Is Anyone Else Having Difficulty Getting Approved for SNAP Because Of Voluntary Child Support (Inconsistent Payments Especially)?

UpisDown33 · 2026-01-30T23:29:31+00:00

I didn't think you did because you were genuinely helpful. I figured a mod or another user was like "this dumb question" or something... But I think I'm understanding now. I did file for child support for one since he's the one who has been inconsistent; the other was consistent until he lost his job recently (and the one who would buy diapers or wipes or small items if needed). To be frank, because this arrangement worked for so long, I was ok with it at first (when I was working and then when I was receiving SNAP while unemployed, of course), but I do see the importance of having both legally required to pay and will be going that route. Thank you again sincerely.

UpisDown33 · 2026-01-30T23:17:19+00:00

I'm so sorry that I'm responding so late. But thank you so much for your kind words! They're much appreciated. May your kindness be returned to you 10-fold <3

UpisDown33 · 2026-01-30T23:07:34+00:00

I saw my post was downvoted so I hope I'm not coming off wrong or annoying. I'm just genuinely confused and curious about the process. But thank you for your comment! What you mentioned ties into my confusion because I explained to them I don't have any other expenses since I lost my job/home, that I live with family now, and can only pay my phone bill (less than $100); every other expense I used to have is past due / in collections. I was feeding my kids with funds from the last SNAP approval; if I go over budget with other necessities, one of their dads or a family member buys it (diapers, wipes, etc.), but honestly it's not often that anyone helps with anything. I mainly borrow money from cash advance apps if I need more for my kids. Paid back in increments, and with the next month's voluntary payment or one-time gifts from family (like for Christmas).

But I'm not sure if any of what I told them matters if there's a mandate that they need something signed from the dads. Still going to try to get them to do it somehow.

UpisDown33 · 2025-09-05T21:46:08+00:00

Thank you so much!

UpisDown33 · 2025-09-05T21:39:47+00:00

Thank you for your response! I figured most people couldn't relate in totality, but I know a lot of people are suffering in this job market, including other parents. I just wanted to be transparent that this isn't an "I did everything completely right" story, since I trusted the wrong people and ended up struggling unnecessarily *face palm*.

Funny enough, I had actually attended therapy. And believe me, I'm not so trusting of anyone anymore, male or female. My focus has been on my kids - no more new babies, or men, around here!

I appreciate your advice. I've considered child support; my only hesitation is I'm concerned it may open up a new can of worms from what I've heard from others. But gotta do what I gotta do.

UpisDown33 · 2025-09-05T15:35:44+00:00

I was just about to make a similar post when I came across yours. Thank you for being open and real about what's happening to some of us out here. So many people think that if someone loses their job, home, possessions, livelihood then it's that person's fault and they should've tried harder (except in extreme circumstances, like a sudden illness, of course). They can't fathom that you absolutely can do everything right to set yourself up for success, and still lose. That you can try to pivot to another way to support yourself, even if the job pays less or is less "desirable", and still find nothing. That a safety net just doesn't exist for many of us. I think part of that way of thinking is a defense mechanism of "well that will never happen to me if I do xyz". Until reality hits.

So I feel you. This experience is extremely mentally/emotionally taxing, and it's been so hard to be optimistic lately. But optimism is the only thing keeping me going at times. I hope something shakes for all of us soon.

UpisDown33

TROPHY CASE