Last Updated on September 13, 2023 by Lori Pace
Unexpected costs are the reasons why single mothers have trouble paying their bills. In California, agencies and organizations are there to offer single moms and their families free food, rental and foreclosure assistance, free or low-cost health care, and other programs.
California assistance programs for single moms
RxFoundation
The Rx Foundation administers the Prescription Assistance Programs (PAPs) to give free and discounted prescriptions for its members. They are a part of the free prescription programs and work with pharmaceutical companies to supply you with the prescription medicine for a fraction of its cost. Pay $25 to start your application and a $75.00 monthly enrollment fee. Visit their website to learn more.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Single Mothers
CalFresh Program is California’s SNAP, it’s the same system as the SNAP program. This program can supplement your food budget and allow you to buy more healthy, satisfying nutritious meals. They provide you with an electronic card with monthly benefits to be used to buy food. Check if you are qualified for the program. Call them at 1-877-847-3663 or visit Social Services at your local office.
Cash Assistance
There is a variety of cash assistance programs in California:
- For Low-income, Elderly, Blind, People with Disabilities
- For Immigrants
- California Veterans Cash Benefit (CVCB)
- The General Assistance or General Relief – indigent adults
- In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) – age over 65, disabled, or bilnd are qualified
Find your local county offices here.
Assistance Dog Special Allowance Program
The Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA) Program gives monthly $50 for people who need a service dog for their disabilities. This monthly allowance is for dog care: food, grooming, and health care. Service dogs are allowed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and State to accompany their handlers at places where the general public is allowed (taxis, buses, restaurants, theaters, stores, hotels, apartments, and office buildings).
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) for Single Mothers
The TANF is for families struggling financially or struggling with other difficulties to help them become self-sufficient. They help the head of the household find reasonable employment and promote pregnancy after marriage with the support of both families. Get more information through their website.
Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The California Tribal TANF Program’s core purpose is to assist the Indian Tribes of California by providing the funding, tools, and resources necessary for each Tribe or Consortium to administer its own Tribal TANF Program. Discover more about Tribal TANF. Tribal and TANF programs by county.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
The AAA, under the California Department of Aging, has a variety of programs for seniors and adults with disabilities. They serve as a platform for aging issues. Check the Department website to learn more about what they can do for you, and check their list of programs. Contact them at 800-510-2020 for more information. They are always open for volunteers too.
Women, Infants, Children (WIC) for single parents
Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP – 1992) is offered by the WIC to provide fresh, nutritious, unprepared, and locally grown fruits and vegetables for WIC participants at nutritional risk. Find out more about their services and locate a WIC office near you. Contact them at 800-852-5770, 888-WIC-Works, or 888-942-9675
Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability has benefits for people with physical or mental disabilities. Visit the HUD page to apply for benefits. Application through the phone is available at 800-772-1213 or 800-325-0778.
