Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Lori Pace
It is true that a single mother’s life can be more stressful than if she were to share parenting duties with her husband. The state of Texas understands the difficulties faced by single mothers through its various ministries. Texas has a number of state-funded programs that help single mothers access healthcare, education, and basic necessities like food, shelter, and housing for very little money.
The goal of all of these grants and financial aid is to improve the lives of single moms and make them more self-sufficient. Here are some programs that the state government of Texas has created to help single mothers.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The program provides temporary financial aid to parents, children, or relatives in need. This program aims to provide cash assistance of up to $290 per month to every mother with two kids. Receive your cash assistance via a Lone Star Card, which functions as a debit, and you can use it like an ATM card.
This program is simple to apply for. Interested individuals can visit the Texas Benefits website. For families in crisis: those who are about or have lost their home, lost their jobs, or need urgent medical assistance, can receive up to $1000 cash.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The program aims to assist low-income Texas residents. Applicants must be aware that SNAP participants, who do not have disabilities and are not raising children, have the requirement to follow both ABAWD rules and SNAP rules.
Texas residents currently recovering from Hurricane Harvey may also be eligible for a subprogram of the SNAP, the Disaster Food Benefit. Visit the Texas government website to get more information or apply for SNAP.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
This program aims to teach pregnant women, children, and new mothers how to eat a healthy diet. It also teaches them about nutrition. For interested individuals to be eligible for the program, they must meet eligibility criteria. This includes a minimum income of 185% of the federal poverty level. A professional health worker must certify that the individual is at nutritional risk.
The program offers vouchers to purchase foods and edibles which will complement their diet. The program offers free screenings, breastfeeding support, and nutritional education. It also refers to certified healthcare. Call 1-800-942-3678 if this program interests you. The number is free of charge, and you can also use the online platforms for WIC in Texas.
Medicaid
Texas Medicaid’s primary goal is to help children from low-income families, disabled people who could not afford health insurance, pregnant women, and elderly people in need of financial assistance. These medical grants have limits due to the limited funding for this program. They are only available to adults with disabilities and parents whose income is less than 15% of EPL.
Texas and Alabama are the states with the strictest Medicaid guidelines. This has led to many adults in Texas being uninsured. For more information or to apply, interested individuals can use the Medicaid platform.
Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Texas CHIP Program aims to help children who are not eligible for Medicaid but still can’t afford private insurance. Children in these families can receive free health coverage through the CHIP program. This includes Medicaid checkups and vision and dental care.
It also covers lab tests and prescription drugs. For this program to qualify, the family of this child must earn up to 201% of FPL. For single mothers with two children, it is expected that their income will be below $42,800. To register, interested families can use the CHIP online platform.
Healthy Texas Women
The program aims to promote women’s health and family planning. It is free for all eligible women in Texas who meet the income requirement of less than 2000% FPL. Women who are eligible and earn a low income can also get free health screenings, contraception, and family planning. Women interested in the program can contact 2-1-1 between 8 am and 6 pm Central Time, Monday through Friday. They can also submit an application via their Healthy Texas Women Online Portal.
Texas Child Care Assistance Program
Texas parents who are employed, attending school, or undergoing job training can receive financial assistance that covers a portion, or in some cases the entire cost of child care.
The eligibility criteria can vary depending on the region of the state, but in general families with an income not exceeding 85% of the median income of the state will qualify. The eligibility requirements can vary between providers. Find your local Workforce Solutions Office to find out if assistance is available in the area you reside.
Texas Section 8
Texas residents in need of housing assistance can apply for Section 8, or the Housing Choice Voucher program (HCV). This program provides rental subsidies to low-income families who are eligible.
The eligibility is determined by several factors including income, size, composition of the household, citizenship, assets, and medical and childcare costs. Priority is given to families with children who are extremely low-income. According to eligibility guidelines, a “family with extremely low income” is defined as a household that has a yearly gross income equal to or below 30% of the median income in their locality.
Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program is a utility assistance program that helps eligible Texas households pay their utility bills. This includes those who have the lowest incomes or the highest energy costs.
Programs are targeted at low-income households whose income is not greater than 150% of the poverty line. Due to limited funding, families with young children, the elderly, or members who are disabled receive priority. CEAP services are available in all 254 counties of Texas. Call (877) 399 8939 for help with your utility bills.
Texas Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance provides temporary financial assistance for employees who have lost their job without their fault. It is a safety net that protects them and their family during periods of unemployment.
Your weekly benefit will range between $69 to $549, depending on your prior earnings. Most Texans will receive unemployment benefits up to 26 weeks in advance, until September 6, 2021. You can submit your application for the Texas unemployment benefits either online, or by calling a Tele-Center (800-939-6631) to speak with a customer service representative.
Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
TPEG is administered by the State of Texas and provides financial assistance to students who have a need for a Bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree.
Residents of Texas and residents of other states who meet the March 15th deadline for priority are eligible. The amount of the award may vary depending on the funds available and the number of applicants. You should contact the financial aid office of your college for more information about eligibility and funds.
Texas State Tuition Grant (TSTG)
The financial need of Texas residents is taken into consideration when determining the eligibility for this grant. This grant is usually awarded to eligible students after the Texas Public Educational Grant has been exhausted.
The maximum award under TSTG at this time is $6,000 TSTG, however, is contingent on the availability of funds from the state and will be canceled if state funds are not available.
TEXAS Grant
You must be enrolled at least 34 times to be eligible for the TEXAS grant. Students who have completed their first bachelor’s degree and are eligible for state funding may receive up to $5,000 per year.
Priority consideration is given to those who submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid or Texas Application for State Financial Aid by March 15.
Bottom Line: Help For Single Mothers In Texas
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 Texas, visit these articles:
