Personally I've never in my thirty years asked for public assistance. I have been blessed for help through the veterans administration. If you feel like your not getting what you need, find someones supervisor. Not everyone is as lucky as me, and you might need to fight for what you get. Do not be afraid of going over someones head to get what you need and if they don't help, go over theirs... If you need help they are supposed to be your advocate...

That's not always the case. But it is a rational fear of many people with hiv. But the more people with capabilities to help that know your needs, the better chance you are of receiving help.