Go through the application process. Be completely honest and disclose everything. Take whatever benefit you're eligible for.
The US will not improve its safety net as long as these programs are stigmatized as being for poor people. The average voter needs to experience the benefit or see it benefiting those they care about. Put the money to good use: shop local, get take out from a struggling restaurant, add to your investments, donate to a good cause.
Honestly, I would rather have money from government assistance going to people like you than big financial institutions that have no qualms about applying for every potential program. This will only happen though if people actually utilize these benefits.