assistance for those above poverty line

[nyssaneala]

Our family earns enough money to put us out of the income threshold for all the assistance programs I can find. I'm trying to find other options, especially of any government/non-profit assistance programs that don't only factor in your income, but debt (our is "good" debt-what an oxymoron though!) levels as well.

My husband makes $43,000. We were

Comments

[forkintheroad]

You could probably defer payment on your student loans because of your accident and losing your job probably up to 6 months (or more maybe). Call your loan company and discuss your options. This is one of the wonderful things that makes student loans special.

[nyssaneala]

I might do this, but it was deferred all of 2005 while we were still overseas, and its really his loans that are causing the problems. But if this is the only thing I can, I guess that's what I'll have to do. :(

[badbadivy]

I totally understand the massive student loans. It's a total burden, f'sho. I know it sucks, but I would defer the loans. I have to wonder if you couldn't defer his loans, explaining the situation and all. They just might defer his loans whilst you pay on your loans, that would ease things somewhat, for sure.

Are you able to work now? Maybe you could find a work-at-home gig if you're still too injured for a regular 9 to 5?

[nyssaneala]

Any ideas on legit work-at-home gigs?

I'm playing around with the idea of selling homemade bath products, but that wouldn't create a sustainable income very quickly.

[msretro]

Is there a way to sell the car, and buy something cheaper for cash?

Has your car accident left you unable to work? You may be eligible for disability.

[nyssaneala]

hey, good memory!

things in that area have improved somewhat, I have a diagnosis now. And the other insurance company settled on the car. They will pay for health costs, they just haven't yet (but we have paid almost nothing out of pocket). And, I would be able to go back to work in about 3 weeks, as I am getting better....except there is no job left for me to go back to now. :( So I'm pretty sure I won't be eligible for disability, since I'm almost better. (but a big YAY to feeling better!). I am working on unemployment.

It just sucks that all this happened at the holidays, especially with my family's expectations that "now he's a doctor, you can buy us big expensive gifts!". Needless to say, that didn't happen.

[missakins]

You could probably consolidate all the student loans together into one with a lower payment.

If you have that good of a credit score, what are the chances of you buying a home soonish? You could likely get some cash out, and pay down some principal on the student loans and maybe refinance them that way.

You can call up your student loan lenders too and ask them if there's a way to restructure your payback schedule. Ask them if they do anything that's income dependent, and explain your not working situation. I second the other poster's comment about forbearance. Take the forbearance, and just bank as much money as you can while it's going, that way you'll be able to start paying when the forbearance is done, and maybe use one of these high yield internet savings accounts in the meantime.

[ruisseau]

I have student loans and discovered that there is a forebearance where YOU offer the amount you can pay. I explained that I couldn't afford their $140 amount but could afford $50. They placed me on a year long forbearance.