I am so frustrated right now

ZandersMama wrote: I swear, the government makes it as hard as possible to get off of welfare.
I have been in school almost a month now, im doing great, making excellant marks When I started school, I lost my welfare which is cool, i get a small living allowance thats just about enough to get by. BUT, my kids medical coverage is gone my medical coverage is gone I really wish they had let me keep it until I finish school. They both get the low income kids coverage but it doesnt cover most of what Zav needs. And I have ZERO coverage for perscriptions.

Then, yesterday I got a bill in the mail, I have to pay back some of the benefits I recieved, immediately I SO cant afford it right now, I am in school full time, and the living allowance I get barely pays rent, groceries and the babysitter. I only have internet and phone right now because their father pays for it for when he is away for work, so he can see them and talk to them.

It really seems like once you get on welfare you are trapped. I am trying to get on my feet and have a better life for my kids, but by doing that I am taking away my kids drug plan, my drug plan, plus having to pay back assistance. They just make it so hard to make a better life.

moped replied:

I am sorry Honey, I did not realize this. How can you not have medical in Canada? Explain......how does your province work? How were you covered before????

ZandersMama replied: medical is covered, it is the perscriptions that are not. when i was on welfare, i had to pay 5 dollars a perscription. now im not on welfare but not working either, i am cut from their program, and cant really get on another program until i finish school and get work. so i pay full price for perscriptions. zavs drugs run up quite a bit. about 150 each time.

moped replied:
Are you in PEI???
That sounds strange to me - isn't there anyone you can call to get some other resources?

ZandersMama replied: no im in nova scotia, i have called around, but it seems if i am not on welfare, i cant get anyone to help me and if i am on welfare, i cant go to school.

moped replied:
I find this so strange........
I am so sorry.
Have you surfed the internet for assistance programs? I am sure you have but it just seems odd to me.
What about a student loan or mature student funding?

cameragirl21 replied: Lisa, I'm so sorry. I can tell you, as someone with asthma whose monthly drugs exceed 100 dollars, I participate in asthma studies so they give me the meds free...see if there are samples from drug reps that your doc can give you...that is how I get mine free, they are pharma rep samples.
Another option is call the pharmaceutical company. Many US pharma companies have plans for people who can't afford coverage but need the drugs to live. I bet if you shared Zav's story with a pharma company, they'd be inclined to help you out. Remember the article and pics you had about him? If you still have that, send it to the pharma company with a letter describing your circumstances, I will help you write the letter if you want. I bet they will help you out, especially if you show that you are trying to better things for yourself and your kids.
Hang in there.

moped replied: And the bill you got in the mail.....call them and explain the situation, they will give you a break or bump it back for you - they cannot cut you off anything in Canada..........

moped replied:
Now that might be an idea!

ZandersMama replied:
I called them when i got in from school today, and explained to them the situation, and she said payments have to start immediately. I told her i would call her back tomorrow.

THanks Crystal, im going to try to get into the doctor next week and see what she can do for me for samples. she use to write perscriptions for me in my moms name to, i will ask her if she can do that for the kids

the program i am going through is a government thing, so im really not elegiable for anything else. i just filled out another application for medical for the boys through a low income needs thing, so we will see how that works out.

ZandersMama replied:
hmmm now there is an idea

CantWait replied: Sorry you're having a rough time.

I've been there when I was going through school as well with Robbie and Anthony.

There are programs out there, you just need to know where to look. Call Child and Family Services and have them look into things for you. It will take some work on your end, putting all your bills together, and income, etc...

You may be able to get childcare subsidy and there is a program out there for perscription costs as well, and even dental.

It won't cover everything, but it will help.