Feeling odd about recent decision *Update Page 7*

[Dax]

So this evening, I decided to bite the bullet, and apply for food stamps. I have been unemployed since 2/25, and I was the "breadwinner" in our household. DH works, but he only makes $8 an hour. I am in UI, but am close to needing an extension. We have been getting by, but being in FL, our electric bill averages around 200 a month, then when we factor in the rent, gas and other expenses, we are just getting by. Some weeks I have gone a week on ramen noodles and mac and cheese, because of unexpected budget issues.

Now I dont feel we are in dire need, but if we could get our food costs off our chest, even for a few months, it would be a HUGE help, but yet I just feel wrong for applying. I am like many Americans who have found themselves in this scenario now that the economy has tanked.

So did I do the right thing? I dont have kids, but I still need to eat...help me feel better about this decision

 

[akcire]

No need to feel bad. Apply for the program. As a single or married person without kids you may not qualify, I don't know the income requirements but they can't be much, if you are denied remember to try food pantries.

I volunteer in IL at a food pantry. We have had a 600% increase in persons year over year. The scariest part is that many persons who previously were donors or volunteers, are now in need of the services. I am there every week, and every week I am shocked by the number of people.

Good luck

 

[sueh]

Yes! You did the right thing. Please don't feel bad about your decision. You need to eat and that is what the program is for. It's to help out.
If I was in the same situation I would do the same thing.

 

[RobinFabulous]

Does your state offer ulility bill assistance for low income individuals?

http://liheap.ncat.org/profiles/Florida.htm#state

I know that in our state they look at your income, then take away your rent, power bill, water bill, gas bill, etc, and that''s your adjusted income for food stamps

 

[Shmily1]

Yes, you did the right thing. Food stamps are for people when they are down, not when they are not trying. You are trying and that says a lot about you. You are not trying to live off "the system" as many others do but just want to get by. Please don't feel bad about your decision. You deserve them much more than many others that have been getting them forever!

 

[dvcgirl]

I would not feel badly in the slightest. You are a taxpayer, and you are now in need of a little help.

When I was a very little girl, my Dad was a driver for UPS. He later moved up into management, but back then he was a union guy. My parents were young when they had us....early 20s, and they just bought their first home...just getting started in life. They had three young daughters under five years old. There were no credit cards back then like we have now. And so when UPS went out on strike, there was a tiny stipend from the union, but it was next to nothing. We ended up on food stamps during that time....I believe it was six weeks.

I was very little, but I clearly remember my mother feeling ashamed at going through the grocery line and having to use those food stamps. My father's parents loaned them some money, but still, it wasn't enough.

Fast forward many years and my parents helped to put their three daughters through college, and they've retired with a very nice nest egg and pension. They'd look back on that period when we needed some help as just a small blip on the radar of their financial lives. And they went on to achieve financial success and independence in their own right.

Things are particularly tough in Florida right now. It may take you awhile to find a job....and so take the help, and hold your head up high. That's what it's there for....you aren't taking advantage. And years from now you'll look back on it as my parents do today.....just a little bump on the road to success.

 

[Kellydelly]

If you qualify, why not get the assistance? My husband was layed off in December and I made him apply a week later. We have 4 children. If we didn't get the food stamps right now we'd be unable to pay our bills (insurance, utilities, etc). I am humbled and grateful, to say the least! It is only temporary, we don't plan to need them forever.

 

[caribear]

You shouldn't feel bad....that's what the program is there for. I used to work for the DCF and process/interview the applicants for food stamps....I can tell you that it is harder to get help if it is just for yourself and your husband...no kids. If you or your husband have a car that is fairly new or worth a decent amount according to the blue book then you will be denied. Many, many people are denied food stamps/assistance due to having a fairly new vehicle....seems wrong as you need a dependable vehicle to find a job/get to work, but that is the way it works. It's been 8 years since I worked there...so things might have changed a little.

 

[Gretchen3ajoshmom]

Don't feel bad; that's why the program is there! The pogram is under TANF- TEMPORARY assistance for needy families.... As long as food stamps are not in your long range survival plans you are fine.... When my first husband left me- with 3 little ones and a part time job; I went in food stamps for 2 months- then I got my social work position and have been here 6 years! I remarried and have bought a home. Things will get better - it is only temporary...>Good Luck!!

 

[terrier72]

I would not feel badly in the slightest. You are a taxpayer, and you are now in need of a little help.

Amen, There are plenty of people in this country who receive benefits and have never paid the first penny in. You take what you need now and dont feel a bit bad about it.

 

[friskykitten]

In Florida you are only allowed $2000 in liquid assets and you have to meet certain income limits. So your home or car is not counted at this time (or so I was told). We applied with five children but did not qualify because we own a little bit of stock and have more than $2000 in our savings, checking, 401k and IRA. So depending on what you have you may or may not qualify.

We were told to come back after we completely drain our 401ks and savings. Then they would reconsider.

As others have posted, try food pantries or some churches that may be helping those in need. Some FL cities will also help with one month of utilites but only if you have received your final notice before disconnection. Angel Food Ministries is a program worth looking into as well. United Way and Salvation Army tend to have food pantries and other programs to help those make ends meet. There are programs and people able to help you but it may take some digging to find them. Most are not advertising out in the open so don't be ashamed to ask around about things. Most of the best advice I have gotten have come from the people here on the DIS. There are a LOT of people in this situation and I think that most are waiting almost too long before they ask for help. Things will get better again someday....Good luck to you!

 

[JoiseyMom]

I agree with all the others. Do not feel bad!! You are a tax payer and are in need!! I hope you qualify and it will help you and your DH! Good Luck with the job hunt!

 

[Juliegirl1]

You might also want to check out Angel Food Ministries. They have a website http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ The boxes are $25 and you can buy add-ons. This might also help you get by...

 

[horseshowmom]

I agree with everybody else!

That's what the program is for. It's there to help those who need it (and if you qualify, you have shown your need). You aren't taking advantage of the system. You're using it for what it was meant to do.

Don't feel even the slightest bit funny about it!

 

[amberdansmom]

So this evening, I decided to bite the bullet, and apply for food stamps. I have been unemployed since 2/25, and I was the "breadwinner" in our household. DH works, but he only makes $8 an hour. I am in UI, but am close to needing an extension. We have been getting by, but being in FL, our electric bill averages around 200 a month, then when we factor in the rent, gas and other expenses, we are just getting by. Some weeks I have gone a week on ramen noodles and mac and cheese, because of unexpected budget issues.

I know exactly what you are going through. My DH was making decent money. I didn't have to work, we already had 2 kids and then decided to have one more. Things were going great until the unexpected happened. My DH lost his job. Two weeks later I found out I was pregnant. We tried to make it. He began working on his own with a couple of friends and we were 'making it'. 3 months after my DD was born the company went down. We moved in with family, we sold EVERYTHING we had. Lost the car. I hated it, I feel guilty EVERY time I use it, but I got food stamps to keep the family alive. I feel, ya know, we lost everything, but at least we can eat. DH wasn't thrilled about it, pride and all, but we've put in for all those years and now we need a little help. We have 3 kids. They need to eat. I feel guilty, but I am grateful. You did the right thing.

 

[leahjade]

My husband would work two jobs then so we wouldn't have to go on food stamps. And like Dave Ramsey and Dr. Phil say "you should make looking for a job, a full-time job." Or how about checking into some of the free training and college courses offered to low income families? I just think sometimes it's too easy to get on assistance and too easy to stay there. My friend works out a grocery store and sees so many young able-bodies couples using food stamps all the time with neither spouse working or trying to work. Soon there will not be enough taxpayers to pay for all the people who aren't working.

 

[sunnyday123]

does your ticker and sig line mean you are going to Disney? I would reconsider that trip if you have to make this decision.

 

[leahjade]

and did you get rid of your cellphones, cable tv and other luxuries before getting food stamps?

 

[Dax]

does your ticker and sig line mean you are going to Disney? I would reconsider that trip if you have to make this decision.

Before everyone jumps on me about going to Disney...let me clear it up..

I went to WdW on Saturday June 27th. I am a local. It was a 1 day thing. The tickets were free because I have family that works there. The little bit of spending money we had, was put away for over a month. And our dinner, was also given to us by my inlaws as a anniversary gift. So please...my 1 day Disney adventure has NOTHING to do with this. We have 1 car, and I am stuck in the house every day, for months. It was a small boost for us to just have 1 day of fun

Also someone said I should be looking for a job...Um I am..I am NOT trying to live off this system. I have been unemployed now for close to 6mo..The FL job market is horrid right now, and jobs are VERY competitive. I am not looking to make this a permanent thing for me.

 

[Dax]

and did you get rid of your cellphones, cable tv and other luxuries before getting food stamps?

Yes, thank you for that piece of advice...