No food stamps for students!!!

HopefulRN2006 · Jun 3, 2005

I heard the same thing with a few students I have talked to...it makes NO sense at all!! :angryfire One gal who sat next to me had to withdraw during the last 2 weeks of her 1st year because she was forced to work f/t (single mom) and was so tired out.

YoungWiseWoman · Jun 3, 2005

yeah that really sucks! i applied for assistance and they told me i had to work at least part-time, but i could only make $1000 per month gross. or if i was pregnant or had kids already (in my world... ,not married=no kids or pregnancies) i could get help. all i wanted was some help getting food. like $50 a month. i barely get by after all my bills, but by god's grace and through lots of credit card debt i never go hungry. i really wish students could get help just for helping themselves, but unfortunately that is not how it works in texas.

:) ketcia:)

onehusbandsevenkids · Jun 3, 2005

I was just asking for some daycare help, but going to nursing school fulltime was not enough, I'd also have to work 20 or more hours per week BUT make only a certain amount of money.

Seems like if you're down and trying to get up, they make it next to impossible.

Only makes sense though to help a family for a period of time, in turn that family is able to make it on their own and then contribute back into the system.

Not that I like the idea of receiving the govt's help, but sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do to get out of a bad situation and strive for something better.

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2005

I hear you. Dh's unemployment ran out and I was not working. Was taking ten credits in addition to the 8-10 for my nursing classes. We applied for medical assistance and food stamps until he could get back to work and were turned down. Our income was zero. I had really bad GERD and IBS and needed the meds. The caseworker advised us that for me to qualify, I would have to be pregnant. He then, off the record of course, advised us to conceive a child to qualify. Um, NO! :angryfire

One thing your friend may want to look into is a workstudy job in the computer lab or school library where she could study. My friend answered phones and did filing in the nursing office at school. A lot of times she was able to get study time in too. These hours counted toward her financial aid and toward her welfare benefits. She had an understanding case worker that helped her work this out. She said the same to the case worker that you're saying. It made no sense that she was trying to get away from government assistance and that their requirements were making it impossible to do so.

DZcarrie · Jun 3, 2005

Have a friend admitted to an intense LPN program - that does not allow you to work - but since she cannot work she will lose her foodstamps! Since when did the government change the rules to make it even harder for someone to go to school? Now she will have to borrow even more money to pay for food - on top of borrowing money to pay rent, utilities or gas. If she was over 60 she could still get them and go to school and not work - how stupid is that? But immigrants can get food stamps? I just don't get it. It is like the government would like her to just work parttime minimum wage and still get food stamps for the rest of her life. (which she could do). Makes no sense.

The government (FAFSA) allows for students to borrow money (Stafford Loans ) from them or grant them money (PELL grants) to go to school and pay for rent, food, and other living expenses depending on need. Your state also has financial aid programs for this. Tell your friend to fill out a FAFSA form and the additional forms from your state. If she already needs assistance, she will probably qualify for a decent financial aid package.

Here is a rundown: http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/2004_2005/english/types.htm

Additionally, what is wrong with immigrants being able to eat? So many people come to this country with nothing but the clothes on their back.

Many elderly people would also physically be unable to work and go to school and generally already have a tough time affording food and multiple medications. Plus, many have already paid into the system for decades.

It is tough affording college when you're on your own, but please don't compare being a college student with being an immigrant or the like. Apples and oranges.....

SCmomof3, RN · Jun 3, 2005

Not all schools participate in federal student loans. Mine doesn't. Just an FYI.

DZcarrie · Jun 3, 2005

Not all schools participate in federal student loans. Mine doesn't. Just an FYI.

I know, but i was just making the point that our government does make options available for students that need help to make ends meet.

SCmomof3, RN · Jun 3, 2005

Gotcha :) May I suggest the WIA program to any who are in need of additional aid? Not everyone who applies will qualify, and it is technically a "work first" program, but it is a WONDERFUL program and I would not be able to be in school without it. Google WIA (workforce investment act) and check out your local dept of labor for specific info in your county. HTH :)

abmsam · Jun 3, 2005

I hate to make this thread political, but just gotta add my two cents........

If our government starts giving food stamps to all students who are unable to work, imagine how many people would abuse the system. In order to get assistance, I agree that one should be required to work a certain amount of hours per week. Why should the government support people who are not attempting to support themselves? I understand that nursing school prepares one for a better future, but if you can't afford to eat while going to school, maybe school can wait.

I am struggling myself. I'm 22, married, with a mortgage and bills just like everyone else, and if I was unable to feed my family, I would definitely choose work over school. Gotta pay the bills. I'm not against government assistance totally, but I do agree that one should help support themselves before they expect the government to pitch in.

begalli · Jun 3, 2005

I understand that nursing school prepares one for a better future, but if you can't afford to eat while going to school, maybe school can wait.

Wait until when?

abmsam · Jun 3, 2005

Wait until student loans have been established, until a better job is obtained, until one's lifestyle is appropriate for spending less that one makes, so as to save a bit for a difficult month.

I understand that it is extremely difficult to work while in school. I know because I've been doing it for a while. But unless I work, I will not eat.