Living on $13,000, is that possible?

Question

I am on disability. My working memory is impaired among a few other things. I receive $13,000 from S.S. and $500.00 from my divorce settlement which ends in a about 6 months. I've been doing volunteer work to improve my self esteem and get back into working. I've had problems with the work. I'm concerned how I can live on 13,000. or get a job. My vocational trainer doesn't want me to get a job as of now. What work do you think I could do? I also miss being in the work force. I used to be a successful manager. I looked into stocking shelves but the Voc. Trainer said that could be stressful also. I'm scared.

Answer 1

Do you have to pay monthly mortgage or rent payments? If so the $13000 wouldn't go far. Also where do you live? That would also play a large role in how well you can get by on that amount. GOOD LUCK

Answer 2

I think one person can live on $13,000, depending on where they live. I made it on about that amount for rent, bills, etc. while I was a college student.

The problem with living on such a lean budget is that you have no padding for emergencies, or for saving towards financial goals. You can't buy a house someday on $13,000, and if the car breaks down, you likely can't afford to fix it.

If you could earn a little and still be eligible for your SS disability, I think you should get a job, even if it's only stocking shelves. I work in the workers' compensation industry, and there are lots of studies that show that the longer you are out of the workforce, the harder it is to get back into it. Even if it's only for a very few hours each week, I think it will help you both financially and in terms of self-esteem. I wonder if you could be a part-time companion and do simple housework for an older person in your area? It might not be as stressful as working at a retail store, and hopefully you could feel really good about yourself.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Stocking stressful?

First you qualify for housing assistance. YOU are the person it was designed to help. Please USE it, we tax payers really want to know that at least a few of the people helped really need it! So many are simply druggies who can't get a job because tey can't pass the drug test.

I feel for you, wanting to work, it is not good for anyone to have nothing to acheive. If stocking is too stressful how about bagging at a grocery store? There is not a lot of stress and you get to interact with manny people during the day. I am sure your vocational trainer can help make it "therapy" so that the income does not interfere with your benefits.

Answer 4

If you are on disability then you must have been diagnosed with something. You dont say what. What you have would depend what you can do non? Here in Canada, people on Disabiliyt are only allowed to make a little money. You know like maybe you could take a shif or two per week at walmart. Or maybe do some kind of outside work or something. Can you babysit?

Answer 5

If your vocational trainer was concerned about your being physically able to work, I would tend to believe them. If their only concern is 'stress', YOU are better qualified to judge that then ANYONE. If $13,000 is your NET (no taxes coming out) it is possible to live on, but not easy.

Answer 6

You should qualify for low income house through hud and also be eligible for free to low cost medicare assistance from the state. Use coupons for food from the local Sunday newspaper. Establish a budget now though, and figure out your skills to establish some sort of in house business to supplement your income like buying overstock in supplies from stores for cheap and selling them to a foreign nation or something like that.

Answer 7

My dear old 81 year old father lives on that very amount! He's doing O.K. because his health is pretty O.K. Best to you! ;-)=