i have my first interview with social services tomorrow..i applied for TANF..food stamps, fuel assistance and medicaid....
husband is clearing $298 a week with unemployment..takes 4 checks to pay rent...
i got my id my social security card
social security statement
the kids b.c. and social security cards
marriage license
lease
utility bill...electricity said turn off notice
comcast bill
geico bill
unemployment paper work
child support receipt
it asked for proof of income from terminated employment..didnt have current pay stubs or deposit slips but i have some from the summer and sept.
loan paper work
water bill
i wrote out a list of bills amounts and due dates
any words of advice
i have never filled..dont know what to expect..really need the food stamps and fuel assistance and insurance i dont know how to stress to them how important it is...i went in 2 weeks ago and filled out the app. and got a call...and i assume i was considered not needy enough to be expedited..i called 4 times and left msgs with my case worker...her vm states she returns calls within 24 hours...in two weeks i have never been called back..i have spoke with a few local ppl on food stamps who stated they were approved for food stamps on the spot.
The first time I went in when my hubby was out of work two years ago I felt like I got nowhere. I really didn't think they were going to help me either. The second time I got the Food Stamps, but couldn't seem to get the medical for my kids. Then we had an emergency with my youngest and I told the hospital that I had filled out paperwork and never heard back. I don't know what they did but the next week the kids were on the program and all the bills were paid. I hope you have good luck too.
Only advice I can give......Be patient and if this fails, check with some churches and your local util. ..........also food banks. One of our utilities has an assistance program that can be used during the cold months.
You go girl!! you can do it! I applied 10-18 and now am receiving $210 a month! I did a phone interview, sent in all my stuff and they called 4 days later and gave me my total!
its funny how things worked...
at first didnt look so well..then at the end we got health insurance on the kids and food stamps $400 a month ..thought it would have been more since someone we know has a smaller family and gets more..but im not complaining every little bit helps
The medical is a blessing in it's self. Just takes something small to add up. Congrats on the Food stamps. Im all for people that need them should get them. Prayers were answered.
i am still couponing with the food stamps
we have unemployment and something extra for now..
i went grocery shopping with the food stamp card wed...i went to target and got $130.00 worth of food and stuff...$18 oop and $57 on FS..then kroger i got $180.00 with $11 oop and $90.00 on FS
2 more weeks to go with almost $300.00 on the card..i feel that part will work out..
my freezer, cabinets and refridge have a good stock now
It's great you are getting the help you need. I went and applied about 4 months ago and we only get $37 a month. But we also get the extra free food every other month. I have to go Monday for the heating assistance. I am not sure how that will go. My husband is the only one working and for a while was making great money for this part of the company. The problem he got a pay check and then cash. Now his boss is wanting my husband gone so that he can give his grand daughters husband the job so he has cut my husbands pay and is making it almost impossible for my husband to keep working for him. We know there is a change coming and are trying to prepare. I have been approved to go back to substitute teaching so I hope to get some work there. Anyway it is great you are getting help.
Good to hear you are getting the help you need. Do you have one or two cars and public transit. The reason I am asking is if you and your family use public transit you can let your case worker know. Some times you can get a monthly pass depending on where you need to go. Meaning how many zones.
I am glad you got the help you needed. Now try and see about applying for aid with heating and or electric. You may have to apply next year for assistance since they might count all of this years income. But atleast you will know all the info for the application and know when to apply. Also different programs for utility assistance may be available at different times of the year to apply.
Don't be afraid to call a pastor, catholic charities, salvation army, food pantry. Many times they can help navigate benefits you are eligible for. Plus they usually have a name at social services they can call and will help expedite your benefits.
got the medical cards on the kids today and a letter from our new case worker stating we qualify for fueling assistance and to bring in the application and bill
does anyone know how that works..do they pay the electric comp for you??
thank you, everyone.
Jeanna - i hope things get better...i wish the govt was doing better by you then $37 and i hope you husband finds a good job that appreciates him
The state send a check to your electric and heating company. Most time its between $ 250 to $800 depending on your income and famiily size.. So thats great news.http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/
Congrats to you! My Mom went with my son today and he got NOTHING! I'm ticked at the whole system! He can't get Medicaid, food stamps, disability, NOTHING! I'm just sick of it all! It's ridiculous! I guess we're going to all starve to death!
thats horrible!!!
they suck..truly...when we went in..we were told we werent getting anything..that we filed to early when we still had something in the bank...i was poed so i said am i to wait until i am broke and have nothing to file for assistance? and she said yep!..i was shocked how is that promoting people to do better for themselves..how is that helping people...but turns out there was some friend of a friend in there and things worked out on the food stamps and insurance on the kids sooner then she was originally going to put us down for
but the fuel assistance and rent assistance pathetic!!..i was told by the case worker via mail to turn in the app..got the letter and app Friday afternoon went Monday the deadline was Friday..then they had me wait 2 hrs for emergency fuel help...and all they will offer is $100.00 ONCE you have paid the balance down to $100.00..WTH??
then i asked about rent..she said have you been given eviction papers yet? i said no of course not!! and she said well we cant help until you are being forced to be evicted, even then we only pay $150.00..i said wow thats sad..and what is a $150.00 going to do to stop an eviction...rent around here is 750++..we pay almost 900.00
pathetic pathetic..they need a mom in office to change everything!!!
Glad you were able to get the help that you and your family needs right now. Hope everybody else out there who needs help will get it soon, one way or another!
Glad to hear you received your assistance. I think some of the reason they may not get to you right away is that there cases are getting fuller and fuller due to alot more people applying for assistance due to the economy. I applied just for food stamps and alot of time she would not return my call. I did get food stamps $49. I may have to make an appt with them again to see if I can get an increase. Work at a hopice home and believe it or not our census has been very low and they have been calling people off so have been getting paid less.
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