Broke single mom wanting to move... where?

[Hopeful diva 99]

Wichita, Kansas is an affordable place to live in. Also checking on Craigslist, housing seems decently priced over there, you can get a one bedroom for $350 and two bedroom for as low as $500. I heard its immigrant friendly. You may want to do more research. Also apply for benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid etc to help lessen your burden 

Edited March 28, 2017 by Hopeful diva

[Dutchster 1,106]

As far as I know immigrants cannot apply for benefits like food stamps and Medicaid.

OP, I'm very sorry for your situation and what you went through. Down south here we have a lot of areas that offer cheap apartments. Some even go by your income. 

[Hopeful diva 99]

22 minutes ago, Dutchster said:

As far as I know immigrants cannot apply for benefits like food stamps and Medicaid.

OP, I'm very sorry for your situation and what you went through. Down south here we have a lot of areas that offer cheap apartments. Some even go by your income. 

She can apply for benefits, since her situation is VAWA related. The only thing I know immigrants definitely do not qualify for regardless of anything is cash assistance. But Medicaid and food stamps are a yes

[Dutchster 1,106]

That still depends per state and if OP qualifies  

 

https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/special-topics/national-origin/domestic-violence/

 

Can battered immigrants get TANF, Medicaid or State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) benefits?

Maybe. It depends upon whether the state has elected to provide these benefits to "qualified aliens," whether the applicant meets the definition of "qualified alien" and whether the battered immigrant entered the country prior to 8/22/96(3) or has been in "qualified alien" status for five years. 8 U.S.C. 1613 and 1612(b). If a state provides TANF, Medicaid or SCHIP benefits to "qualified aliens," then otherwise eligible battered immigrants who meet the definition of "qualified alien" and who entered before 8/22/96 or who have been in a "qualified alien" status for five years should be eligible. 

Edited March 28, 2017 by Dutchster

[deleted this acco 44]

Boiler wants her to go back "home"

[USC1961 251]

3 hours ago, Boiler said:

I doubt if there is anywhere that meets the OP's requirement in the US.

 

13 hours ago, NuestraUnion said:

Sounds like you definitely need to be near a support system (friends and family). Would you be better off returning to your home country that may provide support? 

Best pieces of advice by far on this thread.  Time for a reality check: The OP has no support system  a very poor job outlook and a toddler that requires more than the usual full time care.  Even supposing she qualifies for all the benefits social services had to offer, it would simply not be enough.  Total disaster waiting to happen. 

 

OP, it's still warm and humid in Florida.  It's in your best interest to go home, I'm afraid you won't receive much help here.  Good luck!!

[Dutchster 1,106]

17 minutes ago, abbynak said:

Boiler wants her to go back "home"

 

In this case returning to her home country wouldn't be a bad idea. Maybe even a better solution than to live off benefits IF she qualifies for public assistance. 

Edited March 28, 2017 by Dutchster

[Georgia16 2,858]

Just be careful you don't go so cheap that you end up in a bad area!

 

Also I think it would be best for you to move to some small town where people are around you and often they are more willing to give a hand here or there. Maybe join a church or something for help and be part of a community. Also do you homeschool you older kid or if he/she in school?

 

 

[Boiler 43,787]

OP has not mentioned where she is from, must admit I made assumptions due to the name.

[neilsqueen 433]

12 hours ago, sparkles_ said:

That was in the form of the Alaska permanent fund dividend which was cut down to only 1000$ a year for the next 3-5yr thanks to budget issues. It used to go as high as 2500 per person in the family, but you also must live there for 13mo to qualify for it.

Well that's not much of an incentive anymore to move to "ice land" lol

[Vengatore 53]

9 hours ago, Cruise77 said:

It's in your best interest to go home, I'm afraid you won't receive much help here.  Good luck!!

If she says that coming back home isn't an option we need to trust her, I think she knows better than us the reality there so I don't think that "go home" is helping her at all here.

 

 

2 hours ago, Georgia16 said:

Just be careful you don't go so cheap that you end up in a bad area!

 

Also I think it would be best for you to move to some small town where people are around you and often they are more willing to give a hand here or there. Maybe join a church or something for help and be part of a community. Also do you homeschool you older kid or if he/she in school?

 

 

I totally agree with you, this is a country hard on people in need, that is why it is vital to count with a supporting network around you, friends, family, church or some sort of association/NGO.

 

Edited March 28, 2017 by Vengatore

[USC1961 251]

43 minutes ago, Vengatore said:

If she says that coming back home isn't an option we need to trust her, I think she knows better than us the reality there so I don't think that "go home" is helping her at all here

I disagree.  OP asked for advice and I gave it her.  Notice I said it was in her "best interest" to go home, not simply "go home."  The former being advice and the latter being a command.  In any case it's the same advice I would have given to a close friend or a loved one. It's probably not what the OP or others on this thread wanted to hear. However since it may very well be her best option, it would be a disservice to not point out why.    

[Transborderwife 4,666]

OP, I noticed that your local office is Tampa.  If you're in the area, CASA in st Petersburg has amazing resources for women in your situation.  I suggest that you reach out.

[Boiler 43,787]

Not sure California could be described as affordable.

[Ontarkie 13,973]

One thing to consider, since it sounds like the ex is the father to at least one of the kids. If that is the case she may not be able to move just anywhere. 

 

Do you have it in your custody agreement that you can move and even cross state lines? I know a few ppl who had no clue they couldn't move to the next city without their ex's permission. 

 

If you can indeed move I'd start looking into programs for the care you need for your child. Then start looking at what assistance is offered in that area. Facebook group for the health needs your child has would be a good start to find resources.