Last Updated on February 1, 2024 by Lori Pace
Single parenting is even more challenging and can pose greater challenges for the parent. Many single mothers in Montana are struggling to survive with little or no income. According to studies, 30% of Montana’s moms are poor. Even those who have so-called “perfect jobs” barely make ends meet without additional assistance. The state of Montana and federal programs have been designed to help single mothers get the support they need.
Montana single moms may be able to apply for these grants in order to meet their family’s needs. This page will give you information about some grants for which you may be eligible.
Montana Higher Education Grants
Students studying in Montana’s post-secondary institutions are eligible for this program. Single moms can also apply if they have a demonstrable need for financial aid. They may receive up to $500, depending on their circumstances. Contact Helena College University in Montana at 406-447-6900 to apply or for more information.
Unemployment Insurance
If they were not responsible for the unemployment, single moms who are unemployed may be eligible to apply to avail for Unemployment Insurance. To initiate a claim, they can contact the Montana Division of Labor and Industry. Contact the office at 406-444-3783.
Temporary Assistance To Needy Families (TANF)
Montana TANF can provide single mothers with a temporary loan to help them meet their basic needs, such as food, housing, and childcare. If they meet the income and work requirements, single mothers can apply for these benefits. Call 1-888-706-1535 for more information.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Food Stamp Program in Montana allows single moms to buy nutritious food for their families. Beneficiaries will receive an Electronic Benefits Card that they can use at certain retail outlets to purchase meals. Single mothers can apply for SNAP benefits through the DHS Food Service Office at 866-632-9992.
Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
WIC provides assistance to pregnant single mothers, nursing mothers, and their children. The program offers counseling to single moms, as well as basic health and food services for their kids. Contact the state administration to apply for WIC. Contact the state administration at 800-433-4298.
Salvation Army Assistance
If they don’t know where else to turn, single moms can contact the Salvation Army in Montana. Families with low incomes, seniors, and single mothers are all eligible for social services, financial aid, and other assistance. There are centers located all over Montana.
Medicaid
Montana Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income Montanans. Priority is given to those in greatest need, primarily uninsured children and pregnant women under 18, disabled adults, and seniors. Medicaid in Montana is divided into two categories: Medicaid for families and Medicaid for those who are blind or disabled. Medicaid for children aged 0-19 is called Healthy Montana Kids Plus.
Montana Medicaid is a service that provides basic health benefits to all citizens, not just single mothers. For more information about the Medicaid program, you can contact the hotline at 800-362-8312.
Healthy Montana Kids
Healthy Montana Kids is a health insurance program that offers coverage for Montana children under the age of 19 whose family meets income guidelines. Included are well-child checks, prescription medications, dental care, and eye exams & glasses, as well as other services. There are no limitations on pre-existing conditions.
Healthy Montana Kids coverage is provided free of charge. However, some families may pay a small fee. No family will have charges more than $215 in copayments per year. You can sign up online for Healthy Montana Kids at Apply.mt.gov or by calling 1-877-543 7669. They will mail an application to your home.
Home Affordable Modification Program
This program can help single moms who are Montana homeowners before they lose their homes. This process allows a family that is having trouble paying their bills to have their mortgage rate reduced to 31%. They can help reduce mortgages by as much as $1,000. Call 888-995-4673 to learn more about this program.
Home Affordable Refinance Program
Single moms who have homes that have depreciated may be able to have their mortgage reevaluated through this program. This process may reduce the interest rate on the home. Families can receive a reduction in their monthly payments or even a short-term loan. For more information about grants for single mothers, call 800-7-FANNIE.
Legal Assistance
Many NGOs in Montana offer free legal aid to single mothers with low incomes. For more information, you can contact the Montana Legal Services Association’s hotline at 800-666-6899.
Scholarships for Single Mothers
If they are zealous about advancing their education, single moms can apply to numerous scholarship programs in the state. The Single Mother Scholarship database has a large number of institutions that provide scholarships for single mothers.
Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarships
Early Childhood Services Bureau provides “Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarships”, to low-income families who qualify, in Montana. Participants pay a sliding scale co-payment.
Scholarships are available to working families, caretakers who work, TANF beneficiaries, parents pursuing GED or college, and working families with incomes below 185% of federal poverty guidelines.
Families with a single parent have the requirement to work at least 60 hours per month unless the child is attending full-time school. Part-time students must work at least 40 hours per month. Families who are seeking assistance with child care must fill out the scholarship application and send it to their local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Montana single mothers with low incomes will qualify by 2020 to pay no federal income taxes or even receive a refund from the IRS. Single moms in Montana can now take advantage of the EITC.
Bottom Line: Help For Single Mothers In Montana
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 Montana visit these articles:
