I have epilepsy, and I transitioned from being able to care for my little girl and manage my bills to relying on my family for support, with nothing to provide for my child. I lost her to her father and endured years of tests and medication adjustments to regain my health, all while battling the system to retain custody of my child due to my financial constraints. My struggle is not an isolated case. Numerous single parents find themselves in comparable circumstances, facing the daunting task of applying for disability benefits while striving to support their children. Frequently, these parents must depend on family or friends, if they are lucky enough to have such support, just to survive financially. This situation is neither sustainable nor just. The process of applying for disability can span months or even years, during which parents may experience severe financial strain. The Social Security Administration (SSA) indicates that it typically takes between 3 to 5 months to receive an initial decision, with appeals often prolonging this timeline. Throughout this period, parents have limited access to income support, jeopardizing their families' housing, utilities, and even custody of their children. We require a system that allows single parents to access funds immediately while they navigate the challenging disability application process. A short-term financial assistance program could relieve some of the pressure and serve as a bridge for parents to maintain stability in their households. Access to resources such as low-interest loans or grants specifically designed for this transitional phase would greatly benefit many lives. Let us encourage our policymakers to consider establishing a system that offers immediate financial assistance to single parents applying for disability. Parents should not have to choose between pursuing a legitimate disability claim and ensuring the well-being of their children. Sign this petition and help transform the lives of countless families for the better.