Free Government Money – Federal Grant Programs
Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Lori Pace
Did you know that every year the United States Government distributes money – up to $80 million – to eligible individuals and businesses in the form of free government grants?
This is free government money given to you that you do not have to pay back.
Because the government cares about its citizens’ welfare and safety, they offer a wide range of free government grants to help you get through your financial hardship and ease the burden. There is a grant available for everyone!
These grants include grants for housing, food, employment, medical care, utility bills and even tax benefits. The grants can easily be applied for on the government’s website for government grants. To receive a grant, you have to fulfill certain eligibility requirements. However, no credit check and collateral is required, making the application process even easier.
Let’s take a look at some of the free government money grants available for single moms.
Free Government Money For Single Moms
Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is the USA’s largest educational grant for students, covering grants of up to $6 495 to deserving students who want to pursue their tertiary education.
This need-based grant offers low-income single moms the opportunity to go back to school, complete their studies, and re-enter the workplace. Remember, this is free money that does not need to be repaid.
To apply for a Federal Pell Grant, you need to complete the Free Application for Student Aid. The deadline for submission is the 30th of June every year.
Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)
TANF is an important safety net for low-income and single-parent household families. It aims to help you become self-sufficient by providing financial assistance for a limited period of time and assisting you with work opportunities.
There are two types of TANF grants: child-only grants and family grants.
Child-only grants are focused on the needs and welfare of the child and are lower than family grants. You can receive approximately $8 a day per child with this grant.
Family grants provide a small amount of cash on a monthly basis towards your basic needs. This includes money towards food, shelter, clothing and other essential expenses. This grant can cover you for up to 60 months.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, previously known as the Food Stamp program, is the USA’s largest anti-hunger program that has helped over 40 million low-income citizens by giving them access to nutritional meals.
The program serves to provide low-income and no-income families with a debit card (EBT) that can be used to buy healthy food items at participating local stores.
This encourages parents to prepare affordable, healthy and nutritious meals for their families despite their financial struggles.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Child care can be very expensive, ranging from $2 400 to $20 800 a year. A single mom working full-time and earning a minimum wage can barely cover these costs. That’s when CCAP comes in handy.
Knowing that your child is in safe hands while you are away at work, searching for a job or studying is very important.
CCAP assures you that your child will be taken care of regardless of your financial situation by providing child care assistance for low-income families with children under the age of 13 years old. However, older children with health or any other disabilities can also be eligible for this program.
In certain states, families must make a small contribution towards the child care costs. Eligibility requirements vary across states.
Section 8 Rental Subsidy
Being a single mom, you understand how difficult it can be to find a decent house for rent in a safe neighborhood at an affordable rate.
But don’t worry, Section 8 has you covered.
This federal housing program provides vouchers to low-income families, the elderly and the disabled to help cover a large portion of your rent. The voucher covers 70% of your rent and utilities, making you responsible for covering the remaining 30%.
The only problem is that it is a very popular grant, so there can be a long waiting list before you they will consider you as an eligible applicant.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
If you are struggling to cover your utility bill for the month, you may want to consider applying for LIHEAP.
The program helps keep low-income families’ homes safe by providing them with once-off financial assistance towards their utility expenses. LIHEAP provides funding towards home energy costs, energy crises, weatherization and minor energy-related home repairs.
The program helps reduce the risk of safety and health problems in your home due to unsafe heating and cooling practices. LIHEAP ensures your family remains warm in winter and cool in summer.
Eligible applicants’ household income must not be more than 60% of the median income in the state or 150% of the poverty level. Should you be eligible, LIHEAP will pay the utility company directly on your behalf.
Medicaid
Medical insurance is a necessity for every household, but it can be very expensive. That is why Medicaid provides FREE or low-cost medical coverage for low-income families to ensure that their health is also protected.
Did you know that Medicaid is an entitlement program and provides medical coverage for more than 79 million people?
Low-income families and single moms can benefit from Medicaid to receive essential medical care and funding towards their medical bills.
To find out more, visit the Medicaid website.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
If your income is too high to apply for Medicaid and you have children under 19 years old that are not medically covered, you may want to consider applying for CHIP.
The program provides health insurance for children up to 19 years old whose families cannot afford to provide them with private medical coverage.
CHIP covers the works- your children’s visits to the doctor, vaccinations, dental and even vision medical care. In most cases, with low-income families, this grant is FREE, where you do not have to repay anything. But in other cases, you may have to pay a small contribution every month.
Find out how to apply for CHIP on the Medicaid website.
Unemployment Insurance Are Considered Free Government Money?
For unemployed single-moms who are struggling to make ends meet, the benefits of the Unemployment Insurance Grant will help temporarily ease the burden until you find a job.
Eligible participants can receive money coming in on a weekly basis for up to 26 weeks by the Department of Labor. Depending on the state you live in, the amount you receive varies.
The American Rescue Plan Act helps unemployment insurance by increasing the weekly compensation by $300 to workers who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own. The benefits of this act will continue until the 6th of September 2021.
You can claim unemployment insurance online or by phone. But in some states, you need to to apply through the state unemployment agency.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
EITC is the largest anti-poverty program that exists in the USA with the majority of its recipients being single moms.
The program protects single moms against changes in their wage incomes and encourages them to work. Unfortunately, you can only benefit from this grant if you are a working single mom (they do not cover unemployed moms).
EITC provides a fully refundable income tax credit of up to $6 660, depending on the size of your family. Families with one child can receive a maximum credit of up to $3 618.
You could earn a tax break today by applying for EITC.
What To Do If You Don’t Qualify For Government Money Grants?
Suppose you are not eligible to apply because you earn more than required but too little to get through every month. In that case, you can consider contacting your local churches, non-profit organisations and community support groups to find out whether they are able to help you with some form of assistance.
You can also dial 211 for assistance with food, shelter, work, paying your bills and counselling. This service is available 24/7.
Conclusion About Free Government Money
Being a single mom can be financially exhausting, but endless federal government grants give away free government money. These grants are also available to help you get through your financial struggles and provide for your family.
Keep in mind that the grants are there to help you temporarily. They are not permanent, so do not completely rely on them. They are merely a stepping stone to help you become self-sufficient and independent.