Is there ever going to be an interaction with this state's safety net systems that isn't frustrating

[sinisterporpoise]

 The state of Indiana continues to be helpful with my current situation. I set out this morning to apply for the Lifeline program, to go to the Work One office to see if I could figure out what was going on, and I had to stop at the Division of Family Resources building to clear up something with my SNAP claim. I did not intend to do the last item, but I found out they had canceled my food stamp claim on the phone earlier this morning.

 The SNAP issue was resolved quickly.  The workers figured it was some sort of common SNAFU with the main office in Marion County, who probably didn’t bother to read the official separation e-mail I sent them. It’s one less worry at least.

 Next, I went to the Catholic Charities building, which usually has a sign outside advertising the SafeLink program. No one put the sign out today, so I will have to wait for another time to use that method. This was a minor setback, and I can apply for the program online.

 With that out of the way, I set out for the Workforce building to see if there was anything that could be done with my unemployment claim.  I found out that it was still waiting available because I quit for medical reasons. I was told the process could take up to ten weeks, and there was no guarantee I would be approved. The worker still said I had to keep filing until the decision is made. (This does not make sense to me, but it just seems to be one of the hoops I have to jump through.)

 I wish I knew more about how to navigate this state’s systems, but it seems there are frustrations at every turn. Now it’s time rest and to recover the energy spent this morning.  Then, I can go on to doing dishes and baking bread.

Comments

[silk_dragon_zen]

I'm currently wrestling with a very unresponsive financial worker who won't return calls, nor even call when the State said she would — I'd gotten a letter in early June saying she (or someone in her office) would call me on Friday June 26 at about 9:00 a.m., but never got the call and couldn't get through to her office (just their voicemail) to try to start the call from my end. Aurgh!!!! Anyway, as a result of never getting that call, they might cut off my SNAP benefits next week. 😨

[sinisterporpoise]

I'm so sorry.

Wouldn't it be nice if the people who held these jobs cared more about their clients and less about making sure the bureaucratic requirements are fulfilled. That's usually the issue I have with every food stamp renewal.

[silk_dragon_zen]

I finally got a call back from the worker's boss who said they'd make sure they called me back sometime this afternoon to do the annual interview. At least my paperwork is on its way to them in time for me not to get cut off from SNAP and Medicaid.

[sinisterporpoise]

I'm glad you resolved the issue.

[sinisterporpoise]

Did you ever find out what happened here? I found out that my SNAP benefits were delayed slightly.

[silk_dragon_zen]

I haven't heard back from my financial worker yet. I'll call tomorrow afternoon to confirm if my paperwork arrived. If not, then I need to arrange to have someone take me — together with a copy of my backup copy — to their office in person sometime on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, I'm glad to hear yours were only slightly delayed and not cut off completely like I'd feared.

[sinisterporpoise]

At the worst, I'll have to live on Ramen noodles for a few days, or at least get a bit creative in the kitchen.