I let my bills go unpaid over 6 months, I cashed in my life ins to try to catch up....just seems like I can't, one thing after another....I am SO STRESSED...how can I always be short when I think I have it figured out?

i wish i knew specifically how things worked... i don't. so i would start with calling social services and asking them.

i know there are financial advisors who help people who for instance get in over their heads (way deep in debt) with credit cards.

i am wondering if social services has staff or agencies they work with that could help you sort out the current situation and make a plan for managing your monies, even perhaps offer a supporting role in the future... say periodic consultations.

hopefully there is some free assistance available to you, especially since you have had major episodes with depression and presumably that is what got you into trouble with letting things slide...

sorry things have got so bad.

~ waves ~

Hi,
1. Do you get assistance from the gov? Do you have a case worker or social worker? Ask them to refer you to someone or an agency.

2. This organization might be able to help you get organized. It depends on how much help you need.
http://www.sharefax.org/consumer_credit_counseling.htm
Consumer Credit Counseling Service:
Before you sign anything with them, ask them what they charge. They are a non-profit, but they likely have a small fee.

M.

I am just diagnosed 2-3 weeks ago, I do not get any assistance or even know what I could or should try to get?

talk to your doctor about this. s/he should have some idea of how the system works as far as what assistance you can get and when.

oh, and your doctor might also know if there are rules regarding disclosure of illness in the medical field too, that you were asking about... but still check that out with the ADA. also find out from them if simply being diagnosed as bipolar qualifies you as disabled (i am not sure). you do have an illness. there may be other criteria that determine whether or not you are "disabled."

as far as income, there is not usually any aid unless you are disabled (even for a period) to the extent of being unable to work... in that case, if your employer insurance does not provide disability income (at least part of your usual income), or if you become unemployed, you can apply for SSDI - Social Security Disability Income. you can actually apply even with insurance coverage, but generally then what happens is that the insurance company deducts the SSI income from their payments so you end up with the same amount.

as far as other assistance, such as financial counseling/planning, start by calling social services. they often have programs for people with difficulties of various types of assistance.

anyway... i would say starting point information sources for all of this would be your doc, social services, and the ADA.

perhaps someone will come along who is already more informed than me on the ins and outs on this board. there are some members who are very knowledgeable about the system.

anyway, one thing at a time. things will work out. do not try to do everything at once. just put one foot in front of the other. one call at a time. one question at a time. when you make calls, have a list of questions ready, and take notes.

i hope your mood picks up soon... i just had to start taking an antidepressant again myself. let's try to hang in there together, shall we?

~ waves ~