GOVERNMENT AID

Single parents often bear a tremendous financial burden. Not only must they pay the bills for their family, but they often incur additional costs for daycare and babysitting while they go to work. Luckily, there is financial aid available from a number of different sources. In addition, less formal organizations can provide aid in alternative ways, helping to ease the strain and freeing up funds for other costs.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

  • Designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency.
  • Assistance comes in the form of monthly cash allowance.
  • A maximum of 60 months of benefits, but some states may institute shorter periods.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

  • Administered independently by each state.
  • Provides low-cost health insurance to children up to age 19 who is ineligible for the state’s Medicaid program.
  • To apply, make a free call to 1-877 KIDS NOW (1-877-543-7669)

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

  • Federally-funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills.
  • Other assistance includes energy-related home repairs, weatherization, and energy crisis assistance.
  • Call the toll-free phone number at 1-866-674-6327 or contact LIHEAP State Agencies for more info.

Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)

  • Free coupons for single, pregnant mothers and children under 5 years of age who are considered to be “at nutritional risk“.
  • Priority is given to those who are eligible to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

  • Also commonly known as “food stamps“.
  • Aims to provide affordable and healthy meals to the low- to no income families.
  • Qualified applicants include single mothers, elderly or disabled, homeless and the unemployed.
  • Eligibility is based on family income.

Section 8 Housing Program/ Housing Choice Voucher Program

  • A federal program assisting the neediest families to afford safe & decent rental housing.
  • Application must be filed through the local offices of PHA or Office of Public Housing.

Local Food Bank

  • Provides free and reduced-priced food items for families who may not qualify for other welfare programs.
  • Dial 2-1-1 on your telephone to locate a local food pantry or food bank in your area.
  • Single mothers may apply with their local food bank to receive assistance with obtaining food.

National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

  • Free lunches or discounted meals will be provided to eligible students whose family income falls below certain “poverty guidelines“.
  • Interested parents may check details at www.fns.usda.gov or contact the school to fill out a school meal application.

Unemployment Benefits

  • Provide workers, who are unemployed through no fault of their own (due to a layoff), with temporary financial assistance until the worker finds a new job.
  • In most states, benefits are paid for a maximum of 26 weeks.
  • Check with your State Unemployment Office for information on what benefits you are entitled to.

Medicaid

  • For those with no medical insurance, Medicaid provides medical benefits to single mothers whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very low income.
  • Keep in mind that each State has its own rules related to eligibility. For more information, please contact your local Medicaid office.

The Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

  • Granted only to those with “the utmost need” for educational financial assistance.
  • Annual stipend to a maximum of $4000 – the amount received depends on the student’s financial need.

Bear in mind that though these assistance are meant for helping you tide over difficult times, you should not rely solely on them, you should rather ensure that you strive to become self-sufficient so that you can provide for your family on your own.