I am a single mother to a special needs child. We have had a difficult time with our schools here due to his special education needs (language & sensory impairments), along with his battle with severe depression, anxiety, tourettes...just to name a few. I have health issues myself; celiac disease, polycystic ovarian disorder, shingles (for the 3rd time), & mental health; Bipolar 2, depression, anxiety, OCD.....just to name a few.
We struggle because with all of the mental health issues it greatly affects my physical problems. Having celiac is something I have struggled with most of my 35 years of life, though finally tested positive for just a few months ago. I have had to undergo every gastroenterological test you can imagine. I requested the celiac test nearly 6 years ago and I have been very frustrated over this.
I have worked my entire life. I graduated from high school, received my Barber license, and have attended 3-years of college. At one point I was working two jobs and going to school full time but due to the domestic violence taking place and my child exhibiting serious signs that something may be going on with his mental state I realized I had to stop and focus. His other parent has not been in his life for nearly 6-years, by court order. I received $25 in child support when my child turned 6 which lasted for just a short time - the 11th birthday is up next.
Needless to say we struggle like many others. I worked for a property mangement company for 7-years and as part of my job requirement I had to live on site. November 2006 I was terminated. I had never been written up, given a warning, nothing. Not only did I lose my income but we also had to leave our home. I was given no reason why. The job was ideal for me because I worked where I lived and my boss seemed so understanding and was seemingly flexible because she knew of the many issues going on in my household. I came to work, even when I was sick. This has been so difficult & humiliating. I applied for SSI and was granted Presumptive benefits but my claim was denied and I am now in the appealls process. This is grueling and I feel for anyone having to go through this process. If I am granted benefits I will qualify for SSD & SSI. My child receives SSI & I receive a grant of $349 per month with $177 in food stamps. Due to my diet for celiac the food stamps and money are gone and we barely get by. It's frustrating to me because I am capable of so much but am unable to do what I need to in order to make a decent living for my child and I. This is not a glamorous lifestyle and I cannot understand why some people fight so hard to stay on state aid when they are able to work or get their education.
I want to know what other resources are available. A friend of mine with a low functioning adult with Autism told me about a program that helps families (pays them as though they were caregivers) to help meet their child (s) special needs. I feel that I have exhausted every possible avenue financially and I am waiting for my hearing. I don't know what else to do.
