Staying afloat while you wait for a disability claim to be approved is an important topic to discuss. When a person becomes too disabled to work, he or she still needs a place to live and food to eat.
While waiting for the disability decision, saved funds can run out fast. So, if you can’t work, how else can you survive? When tough times get tougher, there are many resources in your community you can utilize. We’ll discuss your options for food, housing and other support while you’re in this waiting period.
Food Assistance Options while Waiting for Disability Claim Approval
There are some options for food assistance while you’re waiting for your claim’s approval. One option is to apply for food stamps through your county’s Department of Job & Family Services, now known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). However, there are also other programs that ODJFS promotes on their website that’s just as helpful and less well-known, such as the EBT Farmer’s Market Demonstration Project. This allows SNAP recipients access to fresh, locally-grown foods.
Food banks are also in abundance in most metropolitan areas. They are typically run by local non-profit organizations or churches that operate off of donations and volunteering. In our area is the well-known Cleveland Food Bank. Since 1979, this organization had fed millions of families, and recently won an award from the organization Feeding America for outstanding SNAP outreach efforts.
How Can I Keep My Home While Waiting for Disability Benefits?
Most metropolitan areas are also home to organizations that can help you keep your home. If you can no longer make your mortgage payment, there are organizations that will work as liaisons between you and your mortgage company to make your payments affordable. ESOP is an organization in the Cleveland area that specializes in helping people that are victims of predatory lending and cannot afford their mortgages.
If you rent, don’t be afraid to approach your landlord about your situation. He or she may be able to work something out with you. But if not, you can also turn to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for assistance. A HUD counselor can help you find an apartment you can afford in subsidized or Section 8 Housing.
If your home has already been foreclosed or if you have been evicted from the residence you rented, there are organizations that will help you secure a new place to live. In Cleveland, Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio (MAHO) specializes in helping disabled people find safe, affordable and clean housing.
Other Support Systems While Waiting for Disability Benefits
There are a countless number of charitable organizations who do various things. Perhaps you are unable to take your children on trips or participate in other fun activities with them. Non-profit organizations such as Open Doors Academy can provide fun, educational opportunities for your child as well as mentorship.
Perhaps you need an outlet for your frustrations but cannot afford to enjoy the hobbies that you love. Organizations such as Art Therapy Studio in Cleveland can give you that outlet as well as help you learn more about yourself.
Churches are wonderful places not only for food pantries but other charitable drives as well. Don’t be shy about contacting your local church to see what programs they provide. They may run clothing drives, or toy drives at Christmastime so your children can still enjoy receiving gifts from Santa Claus.
Never Give Up!
While waiting for your disability claim to be processed or appealed, it is easy to become overwhelmed, frustrated, or depressed about your situation. Never give up! With a little bit of conviction and plenty of resources at your fingertips, you WILL get through this tough time.
At Balin Law, we will help give you peace of mind. We do this by dealing directly with the Social Security Administration so you don’t have to. We will make sure the SSA receives all of your pertinent medical evidence so your disability claim flows as smoothly as possible.
Call us today to see how we can help! Toll-free 866-492-2546