Lulu,
You can make it. I don't even have $35 in my account & other than for the briefest of moments, I haven't had that for quite some time now. Kitt gave some great advice. Apply for unemployment or welfare, if you haven't already done so. I'm assuming you live in the US. If so, call your local United Way office (211) and ask what assistance programs are available. Go to a local food bank so you don't need to keep purchasing food. If you don't know where one is, call any church or synagogue in your area. They should be able to direct you to the right place. You can also ask the religious organizations, United Way, Salvation Army (though they're low on funds right now) and Red Cross for assistance with essentials -- rent, utilities, counseling, etc. Apply for aid with your utilities companies. Usually they will work with you to write off a month or two worth of past due utilities if you are likely to have money soon, or else to work with you on a payment arrangement, subsidized plan if your situation is likely to continue.
Let your therapist know what's going on with you financially. She may be able to find resources to help you out as well. I know mine was able to help me find prescript
ion assistance programs, housing assistance & a few other social programs.
If you can work at all, there are a lot of places still hiring for the holiday season. It's not a ton of money, but at least it would be something. Grocery stores, retail stores & holiday specialty shops are your best bets. I went in, filled out an application, was called for an interview the next day & was hired on the spot last Friday. So it's not too late if that's something you can manage. If you are unable to work, apply for SSDI (assuming you've earned a paycheck for a total of at least 12 months of your life). If you're already tried & were denied, find an attorney. Most lawyers will take cases on a contingency basis. That means that they don't get paid unless they get you SSDI. Once you start getting your checks, the lawyer is paid out of that money.
For prescript
ion assistance, you can visit
www.pparx.org. You can also try contacting your state's Department of Human Services to see if they can direct you to medical programs in your state. They are especially helpful if you are disabled.
Hang in there! I know it's really rough right now. I've been looking for a job for quite some time now, too. A seasonal job is not my cup of tea, but at least it's something. Also, temp jobs are pretty good right now. It takes a while to get your first assignment, so I'd still suggest trying to find a part-time seasonal position, but temp jobs usually pay better. They're not terribly picky about
who they hire, but I know that would probably be a lengthy commute for you so be sure to calculate in gas when deciding whether to take the job. That's gotten me sometimes.
Sorry, I know that's a lot of information. I wish there was just a simple answer on where to go for gas money. Unfortunately, you basically have to find ways to save in every other category & then just use whatever's left for gas money. I know it feels awful to have to rely on other people/organizations to be able to survive, but I guess that's the new "normal". I've sold what I can on Craig's List/eBay and then try to scrimp & save wherever I can. The one upside is that right now is the best time to try to get assistance. People in the holiday spirit tend to give more the charities, so November through January usually are the months when it is easiest to get assistance.
Gosh, I wish I had cheerier news for you. Still, I hope something I wrote is helpful. We all just need to pull together for a while longer until the job market turns around. :)
peace,
frances