Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Lori Pace
Washington provides financial assistance and grants to single mothers so that they can meet their responsibilities at home. In an effort to ease the financial burden on single-mother families, many support programs are available. The state of Washington provides financial assistance to help single mothers in the following ways:
Washington Work First
The government has designed this welfare reform program to assist low-income families or individuals in finding a job, keeping their job, or even finding another job while maintaining their first one. Washington Work First Program requires that applicants actively search for jobs or they will not be eligible. To apply for the Work First program, you must either request an application from the Community Service Offices (CSD) near you or register online. Successful applicants can expect to receive $11,250 in emergency funds.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
This program is open to those who are in need of services such as health screening, nutrition education, support for breastfeeding, and nutritional education. Infants, children, and women with incomes below the government-determined poverty level are eligible. A report from a medical professional must confirm that the person is at “Nutritional Risk”.
Pregnant Women Assistance Program (PWA)
This program is funded by the state and provides monetary aid to pregnant women with low income who, unfortunately, are not eligible for TANF. If you’re a Washington resident who is pregnant at the time you apply, you could be eligible for a $197 grant.
Apple Health (Medicaid)
This program was designed to help families that cannot afford their medical bills. It is also a great way to help elderly people in nursing homes. This program is for low-income families with children. Adults aged 19-65 whose income falls below 133% of the poverty line as set by the government are eligible for this program. Washington currently has a marketplace named WA HealthPlanFinder, which is an official platform for all uninsured residents in Washington to access health coverage.
Apple Health for Kids
This Apple Health version is designed specifically for children living in Washington State who are aged 19 or older. This program is designed to pay for the most expensive medical bills of children, such as dental care and other preventive illnesses. The program from the state of Washington is free to help all single mothers who earn $3,822 per month. However, those who don’t fall into this category may have to pay a premium to participate.
Charity Care Program
Washington is among the few states that have enacted a law requiring that all hospitals provide free services to both in-patients and outpatients, with the primary focus being on low-income earners. This program is designed for patients who earn less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. People whose income is between 100-200% of FPL are also eligible, but they receive a discount on their healthcare services.
Working Connection Child Care (WCCC)
This program helps low-income Washington families pay for Child Care Services, while also working to meet the WA WorkFirst requirements. Your household size and income must be determined to determine your eligibility for the program. Families who meet the requirements for the program can now choose their childcare provider. The DSHS will let applicants know whether or not they qualify for the program after 30 days.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The program is only for families with low incomes who also live in Washington. This program’s primary goal is to assist these families in meeting their energy requirements. The household must receive a deposit once they are certified as eligible. The Home Energy Assistance Program was created to assist families with heating costs, especially in homes that house elderly or disabled residents.
Washington Telephone Assistance Program (WTAP)
Washington Telephone Assistance Program provides low-income people with a landline telephone for only $8.00 monthly. WTAP pays for all or part of the connection fees.
Utilities & Transportation Commission (UTC)
1-888-333-WUTC (9882)
Washington Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance helps workers who have lost their jobs through no fault on their part by replacing a temporary portion of their wage — up to a maximum of 26 weeks.
Washington’s weekly benefits range from $188 minimum to $929 maximum. You must actively search for suitable employment every week you apply for benefits in order to be eligible. You can file a claim online, or by phone. Call 1-800-318-6022 from Monday to Friday.
Washington Paid Family Leave Program
Washington has joined a select group of states which guarantee paid leave for family members. The program is intended to replace a portion of the wages lost during pregnancy and for bonding time with a newborn child.
Washington’s offers the best benefits, including at least 12 paid weeks of leave plus an additional two weeks for complications. The weekly benefit is calculated using a percentage of an employee’s wage and the average weekly wage of the state. This can be up to 90 percent of their income, but not more than $1,000 per week.
To be eligible for medical leave paid, you must have a doctor certify your inability to work because of a serious illness. Washington law, however, requires employers to offer one hour of paid leave per 40 hours worked. You should first consider using your employer’s paid sick leave if you have COVID-19.
Washington College Grant
Washington College Grant is a need-based grant that provides financial assistance to low-income students in Washington who are pursuing postsecondary studies. The amount of the award varies depending on what type of school you are enrolled in.
To qualify for the grant, applicants need to have a household income below 70% of the median household income of their state. Those with incomes under 50% of MFI receive the maximum award. The first step in the application process is to complete the FAFSA. You can still apply if you are unable to fill out the FAFSA because of your immigration status.
Washington Opportunity Grant
Opportunity Grants are designed to assist low-income Washington adults to pay for postsecondary education leading to higher salaries in highly-demanded careers. The WAFSA will determine if the applicant has a substantial financial need and if their income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level.
You may be eligible for funding up to 45 credits, or $4000. And you can get up to $1,000 per annum for books and supplies. You can also receive career advice, emergency child care, and tutoring.
Bottom Line About Help For Single Mothers In Washington
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 Washington, visit these articles:
