mixedsubstance

Well, I am a mom, first of all so this is part of my dilema. I was planning on going to massage/spa school come this January but (kinda saw this coming) I was laid off because my employer has no work for me- just not busy at all. I can understand, though.
Well, I plan now to go to college at the end of October now- did all the administration and financial aide papers, and was eligable for grants to put me at only paying 1/4 of the tuition, which is great. The schooling is only for a year- so I can be on my feet making great money by the end of Oct. 09.

I was planning on getting a part-time job, my class is Mon-Fri 8am-1230pm so I would only have a 5-hour window each day before I have to pick up my son from his after-school care/karate class. I started to think and calculate though- if I were to work a 25 hr/week job, I would be bringing in just as much $ as if I were to be on unemployment. Now, as far as I know, I can qualify for unemployment since I am working toward a career. I am going to call Unemployment Monday and see what can be done. No matter what I do- unemployment or PT job, my income will still fall short about $1000 to what I have been making with my FT job. Comfortably, I need about $500-600 extra a month to be able to pay bills, take care of my son, etc.
There was also the talk with my employer of being on a freelance basis for when they had projects down the road, but though I'd be paid a lot more per hour for that, it still wouldn't bring in much at all.
My live-in boyfriend will also be going back to school- same exact schedule, but he was able to switch 2 of his day bartending jobs for a Sat day shift which will be about the same $. So I'm not worried about that.
I have been searching the net regarding other financial aide and grants for this type of situation- and it seems as though I am not the only one with this situation, so it has to be very possible that there is something that can be done.
Ideally it makes more sense to be on unemployment so that I have time for studying and time with my son, but I don't know what all can be done with this circumstance as I know that Unemployment takes any other income and deducts it from my benefits. In a way I feel hopeless, but I can't be the first case of something like this.
Do any of you have any ideas or insight for this situation? Anything would be greatly appreciated.
I just know that If I can't do this now, I'll never be able to do it. So I might as well take care of it now.

Thanks for your help ahead of time.

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telekinetic

What's your question? I'm trying to sort it out...does it boil down to coming up with an extra $600 a month for a two semesters? Are student loans an option? I know I got about $3000 in student loans per semester, which is right in the $500-$600 a month territory. Get student loans, stick them in a savings account that automatically 'pays' you $500 a month, and pretend it's part of a paycheck?

Cynthetiq

Unemployment is only for 6 months, and only a percentage of your salary. Tops out at $405 if I recall correctly. Extension is only 13 weeks on top of that as well.

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mixedsubstance

I guess my question is what is my best option for a decent income to be able to go to school with that type of schedule and be able to pay bills/support my son? I've already received eligibility for loans and grants for my tuition, still to be owing 3,000 6 mo. after completion. But it's the monthly income where I need help. There HAS to be something out there that is available for my situation.

I already calculated what unemployment would be- I've been on it before, so I know that alone won't suffice. But it will be the same amount of $ as getting a PT job.

Everyone keeps telling me that there are government grants out there for everything- but it's a means of finding the right one, seeing if I'm eligible, and getting what I need.

__________________
Well, isn't that just kick-you-in-the-crotch, spit-on-your-neck fantastic?!?

*Without energy, there would be nothing.*

jewels

Some here and you can filter to suit your situation: Grants.gov

The Admissions office should be able to provide you with further info. There is stuff out there for single moms; I've looked into it before.

__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
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mixedsubstance

Ya, jewels, I looked at that site but was still confused as to what exactly to look for. First, I filed for unemployment, then I can also apply for Training Benefits which is for covering benefits after the regular benefits so that I can complete school. And I can work a minimal PT job (under 17 hrs/wk) while on Unemployment. But I will hash all of that out and get all of the facts when I call Unemployment tomorrow to see what will work best. I'll keep you informed, but if you have any other tidbits of info, it's always appreciated.

__________________
Well, isn't that just kick-you-in-the-crotch, spit-on-your-neck fantastic?!?

*Without energy, there would be nothing.*

jewels

Are you checking under "single mother"? If you still can't find anything, call the Admissions office of your school.

Did you get laid off from a job? I voluntarily quit a job, haven't been able to find another (yet) and can't receive unemployment benefits. Just wondering how you qualified.

__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain

mixedsubstance

As I said at the beginning of the thread post, I was just laid off, so that's how I qualify for Unemployment. I've pretty much figured it all out. I've applied for Unemployment (checking of course that I am a single mom, and going to be attending school). Also, the way to extend Unemployment benefits while attending school is applying for the Training Beneftis which will cover after regular benefits through the time you complete school. I have been researching the grants and I think the one that most pertains to me is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Ugh, so much paperwork...but I've also just had this all confirmed through the Employment Security Dept. as well as someone my boyrfriend knows who stayed unemployed while going to a 2-yr-college and got the extension on unemployment. I think it's all working out now- I knew there would be a solution. Thanks guys

__________________
Well, isn't that just kick-you-in-the-crotch, spit-on-your-neck fantastic?!?

*Without energy, there would be nothing.*

jewels

My bad. I kept re-reading the "applied for unemployment" but never went back to re-read the very first sentence.

TANF did seem like a good option for you. Maybe one day I'll do the same. Anyway, I'm glad to hear you've got it under control.

__________________
We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess.
Mark Twain