So, I have seen here a few scenarios with the default that mention inflation and cash running out or drying up.

Can someone humor me and tell me what this really means? So if my grocery store isn't able to pay the supplier, there's no food? if the gas station owner has money, but the distributor can't get his gas from the refinery on credit, there's no gas? How does this thing work?

I have no credit myself, and very little cash... so i really don't understand the concept or the mechanism. I've been defaulted on my student loan for a number of years...but other than taking my taxes, it hasn't really affected me...
Now, I *do* happen to have federal assistance as a main help for living... Hud Housing and cash aid/foodstamps... I know those things drying up would be bad and scary...but honestly, if things devolve into THAT much chaos...I'd probably just stay put and squat in my current house, and survive by commune-type living with my friends and family close-by...

I appreciate your input...