I think it's important to remember, as a rule of thumb, if you take advantage of a social service, it actually makes it easier for other people who need that service to access it. Most of the time, when these services get cut, it's because politicians will look at usage and say "see, no one is really using this thing, we can afford to trim the budget for food stamps by at least half". Whereas if you decide to step up and use these programs, even if you feel like you "don't really need it", at bare minimum it's another data point advocates can use to say "hey, look, people are using this thing, this is an important service we are providing, do not cut our funding".
Also, this is kind of a separate but related issue: don't wait until you're literally in debt with no food in the fridge and rent due in a week to look for help. You'd be surprised how many programs are at your disposal. Hell, I just found out to qualify for low-income housing assistance, you only need to make 80% less than the state's median income. (Spoiler: we make waaaay less than 80%.)
Stop thinking of yourself as temporarily embarrassed middle-class. If you're poor, you're poor. Check online, check your local library, get some help. Don't wait until you're on death's door to learn this stuff.
I also make a point of talking openly about receiving assistance. Not everyone is comfortable doing that and that’s ok, but I think it’s important. I was afraid to apply for the longest time because it was embarrassing and I was sort of worried if I didn’t qualify that I would somehow get in trouble for asking. (Obviously I didn’t get in trouble because that’s not a thing, but anxiety is not rational lol.) I think by talking about it, I can help lower the stigma and let people around me know that they might qualify too.
there are many hubs that can answer questions about eligibility right away or direct you to someone who can.
DB101 is a disability benefits website that links you to your states resources. Even if you are not disabled this is a good place to start.
Disability Benefits 101 gives you tools and information on employment, health coverage, and benefits. You can plan ahead and learn how work
