So...I am losing my food stamps next month...

[sunwyn]

After being unemployed for 4+ years, attending their classes to find a job and not finding one, they are pulling my food stamps unless I attend more classes. I would do that except I no longer have a vehicle and walking 11 miles to the office is too much for my lyme arthritis and no one wants to shuttle me back and forth. They have their own lives and own troubles. I am at my wit's end. Sorry...just needed to unload.

[Fumesucker]

1. Sorry for your troubles

If you were to post your area there might be a DUer who would help you out, if you were close to me I probably could occasionally, although I have to borrow a car I do have access to one from time to time.

[ejpoeta]

2. sorry to hear that. i wish i could help. i am sure you have explained your situation

and there is nothing they can or will do to help you. that is just ridiculous!

[lunatica]

3. I would contact my Congressperson

Things are bad in this country, but if you are incapacitated there's probably some help you can receive.

You can talk to your church pastor or priest too. There is help out there.

[Sherman A1]

7. Agreed

some good advice there. Also State Reps, State Senator and Local officials as well. They may have some ideas or provide a direction for assistance and frankly it never hurts to call or email them.

[sunwyn]

4. Thanks everyone....I am in SW Ohio

According to my caseworker, it's not her problem I have no ride. Some of those folks are really rude. I used to work Missouri Job and Family Services several years ago and I always felt for the people that came in. Compassion seems to be lacking of late in many places.

[Rider3]

6. just saw my answer... SW OH

Unreal.

[Rider3]

5. Jesus...

I'm so sorry for your situation. Curious, what state do you live in?

[Glitterati]

8. I don't live in OH, but

check around. Locally, we have a senior center which will give rides to folks. It's primarily for seniors, but for $2.00, I can call and get a ride anywhere locally if I really need it.

It's called DialARide here. Perhaps they have something similar there?

Check with your local food banks and churches. They usually know all the local helping hand organizations.

[alcibiades_mystery]

15. ^^^^^^THIS^^^^^

There are many transportation resources - either through the local government or through nonprofits and charities - that can get you back and forth.

[Recursion]

9. So sorry to hear that

Looks like there isn't much of a food security network in Camden, though the Higher Heights Church of God operates a food pantry:

http://www.sharedharvest.org/get-help/?county=preble

Pantry - Camden

Name: Higher Heights Church of God
Address: 8111 US. 127 N.
Camden, OH 45311
Contact Person: Jerrelyn Sawyers
Phone Number: [phone]
Website: None
Days/Hours Operation: Tue: 3:00p -5:00p, Fri: 9:00a -11:00a

Also, OH participates in TEFAP, and that might be worth looking at, along with anything else on this page that would apply to you:

http://jfs.ohio.gov/ofam/foodstamps.stm

Wish I could do more. Best of luck.

[sunwyn]

10. Looking into all the info....thanks again everyone.

[GreenPartyVoter]

11. I hope some of it will help! *hugs*

[badhair77]

12. I'd contact a local pastor and see if he/she has any ideas.

There are lots of people in churches and communities who do things like this just to help people. My church has a group of seniors who like to contribute to the community, not necessarily to church members. I know they're helping people who never set foot in the church. Their only thank you might be a note or a smile of appreciation - they do it for the satisfaction of knowing they've helped someone.

Please keep us updated.

[dballance]

13. This Seems to Be Your Best Resort Right Now

I bet if there are organizations like this near you one of them would help transport you to the required classes. There are truly caring people out there who do these things.

[alcibiades_mystery]

14. You can get assistance in transportation...check through your county office

[Melinda]

16. Okay, please read:

It sounds as if you are disabled. Please get your doctor to write a letter confirming your lyme arthritis and the fact you can not walk any distances. Do you have trouble sitting for extended periods of time? Have your doctor confirm this too. There should be what is known as a Federal Rurally Qualified Health Care Clinic in your area... shoot me your zip code and I'll find one for you. You can see a doctor for free at one of these clinics if you don't have one now, or can't afford to pay for one. Review the rights and responsibilities given to you by your worker.

Click on this link:

http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/file.asp?id=1536&type=application/pdf

At approximately page 9, you will see the steps to apply for what is called a "Fair Hearing". Call them 1-866-635-6748, choose option 1. You will speak with a representative who will take your information and send you an appt for the hearing - these are usually 4-8 weeks out. You will continue to receive food stamps throughout this entire process - your benefits can NOT be discontinued throughout this period. Tell the rep that you believe you are being discriminated against because you are forced to attend classes which create a hardship for you as a disabled person; you have no transportation, distance makes it impossible to walk, you can't sit for extended periods of time, pain is disabling, etc.

You are under 55, correct? You can still be exempted from having to attend job classes if you are. If over 50, you shouldn't have to attend classes, but I could be wrong - I am not familiar with Ohio SNAP requirements.

In CA, if one files for the fair hearing within 10 days of receiving the notice of termination, their benefits will continue as long as they continue the hearing process. Time is important, so be aware you have deadlines in which to do this. Read the back of the notice for your filing/time requirements. Do read everything pertaining to food stamps and your rights at the link above. I hope this is of some help. Please let me know if I can find a clinic for you, or do anything more. I wish you the best.

[sunwyn]

17. I have filed for a hearing. As to seeing a doc for lyme...

I have been unable to get treatment since 2005 due to lack of insurance. I have tried so-called free clinics but they still want cash. When I do scrap the cash together they are either lyme illiterate or insist that lyme is not a chronic disease and the implications of hypochondria abound. The government does recognize lyme as a chronic conditions requiring years of treatment. I do not qualify for disability. I wish I could just find a job..

[Melinda]

18. FQRHC Centers provide care on a sliding scale... if you are under 130% of FPL, your cost is minimal,

and because they are Federal Health Care, any co-payments can be billed and paid for as little as $5.00 per month. Most people don't pay more than $10 per visit, and one doesn't need cash up front to be seen.

http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx?byCounty=1

You can find a FQRHC in your area at the link above (I searched all Ohio as I don't know your county).

You say you have filed for the hearing, and since you state you are losing your benefits next month, I'm assuming you just received notice and filed. Your benefits will continue as long as you continue the process, and this includes not only the hearing, but any further administrative appeals process. This should be more than enough time for you to be seen by a physician and be exempted from the job class requirement as disabled. Please follow through. I personally have seen this in action with dozens and dozens of my now former SNAP clients, I have attended many fair hearings, and I know for a fact that this process works if you work it back.

While lyme may not be recognized, fibromyalgia and chronic pain are, both symptoms and results, as I understand it, of lyme disease. See a Doctor again, please.

TC.

[Coyotl]

19. You are obviously on a computer

If you are connected at home, offer your computer skills on craigslist.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

20. Or see if any of the classes you're require to take are available online (nt)

[Melinda]

21. This is a really ood idea; if they don't exist, they should!! n/t. ;-)