I Finally Stood Up For Myself

[Forgetful]

I don't do confrontation (or the possibility of) well so for me this is kind of a big deal.

H & I are both on social security disability. He for physical (constant pain due to a broken back). Me for PTSD.

Money is very tight so we applied for food stamps. We qualified and a week later received the card in the mail. I activated it over the phone and was told the monthly benefit is only $16. That amount wouldn't feed even 1 person living on 1 can of cat food a day!

I went to the state benefit website and entered our financial info. According to that site we should receive $347. I then called the state social service agency. The woman I talked to couldn't understand how we were only getting that amount. She helped me file an appeal.

I know this would be a trivial accomplishment to any normal person but I was pretty damn proud of myself and that feels pretty good.

 

[RecedingMoonlight]

Really? I don't find that trivial at all! As a supporter of a sufferer, I can barely gain up the courage to make phone calls :confused: probably because my asperger's disorder just makes social interaction really difficult for me, even moreso when I can't see the person's face. Believe me, that accomplishment is pretty huge! :) We're proud of you Snafu :hug: It's awesome that you stood up for yourself! 16$ per month is goddamn atrocious, hope that everything works out okay!

 

[mrsps]

Well done!! You should feel super proud of yourself. I too struggle to stand up for myself with anything. I make my husband deal with anything like that as I also hate having to make phone calls.
Hope you can get it all sorted so you can have some food to eat :)

 

[Anrish]

That's just great how you handled this. I think you did a great thing. ...I hope that everything will work out fine. ;)

 

[illusionist]

Hi snafu.....got a lump in my throat! .....know how hard it is to find a voice...so glad you have found it to get what you deserve.

Give yourself a hug and tell yourself this is just the begining.

 

[shimmerz]

It is super hard to deal with red tape issues. Especially when it comes to survival stuff. There is no silly in what you described. That was hard core bravery! Congratulations!

 

[Forgetful]

Thank you all for your kind words and especially for understanding how hard it was for me.

 

[Forgetful]

Again, thank you all. I will be reading your replies again later this week to remind myself. I go for the appeal Thursday morning. Let's see how brave I feel then. I'm already dreading it. I'm going to write your replies down so I can read them right before I go in and so I have a physical reminder during the process thus having your strength with me.

I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[NoWhereKnowWhere]

Oh no I totally get it. I'm a bit better now but in the past I've had problems with similar things they said I didn't fill out a form and I ended up owing thousands in council tax. When I got that letter instead of calling anyone to get it sorted out, I stayed in bed for a week. :oops:

So well done and give yourself the credit you deserve.:tup: Not trivial at all! And I don't think any of us are "normal" ;)

 

[Forgetful]

Well I had the appeal this morning. Sorta good outome. I've posted that into a thread titled Scared Sh*tless if you're interested.

 

[squireparty]

Good for you! I often find dealing with the government overall intimidating and stressful. Good for you for calling and finding out how to file and appeal. I don't find this trivial at all. Congrats!