‘On the verge of eviction’: Hopewell mother waiting for disability benefits, launches small business
VENN
HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) -- For the past 10 months, Hopewell mother Lashaunastey Turberville has been waiting for disability benefits to kick in. Diagnosed with white matter disease, Turberville said she's physically unable to work -- but the bills keep coming.
"I've been trying so hard to stay in the working world -- show my daughter better, you know? Show her [how] to push through whatever," Turberville said.
Her health struggles began four years ago. Since then, she’s endured damaged nerves, strokes, severe migraines, vomiting and seizures. The symptoms forced Turberville to resign from her job at a federal prison.
"It takes a severe toll on me," she said. "I worked a year at another position ... and I was pushing myself, but I started having the seizures at work."
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With limited income, Turberville said she occasionally struggles to afford even her medication -- and the lack of benefits is putting her housing in jeopardy.
"Every month, it's like I'm on the verge of eviction," she said.
Still, Turberville has found a creative way to support her 9-year-old daughter: she started a home-based business called Tooties Frooties. Together, she and her daughter sell flavored pineapples.
Turberville said that the business, which launched in May, has been a success so far. Still, it’s not enough to replace the support she’s waiting for through disability benefits.
"How long should this be taking? You know, for somebody who's actually sick?" she asked.
According to Turberville, her initial claim was denied -- in part because she had still been trying to work when she applied. She said she was doing everything she could to keep bills paid.
University of Richmond law professor Cassie Powell said Turberville’s experience is not uncommon.
"Most of the time, people are not approved right away -- and they have to then appeal, and then appeal [again,] and go through several appeal stages, [all] for them to potentially be approved or eventually denied," Powell said.
Turberville is now working with a disability attorney. She was told just weeks ago that her paperwork is moving forward, but as of the time of reporting, nothing has been approved.
To order from her business, text 804-720-7259. She also has a GoFundMe if you'd like to donate.
