[lenjan]

I know it probably differs from state to state, but mostly what I'm wondering is -- is it transferable from state to state?

I applied in AUGUST 2008. When I checked in Feb., I was told I was #2500 on the waiting list. Today, April 4, I got a letter saying "Congratulations! You're off the list! Call us and let's see what we can do for you!"

(For those unfamiliar, vocational rehabilitation helps people with disabilities -- including psych ones -- deal with employment issues, among other things. They'll pay to send you to school, advocate for you with employers, help you buy equipment that will help you do a job you can handle, etc.)

I have been unemployed since Oct. and wondering WTF I was going to do next, since my last job sent me to the nut hut over the summer (it was a relief to get canned, really) and made me realize I am totally over ever wanting to do that sort of work again. But, I'm old and it's all I know and all I trained for.

So, it's GREAT news that now I'll have help going to school, etc., because I certainly couldn't pay for it myself.

But.

I had planned to move to my sister's, in another state, in a few weeks. I can get on the state medical insurance (been without for months) in nothing flat, compared to where I am now. Whatever money I make, I could save, instead of having to decide whether to spend my limited unemployment funds (which are about gone, if they don't get renewed) on groceries or the electric bill. I already gave notice to my landlady.

So now what do I do?!?!!!? All suggestions and help with pros and cons welcome. When stuff like this happens to me I get overwhelmed and panicky and can't think straight for myself.

Thanks.

Candy

[Rapunzel]

They might honor what another state made you eligible for. In fact, I'm pretty sure that you can use your eligibility in one state to establish eligibility in another one. I'm not sure how it would effect waiting lists, and the services offered might be slightly different.

[susie2009]

I don't know if it is transferable, I know here in NY vesid has a sign up list, and it is about a 2 year waiting list, unless you have some idea of what you want to train for. I personally don't know what I want to train for, let alone what I want to do for a living. Any way aren't you eligable for food stamps, and for state medical insurance, and possibly financial help from social services, because of your small income.

[Junerain]

I went to the USA.GOV website, which concerns everything having to do with the government including workforce rehabilitation, I clicked on the 'contact us' page and here is numerous ways to write, AND GET A RESPONSE!

http://www.usa.gov/Contact_Us.shtml

[lenjan]

No, no, and no, to answer your questions.

The pittance I get in unemployment is too much to qualify me for food stamps. Because I am a single adult with a non-resident child over 19 years old, I don't qualify for state medical assistance. I got turned down for federal disability and there isn't a lot of other financial help to be had (I already get my meds and stuff from a free clinic and, when it's either "don't eat today" or "suffer humilation," I visit one of the places that have free meals).

I agree with Rapunzel