Thread: Visit to welfare Office in LA

About 20 years ago, as a 19 year old blonde haired blue eyed single Mom of 2 babies I lost my Job at Peterson's Publishing. My sister, whom I lived with insisted I apply for benefits till I find a new job.

I was instructed on how to find the LA welfare office. From a small town I was shocked to find a large room filled with hundreds of applicants for food stamps, medical, and money. There were lines at the counter for several different languages. At least 15 other languages, greatful to find the ENGLISH line, it only had about 3 people in front of me. The other lines were incredibly long.

Looking around I was I believe the ONLY blonde young woman with two blond babies. I felt alone, looking for someone who spoke English. I would have to wait 2 days before I could speak with a worker. The first day was hard. My 2 and 3 year old hot and sweaty, no friends to play with as they only spoke English. Other groups of kids played games but they spoke spanish, my kids weren't included.

The second day a guy from Guatemalla who lived in our apartment complex with his sister offered to go along and help with the kids and language barrier. I gladly accepted. The day was much better as I had a translater and was able to communicate with other children and mothers. Mostly spanish speaking.

Worker was rude to me. Asked what 'I' was doing applying for benefits. I didn't look poor. And most of all who was that guy in the waiting room with me? My live in boyfriend? And if I last worked for Peterson's Publishing in LA why did my paychecks come from New York? (because that was the main payroll office). She was rude to me and skeptical. I had to get the owner and manager of the building to give written verifiable statements that the 'Mexican man helping me was not my live in lover. and that my payroll checks came from New York.

It was one experience I will never forget as I had already worked 2 years paying taxes, had been a military dependent as my estranged spouse was serving his country (our country)... and my entire family had paid taxes in all their lives so people like me, an American citizen could get temporary help if the need arrised.

That was the beginning of my concern about how many illegal immigrants were using American Tax Dollars.

SusieQ

Welcome Smartesusieq!

It sounds horrible. They really put you through the ringer. I guess you have to look like a migrant from South America to get compassion and SERVICE WITH A SMILE, preferrably in ENGLISH in AMERICA!!

Know how you feel. It's no picnic going to social services. It's a very humbling experience. Especially when you are going there out of necessity and not entitlement. I know I was treated like crap. I had stacks of papers for everything. They even took my purse and dumped it and I had a 10.00 bill for formula that my mom had sent and I didn't want to leave it in hot car for hours so I was waiting to get it after the appointment and that 10.00 disqualified me. 10.00 over the limit.

Many years later I was sort of told some of the "ways around" the system. Of course this was from people who had used the system as a way of life and not a temporary leg up.

Even when I was in a serious accident and couldn't work and just went to churches for food.......it was a nightmare. It's as if white people never experience poverty. By that time it was getting to the point that anyone that spoke English didn't experience poverty. No one gave me a lifetime of financial security just because I'm white and born in the US.

Welcome susieq. I've heard many similiar stories to yours.
I think it should be a requirement for all congress people to visit their welfare offices in their state, especially we border states. Too many elected officials are so out of touch with the real world.
Again, a big welcome.

Welcome Smartesusieq! It's a shame that an American citizen has such a hard time when illegals seem to have no problem getting benefits that they don't deserve or qualify for.Something is seriously wrong with a system that gives taxpayer dollars to illegals aliens that have invaded our country and imposes restrictions on our own citizens that make it very difficult for them to get the help they need.

Thank you for welcoming me and responding to my experiences that have shaped my views of illegal immigrants. I feel very welcome here.
SusieQ

jean wrote:

I think it should be a requirement for all congress people to visit their welfare offices in their state, especially we border states. Too many elected officials are so out of touch with the real world.

That is a great idea. I wonder how many have been? I think I'll suggest that the next time I correspond with one of my representatives.

Originally Posted by crazybird

Know how you feel. It's no picnic going to social services. It's a very humbling experience. Especially when you are going there out of necessity and not entitlement. I know I was treated like crap. I had stacks of papers for everything. They even took my purse and dumped it and I had a 10.00 bill for formula that my mom had sent and I didn't want to leave it in hot car for hours so I was waiting to get it after the appointment and that 10.00 disqualified me. 10.00 over the limit.

Many years later I was sort of told some of the "ways around" the system. Of course this was from people who had used the system as a way of life and not a temporary leg up.

Even when I was in a serious accident and couldn't work and just went to churches for food.......it was a nightmare. It's as if white people never experience poverty. By that time it was getting to the point that anyone that spoke English didn't experience poverty. No one gave me a lifetime of financial security just because I'm white and born in the US.

Wow crazybird my heart goes out to you. But, if it makes you feel better, its not just White people that get treated that way, its people that have worked all their lives. Their goal is to keep us working and paying for the Welfare lifers.

About 17 years ago, I changed jobs only to find out I was pregnant 3 weeks after I started. I was put on bed rest for a week by my doctor and being honest, I told my new employer the truth. They waited a week and fired me. I continued to search for work through my 8th month and finally humbled myself for the degradation of receiving a medical card. By the time they got through asking me all of my personal business, told me I could not have any saving and if I had a car I had to sell it and then come back. I told them to kiss where the sun didnot shine and left. That was my first and last time ever applying for any government assistance and I will eat -hit with a toothpick on the curb before I ever seek it again.