Disability & food stamps

mawhinney

A Stage IV friend on chemo and on disability was denied food stamps because her 22 year old son lives in the house. She also has a 13 yr old son living in the house.  Is there any way that the 22 yr. old can live in the house and the family be able to qualify for food stamps?

Someone said if the 22 yr. old kept his food in a separate closet and a separate refrig, the family could get food stamps. Is this true?

sheila888

I sent you a PM.

hopeful34

This is true.  About five years ago, I had to move back in with my parents for a few months with my son and I told them I had my own refrigerator with food for my son and I and they gave me assistance, and did not include my parents in my income.  So.....this is absolutely true. 

mawhinney

hopefu34 ~ Thaks for your reply.  I will tell my friend.

Was there ever an actual inspection to see if you had the refrig and separate food claset for your son?

Twinmom77

Are you sure she didn't report his income in with the household income? I think it's really going to vary from state to state and from county to county.  Hopeful, I notice you're in Ohio too.  I've seen completely different practices and attitudes depending on the Ohio county I've lived in.  In my current county, I can tell you they would not let you keep a separate fridge/cupboard.  They've accused me of lying and sent my case to fraud investigations a number of times (and it always came back that I was honest), so these people can be mean and vicious.  When I lived further south in a smaller county, they were a lot more lenient and much, much friendlier.  My point being, it just depends on where you live.

Could she apply for grants for cancer patients?  Her hospital social worker should have some info on grants that will pay for mortgages, car payments, food, utilities, etc. Hope she gets some relief soon!

TiffanyF4

I have worked and paid taxes from my earnings since I was a teenager. It infurates me that people that really NEED assistance can't get it. I hope your friend gets what she needs.

hopeful34

They never questioned me or came for an inspection, but they can if they want to.  Worst case scenario is she will actually have to get an extra fridge or something.  I just put my food in my moms garage fridge to be safe.  Has your friend tried any churches or a food pantry?  I know it isn't ideal, but there are times they will help with her utility bills and obviously food.  They typically don't even check your income.  I hope she gets the help she needs.

Tiffany- I totally agree with you.  I haved worked since I was 13 and the day after graduation, I started working full time and have never stopped until my BC dx.  They have given me a hard time too.  I am doing chemo right now, had a BMX with immed. recon in May and a MRSA infection somewhere in between and they made me go to a Job Fair thing this past Friday.  I have a college education and have been a medical assistant for the last five years and they are making me take tests to see what kind of job I can get.  I have seen so many people who don't need disability in my office and yet they get help- no questions asked.  It makes no sense.  Sorry I will get off of my soap box now.  It really is sad that they make it so hard for those people who have paid into it and let others get off so easily.

Good luck to you and your friend mawhinney.

mawhinney

Thanks to all for your tips.  I will pass your suggestions along to my friend.  I was thinking maybe a small dorm style refrig & some sort of cabinet in her garage would qualify her for food stamps.