RANT

Well, just got off the phone with unemployment, nope, no how, no way. Not even the COVID unemployment.

As you all know, last year in early March I was suddenly hospitalized with a heart problem and underwent open heart surgery. I had 12 weeks unpaid medical leave, when I didn't return to work after that 12 weeks, my job was terminated (as was my insurance). I had no choice in any of it. I hadn't had a heart attack but literally could have dropped dead at any moment. (Go figure)

After my surgery I applied for unemployment, but since it was a medical condition, I didn't qualify. I also applied for SSDI Disability but didn't qualify for that because of lack of work credits (missed it by one month). So then I applied for SSI Disability and have been denied twice and have requested a hearing which will take up to a year. It has been 14 months since I got a paycheck, or a check of any kind.

So I applied for unemployment again. Still nope. Since I had applied last year I have to show earnings of a minimum of $1200 and get a release from my doctor. So basically, I have to go back to work before I can get unemployment. WTF? I never collected a penny. I also don't qualify for family assistance because I don't have any school age children.

So, what do I do? I haven't been released to go back to work and I don't qualify for any assistance that I have been able to find. I have had zero income for 14 months. My savings is gone. I am out of money. Literally. SSI seems to think I can "work through my discomfort". I physically can't do the service type jobs any more. I'm 60 years old and can't throw freight any more! I have six years before I can officially retire. I need help. I do qualify for EBT and medical assistance, but that doesn't pay my electric bill or any other bills I have. And I don't have a spouse to take up the slack.

So I guess what I am asking is does anyone know of a program to assist a 60 year old woman with a medical condition, that seems to have slipped through the cracks? I can't be the only one.

For 14 months I have been dealing with all of this, recovering from very invasive surgery, haven't asked for a lot of help, and for the most part have been OK with it. Stayed on an even keel. It hasn't been easy accepting help from so many people as I have always taken care of myself. It was a learning experience and I thank everyone that has helped.

But the system I have paid in to all my life by working and paying taxes won't do a thing for me. Nothing.

But now I am so very discouraged and frustrated. I just want to cry.