little vent.

[Rhiamon]

So I am living at my in-laws. DH, my daughter and I. I am grateful considering what our alternative would have been. (The streets) and they are letting us stay as long as we need to and we are waiting to see if I get disability. I am still struggling with my depression and everything. But someday I just want my own space. But we can't afford it. We did a budget the other day and after everything is paid for we have 3 dollars. We aren't even paying rent or groceries. We exchange those things with DH helping his dad with the home business and I clean and do most of the cooking. I can't help feel that we are going to be stuck for ever. I am having a hard time seeing that things will change. I know that if disability doesn't come I will have to go to work. I just am having a hard time right now and needed to vent.
Thanks.

[savininfl]

I'm sorry to hear your are feeling down. I lived with my MIL for 4 months while we were building a house. It was the hardest but made me more determined to get out! lol Go to the library, beach, malls, and airports. Do lots of people watching, reading, excersing, gardening, and vent away...... That's just what made me feel better and live threw it. Good Luck!

[porembam]

It's okay to vent here - it's better then bottling it up and then exploding at your whole family.

[lisaflex]

sorry to hear you are down.

keep the chin up and things will begin to look up and get better.

and you are right, it is WAY better than the alternative.

good luck to you and your family.

[shoiji]

Vent all you want. Hopefully you are getting help with your depression. Keep at it with filling for disability. Unfortunately many times it does not go through the first time. So be persistent. Also see if there are any lawyers for low income people to help with the disability filling if it does not go through.

On the up side you have your family around you. Your inlaws are helping you out by letting you stay with them. You are contributing towards the family. NEVER underestimate the value of taking care of the household and planning meals.

Can tell you from similar experiences that it does get better. So hang in there and don't forget you have us at frugal village!

[Libby]

This may sound out of place with how you are feeling but take a moment to notice what you do have around you that most others do not. Relish in the fact that you have a roof over your head, heat and food on your table. Most importantly - you have support, your family is around you and wanted you to be under their roof

[JenMarie]

I can give you a little info about disability... I used to work for SSA and did disability cases.
70% of initial cases are denied
if you case is denied on the initial level you can file a reconsideration. About 90% of reconsideration claims are denied.
If you get to this point your next step will be to go before an administrative law judge... they allow about 50% of the cases. You will want a lawyer to go before a judge, but not before. Statistically having a lawyer will improve your chances for approval, but does nothing for you before this. They will make you think they are helping and they will take your money though. Lawyers that do disability cases only get paid if you win, then (around here) they get 25% of your back pay or up to $6000.

If you get denied at the initial level, don't give up. And don't get upset with your case workers. We have strict rules to follow and cannot use our own judgment for anything. A judge can and that is why they allow so many that get denied in the first place.

Good luck and I hope things work out for you and your family.

[bumplett]

that's very interesting jen. thanks for sharing.

Rhiamon, I wish you the inner peace that you need, regardless of what happens.

[NikoSan999]

Wishing you all the luck. At least you all were WANTED at the inlaws. Shows that there is a good relationship there. I know it's hard but as you said it could be alot worse. Families moving in together is happening more and more.