Hello,
This is a very difficult letter to write as I pride myself on being self-reliant as much as possible. However, my circumstances dictate that I do something to address my current financial situation, which is dire. Thus my request here.
I am 57 years old, and health conditions have caused me to be housebound for the last 3 years. I am not receiving disability (I’ve been denied twice – anyone who’s ever gone through that process can probably relate – over 95% of applications are rejected and need to be fought in court, a process which takes a very long time for most people) and I’ve just gotten notice that my food stamps are being cut off for some arcane reason. I live in an apartment with my mother, who pays the majority of the rent (except $100), but she cannot pay anything towards my needs (including cable, internet and phone which are required for work) as she is on a limited income herself (SS) and between the two of us we are barely scraping by. My family and friends are unable to help me financially as they are also struggling. I live in a small state (RI) and there are extremely limited resources here to help people in my situation and very many people in my situation. I’ve contacted all the social services resources, etc., to no avail.
My sole source of income is working from home over the internet and phone while lying in bed. I do various jobs from small web designs, some sales, to working with clients doing miscellaneous tasks that can be done from a computer and/or phone, most of which I find by scouring the internet on Craigslist, etc. (basically, I have been cobbling together a very small living this way, generally $200- $1,000 per month, so an average of about $600 per month). Due to health issues, I’m limited in the number of hours I can work or search for work, but I try as hard as I can. My biggest client has recently dramatically reduced the work they are giving me (down to $100 per month that I can count on), and I haven’t found anything to replace them, and this has put me into extreme financial straits. I have less than $25 between my three accounts, which I need to keep there in order to keep the accounts open (without an account I won’t be able to be paid if I do find some gigs).
Also, I am taking a medication that necessitates my buying an expensive supplement (L-Carnitine) to counteract side effects which could put me in the hospital if the supplement is not taken (the medication causes my blood ammonia to go up and the supplement counteracts this). My doctor and I are looking for a solution to come off this medication, but for now the decision has been made that I need to stay on it. The issue is insurance (I’m on Medicaid) will not cover the cost of the supplement.
I’m actively looking for new gigs that I can do from home, but the pickings are slim and the competition has been extremely fierce since 2020 given how many people are now telecommuting. I’ve put out over 400 resumes this year with essentially nothing to show for it.
Currently, I need immediate money for several things, just to keep things from collapsing in on me in the next month.
The breakdown is as follows:
Cable, internet, and phone (needed for work – two months since I am behind on payments): $330.45
Food: $250.00 (to replace lost food stamp benefits)
Supplement: $153.75
Laundry: $100.00 ($25 x 4 weeks).
TOTAL $834.20
As per the rules of this site, I’ve attached an image showing screenshots of these bills/expenses.
The above doesn’t even take into account that our car needs about $500 worth of work and we are behind on the electric bill, and I have a tooth which needs to come out (when it rains, it pours) all of which I suppose I will try to address in another post (I realize that just the amount I listed is a lot to ask for so I’m trying not to over-step).
Anything anyone can help me with in order to get through the next month will be deeply appreciated, as without some outside help I will be in a deep crisis.
I’m looking as hard as I can for more sources of income that can be done from home with the amount of energy I have, and hopefully, if I can get financially stabilized this month with the help of some kind soul(s), and if I find some new work and get paid for it during this month, next month will be better.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart if you are able to help.
My paypal link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/gigi2017 