Anyone have any ideas that can help me!!!

[favgirl23]

Are there any programs out there that help single mom's pay their bills? I already applied for a student grant but was turned down because I have completed too many units and my rate of course completion isn't high because I have a disability that affects every aspect of my life. I live with my parents and pay them rent and buy food but they are struggling too. My mom is employed as my daughter's care provider as she has severe Autism. She is still married to my Dad although there marriage was over years ago. I need help. I feel like I am drowning. It is starting to take a toll. We will have to move out of the house we are renting soon and don't have enough money for the deposit on another place. Once our lease is up, my parents will go their separate ways. We can't live here paying rent every month and save the money for a deposit on a new place. Any suggestions would be great. I get social security disability, should I contact them? Are there any agencies that help people in my situation?

[SMFH]

Social Security administration would be a good place to start.

Also, try contacting local church groups as some of them might be willing to help. You could try contacting groups like Habitat for Humanity which provides low income families with homes to live in. I'm not sure what area you are in but just do a search online or in your local phone book to find them.

Lastly, be sure to check back on the forums here on a daily basis. New information is posted daily and you never know what might work for you.

[angie1976]

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has programs for temporary assistance for needy families. Things like paying heating and energy bills (usually called Low-Income Energy Assistance Program or LEAP). The following link is to the national website for Health and Human Services:

http://www.hhs.gov/children/index.html

The following is a link to the individual state departments of Health and Human Services in the U.S. This is a map, so just click on the state where you live to find the types of assistance provided and how to apply for them.

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ofa/states/tanf-info.htm

Good luck!

[hollz]

I would definitely suggest looking into SSI assistance. If both you and your daughter have a disability you will qualify. Or you could apply just for yourself, or for your daughter alone. My son has mild Autism, but even mildly, I understand how Autism can change your entire life, so I wish you all the best of luck in finding assistance. Have you considered asking the father to pay child support?

[AmbRena8708]

look for income based housing! I was in a real tough situation (still am) Sect 8 (hud necac rental assistance - whatever u wanna call it were out of funds-no valchures were to be given) but i a gotta roof over my head (even if it is small as a jail cell and hard to keep decent w a 2 year old) Rent is based on income and deductions are given for children/childcare expenses, the one i found includes water and electric with my rent at 30% income MAX! Depending on ur community they may not be the best but they are shelture. (my community is terrible about keeping theirs up to date and most ppl in charge are... well lets just leave it there because i have nothing nice to say! Nevertheless we have an apt not very nice but its an affordable place