[USER]

I’m struggling with my mental health and finances. I’m in about $20,000 in credit card debt and I have $50,000 in student loans.

I’ve been charging everything, rent included since the beginning of the year when life started falling apart, fuel, food, vehicle repairs, pet care, school clothes/supplies, etc.

We haven’t done any fun vacations this summer or are buying fancy items, just survival.

I’m now a single mom of two kids with autism, one with severe mood disorder and the other with a PTEN gene mutation which makes him prone to cancer and a billion other things.

He’s already had 6 surgeries and many more are in his future.

I can’t leave them alone and they have so many appointments during the week, I haven’t been able to find a job that supports their schedule.

They do miss a lot of school, so I can’t really count on that time to work. I’m desperately seeking advice.

I can barely cover my minimums now. I am surviving on the measly child support I get and I don’t get it all the time.

I’ve been making a little money with some crafting and selling online, but now I’m seriously depressed and my stuff isn’t selling like it used to as the market has become saturated.

My kids are wearing me down mentally and physically. I get no help, no friends or family.

I’m sitting here in tears typing this feeling hopeless. I need an online job and most look like scams. I know they exist, but where?

I don’t have any relevant experience either.

[Jessica]

Check your state for SSI. Your kiddos may qualify. Ask school social worker and they can offer resources.

[Helen]

If you are near Antigonish I can watch your children for nothing to help you out I have experience with special needs and lots of references.

I hope things get better but your children should also be able to get extra money for special needs too.

I pray that things will get better but if you need someone to talk to I am here you are not alone.

[Kelly]

Are your kids on SSI? It sounds like they might qualify, although that can take a while. Are you on food stamps?

Getting Home Energy Assistance (HEAP)? Do you live in subsidized housing?

[Brenda]

Are your kids on Medicaid? In my state there are “waivers” that pay for things such as respite (time for you to do errands or things you need to do without them) and possibly even caregivers.

Many of the kiddos on our caseload have autism and need services like this.

[Jill]

I haven’t seen any comments about applying to be a paid caregiver for your children with special needs.

SD does that for people who caregive for those with disabilities.

[Sarah]

It’s not work from home, but could you be a sub at your kids’ school? It would be flexible enough to only work the days you are able to.

Not sure of their ages, if they would be old enough/safe to take along, but DoorDash allows passengers when you work and can be a quick way to make some extra cash, especially if near a big city or suburbs.

Check out any food banks near you, too!

If you have younger kids, you could see if any moms would swap childcare, so you could get a break?

I’m sorry it’s such a struggle at the moment, but you are doing so amazing staying strong for your kids!

[Jen]

Perhaps contact social security for benefits for your children, or department of transitional assistance, for SSI, TAFNC, SNAP (food stamps) you can apply online I believe.

Food banks/mobile food banks are helpful and they want you to go there and use their services.

Maybe try a local job center and ask them about remote job listings that are legitimate?

If you have a car, door dash or delivery services that are gigs, so you can work around your schedule?

Buy Nothing group on Facebook, you can ask for things you need and local community will help, also a good way to pass along things you don’t need any longer.

[Gracia]

It’s so hard out there. I have a work-from-home job with Data Annotation; it’s writing-based and I didn’t have any experience in the field when I applied at the beginning of the year.

They don’t take out taxes (they pay into your Paypal account), so you have to account for that at the end of the year (but I can write off home/internet/home office/ect purchases, find a VERY good person to do your taxes and they can help a TON).

I make enough to cover my mortgage, food, bills, and some other expenses.

It isn’t perfect as the work can fluctuate but I can work around my other two jobs.

And they don’t max you out, you can work as much or as little as you want or they have available.

If you are very good at following directions, it’s worth applying. There are other companies out there, but Data Annotation has treated me well.

Take your time on the application as it is what judges if you get employed or not; they are selective.

[Jamila]

Happy to help with a resume, coaching for interviews and applying to/finding remote work.

My kids are grown now but completely understand your struggle as a single mom with no support system

[Lori]

File a show cause to get your back child support if you have not. They will jail him for nonpayment and/or garnish his wages. You don’t need an attorney to do that.

Also a lot of great ideas here by asking for government assistance through various programs.

Take advantage of all of them!

[Debbie]

I wish I could hug you and tell you everything will be okay. As a Mom of 2 special needs boys, recently widowed, I understand the stress and the feeling of “what do I do”.

Get doctors records of your children’s diagnosis and then go to your local social services.

Start the SSI process and food stamps, Medicaid. Ask for everything your qualified for.

[Chris]

You mentioned pet care as one of your expenses. If you live in St Louis Stray Rescue can help with dog food and such. If you’re not in STL check out a large rescue near them.

The shelters are so full they’re helping folks who are ready to give up pets just because they can’t afford them.

That may make a small dent in your expenses but keeping a beloved pet can really make the mood in the house better.

[Victoria]

What type of work have you done in the past? Definitely apply for assistance: food, fuel, Social Security for your kids. Medicaid for yourself.

Check out your local food banks if food stamps aren’t enough.

In my state DDS (Department of Developmental Services) provide services for those with Autism.

See if you qualify for supports in your home or whatever supports they qualify for.

Check out support groups in your area for families with children with Autism.

You might make some friendships there. On days the kids are in school you could Door Dash or something like it, if you’re unable to find something online.

[Maria]

Check with your student loans… they may have an income driven program you can qualify for. You would pay depending on what you make or nothing at all.

Apply for SSI for your children, and for government assistance as others have suggested.

Food pantries in your area.

Depending where you live find out if you can get paid by the state to be a caregiver to your children.

[Suzanne]

I’m so sorry you are having such a rough time, you didn’t mention anything about food stamps or government help, but this is exactly what it is there for to help you get back in your feet.

As far as earning money, can you donate plasma to just get some cash quick, can you work a call service work from home job, I know our local energy utilities hires with good pay and benefits, so if one of your kids is home sick, you wouldn’t have to call out sick.

There might also be local support for kids with Autism, Google your area.

Maybe you can get some respite relief and do door dash during that time.

There are laundry services where people pay you to come pick up their laundry and deliver it clean and folded, you can do that anytime of day while doing other work from home stuff.

Hoping you find some help with all the suggestions

[Marilyn]

You may be eligible for low income housing. Contact county social services and they should be able to connect you to available resources.

[Jaded]

Look for waha jobs. I work from home and do call center work and I do a split shift.

I don’t have kids but I have autoimmune diseases that can affect me and cause pain.

Sometimes I take a nap or schedule doc appointments like tomorrow I have a cat scan and fri an appointment with a surgeon.

What state are you in and my company pays abt 18-20 something an hr?

[Author]

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