Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Have you ever used any government assistance or programs?

snowy · 02-23-2009, 11:06 AM

I've taken advantage of subsidized student loans, and I had a Pell Grant for my first degree, as well as an Oregon Opportunity Grant.

And Xerxys, like others have already said--sometimes no one is hiring, or sometimes the only jobs available are ones you are not qualified for. In this economy, places like McDonalds are saturated with applications. I was looking for work this last summer and sent out about 60 resumes in addition to filling out countless applications. I got one job that varies from 5-10 hours a week. I was looking for full-time employment, but it's just not out there right now. So I took advantage of the resources available to me, and decided to go back to school.

I'll be applying to put my name in the lottery for the Oregon Health Plan this year. I don't have insurance, can't afford it, and OHP is meant to be a safety net for people like me. I'd rather not have to put my name in the lottery, I'd rather have regular, good insurance, but unfortunately it just isn't feasible at this point in time. I could possibly afford a limited plan, but what's the point in having it if I can't afford the co-pay when I do need to go to the doctor or hospital? I'm just glad that this program exists in my state, and so I can get medical coverage (once I jump through all the bureaucratic hoops).

I was also eligible for the Earned Income Credit this year on my taxes. I didn't pay anything into the system this year, but I'll be getting just over $60 back.

I'm going to be paying for these things for the rest of my working life, once I'm out of school and in the workforce (and already have, via taxes from former jobs), so why not use them?

02-23-2009, 11:06 AM	#15 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	I've taken advantage of subsidized student loans, and I had a Pell Grant for my first degree, as well as an Oregon Opportunity Grant. And Xerxys, like others have already said--sometimes no one is hiring, or sometimes the only jobs available are ones you are not qualified for. In this economy, places like McDonalds are saturated with applications. I was looking for work this last summer and sent out about 60 resumes in addition to filling out countless applications. I got one job that varies from 5-10 hours a week. I was looking for full-time employment, but it's just not out there right now. So I took advantage of the resources available to me, and decided to go back to school. I'll be applying to put my name in the lottery for the Oregon Health Plan this year. I don't have insurance, can't afford it, and OHP is meant to be a safety net for people like me. I'd rather not have to put my name in the lottery, I'd rather have regular, good insurance, but unfortunately it just isn't feasible at this point in time. I could possibly afford a limited plan, but what's the point in having it if I can't afford the co-pay when I do need to go to the doctor or hospital? I'm just glad that this program exists in my state, and so I can get medical coverage (once I jump through all the bureaucratic hoops). I was also eligible for the Earned Income Credit this year on my taxes. I didn't pay anything into the system this year, but I'll be getting just over $60 back. I'm going to be paying for these things for the rest of my working life, once I'm out of school and in the workforce (and already have, via taxes from former jobs), so why not use them? __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau