Cash and Food Assistance

[starmickey03, MSN, RN]

I was accepted into a nursing program in Ohio and I currently live in MI. I already have all the pre reqs done so I will be starting in the clinical sequence this August. I know that it is said that you shouldnt work while in clinicals and I dont think I will be able to since I have two small children, a 4 yr old and a 1 yr old. I dont have any family or friends in OH so I basically dont have a support system. So if I did get a job I would have no one to look after them.

So my question is for those who have received food and cash assistance from Ohio before. Will I be able to receive assistance while in class and clinicals or is assistance only for those who have jobs but they are low paying?

Thanks

[LovebugLPN]

You could contact the welfare department in the area you will be living. I am sure they would be able to give you an application and information.

[wildflower0205]

I feel for your situation because i have been there (still there actually). The way it works is this: You'll fill out an application for food, medical and cash assistance and based on your need they'll decide if you need all three, which they probably will. In order to continue getting benefits, you either having to be working so many hours or going to school so many hours from what I understood from talking with my case manager. I believe they also allot a certain amount of money to go towards daycare if that's something you need as well. You can also apply for WIC (Women Infants and Children) and they'll give you coupons/food vouchers for the grocery for your little ones (i think it's for children under 5 and pregnant/nursing mothers). It's good for things like milk, bread, beans, cereal etc. That should help too. Hope this info helps and good luck!

[demi07]

Yes hunni, you can get assistance while in school only. One of my classmates gets cash, medical and food assistance. You have to do what you have to do. I completely understand. And actually, if you did decide to work you can get childcare assistance, I know firsthand because this is what I use. I goes completely by your income. You will recieve vouchers, the state pays majority of the childcare fees while you pay only a portion. This is only temporary so dont feel ashamed for needing a little help.

[Heavenly4505]

Hello,

I receive food stamps, medicaid, and daycare assistance for my children, myself, and my husband. My husband lost his job and his unemployment ran out. He has applied everywhere but has had no luck finding a job. So, he's currently working toward a college degree as a full-time student. I work part-time as a nurse's aide and am attending college for my LPN. I have two small children, a 5 year old and 4 year old. We do not qualify for cash assistance because my son's social security comined with my income puts us over the limit. We do qualify for everything else, though. Just so you know, they will give you daycare assistance vouchers to use while you are in school, on top of the food stamps and medicaid. I used to get cash assistance when my oldest child was a baby (I was a single mom), and they MAKE you either work or go to school or both. They can help you find a job if you are interested in that while you're in school. They will also assist you with making childcare arrangements. I've been blessed to have wonderful caseworkers who want us to succeed. Good luck to you.

[starmickey03, MSN, RN]

Thanks you guys I really appreciate the help!

I plan on applying for outside loans to help with the cost of school, and using whatever is left over for most of my expenses, so hopefully that will help out some.

But thanks, it feels good to know that others understand my situation and arent being judgmental...