In September the Gas Co. did their Fall eval. of our Budget Plan, heading into the Winter and jumped us from $63 to $82 per mo. First call got agreement from Customer Service Rep. to modify to $72 a mo. Next bill came, at $82. 2nd call was told first Rep was wrong. Can't change amount. Stuck with $82. Even Supervisor said so. I told her Company should stand up to agreement wiith Customer and correct employee. Not Customer's fault, and not standing up to it makes it a lie. (A lot of good it did, but I felt better.)
My teeny part time job was terminated effective 10/18/08. Just a little to supplement my Soc. Sec. Disability, but it covered groceries. Going to be nearly impossible to find another work-at-home;teeny hours, income limit,on a payroll so I don't jeopardize the Disability income.
Today the Escrow eval for our mortgage came. Last year it was short about 130.00. I paid it and the monthly payment only changed a little bit. I was ready for that. I wasn't ready for it to be over $400 short. No way to pay that. adjustment plus payment to cover shortage push the total payment up by $45 starting Dec. 1. Hubby heard me talking about this latest development and now he's devastated that we will "have to move".
Just went through 2 days of "clock trouble" and now this. I have told him the only way he'll have to move, is if he got too sick for me to be able to take care of him. He seemed to get that tonight. Who knows about tomorrow?
I've spent my life thinking outside the box to get things done because I can't do them the standard way. I've learned over the years of caregiving him with his mental illness and learning disabilities, before the VaD, to roll with the punches of unexpected problems. I've already started exploring some sources for help, but this time I'm feeling scared and shaky. Things sure look different when your 60 not 40.
Just letting off a little steam. Feeling just a little kicked around.
Have you checked with the Alzheimer's Association to see if there are any monies available that you could apply for?
I thought of some ideas to throw your way as a means to bring in extra money while staying at home if you are interested.
I understand that there are ads in the newspaper about some people earning extra money by stuffing envelopes in their home.
I'm not artsy craftsy, but I know some people who make birdhouses; others make scrapbook covers; others make covers for toasters; others get beads at Michaels and make jewelry - all of which people sell at craft shows in the area. If you know of someone nearby who has a booth, they might let you sell things through them. If this isn't a possibility for you (it isn't for me - no talent), I know a couple of women who transcribe dictation at home and the attorneys even have someone take it to them and pick it up when completed.
Of course the ultimate sacrifice would be to offer to watch another AD patient during the day once or twice a week - for $10-$12 or so an hour (the present rate is $15-$18) and that would get you your extra money, if you could stand to do it!
Well, my brain is turning to mush, so I'd better go to bed now. I have a feeling that something will come up to help you out. Just keep us posted and know we are here for you!
I mentioned in a post I made in another thread about keeping our own identity from floundering about contacting your local Vocational Rehabiliation State agency. Since they only work with people with disabilities,they can help you find an appropriate job with reasonable accommodations. You don't have to work full-time; part-time is fine. They also have great resources for jobs you can do from home. I am not sure what state you live in, but there is a program called CORA. They are in several states. They offer a wide variety of job opportunities that you can do out of your home and set your own schedule. CORA only hires people with disabilities, so they are very flexible and understanding. Your state Vocational Rehabilitation agency will be very familiar with the rules of SSDI and SSI, so they can guide you through the process on how to get a Ticket To Work (if you don't already have one) and help you ensure appropriate career placement without risking your benefits. They will even do Vocational Evaluations that include interest and aptitude testing to help you find out what your interests are. Even though you think you know what some of your interests are, these evaluations can open up a whole new world for you. Most agencies also provide other job related services including job placement. Every state is different, but our agency even helps people with things like hearing aids, home & vehicle modifications and a vast array of assistive technology. Their ultimate goal is your appropriate employment and everything they do for you has to be related to you securing and maintaining employment. Even though your LO AD takes up a lot of your time, make sure the agency understands you need the job and need to work. Some people try to use our agency to get the free hearing aids or other assistive technology with no intention of working. Just make sure they know your intentions are legit. Their services are free and unlike most other government agencies, they are grateful you contacted them. Their annual funding is based on the number of people the successfully help find jobs.
If you have trouble finding your nearest state agency, let me know and I will do some research for you to help you in this area.