10 Government Assistance Programs & Grants For Single Moms

Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Lori Pace

When financial situations become a concern, it’s good to know that several Government Assistance Programs for Single Mothers can lend a hand to support. You can find in this article the ten most helpful assistance programs offered by the U.S. Government.

Food Assistance Programs For Single Mothers

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Government Grants

Aiming towards helping low-income families, single moms and individuals, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provide assistance for buying food. 

In short, partners with State agencies, the SNAP initiative helps thousands of American citizens with “food stamps” to ensure proper nutrition. So, o make sure you are eligible for assistance, look at the SNAP Eligibility Information. You can also enquire with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service Head Office by calling them on 703-305-2062 for detailed information.

Women, Infants, And Children (WIC) Program

WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. This Federal grant provides States with nutrition education, health care referrals, and supplemental foods. So, women who fall under these categories may be eligible for assistance:

  • Low-income bracket 
  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding

Moreover, children up to the age of 5 can also apply for WIC. So, to apply for this program, you can contact the nearest agency providing WIC services or call the Hotline 1-800-522-5006. Alternatively, visit the Food and Nutrition Service (USDA) website for more information on single mother assistance.

Child Nutrition Programs

Nutrition Assistance Programs for Single Moms
There are many Nutrition Assistance Programs for Single Moms!

The United States Department of Agriculture offers a wide range of nutritional programs to provide nutritious meals to children.

Their assistance programs include the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast ProgramTeam Nutrition, and the Special Milk Program. The Food and Nutrition Service also offers a Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and a Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) aimed at assisting communities with food products and special discounts. For detailed information, visit Nutrition.gov.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) grants

As a federal assistance program, TEFAP offers free food to low-income single moms, families, and individuals. To be exact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture administers the program. Besides, before applying for assistance, you need to meet income requirements set out by the guidelines. You can contact Les Johnson, director of the Food Distribution Division, on 703-305-2680 or visit Food and Nutrition Service (USDA) website for detailed information and eligibility requirements.

HUD Public Housing Assistance Program For Single Parents

The HUD Public Housing Assistance Program provides low-income families with low-cost rental housing. All States and territories are served by HUD Public Housing. Moreover, over 3,300 Local Public Housing Agencies are participating in the program. So, to find out more about eligibility and application requirements, contact your local public housing agency. Alternatively, call the Service Center at 1-800-955-2232. You can also visit the HUD.gov website for more information on single mother assistance.

house, structure, real estate-1353389.jpg
Affordable house or Low-cost rental housing programs support low-income families.

Medical Assistance Program For Single Mothers

Medicare

Medicare is a medical insurance program primarily targeted at individuals aged 65 and older. However, they also offer assistance for individuals under the age of 65 in certain circumstances.

To check whether you’re eligible for any one of the programs, use the Medicare Eligibility Checker Tool. Moreover, to apply for Medicare assistance, you can either contact the Social security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visit the Medicare website for detailed information.

Medicaid

A federal medical assistance program that aims to assist low-income families and those who do not have sufficient medical insurance.

Medicaid eligibility guidelines differ from state to state and are administered by each state. If you want to find out if you’re eligible for Medicaid assistance, you can contact your local State Medicaid Office. General information regarding the program can be found on the Medicaid website.

LIHEAP Energy Grants And Assistance Programs For Single Parents

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program was established to assist low-income single moms, families and individuals that cannot afford their home energy bills. Heating and cooling energy cost assistance may be provided to individuals that meet the LIHEAP eligibility criteria. For application requirements, contact your State or Local LIHEAP Office. LIHEAP also has a contact centre that can assist you with your queries. Call them on 866-674-6327 or visit ThoughtCo. for more information.

Free legal assistance and mentoring services
Free legal assistance and mentoring services for single parents?

The Federal Government Pro Bono Program assists low-income single parents, individuals and families in need of help with free legal assistance and mentoring services.

To apply for free help, contact Laura Klein by emailing Laura.F.Klein@usdoj.gov. You can also visit the Government Pro Bono website for more information or call the New York office at 212-760-2554.

Childcare Grants | Head Start And Early Head Start

The U.S Department of Health and Human Services offers a federally funded Head Start program. Aiming to assist children up to 5-year-olds with school readiness programs. Low-income families may also be eligible for assistance. 

Besides, Head Start Programs also run Early Head Start programs aimed at pregnant women, toddlers, and infants. So, if you wish to apply for Head Start or Early Head Start, you can contact your local program that supports Head Start. 

Moreover, you can find a Head Start Locator Tool on Benefits.gov. Alternatively, you can also call the Service Center on 1-886-763-6481 for more information.

Helpful Government Programs for Single Moms

As you can see, there are a lot of helpful government assistance programs that can assist single mothers and individuals in need across the country. So, when you need help, do not hesitate to reach out and apply for these programs.

Lori Pace
Lori Pace

Lori Pace is a single mother of three daughters ages 7 and under. As a working mom from home, she balances kids, work and two crazy dogs with humor and love. Follow Lori as she honestly gives tips and advice based on her own experiences as a single mom!