think he wasn't going to burn you?

[IthinkNOT!]

Thanks for all the support and ideas folks! I feel some better about the situation after a good nights sleep and words of encouragement. I am going to the Salvation Army today before I go to school, that will help for a few days to a week, then I am going to redouble my efforts to find a job. My main holdup on the job thing has been the hours that I can work, which are limited due to sharing a car. But after talking to a few people that don't mind helping me get back and forth, I should be able to expand those hours. Plus, my bff was just called in for an interview for a great job. She is the one with the special needs son. And according to social services they will pay up to half of childcare costs for someone to come in and sit with him while she works. I am qualified to work with him, and he loves me to the death, so that may definitely be a good possibility for me.

[IthinkNOT!]

This is how they can lead us down the path to socialism.
WTF???

[IthinkNOT!]

Do you remember all the good advice you were given in that thread? I am not going to say 'I told you so' but I cannot feel sorry for you in that situation at all. How could you think he wasn't going to burn you?
I am not asking anyone to feel sorry for me, I was venting and whining for a few minutes. That is what the vent and whine forums is for. If you don't like it there is this little button on the top of your screen, if you hit it, you will go back a page and not be reading what you don't like anymore.

[wobblypops]

They (the government) don't want you to better yourself. They want everyone to depend on them, the government. If they can dole out the money that they see fit & keep everyone depending on them what would you call it? It's 100% socialism. It doesn't take a college degree to see where this country is heading.

I have to ask, what are you taking in school? Is that you in your avatar?

[wobblypops]

I am not asking anyone to feel sorry for me, I was venting and whining for a few minutes. That is what the vent and whine forums is for. If you don't like it there is this little button on the top of your screen, if you hit it, you will go back a page and not be reading what you don't like anymore.

Trust me, no one is going to feel sorry for you getting burned by that guy. You received exactly what you asked for so tell me, how's that working out for you?????

[IthinkNOT!]

They (the government) don't want you to better yourself. They want everyone to depend on them, the government. If they can dole out the money that they see fit & keep everyone depending on them what would you call it? It's 100% socialism. It doesn't take a college degree to see where this country is heading.

I have to ask, what are you taking in school? Is that you in your avatar?
Well actually, my avatar is a picture of what I imagine you looking like.

[IthinkNOT!]

Trust me, no one is going to feel sorry for you getting burned by that guy. You received exactly what you asked for so tell me, how's that working out for you?????
poof! Be gone, you have no powers here!

I'm telling you, I don't understand what your problem is lately, you've been so argumentative and rude. Has someone pissed in your cornflakes?

[buttrfli]

poof! Be gone, you have no powers here!



Girl, you know better than to feed the trolls :slap

[IthinkNOT!]

Girl, you know better than to feed the trolls :slap
I know, but it's like a car wreck on the highway, you don't WANT to look, but you can't help it. LOL

[krisharry]

Does your school have a health clinic? If so, check into them for the family planning, many schools provide free or low cost care to students. If they don't have a clinic, check to see if they have a program with another school close by that would allow you to be seen at their clinic. Good luck w/it all.

[JKATHERINE]

Don't worry about the cranky people here, ITN. You have every right to vent and whine here. Everyone knows the system is screwed up and even IF that guy had paid the remaining $200 for the repairs, it wouldn't have gone far in helping your situation.

[atprm]

I have to ask, what are you taking in school? Is that you in your avatar?


Trust me, no one is going to feel sorry for you getting burned by that guy. You received exactly what you asked for so tell me, how's that working out for you?????

How f*cking RUDE.

you ran out of dementia meds huh? :slap

[Char]

I spent the morning at social services, had all my paperwork ready, spent 2 hours in the waiting room. When they finally called me to the back, I wasn't even there long enough for my but to hit the seat good when they told me I wasn't eligible. For numerous reasons, they said that we make too much money by 15 cent an hour, and that even if there was less income we still wouldn't be eligible because I am in school. She pretty much told me that I needed to get a job in addition to my school, which I know I need a job, I just really don't have a way to get there. I asked her if I would be eligible if I wasn't in school and not working, and she said yes. So technically, I could sit on my ass and not do a damn thing, and they would help me, but since I am trying to help myself, I am not. Whats wrong with this picture?


This is exactly what's wrong with the system... they reward those who don't put fourth any effort, yet, not much help for those who do try to better themselves. How messed up is that !?!?

[cpbaby]

This is exactly what's wrong with the system... they reward those who don't put fourth any effort, yet, not much help for those who do try to better themselves. How messed up is that !?!?


Heres whats messed up:


Hired a girl to help me and I was training her to take over my job so I could be "promoted"...or "side-moted"...She was a nice girl. Had loads of experience and was doing great. Apparently, she got a letter over the weekend saying her foodstamps, housing and childcare assistance was going to be cut by X-amount so she walked out yesterday at 10:30. I only say this because not 20 minutes after she left, the foodstamp office called to verify that she no longer worked there. When the HR lady tried to explain that she had walked off the job, the caseworker told her it didnt matter, she was verified as no longer employed and thats all that was needed.

[IthinkNOT!]

I hate to defend that person, but if her benefits were getting cut so much that it was actually hurting her family to work, then I don't blame her for quitting. I hate the concept that the system had rather keep you down than help you up. I had a girl telling me today that she had applied for the work study program at school, and was accepted. She worked and made a total of 116$ for the month. She is a single mom with 2 kids, and she got a letter saying that she had made too much money and was losing all of her benefits. And this was after they told her that she had to be in the work study program to keep her benefits and that the money she made from that wouldn't count against her.

[buttrfli]

I hate to defend that person, but if her benefits were getting cut so much that it was actually hurting her family to work, then I don't blame her for quitting.

Thats what happened to a co-worker of mine. She got a raise and then found out her daycare was going to be cut off. Her raise was only going to give her about $300 more a month, but the daycare was going to cost her an extra $800/mo if the assistance was cut off. She had to go to her boss and decline the raise because she wouldn't be making enough to cover the daycare.

[gemini26]

It had to be institutional (state money) then. They cannot count work study if it is federal money. But they can and do count instiutional money.





I had a girl telling me today that she had applied for the work study program at school, and was accepted. She worked and made a total of 116$ for the month. She is a single mom with 2 kids, and she got a letter saying that she had made too much money and was losing all of her benefits. And this was after they told her that she had to be in the work study program to keep her benefits and that the money she made from that wouldn't count against her.

[IthinkNOT!]

It had to be institutional (state money) then. They cannot count work study if it is federal money. But they can and do count instiutional money.
Yeah, but the thing is, you can't turn down a workstudy job if it is offered, so if you accept it, and it is institution money, you are screwed, and if you turn it down you are screwed too. It's a no win situation.

[Fiabug]

I wish there was a way they would do each case individually instead of going with the guidelines. There are tons of people who get help who do NOT need it at all and those that really do honestly need it dont get anything. But atleast you are trying by going to school and you definately arent alone. I know its hard to think of this right now but there are people in worse situations and things will get better with time.


Unfortunately that would be too time consuming for them to do and cost much more of the tax payers money.

It sucks that someone who is actually doing SOMETHING TO BETTER THEMSELVES can't get help from social services.

It's really a double standard if you think about it. Some people get chastized for trying to get help when they are working and those who don't work that get help get chastized as well.

However, I don't disagree with your statement, it would be nice if social services would do each case individually.

I can't get food stamps because I live with my mother and she buys the food for my daughter and I, however she can't really afford to buy food most months. We've gone without bread, eggs, milk for weeks on end at times. It's quite sad.

I'm sorry IthinkNOT! that you got denied. It just makes you wonder where the social services priorities are.

[gemini26]

ithinknot, here they can choose which type of workstudy jobsa to have and the college people work with them if they need a certain type i.e. noninstitutional.

Fia are you under 23? If you are over all youd have to do is write a statment (well ur mom) that ur purchaing and preparing meals seprate from each other and ud get fs for u and ur child. If your under then it doesnt matter cuz its a clause in the program.

[CLARKS4]

I feel your pain ITN. We are a family of 4 with one income and we cant get help either. Everybody always says hubby makes to much