I will admit, it is not easy. However, with all of the resources you qualify for, it is possible. You will have to give up on some creature comforts to accomplish this. Assuming you have $967, it is not going to be easy. Hopefully, this page will help a little.
Budget
You must budget. If you don’t budget, you have no way of knowing where your money is going to. You have enough money assuming you got all of the resources you qualify for, you just have to know where it’s going. Some things you might be wasting your money on will include cable TV, alcohol, cigarettes/vaping, gambling, and recreational drugs. If you are doing any of these things, then you need to stop. This is because you are spending money on things you can’t afford.
Reduce Costs
Once you cut out all of the unhealthy things that is eating your money up, you now need to see where you can reduce your costs. If you find you are spending too much on food, maybe consider store brand or generic foods. Unless you have an ultra-sensitive pallet in your mouth, you are unlikely to notice the difference. Therefore, the lessor quality taste is likely your imagination.
Now, there are some consumables you have to go through. If you are like me, and you shave – consider better shaving options. I use a Leaf Razor. I no longer use the one with a pivoting head as it has failed on me too many times. Instead, I use their Leaf Twig. This razor uses 1 half double-edge blades which is about 5¢ per blade. Buy a box of 100 double-edge blades for $10, and it would last you more than a year if you were to change blades weekly.
Another option is if you have access to public transit, consider that. It might be cheaper to use public transit more so even if you have a car. Driving your car not only costs in gas, but wear and tear on your car too. I am not saying get rid of the car, but use the car only when you have to.
Don’t Borrow
One of the things I would recommend that you do is save money. First, have $1,000 for an emergency fund. An emergency is “An unexpected occurrence that needs to be addressed immediately“. If you should have to use your emergency fund, then refund it as quickly as possible. Non-emergencies such as a new phone can be saved for, and paid with cash. If you can tell yourself no, then you can consider trying to get a credit card. This will allow you to buy higher quality items without violating the $2,000 limit on your assets since your credit card is not an asset.
Get Discounts Where Possible
Some companies might give you discounts for bulk purchases. In example, Mint Mobile will charge $180/year for their cheapest plan. That is less than $20/month when saving for the bill. Obviously, they will charge you taxes, so it would be more than $180 for the year. Other companies offers discounts when paying in bulk.