what to do? Work or Welfare?

Question

I have a severe case of stupidity. I didn't have any money so I went to unemployment, did my three job search a week for 3 weeks. they tell me I don't qualify because I quit working so long ago that whatever. No money. So I don't have any food for me or the animals so I go to welfare. They give me food stamps. Great everyone is happy. Then I get a call for a job, Taco Bell, assistant manager. Great, I go see the welfare lady and she says they are going to send me to a couple doctors, because I haven't worked since I fell down the stairs. So, I start work at TB and I can't walk by the end of my shift. My back and legs are all numb and tingly and the pain shooting from my heels is like standing in stilleto's all night. Go to the doctor and they say don't work. Screwed up welfare because of the job and the job is screwed because I'm popping pills to stay on my feet. How in the world did things get so fouled up. Plus, I have no friends or family to ask this question to.

Answer 1

Workman Compensation, Food Stamp Requirements, Social Services vary State to State. You need to check with your local Social Services Department and see what you do and do not qualify for. If you are not able to work and you have worked enough quota's you may be qualified for some Federal Social Security benefits so checking with the local Social Security Office might be beneficial. I am sure there are programs that you could qualify for you only need to know where to go to find those programs. Most Salvation Army offices have Social Workers that can advise you where services are available in your area. There is no disgrace in asking for help when help is needed. Hold your head high and hit the streets until you find the agency that can meet your specific needs.

Answer 2

Ultimately it must be the consumers responsibility due the mechanics of supply and demand. If the consumer demanded higher welfare and boycotted meat that was not reared to this standard then it would no longer be produced. However, it's very easy to make the right decision re: ethically sourced meat when you have a small holding in Dorset and your own TV series. I would never darken a supermarket's doors again I've I lived like you Hugh, why would I need to? However, when you live on a council estate in one of the most deprived areas of the country and you're the only one working in your household as your partners lost his job due to the recession, it's a bit more difficult to choose the £8 free range chicken from the butchers over the £3 one from the supermarket. I do try to take the high road and go to my butcher and whatever I buy I never throw any of it away, it's all used in stews and soups and frozen if I can't think what to do with it (even the bones for stock) but when I've got £30 to live on a week and a winter gas bill coming up it's not so cut and dried as "Is animal welfare my responsibility' and unfortunately a £3 chicken will feed us for 3-4 days the same as an £8 one will.

Answer 3

Talk to a nicer counselor at the welfare or social service office. If you are injured badly, maybe get on disability and go to school. You could go to college--on line classes maybe and get financial aid b/c it is based on your income. I am sure there is some sort of job that you could do that would not keep you in so much pain. I am glad that you are trying to stay motivated. If you need food, then check with local churches, the Red Cross, food banks, etc. The welfare office will know some contact numbers and the health department will too. If you can not find any help, see a your county's public attorney for some free advice. You may have to go that route to find some real answers and help, instead of getting the runaround. I wish all the best for you and your pets. I am sorry to hear that you have no one to help you.

Answer 4

I'm sorry about your predicament. At this point you can still qualify for the food stamps(you just have to go that extra step and go and ask for them which I know is a pain because you've already done it once). I see in your question that you were doing the best you could based on the information you had at the time. I commend you for taking the taco bell job and trying it out even though physically you weren't able to finish it. My experience in life is we go through times when it doesn't seem like anything goes our way. But if we can stick it out, things do eventually start going our way. Life is not easy. I don't think it's easy for anybody. Life is a challenge which we must confront. Furthermore, there are a lot of small blessings everyday if we look for them. Lastly, if you find yourself overwhelmed and stressed out, take a break, refresh your mind and you'll go back to your problems with strong resolve. Good luck.

Answer 5

Get yourself healthy and talk to the welfare lady again. You can get a note from the doctor, and ask your employer if you can work less hours or work in some other way. It is better for you not to work anymore than your doctor says you can. Also, you could wind up with more injuries if you're working while sick and taking painkillers. It sounds to me like you should qualify for disability benefits, rather than welfare. Or worker's comp, if your fall was while at work. Until you are feeling better, you should just try to take care of yourself first. My thoughts are with you and I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 6

I suggest you go to a welfare, or social worker and relate your story just as you have here.
if the doctor tells you not to work, tell him to give you a note.
If you can't get some kind of help, go to the newspaper and see if you can find someone sympathetic enough to print your story, that should get the welfare offices attention.
People with real problems should get help.
Maybe you should go to Mexico and sneak through the fence back into your own country.
tell them you are an illegal immigrant and they will give you a mansion.
I probably should not have said that, but I am mad when hurting Americans can't get help when they need it.
I hope no one thinks that I am in need now because I am not, but what is ahead of me if I am in need.

Answer 7

Try to get some training in a job that you think you would like and do well in. I'm sure there is something if you think about it. There's plenty of help out there for people like you who are willing to work. Welfare is for those who cannot work. It's being abused too much these days and thats one of the things that is dragging this country's economy down. The bible says that those who don't work, shouldn't eat. If you can't work, thats one thing. But if you can work and refuse to, thats just wrong. I hope the best for you. God Bless!!

Answer 8

Wow. That is a dilemma! And one that is becoming more and more common. It is like you can't win, no matter what you do. Both the health-care and welfare systems are messed up--as you are experiencing now. But you have no family or friends to look to for help? I would have suggested going to someone in that category for some support. There is no easy answer to your question, really. Just know that you are not alone.

Answer 9

First if you fell go get a lawyer and ask them to help you in the falling mess. (legal aid service) Then go to a social service office and see if you can apply for aid of any kind. Then listen to people they want to help
You Need to listen and give up the I can do it myself thing.
By the way many churches in all towns can help you with all of the above. Just ask and listen
Good luck

Answer 10

Sell your animals for food