Wheelchair-Bound Roseville Teacher Could Soon Not Afford To Work
EDITOR'S NOTE: The story has been clarified to state the goal is to change the income formula so it allows and encourages the disabled to stay independent.
ROSEVILLE (CBS13) — For decades, she's made a difference in countless lives as a coach, teacher and a mentor. Now she could lose everything.
In just days, the government is pulling her benefits, which could force her to quit her job and give up her home.
Jenny Weast wants nothing more than to work and pay taxes like anyone else, and for years she's done just that. But now she's being failed by what she calls a broken system.
"It's absolutely everything; it's everything I worked for," she said.
Going on three decades, Weast's place has been the classroom. She's won national championships as a cheerleading coach and teaches geometry and Roseville's Oakmont High.
"It's just my inspiration for getting up," she said. "I'm really close to the kids."
FACEBOOK: Jenny's Battle
DONATE: Help pay for caregivers
Weast is quadriplegic after a skiing accident at the age of 16. She became a teacher to make a difference in young people's lives.
"Ever since I was injured, that's what I wanted to do is be independent, and I've got that," she said. "Now it's like it's being ripped from me."
She's at risk of losing everything—her job, her home and her students.
Medi-Cal, Social Security and In-Home Supportive Services say she makes too much money to qualify for benefits any longer. That means the government won't pay for Jenny's caregivers.
"It's more than my mortgage,"
Those caregivers bathe, clothe and take her to work. Now she's left with an impossible decision.
"It's given me absolutely no choice," she said. "I can't continue to work. I can't afford to work."
It doesn't make sense to hear someone say they can't afford to work, but here's why: Weast needs to keep her caregiver. It's not an option. She can't afford the care on her own.
So, the only way she qualifies under income guidelines is if she quits her job or goes part-time. That's no answer either, because then she wouldn't be able to afford her house, or her customized van.
She faced a similar crossroads in 1999. Back then, Weast was able to find a solution.
"This time they're saying no," she said. "They're just saying, 'There's nothing left we can do for you.'"
The very system that helped Weast achieve independence is now threatening to take it away. And the clock is ticking, has her benefits expire Dec. 1
Supporters are fundraising to help pay for her caregivers so Weast can keep working.
At the same time, they're lobbying lawmakers to push legislation to change the rules in the disability system.
