Closing business, Filing for disability

[Sinner]

I am freaking out. This will be my last week making money. I'm flat busted. Can't work while applying for disability. Afraid I will lose everything. So depressed. Got to eat and pay bills. No support. What do I do?

 

[Nessa7]

What country are you in?

 

[Sinner]

What country are you in?

I'm in the U.S. Missouri

 

[Nessa7]

Your state representative's office is a good place to start. They should have information about energy bill assistance programs for your area. You can also contact your power company to find out if they have any programs. Another thing to ask about is property tax exemptions. Since you're a veteran, they sometimes have less requirements.

For internet, there are a few options for low income people. Comcast Internet Essentials and Access by AT&T are pretty common. If you live somewhere rural, Google Fiber might be an option.

Food stamps would be a big help. Even if you only qualify to recieve a small amount, this can have you qualify for free cell phone service.

Missouri is a big jerk when it comes to medical assistance, which would normally be my first recommendation. You could still apply if you have dependent children or are pregnant.

I keep having to leave and do other things, but I'll be back. What is your living situation?

 

[Sinner]

Your state representative's office is a good place to start. They should have information about energy bill assistance programs for your area. You can also contact your power company to find out if they have any programs. Another thing to ask about is property tax exemptions. Since you're a veteran, they sometimes have less requirements.

For internet, there are a few options for low income people. Comcast Internet Essentials and Access by AT&T are pretty common. If you live somewhere rural, Google Fiber might be an option.

Food stamps would be a big help. Even if you only qualify to recieve a small amount, this can have you qualify for free cell phone service.

Missouri is a big jerk when it comes to medical assistance, which would normally be my first recommendation. You could still apply if you have dependent children or are pregnant.

I keep having to leave and do other things, but I'll be back. What is your living situation?

Wife makes about 10.00 per hour as a housekeeper in a nursing home. We are still paying on our home. I like to work. I just can't do my career choice anymore. Wish I could figure out a cash gig. Thank you for the info. Very appreciative.

 

[Nessa7]

Liheap has tons of different utility programs. https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/623

Once you get on disability, your congressperson will be able to help you get your first check more quickly if you run into delays.

If you are at risk for homelessness, the SOAR Program is very helpful in getting people approved for disability more quickly: Missouri | SOAR Works!

Something that can cause some confusion with SOAR is that you generally do not have to be homeless. For someone that is paying a mortgage, a foreclosure notice or something like that would have you able to qualify.

 

[Sinner]

Liheap has tons of different utility programs. https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/623

Once you get on disability, your congressperson will be able to help you get your first check more quickly if you run into delays.

If you are at risk for homelessness, the SOAR Program is very helpful in getting people approved for disability more quickly: Missouri | SOAR Works!

Something that can cause some confusion with SOAR is that you generally do not have to be homeless. For someone that is paying a mortgage, a foreclosure notice or something like that would have you able to qualify.

Nessa, you rock! Thanks. This website and wonderful group of people are such a blessing

 

[DharmaGirl]

Also, can you still apply for a remodificaton loan? My friend did that and not only did she not pay her mortgage for a year, they reduced her mortgage by $500 a month. I plan on doing that soon.

Churches in your area should have food boxes. In our area we have Salvation army and all the churches get together to help out. I get a food box there once a month. Since I am disabled, I also pay $1500 less in property taxes. There are a lot of programs out there, and if you go to your local Division of Family Services, they can probably offer you more.

 

[Justmehere]

In the US, you can dial 211 from any phone and be connected to the United Way. They have databases with many resources. Or you can check it out online: 2-1-1.org

Also, consider getting legal help to apply for disability if you have not already. You may be able to work part-time. By law, the attorney can't charge you unless you win your case, and they generally get paid by SSA out of your back pay. It's worth it.

 

[Sinner]

In the US, you can dial 211 from any phone and be connected to the United Way. They have databases with many resources. Or you can check it out online: 2-1-1.org

Also, consider getting legal help to apply for disability if you have not already. You may be able to work part-time. By law, the attorney can't charge you unless you win your case, and they generally get paid by SSA out of your back pay. It's worth it.

I feel so worthless. I feel like I am walking through quick sand. I'm packing up my business to vacate. Can't stop crying and throwing up. Now the city is taking me to court. I forgot to pay my business license. Preoccupied with the health issues. I couldn't afford to renew it and then forgot when my health worsened. I tried to explain and paid the license fee, penalties and interest and they are still making me go to court. No waiver for it.
I can hardly get out of bed. The flashbacks are becoming more frequent and intense. I just don't know if I want to live anymore.

 

[Justmehere]

One step at a time. You can’t climb a mountain in one leap.

You corrected your error and did the best you could with what you had. Go to court and explain to the judge where things have been and what you did to make it right, and that the business is now closed. The problem won’t happen again.

Frankly, the fact that the business is now closed will help with the matter regarding the business license. The whole matter helps your case for disability too. It shows you couldn’t sustain.

As shitty as this all seems, there is a very good side to it all. It’s a time of changed and transitions, and saying goodbye for now to your business is tough. But there is much cause for hope that good healthy relief is coming down the road.

To stop flashbacks, try grounding techniques. There are tons on this site and online. For flashbacks, safe strong sensations can help. In PTSD inpatient trauma intensive units they often have patients hold something frozen. The coldness of ice or a frozen orange can zap the brain out of the flashback. Works surprisingly well for panic attacks too. Some mornings I do something like that just to get my body going for the day.