They would be incredibly helpful, but I was denied way before they brought this up. I feel like having one day off a week shouldn't still hold me in government aid territory? But everyone present seemed to think it normal.
I feel like, as my coworkers nodded along, I was in an unscripted horror movie. This doesn't feel like it should be normalized. I work 40-50 hours a week, no overtime, $12/hr, under dangerous conditions with no hazard pay. I can't even afford to drive a car, and I should apparently just apply for aid rather than a new job? Yeah alright. Bye.
(throwaway because Im actively job searching and want a decent reference since the boss does like me personally. Im paid more than many employees and he demands it be secret or you're fired)