I am really struggling

[SargeUNN]

I live on less than $650 a month, can't make anymore and yet I can hardly meet my rent, have food to eat since my food stamps is now about $80 a month. I had internet but having to let it go because I just can't afford it, and now I have to change my electricity over into my name, pay a large deposit I can't afford and the electric rates here in Phoenix are so high I can count on a bill I will have to get help to pay. I really am starting to get to the point where I really don't care to live anymore because I can't do anything but sleep and sit staring at the walls. I have a right arm that is about 40% functional and it wakes me up after a few hours of sleep with pain like someone is trying to rip my arm off. I am trying to not let it take me under, but let's face it, in this nation today, it is hard for people like me to keep on keeping on.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

1. Sorry to hear you're having such a bad time,

Is your current situation a permant one or can it change with time and a better economy? It also sounds as if you need to be on the lookout for some mental health support -- it is all too easy to spiral down into a depression during times like these and circumstances like you describe. Amy family/friends to lean on during this time? You are right, our government is quickly removing itself from any responsibility for its citzenry, and so we are left trying to pick up the slack and support each other even while struggling ourselves. :(

[SargeUNN]

4. I have one person for support

and my closest family is on the Mississippi Oil Coast. I am on SSI so I am limited to the amount of income I have and any extra would be deducted from my entitlement. The already count my service connected pension toward that total. I can use the VA but unless it is an emergency I have heard there is a 3 month waiting period to get treatment. I am trying to arrange something but if it falls through I will probably have to go back to the Mississippi Oil Coast and live with my sister who is still struggling from the cost of Katrina.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

5. I would seek out vet support groups --

I think they could help you manuever the VA system best. Also, they might have info on additonal financial, residential support that might be out there especially for vets. Teaching hospitals can be an excellent source for low/no cost treatments, including mental health. I would certainly contact your utlities provider and ask about any rate reduction programs they might have you would qualify for. Would a move back home be a horrible thing? It might be good for you and you sister to haev family support (if you get on well, of course) it could lower your living costs, and give you some time/space to reimagine your life and what you want to do with it.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

19. "I have heard" about a 3-month delay at VA

Whatever you've heard, start the process. If it's 3 months, then so be it. Once you're into the routine of the VA system, appointments don't take very long. I have a few friends whose only health care is VA. They think it's pretty good.

[SargeUNN]

2. I just found out the power companies here in AZ

are making record profits due to this heat. Meanwhile they charge us more and we who can't afford it, oh well who gives a damn they think.

[GCP]

3. Are you a vet?

You'll be eligible for VA benefits if you have depression. You could call the power company and ask for reduced rates - if they cut you off in a heat wave, they'd be responsible for whatever happens to you and they know it.

[KamaAina]

6. The right arm sounds like a disability to me

that brings in ABIL (Arizona Bridge to Independent Living), the sister organization to the one that contains my cubicle.

http://www.abil.org

5025 E. Washington St., Ste. 200
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-256-2245

edit: Most CILs offer emergency financial assistance to people with disabilities such as yourself who have trouble paying utility bills, etc. At the very least, they should refer you to another social service agency.

[joeybee12]

7. There's some good advice in the responses...hope those help...

...and let us know how you're progressing...there is help out there, it's jsut sometimes hard to find.

[marzipanni]

8. You most likely qualify to get lower electricity rates

http://www.aps.com/main/services/residential/assistance/assist_2.html

I would take advantage of all the things DUers have suggested- there is hope that you'll feel better!
:hug:

[SargeUNN]

9. thanks everyone

I appreciate all the thoughts and solutions. I see one I am certainly going to check into.

[necso]

10. I don't know who your electric provider is,

but here's APS's low-income assistance page:

http://www.aps.com/main/services/residential/assistance/default.html

(I see that another has already posted a link while I composed this.)

I've been using cfls for years, and I find that not only do they cost less to use, but they also generate less heat. (The last time I bought them, I got 8 for a dollar plus tax; 14 watt "bulbs" work fine for me.)

As for giving up internet service, you might think about getting rid of the phoneline instead and using some VOIP service. (I use Magicjack (too soon to give an endorsement (naw)); and when I dropped the landline, my provider signed me up to a new (to me) internet service program that was like $11 a month cheaper... and faster, especially on the uplink.)

I find the internet very useful for finding out about sales (although I buy very little except consumables). Almost every food/household-item I buy is a sale-item (or otherwise discount, low-priced), and by planning shopping trips in advance, I'm able to stretch my food/other-consumables money a great deal.

$80 per month foodstamp benefit is hardly generous (especially at little more than 2/3 of poverty-level income); but there are various food-share (etc.) programs that you might also be able to take advantage of. (There's a local program here, and if you get foodstamps, then you're eligible.)

And I think maybe small gifts other than money might not be counted as income.

[handmade34]

11. thinking of you...

don't give up :hug: a lot of us enjoy your voice here... check the links provided by others and do what it takes to keep on...

[Flaxbee]

12. I have a friend in a similiar situation ... she has disability income

but it really doesn't cover basic living expenses and she's allowed to make only another few hundred dollars each month to maintain her status. The system is seriously f*cked up. She makes just enough to have her food stamps reduced to the point where she can't really afford both food AND electricity.

I do really hope some of the suggestions in this thread are helpful to you, SargeUNN.

[blogslut]

13. I hear you

Keep going. Keep looking. Keep my good wishes in your heart.

[Lifelong Protester]

14. I think the folks here have given good advice

what do they have for social services, if any, in AZ? I would also suggest, no lie, going to the public library. There are folks there, reference librarians, who are very good at helping folks find the kind of support you need, and may well have connections to groups that can help.

Salvation Army? I know that they have services for folks in your situation.

I'm just throwing out ideas here.

Any church groups in your area? Any churches you can get to and visit their message boards? I know that many sound like a shot in the dark, but in my small town, that is the first place you go if you need help~that's where the food bank is, the chance for any free clothes, utility help, connections to other helping groups, etc.

Finally, get the local media involved. I am not kidding. Get a local radio station to take up interest in your plight. Might seem far-fetched, by my sis and her husband own a station in CA, so I know a little about medai, and your story needs to be brought into the light of day, if you are willing. There might be more help out there that you would never know about unless YOU are known.

I really hope you have the VA on your side. If not, be a thorn in their side! Just kidding, but they OWE you.

Keep us posted, you are NOT alone. If you need to contact us from the library computer, we will still be here!

[rasputin1952]

15. The VA system has changed dramatically, and depending on

eligibility, all kinds of doors can be opened for you.

I have yet to see a "3 month" line, they are quick and efficient, and they are there for you.

You can even apply online...ust make sure you have your DD-214, or a copy, easy to get.

:patriot: :pals:

[Dora]

16. Try the St. Vincent de Paul Society

My STBX used to work for them. They're a fantastic charity, and they have many assistance programs. http://www.stvincentdepaul.net/programs-services.htm

If your electric utility is Salt River Project, they have an Economy Price Plan: http://www.srpnet.com/prices/economy.aspx

Good luck.

[Lifelong Protester]

17. How are you doing today?

Have you checked in and I missed it? We here want you to know you are not alone. Hope some of the advice and agencies mentioned here are of help.

[tishaLA]

18. LIHEAP can help with electrical bills

including deposits, I think. It's a federal program and you can go to it once/year if you are on a limited income and ask them for assistance. It's pretty painless.

[Monique1]

20. Don't give up

you may see a rainbow soon. There is only one hurricane that you will face always - that is hurricane Angel (Sarge knows what I am talking about here). Talk about the hurricane, it is time for her to land.

Don't give up yet. You faced many adversities in your life - you can't give up or the hurricane will come and get you.