from pnjperr: Please help me understand this mess!
Sure, no problem.
from pnjperr: We don't want to take advantage of any benefit or service but just want to do what we can to reduce her financial stress.
Okay, problem. Look, the section of the government that you have to deal with is staffed by obstructive, bullying bureaucrats that want to deny benefits and who enjoy their work. They also want to complicate the issue rather than simplify it, as complexity inevitably leads to denial of benefits (fun!) and job security (more fun!). These people want to obstruct you; they are unhelpful by design.
Out of every 50 or so bureaucrats that you encounter, there will be one that's helpful. All this means is that the system screwed up somewhere and a mistake was made. Finding that person is tough, but the more bureaucrats you encounter the closer you get to the winning ticket. So, you see, number one is to get the name, ID number, job title and phone extension of whomever you speak with, because when you find the right one you'll want to call her back.
Second, adjust your attitude. You want all you can get. You're greedy. The government owes you this, and today is collection day. Go after the benefits. File forms, keep meticulous records, and if you have to go anywhere in person start talking to the people around you who have been through the system. They'll tell you what to say and who to talk to, what topics to avoid, that kind of thing. You have to learn this stuff or you'll never get anything.
If you want to talk to a caseworker, start calling and call every ten minutes until you get through. The people there will lie about the caseworker's availability. Keep calling and escalate to supervisors. Think: You, the recipient of the social service, have time. Use the time you have to do the one thing they don't want you to do: persist in collecting your benefits.
Your mom can call city government as well. Call Bell's office and ask to speak with Mayor Finkbeiner - then, when the staff corrects you, tell them that since Mayor Bell won't help you, maybe it's time to drop back to Carty. See?
Almost finally, start becoming part of the cash economy. If your mom can do odd jobs or babysit or anything like that, have her start work on a cash only basis. At her income level several hundred extra each month makes a huge difference.
And, Finally, you wrote: We help her each month, to the tune of almost $500.
Pay it, Ace. Consider it a privilege to be able to do so. Think about who raised you and took care of you, then each month ask yourself if your own mother's care is worth $500 today. Hardship my ass...