I have been off work for more than a month, and trying to get assistance with bills. DHS has been not help. ?

Question

I've applied with the Food Stamp office, and they haven't gotten back with me. They have all the originals on all the paperwork. Everyone else who might have helped needs those originals. Our water was shut off two days ago. I'm behind on the rent, and all other utilities are about to get shut off. Yet, I can't find help. I'm not on Worker's Comp, because this injury happened at home. I can't apply for unemployment, because I can't afford to get a driver's license for the state I'm living in. I'm in immediate need, or my daughter and I will lose everything. Who can I turn to?

Answer 1

You need to call DHS and demand they send your papers back to you. They are not allowed to keep your original papers. If you don't get the response you are looking for ask to speak to the supervisor or manager. Stand up for yourself. Just because you are asking for assistance doesn't mean you throw all your rights out the window. See if your state has a temporary disability program, not Social Security. It is usually run by the Unemployment office, ask your doctor if they know. Call the unemployment office about not having an ID there are always alternatives. Ask to speak to the supervisor there as well. Your food stamp worker has 30 to approve your case unless your shelter costs exceed your income or your income is less than $150. I'm not sure what state you live in but try to find out if there is a Catholic Charities. You don't have to be Catholic to get help from them. They have a great program. Also Lutheran Services. Have you contacted the utility companies about any programs they run to help you pay your bills?

Answer 2

The situation you discribe does not happen overnight.

The financial situation is hard on most of us, but we do what needs to be done to survive.  Those who resort to welfare are increasingly being shund by main stream society.

There are prenty of jobs out there (god knows, some people even travel from Eastern Euope and beyond to work here, and they do not even need specialist skills).

Get a job and sort yourself out!

Answer 3

I suggest that you approach The Salvation Army.      Usually (in the USA) they are of more use than the State.

Answer 4

I would ring the food stamp office and demand they deal with your case immediately or if not you would like all the original paperwork back. Explain to them the situation and see where it goes from there. (I only hope you still have a phone-line!!) If not ask a friend to borrow their phone and say you will pay them back when you are out of this financial mess.

Answer 5

Gosh what a terrible situation.  How about finding out about the charities in your area and go and see the goverment offices to seek advice on this?  I am in the UK so cannot really advise on your situation.

Do you have friends/family who are willing to give you some help with all this?

You need to explain to people and look for an extension on bill paying - when will you get back to work?  You need to get back to work ASAP.

Answer 6

oh please. i've been in your shoes. there are agencies out there, you just have to get off your butt and hit the pavement. plan on spending days filling out paper work, God knows how slow the government agencies work. the squeeky wheel gets the grease. get out of the house and don't come back until you've accomplished something. if you don't know what to do, someone will tell you what direction to move in...you have to ask.