Cant get fuel filter to prime and other issues

We have a 1996 Passat tdi 230,000 miles on it . It started off with the car surging when started cold, check engine light on was for 6 months the erg?(per vw dealership ) (right side by the cabin filter.) Then when she was driving it started to chug then died. When I got there I could start the car and it idled, But when I put it into 1st gear it felt like I was in 3rd gear and died. I brought it home and the next day it would not start. I could see fuel moving and a couple of air bubbles in the line.I replaced the fuel fitter (dry as the manuals say to do(has worked in the past) )will not send fuel to the filter, I put 5 gallons in just to make sure fuel gauge was working. I checked to see if there was a lift pump VW says no , injection pump $700-1100.I did find out there is a relay for the fuel pump. Would that be where to start? Would putting a hose in a fuel can with a nipple to a hose threw the filter tell me anything? Car has got to move or I need to get an old cheap beater . Is there any way to rig it to go? just 14 miles a day round trip. Money is really tight .My wife can take me to work. But my boss drives me home (not a good thing). I work 6 days a week 10 to 12 hrs a day. Got the morning off today. Any help would be great. Thanks Dean

Your lift pump, part of your injection pump, is very likely shot.
Here are a few options for you to consider short of removing your IP & having it rebuilt.
http://www.dfispdx.com/
http://www.dudadiesel.com/choose_item.php?id=dia12v
http://www.klmstore.com/fassfuelpumpseries.aspx
http://www.klmstore.com/fass-p-d07-095g.aspx
http://www.klmstore.com/fass-fuel-pressure-regulator-fpr-1001.aspx

Could I buy a in line fuel pump form Napa for $15 and put it in before the filter and put an on off switch or hook it to the key some how ?

Just called Napa They would need to know what the lift pump pressure is. Does anyone know what it is ? Thanks Dean

There is no separate lift pump, It's part of the injection pump. Most fuel pumps like Napa sells won't flow enough & won't last.