Food stamps

Firemom, it sounds to me like you have already done the homework to know how much you would qualify for, which tells me that you are in need of some assistance. There certainly is no harm in accepting help. That is what the assistance is for. Public assistance was not created for people to sustain themselves on for a lifetime. It was originally put in place to help people bridge the gap during hard times. Things will look up for you and your family. There are times in life when we have to swallow our pride and do what we need to in order to get back on the raft! When I was young and my parents divorced my mom and I lived in low income housing and had food stamps in a small town. I remember feeling funny at the grocery store because I thought people were looking at me with pity. We were only on public assistance for about a year and then we were back above water. Honestly, if there were more people like you in this country the states funding would not be in such a financial crisis. You are an independent person with a wonderful ability to take care of yourself. Unfortunately, life dealt you a hand that you need help playing. No worries Firemom, you will be an even better person when this is all said and done.

There is nothing wrong with asking and using the publics help. The only time it is a problem is if you dont need or are just too lazy to try and get ahead. Judging only from your discussion description, this is not the case at all. Food Stamps and welfare i think have a bad reputation because of how many people abuse the system simply because they are too lazy to go and get a job or too lazy to work hard and make money. You do not seem like someone who is trying to abuse the system and i dont see why you shouldn't go and apply if you cant make ends meet. People pay taxes for people who do need the help, not people who abuse it, thats why a lot of people are so up in arms about welfare and other such social programs. I would have no problems paying taxes to help a family who work hard but can't make ends meet. My stepaunt and uncle are in the same predicament. They both work hard but can't make enough money in this economy to make ends meet. You should not feel ashamed at all.

I would suck it up and not buy into the socialist agenda you are "qualified for". Your well being relies upon yourself, not the government.

Just my righteous opinion.

Shoot..if you were completely honest (I'm sure you were) then I would jump on it!
Don't let pride get in the way of accepting the help. Then you will have the money you normally spend on groceries to pay other bills. Or even catch up on ones you may be behind on.
In today's economy accept any help you can get.
As a tax payer, you have deposited into that program, nothing wrong from making a withdrawl from it as well!

In my opinion, if your family qualifies, you should apply. No one can look down on you and you shouldn't feel bad about yourself for finding ways to better life for your family. You don't have to depend on public assistance forever, but for as long as you need to get back on your feet. I personally would respect you for making that decision. I know if I were in your place I would feel the same way. You have to do what is right for your family.

If your family qualifies for it then I would get it. I wouldn't be too proud to accept them. I wish my family could get them cause sometimes food is so expensive and sometimes I feel like we can't afford a lot of food but I know with how much my husband makes that we probably wouldn't qualify for it. I would definitely apply if you qualify for it and I would accept them because at least you will be able to feed your family.

Hi firemom31, the link u gave didnt work.:( May be there was a typo.:( Anyway, in this case, there is absolutely no need to feel hurt in accepting that help. Actually everytime u buy that toothpaste, or soap, or toilet cleaners, or even other things, u r paying some taxes. Part of these taxes are set aside to let people tide over hard times. It is essentially from taxes that u have paid! It isn't somebody like Bill and Melinda Gates who is funding this. So what is wrong in accepting it? Well, if u do feel so much, and if things do improve considerably, u can always give that amount to charities. That way, u could consider it as a loan rather than dole out.

I'd definitely take them, not for the pride really, you say you have worked all your life, but if you qualify, wouldn't the food stamps help you? I think I'd qualify, if just my country had food stamps. And I'd take them. I don't care the pride, but I care I'm just too stressed in having money enough for food and I'd love some of the stress to be taken away.

There is nothing wrong with taking help when you need it. Sometimes our pride gets in the way of our need. Just push that pride aside and apply for your assistance. It might just be the best thing you can do for yourself and your family. Good luck!

Are you struggling? If you are and your family could benefit from the help then go for it. These days people who have never ever had to apply for help are finding themselves in a position where they really need to. If you need them then go for it.