“I Did Everything Right”: The Story Of One Woman Failed By The System Meant To Help Her

When the government shut down in October, Sheila Jones experienced a pause in her own life. At 61, she found herself mirroring the clients she aided for 26 years as a social worker, who relied on dwindling financial resources while navigating a stalled system. This shutdown has become the longest in U.S. history, impacting countless Americans profoundly.Jones, currently on temporary disability due to her declining mental and physical well-being, is now applying for permanent disability after being unable to return to work. After one denial, she anticipated a ruling by October, but the shutdown delayed her hopes as many workers involved in processing her application were furloughed.As unemployment becomes her sole income source, with the last check due on November 10, Sheila faces additional uncertainty with her CalFresh benefits, affecting over 270,000 residents in Sacramento County. Amid unprecedented challenges, Jones turns to her faith as she navigates these struggles, hoping for support to emerge soon.