Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by Lori Pace
Single mothers face a lot of challenges when raising their children. Single mothers are often without adequate healthcare insurance, both for themselves and their kids. The Oregon government has intervened to help about 40% of single mothers who are struggling. The state government offers a variety of support programs to single mothers, including food, housing, and medical care.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
This program is an aid from the federal government that targets children and families in Oregon. It has been reported that this program is the most effective program to alleviate poverty for families with three or more children. This program only allows participants to claim benefits through their work. So, even if the beneficiary doesn’t owe tax, they are still able to claim their entire income credit. The Oregon Earned Income Tax Credit, by the way, is fully refundable. Oregon, unfortunately, is among the states with the lowest EITCS. If it’s not extended to more residents it could leave low-income earners facing high taxes.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
This program is an aid from the federal government that targets children and families in Oregon. It has been reported that this program is the most effective program to alleviate poverty for families with three or more children. This program only allows participants to claim benefits through their work. So, even if the beneficiary doesn’t owe tax, they are still able to claim their entire income credit. The Oregon Earned Income Tax Credit, by the way, is fully refundable. Oregon, unfortunately, is among the states with the lowest EITCS. If it’s not extended to more residents it could leave low-income earners facing high taxes.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The program is to help families with low income, single mothers, and young adults in Oregon. Also included in the program are people who receive public assistance and people with disabilities. This program has a section called “Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD),” these people must work an average of at least 80 hours per month or 20 hours per week to qualify for the SNAP Program. The Oregon Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), which people can use to purchase food and cash from ATMs, is available to participants of this program.
State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
This program is specifically for children. This is a low-cost, free health insurance program available to all children in Oregon who qualify. Children who are younger than 19 and uninsured are eligible. The eligibility for this program is determined by the family income, the age of the child, and the place of residence. This program aims to provide services such as dental, mental health, prescription drugs, and medical care. The families that wish to apply must meet the 300% FPL and have single mothers who earn less than $16,300 per year.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The program is also in other states across the country. WIC aims to offer nutritious food supplements, nutrition information, breastfeeding support, and health care referrals for 100,000 infants and women. A professional health worker must certify that all interested applicants are at “nutritional risks”. Families with incomes below 185% of the EPL are considered to be vulnerable and receive special consideration. Those who qualify for TANF/SNAP/Food Stamps and Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan will automatically be eligible for WIC.
Oregon Health Plan (OHP)
Oregon Health Plan is a health insurance program that provides coverage for low-income Oregonians who are uninsured. Children under 19 years of age and pregnant women are eligible for the highest coverage level.
Oregon’s expansion of Medicaid will allow nearly all Oregonians between 19 and 64 years old with incomes up to 138% FPL (federal poverty level) to gain coverage. Oregon operates a State-Based Marketplace known as Cover Oregon, through which you may apply for Oregon Health Plan and Healthy Kids insurance plans.
Oregon Healthy Kids
Healthy Kids provides low-cost or free health insurance to eligible Oregon children up to the age of 19, who do not have coverage. Age, residence, and income determine a person’s eligibility. Healthy Kids covers medical, dental, prescription drugs, and mental health treatment.
Oregon Healthy Kids, under the ACA, now covers children whose family income is up to 305% poverty level or approximately $67,000 for a mother with two children. Healthy Kids offers three options based on the size of your family and your income: no-cost, low-cost, and full-cost.
- Families who qualify for the OHP-Plus no-cost plan do not have to pay any premiums.
- Families who qualify for the low-cost plan pay a portion of their monthly premium on a sliding basis. Families with two to four children pay about $50 per month.
- Families who choose the full-cost plan pay the full price for the program. The cost can range from $165 per child, per month depending on the child’s age and the chosen plan.
You can apply for benefits online for your child or teen under 19 years of age by using Cover Oregon. Call them for more information on Healthy Kids at 1-877-314-5678.
Oregon Employment Related Day Care (ERDC)
Families with incomes below 18% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) may qualify for financial assistance to help pay for child care. The program that provides child care subsidies is Employment Related Day Care.
This Calculation of Child Care Copay helps you determine if you are eligible for a subsidy and, if you are, what portion of the bill you will be responsible for (the copay).
ERDC assists parents in maintaining employment while ensuring that their children are well-cared for through stable childcare arrangements. For more information about the application in your area, call 1-800-342-6712. The Oregon Student Assistance Commission may provide financial assistance to student parents with a need for child care. Contact us for more information about the Student Child Care Program.
Peggy Cooksey, Grants Administrator
OSAC Grant Programs
1-800-452-8807 ext. 7443
Oregon Unemployment Insurance
Oregonians can receive temporary financial aid from unemployment insurance benefits up to $733 per week. The minimum weekly benefit is currently $151.
To be eligible for UI benefits you must register at iMatchSkills – Oregon’s Premier Job Matching tool, unless otherwise exempted by law. To file your first unemployment claim, use the online claim system of the Oregon Employment Department. You can also call the nearest UI Center. Call the Weekly Benefits Line to claim your benefits weekly by phone.
Oregon Opportunity Grant
Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) is the largest grant that Oregon funds. The OOG is for financially needy students who are at least studying for half a semester at an Oregon state university or college.
The maximum EFC for eligible students at the moment is $4,000 The maximum award at a community college in Oregon is $2,778 and at a public university, it’s $3,612. You must submit the FAFSA (or the Oregon Student Aid Application) as soon after October 1 as possible to be considered for the Oregon Opportunity Grant.
Oregon Promise Grant
Oregon Promise is a grant from the state that pays for most of the tuition at any Oregon Community College. It’s available to recent high school and GED graduates who have filed a FAFSA (or Oregon Student Aid Application) or FAFSA.
The grant will cover your remaining tuition after federal Pell Grants and Oregon Opportunity Grants have been applied, up to a maximum of 12 credits per term.
Oregon Student Child Care Grant
Oregon Student Child Care Grant is a need-based grant to assist parents who are in postsecondary education with the cost of quality child care. The amount varies depending on the number and age of children who need care.
You must be an Oregon Community College or University student enrolled in post-secondary education and have a child under 12 years old.
Bottom Line About Help For Single Mothers In Oregon
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 Oregon, visit these articles:
