This morning, while being on the second round of thousands of rounds, fighting to get my foodstamps in New Jersey, I noticed that a man came into social services, with a wheel chair. He had all his paper work with him and he asked the intake counselor for an application for foodstamps. She looks at him and tells him that "We are not taking applications today because we are fixing a computer error that's resulted in thousands of others, plus all of these people in the office not getting get their January foodstamps yet". Then she says to him ""You have to come back tomorrow".

I'm looking at her thinking, " Are you serious lady?! Your asking someone with a wheel chair, to come back tomorrow? Just like they can get anybody to take them? Social services couldn't make an acception for those who have transportation issues or conditions where complications could exist? Really?!" So this person would have to an able bodied person, come in on their behalf, with a vehicle, to pick up their application, have them sign it and bring it back. Meanwhile, they and their family can starve while you keep everything on a time schedule. This is sad.

Four hours in, after my case was settled for tomorrow, I left and walked over to the fellow in the wheel chair while he was waiting for his transportation to come and pick him up. Then I introduced myself to him. We talked and got to know each other. He told me that he has two operations coming up that he was worried about, from other complications. That meant that he had no way to get back there to file an foodstamp application for next week. He said that he felt invisible to them. He also told me that his condition and his diseases were both easier for him to deal with than these people were.

Just like I told this fellow, if this happens to you, where Social Services, makes your life harder and harder for those of you with mobility and transportation issues, complain to their supervisor. Note that they have carriers to set up your transportation and bill it to your Medicaid or your other insurance when needed. This also includes rides to and form government entities, and your work place as well.

Always advocate for yourself.

Questions and comments are welcome.