Yes, it is unforunate that people don’t realize that over half of those on welfare are people we would have sympathy for.
Though whether the government should be providing that welfare, especially the federal government, is another matter.
To your situation:
Disability usually starts at the time of application so the first check is usually a very large one including payments for many months while the application was awaiting approval.
In general buy storable food that you use in bulk on sale, go to food pantry, go to ‘salvage’ food stores, get cooling and heating assistance.
The worker who figured my onset date decided that my onset was after I ended up in the wheelchair. fully, 10 months after my application. Even though I was discharged from a temporary job because of the pain medication I was on following the back surgery that was failed and the diagnosis of permanent nerve damage and chronic pain. Then, their policy is that you must be unpaid disabled for 7 months before you can get your first payment. My attorney's office claimed my past due amount for the 25% common attorney fee and for the medical records and copy fees. My entire monthly check will go to my landlord for monthly rent and for the past due amount I owe for the last 4 years I have been unable to work and pay rent. I am blessed that he didn't put us out on the streets, and I owe him a lot for the past 4 years....but I still have to buy and cook meals separately for me and my son, and they are cutting my monthly benefit from 347 a month to less than 200 a month. You can't buy very much healthy, natural foods on that much :(