Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Lori Pace
New York has been rated one of the world’s most expensive cities. Single mothers may not have an easy time in New York due to the high cost of the state. It is difficult to deal with financial worries, especially if you live in a city that is more expensive than average. There is good news, though. The state of New York implemented programs to help single mothers and low-income families in the state get basic necessities like housing, education, Medicare, and nutrition. You only need to know how to access these services.
FoodHelp.NYC
New York is a city that has a glamorous lifestyle, but there are also many hungry people. There are many private and public agencies that provide food and other necessities to single mothers. You can find food pantries and community kitchens that provide good food on the food help.nyc map. These free food services are available to you, so there’s no need to go hungry.
Foreclosure Relief Unit
You may need professional help if you’re having trouble paying your mortgage or are in foreclosure. The Foreclosure Relief Unit, an initiative of New York’s Department of Financial Services, is designed to help families and individuals who are facing foreclosure problems.
When your home is on the verge of foreclosure, you will feel a lot of pressure and stress. You should have a counselor to guide and help you so that you do not fall for scams. For more information about your foreclosure rights CLICK HERE, or call 888-995-HOPE.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Food Stamp Program in New York allows to help single mothers to buy nutritious food for their families. Beneficiaries will receive an Electronic Benefits Card that they can use at certain retail outlets to purchase food. Single mothers can apply for SNAP benefits through the DHS Food Service Office at 866-632-999.
Head Start Program
Head Start in New York offers childcare assistance as well as help for young children under the age of five to improve their social and behavioral skills. The program is open to single moms who have low incomes. Call 866-763-6481 for more information.
Free Legal Help
Law Help can provide free legal services and information to single moms with low income in New York. New York has many law firms that provide free legal services to its residents. Call 212-577-3300 for the Legal Aid Society Headquarters.
Career & Workforce Centers
This program is aimed at helping single mothers and unemployed people find new jobs, as well as giving them the necessary experience through training. It is especially for those who hold a job. Their services are free and they have offices all over the state. Contact them by calling this Hotline at 518-457-900.
Energy Company Programs
Many energy companies offer grants in cash to single mothers. Single mothers can take advantage of their weatherization service and disconnection prevention. Contact the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to learn more about eligibility and benefits. 800-342-300
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program
The program was designed to provide short-term cash support for single mothers in New York. The benefits can be used to pay for food, childcare, housing, and other basic needs. You will receive more information from the DHS on how to apply.
Healthcare Assistance
Healthcare is a major problem for single mothers in New York. The policies available are often quite expensive, so it’s important to be able to access quality healthcare services with your children. Medicaid is a federally funded program that offers medical assistance to low-income families. You can use the link below to confirm your eligibility for the program.
New York Child Health Plus (CHPlus)
New York State offers a child health insurance program called Child Health Plus (CHPlus). CHPlus is a program under the ACA that covers children who are uninsured from families earning up to 405% of the federal poverty line, or approximately $88,900 per year for a mother with two children.
Families with incomes less than 1.6x the poverty line do not pay a monthly premium. Families with higher incomes pay a monthly premium that is $9, $15, or $30 per child, per month.
New York Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
CACFP offers nutritious meals and snacks as part of the daycare program for infants and young children. Its goal is to improve nutrition at a crucial time for young children.
Most CACFP participants range in age from preschoolers to children aged 12 or older. The eligibility is determined by the poverty level of the locality or the income of the children enrolled. Contact the New York State Department of Health if you have any questions regarding the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Their number is 1-800-942-3858.
New York Subsidized Child Care
The Administration for Children’s Services provides low-cost or free child care for eligible families in New York State. The fees for child care, if there are any, will be based on a sliding scale.
The family’s income is taken into consideration, as well as the reasons why they need child care. Families with an income below 195% State Income Standard (SIS), may be eligible for financial assistance. You can apply for subsidized child care by contacting ACS-funded programs in your locality. To find ACS-funded programs in your area, go to 311 Online.
New York pre-Kindergarten Program
In NY public schools, there are also pre-kindergarten programs that are free and are provided by local community groups. These programs are approved by the New York City Department of Education. These programs last between 2 1/2 and 6 hours during a school day.
Families with four-year-olds in New York City are eligible to apply. Families can apply during the application period online using MySchools or over the phone. Call 718-935-2009 if you have any questions regarding pre-K admissions and waitlists.
Family Assistance Program
It is a federally funded program that provides cash assistance for low-income families within the state. You must have a child under 18 years old and meet certain federal requirements in order to be eligible to apply.
Bottom Line: Help For Single Mothers In New York
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 New York, visit these articles:
