Went to DHS to update case....

**DonnainME** · 10-30-2008, 02:13 PM

Well, I went to DHS to update my case. I needed to let them know that I had the miscarriage and to give them copies of DH's checks to verify his income. Anyway, they updated me and I will now have to pay a co-pay for any medical related things (like dr and rx) as of NOVEMBER 1. HECK, I thought they would give me some time but NOPE. AND they had in the computer that DH was going to get $280 every week and his checks showed him working 2 extra hours. They are reducing our food stamps from $280 to $221. I even told them that he is only going to be working 2 days per week - possibly 3 days until they lay him off in a few weeks (up to a month).

I'm so frustrated about this.

I also went by the LIHEAP place and they haven't finished all the stuff regarding HEAP. We might get our papers and be told how much (if we do) assistance for heating we will get next week. It is already snowing here.

We are OUT OF WOOD. I went to in-laws and loaded up my sub-compact car with some wood they had for us but it's not much. I HOPE AND PRAY that HEAP will come thru this next week. There's not much more wood up there for us to take.

Luckily, a friend is coming Saturday to dig a trench (4 ft deep) to bury our water line. It's been above ground since August and I don't want it to freeze. If it froze then we would have NO water. Now, it's just over the ground and I can't pull all the way up into our driveway.

The person at LIHEAP told me to apply for disability. I told her I didn't think I qualified. I have lots of little things wrong but nothing too big to qualify by itself. I might try - what can they say - just NO. I'm expecting that anyway. She even offered to help me fill out the paperwork.

Sorry to turn this into a WOE is me.

**zakity** · 10-30-2008, 02:21 PM

You know, sometimes it helps to post the "woe is" me stuff. Sometimes, you need to be supported.

**Trishagirl** · 10-30-2008, 03:19 PM

Sorry to hear of all your going through. Hope it gets better real fast. Will keep you in my thoughts & prayers!

**Michelle68** · 10-30-2008, 06:08 PM

I'm sorry you're going through this rough time.

**Missy** · 10-30-2008, 06:27 PM

Take the woman up on her offer. The worst they can say is no. Be honest and open and see what comes of it.

**HappyMama** · 10-30-2008, 07:12 PM

Donna,

I am sorry you are going through so much. I hope things get better real soon. Hugs

**Katybird** · 10-30-2008, 07:22 PM

Sorry you are going through a rough time. Can you take your DH's check stubs in when his hours are cut and have them adjust your benefits at that time? I hope that you get some help.

Have you tried talking to any of your area churches to see if they could help with getting you some wood until your heating assistance comes in?

**onencgirl** · 10-30-2008, 07:25 PM

My heart goes out to you. Hope things go ok for you.

**DonnainME** · 10-30-2008, 08:32 PM

I was able to get a little wood from the in-laws. We started a fire tonight and looks like I will have enough wood to last tonight and probably tomorrow - not much longer. Tomorrow I will go up there again and see what I can get - the wood that's left is wet. DH and I are gonna cut some trees on the property on Sunday and hopefully that can give us enough for a few more days. Can't do it Sat because the guy is coming to bury the water line.

I started applying for Disability. I think I'm about 1/2 way done with the initial application (I think). I will do another section of it tomorrow.

They called DH into work tomorrow. YAY - he's not happy about it though. It's snowing up there and he was cold today. He worked Mon and Wed at 6 1/2 hrs each day. Thurs he worked 9 hrs. So far he's got 22 hrs. If he gets 8 tomorrow that'll be 30 hrs. That would be WONDERFUL.

I told him that I will be making a meal list and we will be sticking to it. I think I will do that tomorrow. Come up with a list for 30 days worth of meals and snacks. I just hope that DH and DD don't go thru the snacks and stuff too fast. We do have quite a bit stocked up right now though. I'm thinking chili and spaghetti and beef stew. Those can be cheap meals and filling. I just have to be careful because I have diabetes and have to watch the carbs.

**jdr250** · 10-31-2008, 07:30 AM

If you have a local bike trail or walking path, check there for wood. My hubby goes and grabs up the standing dead trees. They are already dry except for a bit of "weather" so we stack them in the basement behind the wood burner and they are ready in a few days. Best of all, it's free, it's light, your city doesn't mind because it does their clean up for them, and it's safer than cutting live wood and then worrying about a chimney fire from all the creosote caused by burning green wood. Good luck to you.

**Patty A** · 10-31-2008, 07:53 AM

Donna,
The American Red Cross also has an emergency heat assistance fund. Check in your local area or give them a call. They have a fund to help with heating costs and all you have to do to get the information is call a local Red Cross in your area.
If you can't find the local one call any of them and they will tell you how to get a hold of them.

There is also a program called Weatherization. They will help insulate and do windows, waterheaters, and any type of heating unit you need. They will also look at your fridge, and freezers to do a power audit to help out there. Be sure to check with these two places, they do offer help when you need it. They help us, they did new windows and doors, a blanket around our water heater (then a new one when it went out) and will insulate where you need it. They are an awesome group when things are tuff and you just need some help.

**LuvMyHubby** · 11-01-2008, 06:50 PM

Donna, I am sorry you are having such a tough patch. Western Maine, you must be in the foothills/mountain area because so far all we have had was a quick dusting in central Maine.

I imagine that you can get you MaineCare and FS readjusted if you DH is layed off and I know that the Co-pays are a hassle if you are getting routine medical care and scripts but.........trust me when i say this: It is a heck of a lot better than plucking away at a 500.00 Cardiology bill and another 500.00 bill to read MRI results along with others and paying routinely 50 dollars per month on pain meds.

I don't know the income limits for LIHEAP but I would think that you would qualify if you qualify for FS and such.

Hang in there, it will work out I am sure.