How do you overcome an impossible financial situation?

[Anonymous]

My mental health collapsed this year and its led to a very difficult financial situation

My employer put me on an "under the table" paid leave, which has recently stopped being a "paid" leave and is unpaid. In the process my checking accounts became overdrawn, my credit card was maxed out, and I have no income. I attempted to apply for remote work (which is the only type I am capable of taking), and even attempted to negotiate some sort of situation with my employer. However, right now am simply an employee who is on unpaid leave until my crisis is subdued.

Sadly, due to my disability, I am not likely going to be able to return to work anytime soon. The only positive is that I was forced to live with my mother out of pure necessity and it has made my financial situation a little bit easier.

I have applied for disability, and am hoping to be accepted.

Is this truly a normal aspect of life? Is there a way out of this?

[AI Opinion]

I've seen numerous individuals facing similar challenges. Begin by exploring local resources, such as financial assistance programs or non-profits specializing in offering support. Consider reaching out to a financial counselor for personalized advice. While awaiting disability approval, continue applying for remote work aligned with your capabilities. Selling unused belongings online or offering a skill-based service may provide temporary relief. Surround yourself with a supportive network, including your mother. Remember, seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. This is a challenging season, but with patience and persistence, you can overcome it. Stay focused on small, actionable steps.

[exitseven]

It's a bad beat to be in that sort of situation. Why can't you collect unemployment benefits? I assume that you did not always work "under the table". You should file for it and see what happens. I have been unemployed 3 times in my life and I collected benefits. A couple of times I collected for a whole year.

[Asker]

So, I work for a local school district and they gave me "under the table" money while I was going through this crisis as a kindness. However, due to the FMLA, they are not supposed to do that. So, if I admit publicly they paid me, I would have to pay it all back. Its a bit of a complex mess, but it was a kindness that saw me through several months of this crisis. That "paid" FMLA has now turned into unpaid. I probably won't be able to go back to work until after Summer.

I am hesitant to go on unemployment because that requires me to officially resign from my post.. which creates 2 difficulties.
1. The work through the school district is my easiest access, if I can prove im mentally fit, I have no doubt they will accept me back in a full time position. However, that won't be anytime within the next few months.
2. My insurance is through them, and I need that to continue my therapy process. So, if I resign, I won't have insurance to cover the only thing that seen progress for my mental health.

[Asker]

Its why I have tried the disability direction.
I can collect the benefits, but also stay an employee of my workplace, while holding onto the insurance.
I filled for that last week, and hopefully will know by the end of the month.

[exitseven]

So it is a public school system? Paying you under the table was illegal. They are in just ss much trouble as you would be. I am actually surprised that they would do that since it is not legal. Speak to the business manager or the superintendent and explain your situation. Explain that you want to be able to collect unemployment but you cannot if the unemployment office finds out about the illegal payments that you got. Make sure that they understand that the school district could face penalties if it was disclosed that you were paid off the books. I am sure that they would agree to keep your off the books payments confidential and fill out the unemployment forms in a way that does not prohibit you from collecting benefits.

[Asker]

Yes, Its a Public School. The Assistant Superintendent signed off on it, and they gave me about 4 months of free pay. They assumed I would be well enough to return in January, but right now I doubt ill be fit until maybe August. They warned me if it came out that they paid me under the table, technically id be liable to pay them back (which obviously I can't). When I filled out for Disability, I fill out the "last time you worked" section with August, just in case there was some sort of mess up with the money they gave me. Hopefully I am accepted for Disability. The issue with unemployment (according to the lead of the HR department), is that id have to officially resign from my post, and my insurance would be cut (which I get through my employer). Once I lose my insurance, I won't be able to continue my therapy sessions.
They have been silent recently, when I asked them if I could negotiate for a flexible part-time position. They issue is, the amount of therapy/psychiatrist type sessions fills out a good portion of my week, so I wouldn't be able to have a full time job even if I was capable.

[exitseven]

damn, I would tell you to learn few phrases of Spanish and tell the welfare office you are an illegal alien and you will get benefits that nobody else could qualify for but Trump is president now and this crap will be ending soon.

[Asker]

Haha, yes.. im more or less screwed in all directions financially
That doesn't even cover my other problems...
My mental health crisis involved a couple of arrests, and time spent in jail, not to mention a restraining order thrown on me.
I am 34, and moving in with my mother (who likely has schizophrenia) is also not the best situation for me (but its about my only choice).
I have made tons of enemies due to my actions over the past year, and had people threatening to hurt me (though I was more of a threat to them).
the list kinda goes on and on
needless to say.. every aspect of my life is at its worst, and if I make it out of this it will be with pure grit and strength.