Hi all! I have been in and out of these threads over the last few years. We are still struggling but not as bad as it was in when I first joined. I am getting stressed as we come into the holidays. Plus our FS amount has dropped $120 in the last 6 months. We had to re-certify on a month that DH got a paid holiday plus worked so we got double paid for 1 day (which very rarely happens) but instead of taking the average from what he normally gets they used that, so they went down about $80. Then we got another $40 drop thanks to the Farm Bill and whatever other nonsense the government has cut from FS. Our rent went up $15, not much, but enough to cause more stress. Also DH's employer changed to winter hours which means he will likely lose an hour or 2 each week. It is all piling up on me along with being super busy withe kids and getting no time for me, this introvert is feeling a nervous break down coming on.
I was also sort of hoping that my family would get to move into my grandpa's house too. He passed away almost a year ago and my mom is having a hard time getting his girlfriend out. I really was holding out hope that they could get her out soon and my family would be able to rent the house from my mom, aunt and uncle. However grandpa's girlfriend is being difficult (I think he has some honest mental illness) and she is leaving the house rather damaged. My mom, aunt, and uncle just want to sell it and be done. I shouldn't be surprised and I never should have expected to get the chance anyway but I let myself get my hopes up and now I am really depressed now. Plus this is the house that my mom grew up in. My grandparents have lived there since the 60's. I am so sad just to not have the house in the family anymore.
I am trying to just be thankful that we have a home and food at all, but I can't deny the sadness I have as well. I feel extremely guilty whenever people say it could be so much worse. I know my life could be worse and I am thankful that it we are healthy and all of that, but it just gets frustrating and it does just plain "suck" sometimes. If the US didn't pay poverty wages life would be so much better for SO MANY people. (Sorry rant over
I don't know if LIHEAP is the same everywhere or operated differently depending on state, but LIHEAP (Low-Income Heating Assistance Program if you didn't know or if it's something else where you live) is coming up mid-November. I've done it the past four years and usually get about $300 put on my utility bill. Usually though, by the time LIHEAP comes around, I'm behind a month and my utility bills are around $100-150 (depending on if I was living somewhere that used gas or not).
This time, I'm living in a super energy-efficient home (bill is under $50) and my household size has dropped, but my income has dropped drastically (technically $425/mo). I'm also technically $150 ahead on my bill because my deposit was split into three payments but when I got my loans disbursed I paid it off, but they're still billing it ever month instead of just taking the deposit off. Anyway, I'm wondering if they look at my bill and see that it's small and I'm that far ahead, are they still going to give me the subsidy or are they going to just think "she doesn't need it". The only reason I'm so far ahead right now is because of my financial aid, but come November -- January I'm going to have very little money.
I am so stressed....does anyone know of any place that helps with car insurance? I owe $200 and it will get cancelled soon...Usually I pay it yearly with income tax but it wasn't possible this year with finding a place to live it has been rough trying to keep it paid and with the shutdown and loosing hours I just can't swing it....I have to have my vehicle to get to work...I am hoping that my classes with be reinstated also with this shutdown thing calming down....Any suggestions that could help?
I am so stressed....does anyone know of any place that helps with car insurance? I owe $200 and it will get cancelled soon...Usually I pay it yearly with income tax but it wasn't possible this year with finding a place to live it has been rough trying to keep it paid and with the shutdown and loosing hours I just can't swing it....I have to have my vehicle to get to work...I am hoping that my classes with be reinstated also with this shutdown thing calming down....Any suggestions that could help?
I don't know if LIHEAP is the same everywhere or operated differently depending on state, but LIHEAP (Low-Income Heating Assistance Program if you didn't know or if it's something else where you live) is coming up mid-November. I've done it the past four years and usually get about $300 put on my utility bill. Usually though, by the time LIHEAP comes around, I'm behind a month and my utility bills are around $100-150 (depending on if I was living somewhere that used gas or not).
This time, I'm living in a super energy-efficient home (bill is under $50) and my household size has dropped, but my income has dropped drastically (technically $425/mo). I'm also technically $150 ahead on my bill because my deposit was split into three payments but when I got my loans disbursed I paid it off, but they're still billing it ever month instead of just taking the deposit off. Anyway, I'm wondering if they look at my bill and see that it's small and I'm that far ahead, are they still going to give me the subsidy or are they going to just think "she doesn't need it". The only reason I'm so far ahead right now is because of my financial aid, but come November -- January I'm going to have very little money.
Last year I still had a credit on my gas bill from the previous year's heating assistance since I ended up having a pay a huge portion of it(They get on your case right before the winter moratorium and right before heating assistance grants are handed out and do shut-off's before each so I had to pay.). But I still got a nice big chuck of money from LIHEAP anyway. I think you'll be okay. I have a credit right now and I may apply again because I know we qualify and I know that it's going to be extremely difficult to pay $150 a month until April.
My LIHEAP is a small amount credited to my bill each month (that eventually works out to about one months bills per year). I can apply anytime during the year and the application is approved w.in 30-60 days. I guess it just depends on the power company?
Those of you with varied payrolls, if your pay changes go and put in a 'change report' with DES to get your foodstamps/benefits increased.
I *think* LIHEAP here is the County Program I just qualified for. You can apply anytime {if you go through the backdoor agency}, and get either 6 or 8 months of bill help depending on income, demographics, etc. They are paying 7 months of my bill with payments of $100 or so, which is about $30 more than my normal summer bill is, and a little less than my normal winter bill. Plus they paid the past due balance of $152. So in total somewhere around $860 for us. But we are pretty much bottom of the barrel low income right now so probably got the max. I am so excited - with this we are finally going to be able to get out of this financial hole I think, and actually be warm in the house this winter. Last winter we couldn't afford to run the space heaters enough to keep it really warm - just enough to take the edge off. I am hoping to be able to bank enough back after paying the taxes, to put central a/c & heat in. I have a friend that can get me a used system for about $300, and install for $700 or so. I know that the gas furnace would be cheaper than the space heaters we are using now by far {they nearly double the bill }, and it would be lovely to have a/c in summer too.
Got our House tax bill in the mail yesterday. School tax is $300 & must be paid by the end of January {which gripes me as we don't get a single service from the district}. Property tax is $480, but I can split it in two payments if I can come up with half by the end of November. Otherwise it's due the end of January as well I *think* I'll be able to do it, but we'll see. Going to have to work like crazy to try to get the half of the property tax by the end of November.
We have had a pretty nice couple days. Last night ds started feeling better so we did all our grocery shopping and had deli takeout. Thanks to deals we were able to purchase a few more things to donate plus dinner out. Then today we went to an out of the way pumpkin patch with a free play are and free hayrides. The kids played like crazy. They also got a neat science/agriculture lesson as the patch had a display of approx twenty different heirloom pumpkins from around the world. Since they are display pieces the kids could touch them and there were
plaques with info. Of course we ended up splurging on local honey, cider, salsa, and a huge pumpkin. Then we played at the park and carved pumpkins with my neices, which was a first for my little ones. We ended the night watching nightmare before christmas and eating mocha fudge brownies. Now dd is playing and son and hubby are askeep. Im doing laundry, no rest for the wicked.
In money news, we have to submit information for my glasses deductible, but luckily we have it. And medicaid is trying to claim we havent paid the premiums for the kids. We have, but we changed accts since we had our check book stolen. So we have to fight with them monday. And this was the second week without overtime for the hubs, which us a bit unnerving. All our bills are paid and food is in our tummies but Im not sure how Im going ti pay the cc off. Luckily it is interest free until June and will be paid off by then. If overtime doesnt puck up christmas may be tighter though. Speaking of christmas gifts, can anyine recommend a good family game for soneone with older kids. This may be the way ti go for my sis, along with snacks.
My LIHEAP is a small amount credited to my bill each month (that eventually works out to about one months bills per year). I can apply anytime during the year and the application is approved w.in 30-60 days. I guess it just depends on the power company?
Those of you with varied payrolls, if your pay changes go and put in a 'change report' with DES to get your foodstamps/benefits increased.
My LIHEAP is a small amount credited to my bill each month (that eventually works out to about one months bills per year). I can apply anytime during the year and the application is approved w.in 30-60 days. I guess it just depends on the power company?
Those of you with varied payrolls, if your pay changes go and put in a 'change report' with DES to get your foodstamps/benefits increased.
Maybe the state or county? Where I've lived in Indiana and in KY, it's been that you can do a subsidy request between November 1st and December 31st. That amount is dependent on income. And then from Jan 1st until funds run out (usually Feb, sometimes March) it's a crisis phase where you must have a disconnect notice, and they'll only pay the past due amount.
I get a food card and Medical for L....I don't get $$ but I will call my worker tommorow and see if this is an option for me...Thanks..I didn't know they did stuff like that...Hoping....
I get a food card and Medical for L....I don't get $$ but I will call my worker tommorow and see if this is an option for me...Thanks..I didn't know they did stuff like that...Hoping....
Happyhats- my kiddo loves 'Blockus' and 'Quirkle' Both are puzzle based games and good for families. How about a puzzle, something pretty they can then frame? Kiddo also likes Apples to Apples, BENDOMINO, Man Bites Dog(card game).
Some other thoughts are a new DVD for family movie night along with snacks, a craft or art project they all can do, tickets or passes to an event.
I will have to look into those games too zebra. The problem with framing a puzzle or something of that nature is my sister is a clutterbug. She would probably lose pieces if she even cleared a space for them to do the puzzle, lol. I am thinking of adding a redbox gc if they run them again along with snacks.
So I'm not sure what happened but I have been having extreme back pain since Saturday morning. I thought it was AF-related since she came for a visit on Sunday but it's only intensified and I'm starting to have a lot of trouble walking. If we are being honest here, I'm in agony. I had to have my kids pull me out of bed this morning and assist me in pretty much everything. I'm having spasms that are wrapping around my left hip and spiking down into my thigh and up to my ribs in front and back. I NEVER visit my doctor but I have an appt for this afternoon because I just cannot take one more day. I've taken the maximum safe amt of motrin, I've used heat, etc. Nothing is working. I am having so much trouble just moving at all. And staying still isn't much better. I'm going to BEG for something to fix it. Muscle relaxer, anything. Just help.
Justmama - hope your doctor was able to help. Sounds like maybe a pinched nerve to me - I have similar issues when mine flare.
Hugs to everyone else.
Had another setback today - intake line on my dishwasher burst. Completely flooded my kitchen & laundry room in about 3 minutes while I was getting it shut off. Need $45 to fix it. But it can wait a while if need be thankfully - it has it's own shutoff so we still have water.
Avery'smama, I had to get 2 birth certificates last month and it was $60!!
My oldest child has autism/adhd and some minor birth defects so we a genetics test run on him, turns out he has a very, very rare genetic deletion (14q11.2) and I was told he can probably get social security for it? Anyone know anything about that? Sure would make life easier!
My son has a chromosome deletion too (22q11.2 Distal Deletion). I tried twice to apply for SSI and got turned down both times. And he had open heart surgery and severe feeding issues at the time. But it's worth a try for sure. I think it depends how much it impacts his life. Although I hear it takes about 3 times on average to get approved for disability.
I had an appointment at the food pantry today and the lady told me instead of getting a Thanksgiving basket with random food, because my kids have so many food allergies and intolerances they are going to give me a turkey and a gift card to the grocery store. Yay!!!! I'm so excited about that. And they are going to give me a ham and a gift card for Christmas. I also handed in the paperwork for my kids to get Christmas gifts.
Still pregnant, the baby is due in 2 more days. I was at the dump last week and before I could even hit the free table a lady came over to me with a bag of bibs and some snowsuits and baby clothes and heaped them in my arms. I'm so grateful!
So I'm not sure what happened but I have been having extreme back pain since Saturday morning. I thought it was AF-related since she came for a visit on Sunday but it's only intensified and I'm starting to have a lot of trouble walking. If we are being honest here, I'm in agony. I had to have my kids pull me out of bed this morning and assist me in pretty much everything. I'm having spasms that are wrapping around my left hip and spiking down into my thigh and up to my ribs in front and back. I NEVER visit my doctor but I have an appt for this afternoon because I just cannot take one more day. I've taken the maximum safe amt of motrin, I've used heat, etc. Nothing is working. I am having so much trouble just moving at all. And staying still isn't much better. I'm going to BEG for something to fix it. Muscle relaxer, anything. Just help.
Justmama - hope your doctor was able to help. Sounds like maybe a pinched nerve to me - I have similar issues when mine flare.
Hugs to everyone else.
Had another setback today - intake line on my dishwasher burst. Completely flooded my kitchen & laundry room in about 3 minutes while I was getting it shut off. Need $45 to fix it. But it can wait a while if need be thankfully - it has it's own shutoff so we still have water.
Thanks all. They kinda didn't know what to make of it except that I injured it somehow and put me on 800mg of motrin for the inflammation and some muscle relaxers. It's not really helping very much though.
frugalmama, you can't catch a break can you? You have more plumbing issues than anyone I know.
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