Niro, how rude of me not to acknowledge your original post. I consider you a friend, after all, the Halloween story was a bit of of a bonding experience.
Welfare. . .
Me too.
It's fine. That's what it is for. Roosevelt and his wife meant for it to be a transitional hand up, not a stigma.
Although the visit to the actual office takes hours, usually eight of them. Fortunately you can do this online in most states one you've made the initial visit. I pretty much refuse to bring my two year old there; the last time I did there was a line stretching around the corner of the building (summer, over 110), and I was pregnant. That's just the line to get through the door! The next part involves waiting in another line, only to be put in the list of people to be seen that day. Then, you wait in a dirty room with as many chairs as people and then some.
If you have a medical condition, or you are hungry, sometimes you need insurance and food.
That's how it goes.
Yes, I've got more education than most of (I take that back) ALL of the employees and their supervisors.
. . .and a hell of a lot more student loan debt.
I wish you the best, you are very like able and I'm sending you specific, positive vibes.
Turns out, they work!