no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

thank you for your information to help out a family in need. Knowing that you are always well informed on this type of subject, I do hope this information can help her get the assistance that she needs.

EVELYN

I am 68 and my husband is 60, our granddaughters are 14 and 9. I did ask for food stamps but they say we make too much money in South Carolina to qualify. I will try what you said, but I think we will be turned down.

Hemiman Loc: Communist California

Think positive ,Google for various types of assistance that fit your situation,you may be surprised what comes up.The very best of luck to you.

PLT Sarge Loc: Alabama

I think that this thread has not only showed how Southerners come together but how Americans come together. What makes America great is the people. Does not matter if you are in the South, East, North or West. We are all Americans. We may have our different political views. When it comes down to trying to help someone, keeping in mind at any time, it could be ourselves. This is why we have to put all this hatred away. This is the only way WE THE PEOPLE will regain our country.

servanttk

Why so much for food?? The two of us make do with $100 per month; more when our children come visit us.
You would think the cost of heat should be lower than in Wisconsin; not sure. The electricity might be the same.
How much do you go without?? We hardly go out to eat; which saves a lot of $$. We shut the lights off when not in the room.
We have our thermostat at 62degrees. And during the summer we run the fan instead of the AC.
We hang up our clothes outside during the warmer months; which saves a lot on electricity.
What are you doing to cut back?

working class stiff Loc: N. Carolina

That was kind of you. Outstanding, in fact.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

There are gaps in your situation.... for example, is someone making contributions to your grandchildren, for example is the mother or father making child support payments? If so, then it may be possible for you to file a court petition to increase their payments. You also do not mention if you or your spouse are working, even part time. If so, make sure you deduct the 20 percent allowance for working participants. Even so, the poverty level for a family of 4 is $24,000 plus 130% meaning that you would need to have income (from all sources) equaling $31,200.... but, deducted from that is your utilities, medical expenses, transportation, prosthetics, ACA premiums, and a host of other things.

I plead with you, do not go alone to file your papers.... take someone with you that has gone through the process. Be tenacious, ask to see the rules that is being applied to your case, and get names of clerks you are dealing with. Most clerks do not care about you, or your situation, so make your relationship with them personal.... ask their name and use it while discussing your case. Give them a reason to care about you! And above all.... be nice. Do not demand their support or approval.

Now on another note... SSI and some other retirement funds (railroad, military, to name a couple) are considered income at full rate for SS.... Do not deduct whatever percentage..... under generalized IRS rules. Their rules do not apply to SS. Do not rely on memory for expenses, take receipts with you.... And whatever you do, do not have $2,000 in a savings or checking account.... If you say you have $2,000 it is an automatic denial. This is a petty sum, so do not feel dishonest in making a small withdrawal or paying a few bills early. For your purpose, it is alright to no have money in the bank or property.

grace scott

$100 a month for food! I would starve on that. I would also freeze at 62 degrees. I admire what you are doing.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

Every family has their own unique needs. Families are not a "one size fits all" indeed there are variables that make it impossible to gage what another needs by our own consumptions. Some folks are comfortable at 62 degrees....but those with thyroid problems.... that is downright cold and unbearable. Same goes for heat.... in the south, AC is a must have... the humidity is beyond tolerable. I have a different upbringing than most, so in my family....elderly is a milestone, a distinguished position and they earned the right to no have to "go without."

I feel rather sorry for you and your spouse.... do you also measure out the squares of TP you can use in one sitting?

PLT Sarge Loc: Alabama

I agree. If you don't have someone to go with you. Start a log. Everywhere you go, anyone you talk to on the phone. Name, date, time. What kind of service did you receive. Stand up Lady. Any assistance that your family can receive I helped pay for. When my baby sister lost her husband. She had four children. When I found out they were barley getting by. She also had not tried for assistance. I told her, think of it this way. You worked, we all worked, this whole family has worked. We have paid in. If you don't apply then all these illegals and dead beats are drawing from us. Point I'm trying to make is that don't ever be to proud to ask for help, when you need help. Just always be humble enough to pay it back. Doesn't have to be in money. Sometimes just in deeds.

Dr. Evil Loc: In Your Face

Sorry, but you do. Not sure on a couple but individually over $10,000 you're supposed to

EVELYN

I hang my clothes outside side when it is warm. You cannot hang clothes out when it is 19 degrees. Yes I turn lights, tv, anything I can turn off. We spend money because there are 4 people in our family. We have to buy food for a whole month because we are on SSI and get paid once a month. We use electric heaters instead of propane heat which cost $250 for 100 gallons. So we do not waste our money. We make do with what we have
We cannot afford a car at the moment because there is no enough money to pay for insurance and gas.

EVELYN

The person who asked if we had enough toilet paper better be joking because I don't like remarks like that. Yes we have toilet paper. We do not share one piece. Do not be immature.

EVELYN

Whoever made that crack about toilet paper is very immature. Of course we have toilet paper and we do not dole it out. We are a refined family. We do not do stupid things like you imply.

Boo_Boo Loc: Jellystone

The remark about toilet paper was intended for the penny pincher (servanttk) who said they "get by" spending $100 a month for food. When does it ever get down to 19 degrees in Harleyville, SC? Isn't your average minimal temperature in the winter 46 degrees?