Top 5 Resources for an unemployed, handicapped relative

By request from Beth in Michigan...

I am not making the comment public because the reader is concerned that she might be recognized and is concerned about hurt feelings. I will post the following ‘condensed‘ version, however:

“I have a fifty year old relative who lost her job when the place she worked for went out of business. In a matter of weeks, her unemployment will end and she’s not eligible for anymore. She also has rheumatoid arthritis, is homeless, bouncing from relative to relative and living in her car in between-but doesn‘t want to go to a homeless shelter for help. She also isn‘t very skilled at other work.”

I would say that living in her car, part time or not, is the first issue that needs to be dealt with. That’s just not a wise thing to do in this day and age!

1. With the economy being what it is, there are many programs for the homeless that could help her get on her feet. She could apply for emergency services at the Department of Human Services (DHS). If she can access the internet in a public library, she can find the location nearest her by visiting: www.michigan.gov/dhs

2. Most, if not all, counties in Michigan have a Community Services office and homeless shelters. She can access the main website for Community Services at: http://www.michigan.gov/mcsc to see exactly what they help with, and to locate an office in her area. They would probably have information on any homeless shelters in her area, or she could check the phone book.

3. The Red Cross also helps the homeless with shelter and food. Their website is:
http://www.redcross.org/more/commserv/hless.html. One of the things they can assist with is transitional housing, for up to a year. This could be in an apartment-type setting, or in a home with other families.

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis is considered a disability and your cousin should immediately register with Michigan Rehab (website: http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd). They have resources for training and educating people with disabilities so they can work at jobs they can handle. They might also be able to provide some options regarding her living situation.

5. If she is disabled, she needs to apply for Social Security Disability. And she should do it immediately because the process can take a long time! But the good thing about that is, when she is approved, she will get payments retroactive to her application date. Or at least a fair portion of it. Your relative can access their website by, again, going to the library and going to: http://www.ssa.gov/disability/ or calling their toll-free telephone number, 1-800-772-1213 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

6. Yeah, I know I said five but here’s an extra one. Have her call the nationwide help line at 211. That’s the entire number. She can explain her situation and see what they come up with. Tell her to make sure she has a pen and paper handy to write down their suggestions!

There are many options available to your cousin that she should look in to as soon as possible. Her only source of income is going to end in time to pretty much coincide with the arrival of winter. She’s not going to be able to live in her car then!

Encourage her to look in to all of these without delay. If she doesn’t think any are suitable for her needs, then tell her to make sure she asks each organization if they know of any other organizations that might work for her. A good policy to follow is, it doesn’t hurt to ask!

It’s just my opinion but I think her best bets at this point would be The Red Cross, Michigan Rehab and applying for Social Security disability.

The only thing left for her to do, once her unemployment runs out, is to mooch off relatives and that would get real old real quick! The cost of living is high enough these days that many people can’t easily afford an extra mouth to feed.