Public Aid Interview; Still Sick
To be perfectly honest, I’m not quite sure I understood everything that transpired between us and the interviewer, who reminded us several times that she isn’t our case worker. Apparently, until we’re approved, we won’t have one. (I even made sure not to bring my $350 Coach purse–ahem, purchased with the profits from the sale of our Ohio State vs. Penn State tickets, though at the time we didn’t realize that it should have been put to better use.) I was hoping that my coughing, sneezing, and constant nose-blowing would be signs that I could get a temporary medical card, but nope.
Our appointment letter said that our interview was at 8:00 a.m. Except for security and reception, I don’t think the “interviewers” actually begin work until 8:30. We weren’t seen until after 9:30 and were out of there by 11:00.
Brian is only eligible for food stamps because he isn’t disabled. I’m eligible for food stamps, temporary cash assistance, and Medicaid, but we won’t know for at least 30 days if either of us will be approved. However, if Brian’s Unemployment Benefits go through, then neither of us will be approved for food stamps. Yeah, like two of us can live on all of $1,600/mo. when our rent alone is $900. :s Hopefully, all this will be moot and that Brian will have a job soon. We’re looking at this process as a safety net.
OK, going to lie down now. Still feeling pretty crappy. Will get back to reading blogs soon.
I have never understood why people have to wait up to 30 days (45 in some areas) for help with basic things like FOOD.
December 12, 2006 4:20 pm
It is asinine it takes so long to get aid.
Feel better soon, Barb.
December 12, 2006 6:12 pm
I’m glad you guys went & started the process. I’m with you on hoping Brian finds a job soon. Get lots of rest so you feel better soon.
December 12, 2006 10:55 pm
I’m thinking good thoughts for you guys, I’m confident it will all work out.
December 13, 2006 8:03 am
Welcome to the Hell that is bureaucracy.
December 13, 2006 10:36 am
Good luck in trying to get welfare Barb!
December 13, 2006 11:01 pm
Thanks, everyone. Denise, some of the stuff will take up to 45 days for us to get approval–if we qualify.
April, I know you mean well, but I was really hoping to avoid the “w” word. This entire process is humiliating enough as it is. Maybe I’m speaking from a “high horse” here, but the idea of someone like me, an educated person–perhaps overeducated, having to apply for fucking welfare completely galls me. Please don’t think I’m taking this out on you. It’s just all of this stuff that’s built up inside–being disabled, having to apply for disability, everything I’ve worked so hard for in putting myself through college and grad school coming to nothing. To this.
December 14, 2006 12:12 am
Ooohh… that sucks, it ALL sucks!
Hope you feel better. I’m still down and out as well!
December 14, 2006 6:47 am
Good luck to Brian on finding a job. I know what a bitch that can be. And unemployment doesn’t last forever unfortunately.
I don’t know if my company has satellite locations in your area, but I’ll check.
December 14, 2006 10:56 am
DB, yeah, big time. I hope I feel better soon, too!
Thanks, dan, and it’d be great if you could check. Any help will gladly be accepted. You have my e-mail, so just shoot me a note if you find anything, or even if you don’t.
December 14, 2006 5:31 pm