[sideblinded]

I am down and in the dumps being on low income disability. It is so hard and so draining. Having only the bare necessities and waiting to go to the store until some payment comes is so distressing. I am wearing my emotions on my sleeves. I am in need of more money but I have a huge anxiety problem that is keeping me from believing that I can work again. I had a good career and I paid into social security and now here I am reaping the benefits of social security. I had to go on disability at a younger age so my budget is so tight. I don't drink or smoke. I can't afford to anyway. I drive and I worry that my car will need repairs constantly. My emotions are directly related to my present situation of being poor. I see ways out but I question my ability to achieve them. Any suggestions?

[Altered Moment]

I dunno. I am in a similar situation except I am on appeal for disability. I have paid in for 36 years but the depression has gotten so bad in recent years I just can't hang. so here I am waiting forever to get a hearing not even knowing if I will win. Relying on family in the mean time. It's difficult. It's the whole topic of therapy each time.

You are allowed to earn up to a certain amount of money each month. I would say try to figure out how to do that on the side when you are in the better periods.

[kurtdee]

I believe that those of us with mental differences are the most forgotten of society. I have worked 16 to 45 and at 46 my self just couldn't handle the mundane any longer, bit of a snap for me. Came over me like a wave and soon, no job. Maybe we are the pre-coursers of a new way of being. I believe we must go on.

[sideblinded]

I'm beginning to see that circumstances can very well cause depression, suppression, oppression and the like in me. My latest therapist saw complex PTSD and GAD with associated insomnia but that is all. I find this extremely refreshing as I agree with this. All of my diagnoses stem from childhood abuse and the fallout from that. It is never too late to address issues even if they occurred a long time ago. I want to be productive again so we will see.

[ForeverLonelyGirl]

Hugs to you, I posted something very similar not long ago! In my opinion, my fall from grace from being a respected registered nurse, handling life threatening illnesses in a critical care setting to being a "nothing" and a "nobody" in this world anymore is so hard to handle that I almost cannot take it anymore.

If we did not already have difficulty dealing with life, this existence brings about it's own set of problems. I don't have anymore money for the rest of this month. Which is going to make me have to cut short some cooking I had planned for Thanksgiving which breaks my heart. I have enough food to survive on for the rest of the month. And holiday shopping, black Friday? Forget about it!

Like you, I worry constantly that my car could need repairs or tires or worse if I got really sick. I feel like I am walking on thin ice, if any little thing happens I am screwed. Wow, didn't mean to try to hijack your post. This problem is really just in my face today!!!

I cannot figure out a solution, other than to take my income and be homeless, then I could save some money...twisted logic huh? Wish I knew someone that I could sleep on their couch for a few months. Monthly rent and utilities are killing me right now.

God bless you and all of us! I wish I could come up with a solution.

[Thunder Bow]

At 67, I face a limited income too. I can worry about the same things mentioned above, as well. But I no longer do. What will come will come. All I can do is adapt, as I always do. I know I am smart and resourceful, thus I have no worries, and I know I will continue on. Even if all of the above does happen. To me, it will just be more adventure for me.

To save money, I actually do become homeless and camp out in my car and tent at Spirit Mountain and Grand Canyon-Navajo Reservation areas for a few months. Just more fun adventure for me, that is very Spiritual for me. I am lucky that I am in excellent health.

[H3rmit]

>I see ways out but I question my ability to achieve them. Any suggestions?

It's great that you see some options. Dwell on them, I'd suggest, and think about how you can pursue them without taking undue risks. Pat yourself on the back for trying, too.

[sideblinded]

Originally Posted by H3rmit

>I see ways out but I question my ability to achieve them. Any suggestions?

It's great that you see some options. Dwell on them, I'd suggest, and think about how you can pursue them without taking undue risks. Pat yourself on the back for trying, too.

I don't see my life as hopeless. I also don't see my life as regaining all the things I had when I was in my career and younger. I just want a larger cushion to rely on if certain bills arise. I can see myself getting part-time work but I may need some help to do this. I did well in my medical career but I changed jobs so often that to fill out an application now is very difficult and it looks really bad to see so many jobs and so many relocations. I will somehow figure this out.

[sideblinded]

Originally Posted by ForeverLonelyGirl

Hugs to you, I posted something very similar not long ago! In my opinion, my fall from grace from being a respected registered nurse, handling life threatening illnesses in a critical care setting to being a "nothing" and a "nobody" in this world anymore is so hard to handle that I almost cannot take it anymore.

If we did not already have difficulty dealing with life, this existence brings about it's own set of problems. I don't have anymore money for the rest of this month. Which is going to make me have to cut short some cooking I had planned for Thanksgiving which breaks my heart. I have enough food to survive on for the rest of the month. And holiday shopping, black Friday? Forget about it!

Like you, I worry constantly that my car could need repairs or tires or worse if I got really sick. I feel like I am walking on thin ice, if any little thing happens I am screwed. Wow, didn't mean to try to hijack your post. This problem is really just in my face today!!!

I cannot figure out a solution, other than to take my income and be homeless, then I could save some money...twisted logic huh? Wish I knew someone that I could sleep on their couch for a few months. Monthly rent and utilities are killing me right now.

God bless you and all of us! I wish I could come up with a solution.

We seem to have a lot in common as I was a Respiratory Therapist before I had a mental breakdown and was misdiagnosed with bipolar 18 years ago and terribly drugged by pdocs in the hospital. When I came out I was slurring my words and I was told to go on disability. I reluctantly did but it was a good decision in the long run as I was never the same. I now know that I have complex PTSD and GAD that was never diagnosed until recently. I can sometimes have very dark periods and cry for no reason that I am aware of and sometimes I cry due to memories that are overwhelming.

I am sorry that you are struggling as well. There is always hope and help sometimes comes from out of the blue. I have faith that our circumstances will get better.

[hamster-bamster]

I believe that you can work earning up to $800 a month without losing the insurance payments. Maybe doing that can be a medium term goal.

As a short term goal, I would choose volunteering. Now is the season so, say, American Red Cross thrift shops might look for volunteers. On a more long term basis, there are other opportunities if you look around. Some of library volunteering do not involve customer contact. Some non-profits may need data entry volunteers - again, no customer contact.

You will regain some stamina from volunteering, put the volunteering on your resume, and armed with both, look for a part time job. If you make $500 a month, that would make a big difference already.

[Crazy Hitch]

Im sorry that you are going through this

[Yismymindblank12]

I was about to be put on what you are on now too.. I knew that my life would be how it's going. I'm already poor as it is slowly getting better, but it's from my parents who sometimes spend poorly and I have to spend my money to pick up their slack in order for me to be in a house. So I have no money for my own groceries and before when I lived on my own. I only had to live on for about 6 months on 10 dollars every two weeks.

I intentionally starved myself to get by and eat seldomly to store up food when needed. I've experienced poverty the worst with just the bare essentials except food with me and my sister having to only be fed at school with the free lunches program.

I know your pain very very well.

I was going to be on low income disability for my neuro problems. I was diagnosed last march and before that. I'm so glad I didn't, but I know when I was very close to be forced on it, because of my lack of movement. With my movement disorder. At 20 having a movement disorder and being put on disability really was a struggle for me to think I should deal with, but I was lucky I could do something about my health.

I know so much about poverty now, and experiencing it first hand. Sometimes, I was homeless in weird occasions, but not that very long though. It's humbling beyond no matter how little I had and more less stuff I had. I was never so much happier with the lack of attachment, but at the same time. I needed food. I hated when my roommates where one was in the similar position I was in, treated me like crap because of things he didn't agree with. I was very respectful and never touched his food and the only times I did I paid him back each time when I was very ill with bronchitis.

I found it so freeing. At the same time beyond depressing, I was so happy when I got to buy noodles and make fettecunni homemade for myself alone to eat for the next few days in one big bowl.

I was forcing myself all the time no matter what to get a job, but in the end I wasn't hired no matter how dedicated I was, because I wasn't a student at the college and they assume I am just a freeloaner and trying to not be productive in society. It was sad, of dealing with hunger on a regular basis as normal for me was truly what hell was like. Knowing if you had a job you can have food, but now your health is failing you on top of this at a young age and you don't know how to get your life together coming all at once.

I figured instead of me feeling upset. I tell people, I just sat outside and didn't say a word and just outside sitting on the porch observing the area no thinking or anything just relaxing taking it all in. I felt if I was homeless all the time, I'd do the same thing. I'd spend more time living each moment in what I had the best moments.

It was powerful feeling that. I hope you feel that too.

[stellarx]

You are doing a good job no matter what you think. It takes discipline to make it through these situations. Don't be afraid to ask for help from people such as family and friends.

Much to the contrary of our society I believe it is good to seek happiness away from material possession. I feel for you, many of us have been there, I hope things get better for you.

I would suggest getting rid of the car as it is causing you stress and cars are expensive to run at the best of times.

There are more cars per person than ever, but there has been a recent decline in car sales worldwide, so you won't be alone in this.

Maybe use the money to buy yourself a bike.

[Factory Poet]

Folks, for all of you who are struggling financially there is a network of agencies funded by the Federal Government know as Community Action Programs (CAPS). They may go by different names locally, but CAPS can be found in all 50 States and even in Baghdad.

CAPS do not provide hand-outs, we provide a hand up. Funded since 1965 by the Community Services Block Grant of the US Department of Health and Humans Services, with the purpose of helping people become "economically self-sufficient." Most programs can connect you with a case manager who is knowledgeable about various programs like SSDI and its limitations. A case manager is like a life-coach who helps you set financial goals and encourages you along the way. Many CAPS have first-time, or low-income homebuyer training that often qualifies you for special financing with participating banks.

The long and short of it is...you don't have to go it alone. CAP agencies and their thoughtful, committed staff have helped thousands of people. Try to find your nearest agency on-line: Community Action Partnership - Home Page

[ForeverLonelyGirl]

I guess if I could work and make 500 to 800 dollars extra a month without penalty, I would be fine. How can you work out in the public with a social phobia? That seems to be what is holding me back, that and anxiety.

Oh and who says you can't get unexpected money in the mailbox? I got a check for $8.76. Woo hoo! Honestly, I am excited about it. Wowee.

[sideblinded]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

I believe that you can work earning up to $800 a month without losing the insurance payments. Maybe doing that can be a medium term goal.

As a short term goal, I would choose volunteering. Now is the season so, say, American Red Cross thrift shops might look for volunteers. On a more long term basis, there are other opportunities if you look around. Some of library volunteering do not involve customer contact. Some non-profits may need data entry volunteers - again, no customer contact.

You will regain some stamina from volunteering, put the volunteering on your resume, and armed with both, look for a part time job. If you make $500 a month, that would make a big difference already.

Yes, I agree as I do need to make some money to supplement my disability income. In my state, I cannot make more than a certain amount of money before I lose state help with health insurance. It is a double edge sword to try to get oneself out of poverty as more income raises your rent, puts you at risk of losing services and can put you in a more dire situation.

I need this help with health insurance to cover high copayments. I get enough disability so that I do not qualify for food stamps or some other programs. I am still in a very low poverty percentile. I talked to a therapist today about my situation and hopefully with his agency's help working part-time will help to alleviate some of my struggles.

Keeping my fingers crossed.

[sideblinded]

Originally Posted by Illegal Toilet

I would suggest getting rid of the car as it is causing you stress and cars are expensive to run at the best of times.

There are more cars per person than ever, but there has been a recent decline in car sales worldwide, so you won't be alone in this.

Maybe use the money to buy yourself a bike.

I have only given the thought of no car a few seconds thought. I really need the transportation and I will fight to keep my wheels. I may fail but I'm not ready to do this until I have no choice at all. I need to be independent as I have seen what having no transportation has done to people.

[sideblinded]

Originally Posted by Factory Poet

Folks, for all of you who are struggling financially there is a network of agencies funded by the Federal Government know as Community Action Programs (CAPS). They may go by different names locally, but CAPS can be found in all 50 States and even in Baghdad.

CAPS do not provide hand-outs, we provide a hand up. Funded since 1965 by the Community Services Block Grant of the US Department of Health and Humans Services, with the purpose of helping people become "economically self-sufficient." Most programs can connect you with a case manager who is knowledgeable about various programs like SSDI and its limitations. A case manager is like a life-coach who helps you set financial goals and encourages you along the way. Many CAPS have first-time, or low-income homebuyer training that often qualifies you for special financing with participating banks.

The long and short of it is...you don't have to go it alone. CAP agencies and their thoughtful, committed staff have helped thousands of people. Try to find your nearest agency on-line: Community Action Partnership - Home Page

I really appreciate your information as it can help many who read this thread. I really hope that you don't think that I or other "folks" here are looking for a "hand-out". I am 57 years old and worked a medical career until I had to go on SSDI. Yes you are correct, it has it's limitations. I feel that your comment sounds a little judgmental but I am sure that you have seen a lot in your vocation. Many of us are merely trying to survive and our system of government needs to do more to help people who have paid into the social security system have more ways to better themselves. Some people are able to work and others are not. I am just commenting that it is difficult.

[H3rmit]

Originally Posted by sideblinded

I did well in my medical career but I changed jobs so often that to fill out an application now is very difficult and it looks really bad to see so many jobs and so many relocations.

I've had a very spotty work history, and I always breeze over the holes by explaining I'm frugal and I don't need to work fulltime. Now, I haven't accomplished any great thing, but whether it's studying, traveling, doing art or whatever, it's my life and I refuse to be misinterpreted because I didn't need to commit to permanent fulltime work. I saved money, bought houses. Not so hard to do when you don't have children or other major expenses. I'm very responsible. So, in an interview, I reframe the context, emphasizing what's positive to me, telling the story of my version of success. I don't know if that makes sense to you, but it always worked for me.

[Fuzzybear]

[cremedelacreme]

I'm sorry this is happening to you. It's very hard. I have a job and make a modest salary but I am in so much debt I end up seeing barely any of it. It makes me not want to make friends for the embarrassment of telling them I cannot afford to do things if they ask (I have none). My boyfriend is wealthy and only surrounds himself with other wealthy people from his country club. He can't understand why I don't want to be around them but it makes me sick to see people who do hardly anything to earn their money (trust funds etc) throw away money or complain that their country club bills are a problem.

My point is I hope you realize you are not alone! Lack of money can make people very bitter as I see very much in myself. Maybe try to look for something part time. Craigslist may be able to show some gigs or things like house sitting and dog sitting, under the table which could be nice.

[sideblinded]

Originally Posted by cremedelacreme

I'm sorry this is happening to you. It's very hard. I have a job and make a modest salary but I am in so much debt I end up seeing barely any of it. It makes me not want to make friends for the embarrassment of telling them I cannot afford to do things if they ask (I have none). My boyfriend is wealthy and only surrounds himself with other wealthy people from his country club. He can't understand why I don't want to be around them but it makes me sick to see people who do hardly anything to earn their money (trust funds etc) throw away money or complain that their country club bills are a problem.

My point is I hope you realize you are not alone! Lack of money can make people very bitter as I see very much in myself. Maybe try to look for something part time. Craigslist may be able to show some gigs or things like house sitting and dog sitting, under the table which could be nice.

I understand that mentality for sure! Some people are trying to figure out how to eat and others are worried about "country club bills"...lol Good ole USA...but I still love my country and wouldn't trade it for another one. ...

Thanks for your support. I already have two people that I pet sit for and I am now finding out about a work incentive program for people with SSDI. So hopefully my life will improve as far as just scraping by.

[Hellion]

Rather sick of it myself, I am only 25 and on SSI...didn't really have a chance to develop a career or consistant job position to later become disabled and get on disability. I have aspergers and have also developled reoccuring major depression, generalized anxiety and PTSD, I tried to go to college but that only made matters worse and totally burnt me out due to the stress of it all. So I cannot even say I worked and paid into the system for a time, never even made it that far. Kind of difficult budgeting money, obviously have to take care of my needs and paying rent as well as phone bill as I need means to communicate...then also attempting to have anything left over for anything to perhaps make my life more pleasant, but seems like there is stigma surrounding it if you are on disability and able to occasionally afford a couple things you enjoy or want rather than absolutely 'need'.Trying to figure out ways to maybe earn a little extra but not above the amount they would cut me off SSI for and so no official jobs just things to get occasional side money like maybe taking part in a market research study...when I called and talked to someone from the SSI organization or whatever they said a check from those here and there doesn't count as something I'd have to report...same with gift money but don't know my family will be giving me any christmas money(not really expecting it though it would help immensely). But I hate just barely scraping by and then wanting to avoid people out of embarassment of having to admit you cannot afford to go do anything...I guess on the brightside most people I know are financially struggling somewhat to so I don't get judged too terribly harshly, but also have an interest in meeting new people where that is more of a concern.