Financial Challenges Support Group
This community is for people who are struggling to meet financial obligations of any kind. Financial challenges include everything from the day-to-day challenges of making ends meet to managing credit card debt to bankruptcy. Get support from others who are going through similar obstacles on the road back to financial stability.
Hello--I have been a member of DS for a few months--I signed up for support for chronic pain and depression issues. I am so grateful for the people I have met on here--anyway, I just now noticed this group, and it's kind of ironic because I have been very overwhelmed and worried sick today with financial stuff. I was laid off of my job, I have applied for unemployment benefits and I have no idea what the delay is--I have called the unemployment office several times and they tell me that my claims are being "worked" yet the status online says "pending issues"???? That they are needing more info from me, and when I call the operators have no idea what they need--they do not see anything except my claims are being worked--they just told me to keep filing my claims every week!!! The problem with this, as we all know, is rent was due today--and the food is almost down to ramon noodles--the car has 1/8 tank of gas--and my phone is out of mins (one of the perks with my job was my phone was paid for) I am putting in apps like crazy and I guess it is just really hard to get a job rigth now--I just wanted to ask if anyone had any ideas of where resources are, where to go, what to do to get temporary help until the benefits come in or I get another job?? I have never dealt with this, and I already owe money to family, so I just refuse to rely on them, times are hard enough as it is. If anyone has been in this spot before and found help, please let me know--I would appreciate it. Sorry this is such a long post!! It is just one thing after another for me, I cannot catch a break to save my life....I am sure I am not alone in feeling that way!! Thank y ou.
I'm very sorry to hear about your jobless and the problems w/ trying to get your unemployment benefits. Man, technology can be such a pain sometimes.
My best advice is if you can I would call all your creditors and see if they would be willing to work out a payment plan w/ you until your unemployment comes through.
You could also try your local Dept. of Jobs and Family Services right away to see if you qualify for either foodstamps, a medical card or WIC if you have small children. (In my state you have to have children 5 and under to be able to apply)for WIC). Depending on where you live, the appointment to meet w/ a caseworker can be either a couple days or a couple weeks.
Also, not sure if it applies everywhere but in my county they have emergency foodstamps for families or individuals in crisis. So some people can be approved in as little as 2 business days depending on the situation.
In addition, if you have a local United Way number like 211 you can call it and it can give you a list of food, clothing or shelter resources available for your area.
The Salvation Army and St. Vincent DePaul's are also good at helping families overcome emergency crisis' like help w/ the rent and utilities. The best time to call this places is now since most orgs have money to help families around the first two weeks of the month. The Salvation Army in my area also provides hot lunches from families in the late morning or the early afternoon
You can also try a Google Search for all the local food pantries, family resource centers, and if you have small kids Pregnancy Care centers w/in a 5 to 10 mile radius of your home, since most either help people from either certain cities or zip codes.. If you have a USB drive (thumbdrive) I highly recommend making a spreadsheet to keep this info handy, since it's really easy to update if any info changes.
Some churches also host Angel Food Ministries (angelfoodministries.org). Where you can order food boxes for I think $30.
If you don't have much access to the internet you could also try your local phone book if they still deliver. (In my area they no longer deliver phone books to save paper)
Most of the food pantries in my area are open early Sat. morning and some have evening hours during the week. It's best to call before going to help save on gas.
Speaking of gas, are you apart of any gas rewards program like Speedy rewards through the gas station or reward points from your debit or credit card? If so, I would look to see if you have enough points for either a gas gift card or a gas discount. If not, you could always check out a website called mypoints.com where you can earn points for free gift cards. I know that the gas gc's were popular in the summer.
If you need utility help you can try a Google Search and see if your state offers a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) program. If your state doesn't have a HEAP program you could try to green your home as much as you can to save on utilities. Just by switching to energy efficient bulbs I've been able to knock off more than $60 off my utility bill. The energy saver power strips are also good too and helped save even more.. Recycling really helps me too, but doesn't pay much out here.
If you need money for like the laundromat, parking meters or the vending machine. Don't forget to check the couch cushions, the car and the laundry for loose change. It's amazing how much loose change can be found in one of those places LOL!!
Lastly, don't forget about the Dollar Stores like Family Dollar, Dollar General or Dollar Tree sometimes they are cheaper than Walmart depending on what you are buying and Family Dollar does take manufacturer coupons.
And speaking of coupons, if you have a Kroger store in your area or one of many stores in the Kroger family. You can also check out the website called Shortcuts.com which loads e-coupons directly on your Kroger's card. PGesaver.com is the same way.
I hope things look up for you soon. Good Luck! :D