Resources ?

[Attached Mama]

What resources are available to me? I make slightly too much to qualify for food stamps and other social services. I don't make enough to pay our rent, to pay for health insurance or to go to grad school. I have a home based business which sometimes brings in great money and sometimes none -and I'm quickly running out at present!!

Also, I've heard that student loans are based on the previous year's income regardless of separation/divorce status. I'm eager to return to school. However, I need several undergraduate classes prior to grad school but I'm not sure I can get aid when I already have a BA.

I don't qualify for discounted health insurance - again based on the previous year's income. My ex has switched jobs, no longer receives health insurance, and makes 1/2 of what he was previously making, so support from his is low.

I'm brainstorming for ways to keep a roof over our head. I may do some child care and some tutoring and a part time job as well. A full time job would not pay enough to be worthwhile espec since I'd not see my dd very often. Spending time with her is my first priority - even if it means moving in with friends which I really DO NOT want to do!!

I just feel so in the dark here and no idea what all of my options are... Any ideas or feedback are appreciated!!

[PGTlatte]

There might be a private food bank in your area that you could qualify for. You might also be able to ask for assistance with utilities from the utility companies.....I'm not sure what their qualifications are but it can't hurt to ask.

[SummerLove]

You would probably qualify for WIC... You can always call to see if you can get your kids on Medicaid and food stamps.. they take into account your current income, and not the previous years.

As far as school, if you already have a BA you won't get a pell grant. But you can apply for scholarships, especially as a single mother. Look into your school's woman's center, if you have one, they can give you scholarship info.

[One_Girl]

You can file a change of status form or something like that with the financial aid office at your college. Just call them you recently divorced and your income is a lot lower now and see what they say. If your school has a Women's Center they may be able to provide you with a lot of resources so you can go back to school. If you go full time to school you may get insurance through the school, we are required to have insurance when in college in my state so the school provides it. Your kids should qualify for Medicaid if you make slightly too much for food stamps because there is a higher income allowance for that than for Medicaid. You probably also qualify for WIC for any kid under five and if you are breastfeeding a child under one you also qualify. Your city may have low income housing they provide, but that tends to mean bad neighborhoods and cramped living spaces so keep your doors locked if you do that. You can get on a housing list for section 8 housing, but that can take years before you get to the top. There are also some apartments that have section 8 only if you live in those apartments and the list for those tends to be shorter. If your kids aren't in school then you should check out the Head Start or Early Head Start programs. They provide free preschool and sometimes daycare to low-income families and can connect you to a lot of services. If you are close to being homeless then call around to the shelters to try to find one that provides to women and children only, there is sometimes a waiting list. There are some grant programs to help with things like electricity and rent, but you have to show that you have been trying to pay these things. The Salvation Army in our area runs one in the Winter. Catholic Charities may be able to set you up with some help even if you aren't Catholic. In our area they run a free medical clinic, provide housing help, run a day shelter, run food banks, and do a lot more besides that.