Help for Single Mothers in Florida

Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Lori Pace

The reality of the single mothers living in Florida isn’t as bad thanks to financial assistance from government welfare programs that aims to help low-income families. These programs in Florida can range from temporary financial aid to food assistance and greatly help to ease the emotional and monetary burdens of single mothers in their role as head of the family. There is a list of programs below, along with the benefits that they provide for single-parent families in Florida.

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)

This program’s main objective is to provide temporary financial assistance to families who have children younger than 18 years old. TCA offers them benefits like cash, food assistance, and Medicaid. As its name suggests, the TCA only provides assistance to families for a limited time, up to 48 months.

Food Assistance Program

This program’s main goal is to give people with low income, no matter their age, an adequate diet that meets their nutritional needs. For a formal application, call the Department of Families and Children at 1-866-762-2237. You will receive all the information you need about what you must do to qualify for the program.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The cost of paying utilities in the United States is a well-known fact. For households with only one source of income, the task is even more difficult. Florida’s government has created a program to help families in this situation. The Florida Low Income Energy Assistance Program provides financial assistance to cover heating and cooling costs. 

LIHEAP is dependent on funds available in the county of the household, and therefore, it’s not a monthly payment. However, it can grant up to three times per year. The local agency providing LIHEAP in the county where the family group resides determines eligibility.

Reemployment Assistance Program

The Reemployment Assistance program aims to provide temporary salary replacement benefits for those who qualify. These are individuals who face unemployment in circumstances that they are not or cannot be responsible for. The state of Florida has set minimum requirements for these people to be eligible for this program.

This assistance can be received for a maximum period of 12 weeks. The highest weekly benefit amount is $ 275. This program is temporary and offers the head family member the opportunity to have a monthly fixed income as they work towards their formal return to the labor market.

Reemployment Assistance Hotline
1-833-352-7759

School Readiness Program

This program is aimed primarily at families who have children and whose primary member is employed or looking for employment. They need financial assistance to enable them to enroll their school-age children in the educational system. This program is for children who are of school age as well as those who need childcare while their mother works.

The program provides a subsidy to the family based on the income. This subsidy would cover the majority of the monthly payments of the educational institution. The program does not cover all costs; the legal representative will be responsible for the remainder. Contact your county’s Early Learning Coalition to find out more about eligibility and how to apply.

Head Start

The Head Start Association coordinates this program. The program is divided into two parts: the Head Start program, which targets children aged 3 to 5 from low-income households. This program offers comprehensive services including nutrition, health, and education. It also includes the participation of infant representatives who are the children’s first teachers.

The program includes an Early Head Start section for children younger than 3 years. Women who are pregnant can sign up for the Early Head Start program. Contact your local Head Start office for more information on how to register, eligibility, and services provided in your county.

School Breakfast and Lunch Program

The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are federally funded programs whose primary objective is to help schools and other organizations provide nutritious meals to children whose families fall within the income parameters set by government offices that administer these programs.

The representative of the child (or children) can apply for these programs at any point during the school year. Include all the family members’ data. If you are chosen for the program and the income of your family is determined, then depending on that, your child can enjoy a free breakfast or lunch at school.

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG)

Higher education in the United States is still very expensive. This is a problem that many families face every day. The Student Assistance Grant Program is available to those who reach this stage but do not have the income to cover their expenses.

The (FSAG), a financial aid program, is designed to help students who will soon enter or are already in the university system. People who have a significant financial need and are enrolled at a post-secondary institution are eligible for grants.

The program is important because it not only offers assistance to struggling families but also gives teen mothers the opportunity to continue their education beyond high school. This will improve their financial situation in the long run.

Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG)

This need-based award provides up to $3,000 per year of study, depending on state budget allocations. To apply, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The application should be submitted before May 15th. These funds are limited, and they will be distributed on a “first-come-first-served” basis.

Bottom Line: Help For Single Mothers In Florida

There is a big variety to choose from when it comes to asking for assistance. The federal government and nonprofits work hard to support the community they are in, the best that they can. To learn more about other assistance offered to help single mothers in the state of Florida, visit these articles:

Lori Pace
Lori Pace

Lori Pace is a single mother of three daughters ages 7 and under. As a working mom from home, she balances kids, work and two crazy dogs with humor and love. Follow Lori as she honestly gives tips and advice based on her own experiences as a single mom!