Help. Family member's unemployment stopped and her husband

had a heart attack. They have no money coming in. Has anyone heard if benefits are being continued?

For one, food stamps. For another, since he has had a heart attack, he might be eligible for social security disability. At least, they can look into them. Otherwise, I am not sure where we are on unemployment extension.

some money but we don't have enough to carry them through. They live across the country and it's just like the bottom fell out from under them. What is wrong with the Republicans? How could they deny the help so many need?

Sometimes--not often, of course--it moves faster. I fear that telling pople they won't get it for years might lead some to give up on even applying for it.

(or have her call it.) If you have that service in your area, that links to the social services version of 911, and they can talk you through whatever help is available for a whole variety of problems, and they will know local resources in your area as well.

little known fact is most hospitals set aside money for charity and hospitals also receive tax write offs for non payments.

A heart attack with no money coming in and health benefits gone would certainly constitute a *catastrophic event* and be covered under that act, IMO.

They can get into programs to deal with the stress, and get information as to where to go for health help. They should also be able to provide information on local foodbanks and such. Someone also mentioned calling 211 (United Way) and that's an EXCELLENT suggestion. That number works as a clearinghouse for all sorts of programs and they will probably have information on obscure programs that run *under the radar* so to speak.

Contact their church. Most churches are trying to help families through these hard times. Even if they may be lapsed churchgoers - tell them to call anyway.

Find out if there are any county medical programs available. File for medicaid, food stamps, section 8, or some form of help with costs. They'll probably get several pages of lists of places to call. Call them ALL. Many times those lists need to be updated.

Don't give up. And as hard as it seems to ask for help -- do it. Be FEARLESS. Don't take no for an answer. If one group says they are out of money, ask them for a reference to a group that CAN help you. We had to do this, because it seemed we went through a period where all the groups were blowing us off. I didn't become obnoxious - but I didn't *go away* either. If you just keep asking, they have to help.

Keep us posted. It's rough out there, but it can be done.

I got to a point that I was utterly shameless, and totally fearless. Worst case scenario - they'd say no. So I'd get my revenge by asking them to point me to someone who would help. They couldn't in good conscience *not* help with information (that didn't cost anything) - and I made them *help* anyway.

It's not going to be easy. But it *can* be done. We're living proof of it. Just tell them to KEEP NETWORKING. That was key for us. And do keep us posted.

weak and she is just hanging in there. We are only able to send what we can. I just found out yesterday how desperate they are. Thank you, I'm encouraged that you made it. But you had to fight for yourself. I cannot interfere and make them fight. I will try to get them this info though. It's a bad spot for them and for me that I can't just make it all better. We have our own circumstances that are hinged on a steady paycheck.

Why can't Republicans see the damage they do?How could they just let the UI extension lapse?

If they have no children, Welfare/Food Stamps are unlikely.

Have them contact an attorney who specializes in fast-tracking Social Security Disability SSDI (although, 'fast-track' is minimum 5 months)

Another thought - have them contact their state unemployment people who may also have resources.

Lastlty, ask the hospital. While they may only be able to advise formally on the fees for the heart event, they may have other ideas as to where to turn locally for other assistance.

and charge a fair and reasonable rent week to week in advance so they don't get stuck with deadbeats. That also protects the people who would room/share with them.

That might help them with keeping their shelter, paying utilities, etc. and it might help the people they share shelter with.

Sometimes roomate services will do a credit check for you.

That's what I would do in their situation.

Sorry, couldn't resist.