So today I broke down and went to apply for 'income assistance' aka welfare.

I know that I'm not eligible for employment insurance since I didn't work enough hours in the last year because I was in school full time. This is the only way I can see being able to afford anything. I have absolutely no income right now....I got 'let go' from the fast food place I was working at because I'm not reliable enough (I called in sick when I went to the doctor's in sooo much pain last week and was put on 3 days rest).

On my way home today my mom called me and I told her where I'd been and she just got all quiet like she did when I told her I was pregnant and kept saying how sad she is for me. I think she still partly wishes I would have had an abortion and I know she is so disappointed that I am not the perfect daughter she wishes I was. She is always so stressed about me not having any money and asking me how I am going to afford everything. It's like she thinks I don't worry about these things and am acting like some stupid kid....or at least that's how she makes me feel. I don't want to have to be living in my mom's house and relying on her, but that's how things are....I don't think she realizes how the things she says make me feel, but I just don't know how to talk to her about it. I really hate my life right now....maybe I did make the wrong decision, but there's nothing I can do to change it now.


Sorry for the long post, but I just had to get it out and I have no one to talk to.....don't I sound pathetic.

How many hours do you need? In Ontario it's 600, which is only a couple months of full time. EI is all gov't too, so if you've gotten enough hours under your belt you can claim "Pregnancy Leave" any time within 17 weeks of your due date, and then there's Parental Leave. Not to say welfare's a bad thing either, it's not like you're taking advantage of the system - you really honestly need it. I've looked into it too, and I'm keeping that option open just in case.

There's no shame in it It will give you time to get on your feet, and it's all about providing for your baby. Check out subsidized housing, too. That way you can save up and get yourself a nice place after a year or two. You're smart, and that will help you get ahead. Lots of people just get into a slump on welfare, but you can use it to your advantage.

You'll be a great mom, and I think you made the right decision. Children don't need money to be happy. They don't know the difference. I was poor as dirt growing up but had a wonderful time and came out of it resourceful as hell (Also, I am the champion garage-saler/deal finder!) PM me if you want to talk about it more!