Financial Challenges Support Group

Hi Belle and welcome to the board! :D

From your post I would definitely be sure report the extra income for your foodstamps.

Not sure where you live, but in my state, failure to report extra income can be seen as a form of welfare fraud where here they do convict and a person would not only have to pay back ALL of the foodstamps that they frauded, but they would also be barred from applying for minimum of 3 yrs or more in any state.

In my county alone there are already 3 cases that they are trying to go to federal court for foodstamp fraud, that is in addition to the recipients being barred from applying for 3 yrs and if convicted federally could go to jail for almost 10 yrs depending on how long the fraud was going on.

Also, where I'm at if you are awarded too much foodstamps and it is caught by either your case worker or whoever processes your forms you have to pay the overage back too. In our local newspaper about a yr ago there were a few cases that happened in my county about recipients who unknowingly received an extra $15 or $20 too much and that had to pay it back or go to court. '

The toughest part was that they lost their jobs because of the economy and were trying to scramble to find the extra money to pay the gov.t back.

Lastly, I know it's hard but, I would definitely take the job although it doesn't pay much just in case your benefits get cut either partially or fully or your appeals takes a while before being approved. That way you would at least have money for gas or minor bills like the phone bill. I would also check to see if there are any local food pantries, a local United Way or family resource centers in your area that could help you and your family. In my area the best time to go is usually around the first of the month when the shelves are more stocked as they tend to run out of resources towards the end of the month.

If there aren't any local organizations in your area that could help, my only other advice would be to try to negotiate a re-payment plan for what bills you can, if the companies will work w/ you and then just try to take things a day at a time just so you don't get too discouraged or overwhelmed.

Try to hang in there you are definitely not alone. Good Luck :D

Hello Belle.
Just a suggestion, from experience of my own sometime back.
Wife and I became unemployed, with young children, and savings gone, and huge medical debt, no insurance.
Applied for food stamps and finally approved.
Got a job offer, and now was in your delema.

What I found out was this. In my state the food support system approves you, and has a scheduled review time for each case.
I was able to stay on food stamps after my job started for about a month and a half after taking my job. I was approved for the full 90 days until my next case review. This allowed us use income to focus on other needs than food for a month.

I do not know the rules of your locality, so don't just go do this without checking out the laws first.

I agree with SP about taking the job, programs and benifits may end without renewal, it is better to have something than nothing at all.
If rules are OK, I suggest accepting job just after review process, and continue recieving assistance till next review. If you just got approved recently, take job now if 90 or 60 day review. If 30 days, wait until the next stamp issue and at least you will have about a month of assistance.

Also, as SP mentioned, local food banks.
I do not know your physical abilities. I volunteered my time to a local food bank at a church. This had its perks as I was offered more than the standard "pass out", and the diapers and formula the church gave me really helped!
If you are physically able, the food banks are always looking for volunteers.
I continued volunteering after I got work when I could. Even after I was not qualified anymore the food bank knew my situation and would still supply me food.

Good luck to you and prayers! Let me know how it all works out down the road?
Regards, CC

The foodstamp program where I'm at is insidious. If I work part-time I'm eligible (one cannot afford the basics of life such as food/clothing/shelter working part-time) yet part-time work doesn't pay for rent. When you work full-time 95% of the time you're ineligible though. Sigh.

I do wish you and yours some kind of ok resolution. I'm trying to figure out solutions myself.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I think I am going to take the job and try it. One problem I have is I don't know how much I am going to make as it differs day to day. I don't know what to tell the Social Services how much I will be making.
I have tried food banks before and they have helped so going with the job is better. Me and my husband want to separate as this is what he wants long story so don't know what to do.

here's my take on this (i'm a social worker): you have to report the income or you could be accused of fraud, in which cause you'd likely be ineligible for any assistance in the future. however, your case will be reviewed monthly and most states won't penalize you if you make like, 20 dollars over the monthly limit.

have you tried debt counseling? there should be some free services in your area. also, local charities/food pantries can also help.

i used to tell my clients this: if you make more money staying home (food stamps, SSI, whatever) and that means you can take care of your children and have them be healthy and fed, than stay home. you'll probably get more aid that way. i know that it sucks, especially if you want to work and contribute to the household, but the welfare system in the US is so incredibly messed up - people should not have essential supports taken away (food stamps) when they make money that is spent on debt and mortgages.