Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Lori Pace
Besides supporting grants, the US government and public organisations also organise extra program(s) for single moms. These programs aim to support low-income families, especially single mothers, with other aspects of life!
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) For Single Moms
The WAP helps low-income families drastically reduce their energy bills. The program will give particular preference to families with children and the elderly.
There are a few factors that will determine if you’re eligible for this program. These will include your income and the state in which you live. To find out if you’re eligible, you’ll need to contact your local WAP office.
Feeding America
Feeding America isn’t a grant like the others available to single mothers and their children. This non-profit organisation has more than 200 food banks all over the country.
The organization distributes food to those in need but don’t qualify for welfare programs. These food banks provide over 40 million people with food. The help includes providing food to more than 12 million children.
Lifeline Program For Single Moms
The Lifeline Program helps low-income families to afford connectivity and get access to emergency services such as 911. It provides monthly broadband internet and phone subsidy to low-income families.
The eligibility requirements can differ from state to state. In most cases, families who live at less than 135% of the poverty level are eligible for assistance from the Lifeline Program. You could apply for this program with your local provider or designated state agency.
Unemployment Insurance Program For Single Moms
If you’re an unemployed single mom, you could use unemployment insurance to help pay the bills. In the US, the Department of Labor hands out compensation to help unemployed Americans weekly.
Unemployment Insurance can help single mothers who lost their job due to no fault of their own. This help will include single mothers who lost their jobs because of the pandemic. Unemployment Insurance can help single mothers pay their bills and provide for their families while they job hunt.
The amount of money paid to unemployed single mothers can vary from state to state. In Mississippi, the amount paid can start from $235. In Massachusetts, the amount of money given is a maximum of $855.
On September 6, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act extended unemployment benefits. These benefits include an extra compensation of $300 a week. If you collected unemployment in 2021, you could qualify for the Affordable Care Act.
Paid Family Leave
In the US, there is no guarantee of paid leave for new mothers. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, new mothers get 12 weeks of job-guaranteed leave. But it’s still unpaid leave.
Only nine states offer paid family leave to new parents to take care of their newborn babies.
Since 2014, Rhode Island has had a paid family leave law that allows four weeks of paid leave. New Jersey and California provide six weeks of paid maternity leave for new mothers. In 2020, this was increased to eight and 12 weeks, respectively. New York began offering eight weeks of paid leave and half pay in 2018. Later in 2021, the state increased it to 12 weeks and only part of their income.
For more grants and assistance programs for single moms, visit our singlemother.us page!
