Bipolar Disabled Woman Seeks Grant Money Help To Make Life Better

by Paula
(Berkely, NJ, USA)

I am a 49-year-old female, who suffers with Bipolar Disorder, OCD, Fibromyalgia, Epstein Barr and herniated disks.

I was divorced 2006, and recently remarried.

I have three (3) children, one (1) from my first marriage (her father died in the WTC 9/11), and two (2) from my second husband, who filed for divorce while I was in the hospital after a bipolar crisis.

I returned to school in 2008 in an effort to try and better myself and, hopefully, attain a job in the field of law.

I graduated with my Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies in 2010, Summa Cum Laude. I have since returned to pursue my Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies.

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and OCD in August of 1996, Epstein Barr in 2006, Fibromyalgia in 2009, and Herniated Disks in 2010.

I suffered a bipolar crisis in February of 2005, which resulted in an attempted suicide and hospitalization. I returned home to be served with divorce papers, loss of custody, and homeless.

I returned to school in 2008 hoping to further my education for work in the field of law. I had gone through a very messy divorce and custody case and wanted to help others in similar situations.

Fortunately, I have not suffered another crisis since then. I have suffered with bipolar disorder my entire life, although diagnosed in 1996, and have been on medication to stabilize me.

In 2010, I became disabled and am currently seeking assistance from SSD. I have not received their decision since filing in April of this year (2011).

My disability is due to Epstein Barr Virus, Fibromyalgia, and two (2) herniated disks in my neck.

I did not include my bipolar for SSD, as I have been stabilized and have continued to follow my doctor's orders.

I am also a recovering alcoholic/addict, celebrating 8 years of sobriety/clean time in February of 2011.

I am currently receiving private long-term disability from my last employer, which will continue through September 2012.

The amount is substantially less than my prior income. My income will not increase upon receiving SSD.

I am currently awaiting foreclosure proceedings to begin on my home, which will possibly leave me homeless.

I have been unable to pay most of my credit debts in the last few months.

At times, I have difficulty doing any activities. Most nights, I need help undressing. I used to have someone come in to clean for me; however, I can no longer afford that either.

I shop for groceries via the Internet and home delivery to assist in my inability to do most activities.

I am paying over $575 a month for private health insurance, which is also a burden.

I am struggling to make the payments to Kaplan University for the amount my financial aid did not cover. The cost is approximately $172 per month.

I have attempted to get state financial assistance to no avail. I am currently awaiting NJSSD decision, which will not affect my current income of $1831 per month.

My fiancé helps with the bills, although his income is only $19,600 (approximately) per year, before taxes.

I have shared custody of my two (2) teenage children and do not receive any child support.

I have been told I am ineligible for grants and wanted to seek out another alternative. I came across possible assistance here.

I do receive financial aid, which I do not have to start paying until I finish school, which will be another hardship for me.

I am hoping that you are able to point me in the direction of assistance with grants for my continued education, as well as any other assistance available for my situation.