Learning how to jump through the hoops and avoid scams along the way

What to do, what to do? Most of my writing involves health related subjects, personal experiences within the medical system, and fun short stories with the intention of generating laughter during a time which seems all to very dark, dismal and simply desperate. But, one thing that I know for certain that relates to these other subjects, and society as a whole, is that money creates a lot of stress, especially when one has very little of it. I, myself, am not unfamiliar with this concept, and am struggling tooth and nail to keep myself afloat. I recently applied for, and was approved for food assistance. This was a tremendous relief, and certainly a huge help to my pocket book in general. Although, I have to admit that it hasn't saved me all that much money, as I was actually unable to buy much food beforehand .. so, like many, I was eating sparsely and taking hand outs and help where I could find it. I am thankful that I now have the option to purchase enough groceries to eat everyday, and to eat healthy food at that!
One thing that I have become very acutely aware of is that in order to receive any sort of assistance for basic survival, given that you are out of a job, disabled or somewhere in between, you have to learn what exactly may be available to you, how to jump through the hoops, and therefore, how to "play the game." This are key points so that you may find yourself on the positive end of this everyday battle. It's easy to become stuck, and for the lack of a better metaphor, banging your end against the wall. So, I would like to share what I have found to be out there, how to access various programs, what you need to do, or not do, in order to qualify, and how to avoid the potholes along the way.
Many people are desperate for cash these days, this fact is certainly not a secret and it's led to many creating increasingly creative scams which ultimately target those whom DO NOT have the funds in the first place. This is a sad fact, but very true, and if one doesn't tread carefully and know what to watch out for, many may fall victim with great ease to an array of different financial scams.

Money long gone, need help, now what?

The economy's in the tank and has been for a few years now. As time passes and more people lose most, if not everything which they have worked for their entire professional lives, one can easily become disillusioned, defeated, and frozen in the uncertainly and obvious fear which this perfect storm has generated. Many of those who once lived an upper/middle class lifestyle have slid to a place of living month to month, pay check to pay check, and those whom once scrapped by with the latter, are now behind on most bills and forced to pick and choose which bill gets paid on alternating  months. Finding assistance to make ends meet is a job and battle in and of itself ... and, once a glimmer of hope shines through, you quickly discover you don't fit in that "magic box" for consideration. Now you must learn to work the system, jump through loopholes and be less than honest, which is terribly hard for many of those whom are honest, ethical and decent by nature. The crazy thing is, the system is not set up to help many of those whom truly need help and are clearly following the rules; those whom would greatly benefit from a little boost. It's easy to sink in the financial quick sand, and very challenging to find a way out. Just keeping your little life raft afloat these days is a fete all by itself. I know that this has been the case for myself, and while I have not found the key to success with regard to financial matters, I am learning how to jump through these countless hoops and want to share with you want I have discovered. So for all of you already sitting precariously on the edge and hanging on by a thread, let's move towards finding answers, sorting out what works and what is less than acceptable, what is a scam and what's for real!