Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Lori Pace
Kansas is bordered by Nebraska in the north, Missouri in the east, Oklahoma in the south, and Colorado in the west. The Great Plains, which rise westward in North America, surround Kansas. The state used to be known as the agricultural heartland of the United States. Approximately nine-tenths (90%) of its land is still devoted to agriculture. The government, tourism, and financial services are all major employers. Kansas has several programs to help single mothers with their children. You can find out more about them here and how to apply.
Medical Assistance
Kansas Department of Health and Environment Division of Health Care Finance offers financial assistance for health care expenses. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Division of Health Care Finance (DHCF) offers three major programs to individuals and families that qualify.
- KanCare under the Medicaid Plan: This is the biggest program. This program covers those with low incomes, including pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities. Medicaid is provided through a variety of special programs.
- KanCare under the CHIP Plan: Kansas Children’s Health Insurance Program. This program covers children under the age of 19 who do not qualify for Medicaid.
- MediKan: The only program funded by state funds. This program covers those who are attempting to obtain Social Security disability benefits. Medical assistance is available to people who meet certain criteria. Certain rules apply to all programs of medical assistance. Some rules are specific to certain programs. In most medical programs, there are also income or asset limits. All programs must adhere to the following rules.
General Rules: These rules apply to all medical programs.
- Kansas Residency: You must reside in Kansas.
- Citizenship and Status as an Immigrant – You have to be either a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident with a specific status. Some immigrants have to wait five years before they are eligible for coverage. Some individuals are required to verify their citizenship and identity. For more information, please see the fact sheet on Citizenship and Identity Requirements.
- Household – The list of people covered by your medical assistance plan can vary depending on the medical assistance program. List each person living at your residence on the application. The eligibility worker decides who you must include in your household to qualify for medical assistance.
- You must first use your other health insurance. We will then pay for your medical bills.
- Medical assistance begins with the month you apply. You may be covered for three months prior to the month of application.
- Review – Medical Assistance is reviewed every year. When it comes time to review your program, most programs require that you reapply. Tell us your new home address if you are moving so that you can receive the review form and other correspondence about the review. If we do not have your current address, you could lose coverage.
Child Care Subsidy
Child care subsidy program helps you pay for child care. The program helps many families who are struggling financially. Included are:
- Families that receive TANF (Temporary Aid for Needy Families)
- Low-income, working families
- Some families are involved in training or education activities. This helps to keep a job or get a better one.
- Teen parents who have completed high school or GED.
Families must meet the following criteria to qualify:
If the parent/guardian/caretaker needs child care, the program can provide financial assistance. The applicant must be able and willing to act in their own best interest. Both the family and child must reside in Kansas. All adults must be identified and all children who are requesting assistance must have proof of their citizenship and date of birth.
The child must not be older than 13 years. In certain situations, a child between the ages of 13-18 who is unable to care for themselves may be eligible for financial assistance. You can get more information on this program by calling 1-888-369-4777 or picking up an application from any Kansas Department of Children and Families office. Or you can fill out the printable version of the Kansas Department website that you can download.
Kansas Earned Income Tax Credit
Kansas has its own state credit which is 17% of federal credit. The Kansas EITC is also fully refundable. This means that a taxpayer will receive a refund if the credit amount is greater than the amount of tax owed.
Kansas EITC is available to working Kansans, primarily to those with children. However, the biggest benefits are for families earning between $10,000 and $23,000.
The EITC amount depends on the income of the recipient, their marital status, and how many children they have. The number of children. You multiply your federal EITC (of $100) by 17% to calculate the Kansas EITC.
Kansas Successful Families Program
Kansas’ TANF is a cash assistance program that provides monthly cash payments to poor Kansas families who have children under 18 years old. The program’s goal is to temporarily provide assistance to families in need with children.
Cash assistance in Kansas is limited to 24 months’ worth of benefits. The amount of cash assistance provided is based on your income, the size of your household, and where you live. Single mothers who have two children may get help and receive a maximum payment of $386 – $429 a month from TANF in the state of Kansas. This depends on the cost to live in the county in which she lives.
Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance (KERA)
Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance Program (KERA) provides rent, utilities, and internet assistance for households that are experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID pandemic.
KERA covers Kansans who earn no more than 80% of the median income in their area, but do not live outside of Wichita.
- Rent up to 12 Months Current and Past Due
- Even if there are no rental arrears, you can pay up to three full months’ rent at once.
- Past due utility bills (electricity, gas, water and sewer services, and trash service), internet charges, and home energy expenses
Both landlords and tenants can apply online. KERA will pay the landlord or service provider directly if the application is approved. Residents of Wichita can apply for the Wichita Emergency Rental Assistance Program WERAP, administered by the city’s Housing and Community Services division.
Kansas Unemployment Insurance
Kansas provides temporary financial assistance for workers who are facing unemployment without fault and meet the eligibility requirements. You can receive supplemental income if you meet the requirements set forth by the law. This is up to 16 weeks. Kansas provided 16 weeks of unemployment benefits before COVID-19. Visit their website to submit a new claim for unemployment benefits.
Kansas Comprehensive Grant
Kansas Comprehensive Grant is available to Kansas residents in financial need who are enrollees at least half-time, full-time, or both, at the 18 private colleges and Universities, six state universities, and Washburn University.
The award amounts vary between $200 and $3,500 for private institutions and $100 to $1,500 for public institutions. You must submit your FAFSA and list one or more colleges that are eligible.
Kansas Career Work-Study (KCWS)
Kansas Career Work Study Program is a state-funded program that provides employers incentives to hire students for career-related jobs. Their residents who have enrolled at least a half-time in the six state universities or Washburn University and have completed at least 6 credits during the fall and spring semesters can apply.
To be considered for the program, you must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You will be informed of your maximum earning potential if you are awarded.
Bottom Line: Help For Single Mothers In Kansas
There is an extensive 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 Kansas, visit these articles:
