My mom is about to have her electricity shut off. I created an emergency fundraiser for her

[mvd]

Hi all,

As you might know from before, my mom turns 73 next week and is widowed. She just has her social security as income, and is therefore considered low income. I currently don’t earn an income and she has no other close relatives. She has nowhere to go if her electricity is shut off. She has an anxiety condition, depression and high blood pressure. Recently PECO, her electric company, sent her a ten day shut off notice. The shut off notice is being held by my mom in the fundraiser picture to help show how urgent this is. She just can’t have her electricity shut off. Her doctor agreed and wrote a medical certification, but this only delays the shut off for a short time and the bill still has to be paid. This is a bill that started festering when my dad was still alive - before 2019. His cancer bills and lack of job or savings left us in bad financial shape. My mom and I are unfortunately still in bad shape. She was on a payment plan, but had to miss some payments when tough decisions were required. Now PECO has not offered a new payment plan after numerous calls. LIHEAP wasn’t much help either and is now out of season anyway. I made the goal $1,500 on advice I got at DU. But since the bill is about double that, I will see how the fundraiser goes and can raise the goal some based on that. My mom and I appreciate anything you can give to help out.

Another thing, my mom and I both have our birthdays on May 12, and it would be a much better birthday to not be worried about the electricity. I don’t like doing this and wish I could donate to a lot of GoFundMes. Right now I have applied for disability and want to sell the house (which is in foreclosure) very soon. But we have no way to cover this emergency expense.

Here is the link to my fundraiser:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-keep-my-moms-electricity-on

Thank you very, very much!

-Matt/mvd

[Elessar Zappa]

1. I can't give right now

(Literally have no money, I’m on SSDI.) but I wish your mother the best!

[mvd]

2. Thank you!

And I understand completely. It is no fun to be on low income. DU has been a great help from before, but unfortunately this bill came due and I had to ask one more time.

[XanaDUer2]

3. I cannot donate bc I'm off work

And trying to get ssdi, but I remember you and your mom struggling. I am so sorry.

[mvd]

4. Thank you for the kind words

[BlackSkimmer]

5. Isn't this the third time you've done this?

I’m just curious because the last time you said that you just needed money this “one time” and all would be fine.

[mvd]

8. It is but I thought she had a payment arrangement..

for this bill. So I didn’t mention it. If this bill is handled, the budgeting my mom have done should at least help us afloat. We’re going to have to live within our means. It will take more than a fundraiser to change that.

I have no problems answering concerns when they arise.

[BlackSkimmer]

13. Yes, living within one's means is important.

Did you say her bill is over $1000? That’s insane.

[mvd]

14. Unfortunately. It has been growing since..

My dad was alive. He died in January 2019. I still miss him greatly.

[BlackSkimmer]

17. So if you "thought" she had a payment plan, what happened?

Did she not?

I know our electric companies here work with people who are in dire straits. I donate money on my bill every month for that program.

[mvd]

18. PECO is not a very good company

In the US, many private electric companies just care about the money despite record profits. When she had to miss a few payments, the plan was taken away.

[Deminpenn]

67. Will confirm about PECO (Phila Electric Company)

Never happened to me, but PECO is expensive. They are aggressive about shutting off power which has been an issue for years, especially in Philadelphia proper. IIRC, the reason PECO is aggressive in shutting off power is because they claim many customers who can pay their bill don't pay during the winter months when power cannot be turned off.

[liberal_mama]

74. I have a payment agreement with NYSEG because one of the electricity supply companies

charged me a huge amount after the promotional period ended. I have since switched back to NYSEG directly supplying my electricity and monthly bills are much lower now. The back balance was $1500.

I have been making payments, but if you miss a payment on the agreement, the balance in full is due and subject to shut off.

[LostinRed]

6. Sad

Are there no government programs that can help? Good luck hope you reach your goal.

[mvd]

9. I hope so, for the future

Thank you very much. My mom and I appreciate it.

[Collimator]

7. Here is a couple of links.

https://www.puc.pa.gov/about-the-puc/consumer-education/utility-assistance-programs/


https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/utility_assistance/

[mvd]

11. Thanks

She was on CAP, and that didn’t help much to reduce the bill. I appreciate the links!

[tishaLA]

10. LIHEAP has been extended until 5/20

scroll down just a bit: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx

[mvd]

15. Thank you very much!

I will look into this and maybe it can also help.

[piddyprints]

12. Done.

Let us know how it turns out.

[mvd]

16. Thank you very much!

I will indeed.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

19. Done!

[mvd]

20. Thank you so much, Peggy!

Beyond words how much you do for DU.

[Indykatie]

21. More Folks Might Help if it Was Clear There's a Shut Off Notice on $3000 Bill

That could be done without disclosing you and your mom's address.

[mvd]

22. I'll try if I can edit. The address is next to the amount and..

very close together.

[Indykatie]

25. Black Magic Marker Should Take Care of That.

You need to know that if this is your 3rd? time asking for $$$ on DU you have an obligation to document your dire need. It seems like you've gone out of your way to hide any relevant information on the bill but had no problem putting your mom's picture on the internet.

Even the top part of the bill would probably suffice since it probably contains demand for payment and shut off date.

[BlackSkimmer]

34. Yes, everything you said.

No problem putting mom’s face on the internet, though with a mask. Odd, since they are in each other’s bubble so to speak, and they have no interaction with friends or family?

How is an electric bill over $3000?

[mvd]

42. I explained how it is that much

It wasn’t being paid because of problems ever since my dad was alive. During COVID they were not shutting off and we still were in trouble.

As for family, we drifted apart. It happens. The family I was closest to has died, and one that was somewhat close also drifted away.

[mvd]

41. No, it is not that at all

I will take a look at it and see if I can hide the address. I don’t want just anyone seeing my mom and my address.

[mvd]

43. Mom is in bed now but I can change it tomorrow

I didn’t think of the marker thing. That’s a good idea. I understand if some want to see the amount. There is nothing to hide. My mom put the mask on because she is private and sensitive to such things.

[a kennedy]

23. I just donated...... ♥️ ♥️ ♥️

Hope it helps…….

[mvd]

24. Thank you. All of it helps!

Much appreciated. I have a question for you: as said, the bill is around $3,000. But I wanted to start with a $1,500 goal. Would you move up the goal or just note that I am keeping things open due to the amount of the bill?

[a kennedy]

27. Oh, I don't know.......I think you'll surpass the original goal.....

good luck, and happy to help.

[MerryBlooms]

26. I would recommend appointing a financial POA and

Bringing in home health aid. You're disabled and not able to keep up with your mother's needs. If I were in your shoes, I would definitely bring in someone to help. Gofund is temporary, and not sustainable. If your mom has a case manager, please ask them for guidance now. If you're unable to work, I'm not sure how you're supporting yourself, and it's not my business. If you're both living off her social security, and supplements, that too is unsustainable. Your disability approval will most likely take years. The average is at least three applications. I've been turned down three times. I've had countless back surgeries, my L2 has been replaced 4 times and is plates and rods. I am fused from my shouldes into my pelvis. Yet, I work part time, because I am not considered disabled. I also am diagnosed with severe ptsd and on meds, have nighttime seizures, 3 diagnosed depression. I also have some tremors, and numbness in my face. Still, not disabled.

Do not count on disability approval. Have a backup plan. I work part time caring for others. I ended up the way I am, because of a car accident many years ago. They did too. I am happy I am well enough to do what I do for them. Plus, I was on a vent for months and have that same scar as my one friend. We can relate.

Do not count on disability as income soon. It takes a long time, and sometimes never comes.

I wish you and your mom all the best. My love and prayers to you both.

[mvd]

28. So very true

I filed for disability in November and I just have my evaluation Zoom call coming this month. I am listing a few things, but as you said, they make it hard. All of what you said is worth considering. Sorry to hear about your health issues. Sending my best wishes.

[MerryBlooms]

29. Be prepared. The call interviews I had,

It was clear to me they hadn't read my medical records. Stand your ground. Have your records in front of you, and ask them to refer to specific pages. I think that's the smart way to go. Good luck, hon. Cover all your bases and ask for help from DHS.

[mvd]

30. Thank you!

I am thinking they will be a little biased and hard to deal with. I appreciate the kind words.

[XanaDUer2]

31. Listen to Merry Blooms

I was turned down once already. I immediately hired the disability lawyer my doctor works with. I have severe mental, physical, and eye issues. The "assessor" I saw was brusque. She didn't even speak to me ten minutes, but was able to write up 8 pages on why I should be turned down. It's a fucking joke.

Take care. Be persistent.

[MerryBlooms]

35. Omg, my first interview call was literally

While I was sitting in the social security office, turning in additional paperwork they had requested. I asked if they wanted to talk to each other, and the woman on my phone said, no, she had enough information. 😆 What a crock a crap. Their job is to find ways to deny disability. That's what they do, until it's impossible to deny. Most like me, give up, because the process is so traumatizing, that's what they count on.

[XanaDUer2]

36. Absolutely

This horrible woman, known to both my lawyer and doctor, denied me because I've had problems my whole life, which I did. You can't win. I also have severe anxiety and depression, but worked ft for 35 years.

I want to hear more from Biden on SSDI, SS, and Medicare.

[MerryBlooms]

40. I am so sorry. I was told flat out, because I didn't

Apply right after my accident, because I lived on my husband's life insurance (I had lost him to cancer a few yearsprior), my stocks, etc... I thought I didn't qualify, because I had my own money. They said I wasn't considered disabled, because I didn't file. It got worse from there. I ended up losing my home, stocks, most of my remaining money and retirement to pay medical bills. I lost everything, and still ended up denied again. They want you broke, broken and completely destroyed of the will to fight them. I just couldn't go through it again. The lawyer that was recommended to me, was horrible. He had no clue how to deal with ptsd or someone who had stuttering issues. He thought he had put his call on mute, I overheard him tell his assistant to Get rid of this woman, she's in complete breakdown, I can't talk to her. I was devastated, and gave up after that.

It was a horrendous and painful experience for me, that got me nothing but additional suffering.

[yardwork]

50. I am so sorry that happened to you!

That's terrible.

[mvd]

64. That's a terrible ordeal that should have never happened

Very sorry Low income people often are not treated well in the US and I have also noticed that older people don’t get the respect they used to get.

[TuxedoKat]

32. Just donated

Happy birthday to you and your mom. We three share the same birthday. Were either of you born on Mother’s Day too? 😃

[mvd]

38. No, but what a birthday gift my mom got

She said that she went, “most people go out for their birthday. I had a baby!”

Happy upcoming birthday to you, too! And thank you for donating

[TuxedoKat]

33. Just donated

Happy birthday to you and your mom. We three share the same birthday. Were either of you born on Mother’s Day too? 😃

[WhiteTara]

37. Get in touch with LIHEAP

Low Income Heating Electricity etc Program
Human Resource Department of DHS
Call now. THey will help in many ways. Good luck

[mvd]

39. For now I am leaving it open with the statement that..

$1500 is just a soft goal. If I could get it to close to the bill amount near $3000, I would be beyond grateful.

[mvd]

44. Ok I added the photo with the bill amount

It’s in the story section. I agreed with the people who said it should be posted.

[Bluesaph]

45. Don't give up on SSDI

I applied and was approved the first time. You have to always be very polite and precise in all your statements. Have all your medical records and highlight the relevant parts. Do their job for them. Make their job easy. If they like you they will be more inclined to advocate for you.

This goes as well toward the medical evaluators. My disability began in 2015 and I didn’t apply until 2020. They asked me why and I said my husband was supporting me and I didn’t want to accept government help (true/pride). I wanted to go back to work. Time slipped by and I was being unrealistic. I’m not gonna get better. And as my SSDI rep told me when I called him to thank him, I’m not receiving anything I didn’t work hard for my whole life. I also got Medicare.

My point is do not give up. And think positively. That goes a long way toward helping yourself. Good luck. I’ll donate now.

[mvd]

46. Thank you

I have a few things I can use:

- autism
- nearly deaf without hearing aids
- physical limitations and arthritis

It’s good to see a positive story. And thank you very much for donating. I am only in my 40s so can’t get Medicare yet.

[Bluesaph]

59. I'm in my 50's

I was surprised when they sent me a Medicare acceptance letter. But it’s part of SSDI. You get approved for one you will get approved for the other.

Here is the thing. You have to have a diagnosis for something that is considered a disability. The things you mentioned I don’t think are on the list. You’ll have to ask your lawyer.

When was the last time you were gainfully employed where it was a successful employment is also a factor. For example, I tried to go back to work (my regular job) in 2019 and lasted two weeks. So that was considered an unsuccessful attempt at working. They will look at that.

I also was able to advocate for my nephew who was schizophrenic and had other severe mental disabilities which onset in his early 20’s. He had MANY unsuccessful attempts at university and employment. He would do well for a while and an incident would be triggered and he would disappear and lose his job and fail his classes. Super intelligent kid. Very sad and in the end he committed suicide. He could not cope at all.

But prior to that I had gotten him approved and he got SSDI.

[mvd]

60. Luckily they are considering the things I mentioned

Severe hearing loss and autism at least in PA can be mentioned. Hard to say if my arthritis is bad enough. I have never been employed, so maybe they will understand why.

I am so sorry about your nephew. Very tragic.

[XanaDUer2]

48. Thanks for the positive ssdi story

It gives me hope. I'm not giving up. I have a good lawyer and great doctors.

[North Shore Chicago]

47. Hugs to you and your mom

Wish folks here would stop giving you a hard time, they can either help or not. No
one is forcing them and they need not be the gofund me police.

That said, my good thoughts and a positive outcome to your current situation.

[mvd]

70. Thank you very much

Even if they can do just a small amount, it is very much appreciated. This is likely my most dire time yet.

[AntivaxHunters]

51. This shouldn't be happening at all ever

Electricity should be completely subsidized for low income people and that includes seniors.
There's absolutely no excuse for this. It should NEVER happen. Electricity is a human right and many rely it on it to keep them alive because they use things like oxygen.

It's disgusting that in the world's riches country that this continues to go on.

What state are you in please? Some states do have protections for keeping those who rely on electricity for medical conditions which makes them exempt from having power turned off.

[mvd]

52. I agree!

Electricity should be one of the basic guarantees of a society. I am in PA. Would appreciate any other links that help.

Luckily my mom and I have a friend, but she’s mostly to help with rides and sometimes she’ll give small loans that she wants paid back. She’s also a real estate agent who wants to try to sell the house. Had it sold before Covid, but the sale fell through.

[AntivaxHunters]

53. I did find this

This is from your state's PUC website.
The PDF is here

[mvd]

54. Thank you

Yes her doctor sent this - or she likely would not have electricity now. I think she can renew 2 more times. But we would rather not kick things down the road. As it says, the bill is still due. Thanks very much

[AntivaxHunters]

58. You're welcome

[yardwork]

55. I donated. I'm sorry you're going through this.

I hope things improve soon.

[mvd]

56. Thank you, yardwork

Much appreciated!

[mvd]

57. Based on how quickly the $1500 was reached, I raised the goal to $2,000

The ultimate goal would be $3,000 - which is still less than the amount that I now documented in the fundraiser. But whatever you can do is greatly, greatly appreciated!

[mvd]

61. Kick for the evening/night crowd

[mvd]

62. Kick for visibility before bed

[mvd]

63. Kick for Friday

I do hate doing this because DU has again been great - but if I could get the amount raised closer to the bill of over $3,000, it would help us tremendously. And also be a huge birthday gift.

[mvd]

65. I'll keep this visible until around our birthday (May 12)..

and then I will see where we are. Thankfully after this is handled, we would have no huge bills that have to be paid. And the help from before on DU has improved things with proper budgeting. I can’t guarantee I will never start another GoFundMe anywhere, but I see no reason for one after this.

Thanks all and the closer I get to the bill amount, the more relief my mom and I will have.

[mvd]

66. Kick for visibility for the weekend crowd

Hope the weather where you are is better than here.

[NowISeetheLight]

68. SSDI

Don’t give up on the SSDI claim. It’s true it can take years but with proper documentation of your disabilities and how they impact you it is winnable.

I had to retire in 2020 after another VA hospitalization for PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation. I was rated 70% while working but went to 100% P&T disabled after retiring. I was denied SSDI at first but approved on reconsideration based on grid rules and my age (over 55). It took about six months total. When I filed my claim online I next hand delivered a box of records to the local SS office. I even printed out all my VA records and turned them in. I didn’t want to risk doctors not sending them records. Everything was indexed, tabbed, highlighted, very organized. I’d recommend doing this if you can as it clearly sped up my claim. You also have the right to obtain a CD of your SS case file from SSA. It’s good to review to ensure all your documentation is present and to see exactly what your doctors are reporting.

If I was you I would also familiarize myself with the SSDI Blue Book criteria for your disabilities. Each section lists specifically what SS uses to determine if you’re disabled or not. If these things aren’t documented you’re unlikely to be approved. Here is a link.

https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm

I saw you mention Autism and hearing loss. Autism is in section 12 and hearing loss in section 2.

[mvd]

69. Thanks for the info!

It’s good to familiarize myself. The Zoom call with the evaluator is on May 26. While I have never been tested for autism, my doctor of 15 years thought I had it, and I have many of the signs.

[mvd]

71. Happy Mother's Day to my mom and all the moms out there!

My mom got one incredible Mother’s Day gift - a donation that took the total raised over the bill amount! So I will not be promoting this thread anymore and will close the fundraiser once all the donations clear.

Thank you very much, DU! I was scared about doing this again, but you were beyond my wildest dreams wonderful. My mom and I can’t thank you enough.

[North Shore Chicago]

72. Excellent outcome!

Happy Mother's Day to yours!

[mvd]

73. Thank you very much!

Yes it was the best outcome I could have hoped for.