Possible until you need quality medical care. And obviously you aren't flying anywhere to visit family/friends on that amount of money.

Think it comes down to your quality of life and what is important to yourself and family.

Just took a look at my ER visa and it doesn't have anything stamped on it - not that that means much. I'd be tempted to go to immigration in PP and simply ask if its ok for you to volunteer at a school (at no pay) for X# of hours a week while on your ER visa. If they say its ok just ask for a contac...

OP, I would suggest calling the US embassy and asking what documents are required to obtain a US passport for your child without the mother's signature (which is a requirement for the application). Simply tell them the short story - child's mother is having problems with drugs. Prior to the passport...