Hi, I am a 67-year-old widow, mother, and grandmother who has not lived alone since before we got married in 1984. My husband passed away suddenly in 2021. Since then, I lost half of our income while raising 2 grandchildren. I have moved 4 times in 3 1/2 years to keep my family together. One of my sons had moved in with me to help me out. In Feb of 2024, he had 3 seizures, was off work for 6 months, and couldn’t drive for a year. He then had emergency gallbladder surgery & was not able to work for 6 weeks. I supported all of us the best I could. Since then, I lost my car, I have spent all my savings, and I have no reserves. My son just got a new job out of state, grandkids are back with their mom, and I am faced with living alone. It has been determined that isn’t going to be easy due to physical issues. My PCP informed me my vertigo/dizziness is due to Posterior Carotid Arterial Stenosis (2 small arteries at the back of my head, where the neck and head meet). These arteries are progressively narrowing, causing progressive dizziness. It has drastically affected my life and my ability to live alone without some kind of assistance. I have moved to a 65+ community that has 24-hour staff on premises. They also have a continuum of care when the time comes for assisted living. For now, I can live alone with some assistance. The problem is paying for rent for one place and deposit/rent for the other left me short for June 1st rent and getting everything in place for copays for the assistance.

I have tried the traditional agencies that help with rent & utilities & they are all out of funds.

I have applied for the Veterans Survivor Pension with Aid through the Veterans Administration. It can take anywhere from 3-5 months to receive the benefit, if not longer. It seems I qualify, I just have to wait until the claim goes through the VA process. This benefit will cover everything I need to stay in my own apartment as long as I can.

But in the meantime, I am in need of some financial assistance temporarily.

Itemized list:

June 1st rent $1500 (new place takes my whole social security check)

Utilities $125 for last month.

Physical therapy copays $20/session = $240/mo x 2 months with reevaluation in 6 weeks. Total $480

Occupational therapy copays $20/session Evaluation with 2 sessions = $60

ADL’s care - not covered by my insurance $100/day, 3 days/week for 3 months = $3,600

I have 3 children that have been assisting me but due to circumstances beyond their control they are not able to assist at this time.

The total amount I am requesting = $5765.00

Last year, I had Medicaid and Medicare, but I got a $54/mo increase in Social Security and lost Medicaid on January 1st, which is now why I have copays for everything. I have managed to get most of my medications covered.

I am so very grateful for any assistance❣️

I am taking one day at a time.

Love and prayers to you all❣️❣️❣️