I was no meaning to offend you at all, and like I said I didn't read all the posts and was I said very clearly that I wasn't necessarily meaning you.

I am very sorry you're going threw so much I know what it is like to live in something that isn't even up to code, to go without and all that. It is fantastic that you're being proactive now because you will save HUGE when you put your mind to it!! The folks on this forum are fantastic about posting any deals they find and I'm sure with a little time and patience you'll be saving 100's a month!! Its great to see that your kids are trying to work, you stated that two were in college correct? Maybe they can start paying a small amount in rent or something to ease so much stress off of you. With the help of this forum and sitting down and budgeting the best you can as far as savings and getting your stockpile going what money you do make will go extremely far!!

Also I'm not sure what banks are up there but a lot down here offer free financial counseling that is a great way to put in perspective what debts can be put off for a while and what needs to be paid asap as well as where you could save a little, other than couponing that is!

Depending on what state you are in, there are exemptions on work requirements due to unemployment being as high as it is so it may not matter with the food stamps whether your college students work or not. I have 2 in college and had to point out to my social worker that we were in an exempt locality. she didn't know that but did research it and my college kids count even without jobs!!

I will pray for you and your family. Do take the advice of the previous posts, call the food bank, get the address, go there and pick up some food first thing in the morning. Look for the matchups, and scenarios on this website that will tell you what is on sale, tells you what coupons to use with the sale to get the best deals. Contact your bank, see if your payments can be refinanced to a lower payment. Contact your utility company, see if heating and electric assistance is available in
your area. If your family has any medications that have to be taken daily, contact the Pharmaceutical company, they will give to you the medicines your family may need. As for clothing and shoes, yes the thrift stores and Goodwill has good bargains and good quality items. I still shop at thrift stores, I prefer thrifts rather than fighting traffic, spending gas money traveling to a huge shopping mall. I was in a similiar situation 25 years ago. I didn't want to ask anyone for help. But one thing I learned, If you ask for help, you shall receive it abundantly. Bless you and your family.

Shhhh! Be va-wee, va-wee quiet. Dee is shopping for bargains!


Lucky 2 B A Wuckie!

According to the SSA website, those benefits shouldn't stop at 16.
Benefits For Children
I would contact your local SSA office, because it sounds to me like you've been given incorrect information about when the benefits will stop.

This is a great suggestion, since you live in Illinois (as do I), I know our state has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.

We use the foodbanks too...we are actually lucky enough to have a few in our area, but we really only use the one. It's tough standing in line with the drunks and tweekers that take advantage of the system, but there are people like us in that line too, and I also REFUSE to have my daughter go hungry for even a second because I chose to work for an employer that decided to replace me while I was recovering for surgery!!

I, too, have the guilt...I don't tell my daughter we go to the food banks, but I did have to tell her that we couldn't go to some of her basketball games because we had to spend the entrance fee on food (7 bucks apiece...whoa! But when we told her how much food we were able to get with that 14 bucks she thought it was cool). She also qualifies for free breakfast and lunch at school, so try taking advantage of everything your community has to offer, and most importantly:

IF YOU EVER NEED TO VENT OR TALK OR ARE SO SCARED AND OVERWHELMED YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, PM ME, because most of the time, I am too, and maybe we can come up with ideas to help each other!!!

I have looked at United Way and Red Cross online and they have nothing about helping unless you have had a disaster. Liheap only pays out for winter bills, and of cours eis out of funds.... but I m signing up for weatherazitition and rehabiitation program that covers repairs to your house. I ma sure I would be far down on the list but we will see. No Project share in my area. Could not find anything on the USDA food program either for my area.

We are thinking of you and hope things get better.

Kritty the Koo-Koo Koupon Queen!

Her benefits end not her childs. My youngest turned 16 in February and I lost my monthly benefit BUT it was divided by both our sons so that their check increased by the amount my check was. Does that make sense? So maybe his check will be increased by your amount