Long story here! We fostered two boys and then when they were placed with us adoptively we also then took on the littlest sister (had to decide and couldn't turn her away so figured we would deal with the financial issues later!) At any rate, we adopted all three in June 2008 and negotiated subsidies based on the their special needs which began in July 2008. Now, due to adopting the youngest child, my daycare rate increased and the cost for a week was more than what I made working. My husband works but we need both incomes to cover all expenses. We decided that it would be best for me to quit my job and stay home and that would save the daycare expense. Yes, things are real tight, but we are doing the best we can to live within those means, but some things are getting real tough. The subsidy is for the needs required by the children, not to pay our mortgage, utilities, food etc. So I am trying to apply for heating assistance and help with groceries. These programs require you to report Adoption Assistance, which is considered 'unearned income' which then puts us over the limit. Without the assistance, we would actually qualify for the PIPP programs for our utilities. I've filled out the applications anyways, but does anyone have any experience with this? I attached a letter regarding the amount of the subsidy and explained that this is for the special needs of the children, there is certainly not enough afterwards for us to help with other expenses, nor is it supposed to.
for any advice on this subject.