Getting divorced in California was the worst thing I did for my daughter. I have an ex husband who got laid off from a European family business, went on on unemployment last year and got the court to cut his child support to $21 a month. I cannot support an animal on this. I am a professional mother who was laid off last year and have worked two jobs since with a few in between and have begun to seriously interview for better jobs. This cut in support has cut my lifestyle again for the tenth time. My daughter is beginning to understand more because we can afford less and less. She attends a public school so I don't have to pay any extra and of extra activities, I can no longer pay for anything extra and may have to loose where we live. I need advice on how to get money for single mothers. I don't have family to help me along and I have the public aid offices going for back child support (oh yeah forgot to tell you that one!) Any suggestions? Applied unemployment and I am waiting!! School grants will look into again. Not sure where to go. I am a mom with no, none, zero available cash. I have 35,000 in attorney debts and I have -%50 in my checking due to the child support stopping as of March 1, 2004. HELP!

I'm not doing to well in the money department either. I am not in dept yet but it's slowly coming up on me. I know as a single mom I qualify for a lot of finacial assistsance and I'm sure you do too. I am enrolled in WIC, medicaid, daycare assistance. There's also food stamps and cash assistance if things get too bad. I know it's kind of degrading but that's where I've had to turn when things get really bad. The economy is getting so bad right now that lots of us are having to hold out our hands for help. It's sounds like your ex is a real looser for giving you $21 a month, it's more of an insult than anything else. There's not much else I know about getting help but I hope everything works out for you! Jakesmommy

I get zero child suppoert on my 2 girls. I had to move in with my mom. I just resently had to sign up on food stamps and I get a total cash ass. of 219.00 a month. So in order to get a home of my own I have had to sign up on H.U.D. too.I get WIC and medicaid too. I feel like I'm having to totaly depend on the government right now. If things get too bad look into all the local churches. Alot of them have money available to needy families, and they have food pantries. I know it sounds degrading but the way I looked at it was I was doing what ever it took to take care of my babies. The Salvation Army may be able to help you too. I really hope things get better for you and you are able to find help. I wish you the best of luck. Please keep us posted and let us know you are ok. We are like a big family and we care. Let us know if we can help with anthing else.
sincerly Candace

So you aren't working as of now, or are you still working while you are interviewing for a job?

Everything that everyone posted is what I would have said anyway...all I can suggest is don't get used to nice lifestyles when you have a parent who AGREES to paying $21 a month for his own daughter and won't help out on his own.

That is terrible...I am sorry for you and your daughter...