Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Lori Pace
If you’re looking at this article, we understand you’re looking for answers. Being a single mother is hard enough without distressful financial circumstances. So, what single parent resources are available?
Overview of available single parent resources
- Grants for single mothers
- Community churches and religious organizations
- Local food bank
- Federal assistance organizations/ financial grants
- Local non-profit organizations
Not all of these may appeal to you, but there are options that we’ll explore below; you are not alone.
Grants for single mothers
- A grant is a monetary form of help (given by an organization, trust, corporation, or foundation) that you do not have to pay back.
- They differ from a loan (which you would have to pay back) because you don’t have a payment arrangement or interest.
- The grant is also a tax-free ‘gift.’
- Because of the above, a grant is sometimes more challenging to achieve because there are fewer scholarships and loans.
Grants can go into nine categories, and these include:
- Government
- College
- Financial Housing
- Business
- Small business
- Minority
- Personal
- Daycare
Each of these types of grants has different eligibility needs; some of these include:
- Low to moderate income limit as determined by HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development)
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants much have dependent children or are in their last three months of pregnancy.
- Your income must be below 185% of the poverty line.
Community churches and religious organizations
A personal choice based on beliefs and lifestyles, but some community churches and temples have organized programs to help single mothers, such as resources to place women in shelters, rent and utility payments, clothing needs, and food attainment.
Local food banks
Food banks are widely available in all areas across the country and are available for anyone at any time of need. Donations are primarily made by grocery stores, wholesalers, restaurant owners, and individuals from the community.
Once the donations are received, volunteers sort and pack food kits for families in need. Single mothers can ask at the local food bank to get food, or if their income or more significant than the basic needs, they are still able to receive food donations for the most part.
Federal assistance organizations / financial grants
These grants may help you pay your bills and save money on your taxes:
- Temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) – The US department of health and human services offers temporary cash and food assistance for single mothers
- The Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) – Many low-income women who are pregnant or have children under the age of 5 can get financial assistance with this program. The US Department of agriculture runs it.
- Low-income housing energy program (LIHEAP) – a federal assistance program that assists with energy-related costs, including paying utility bills and energy-related home repairs.
Local non-profit organizations
Perhaps one of the best places to start your search could be a local non-profit organization. They are well-equipped to assist single mothers with financial assistance, including rent, utility bills, daycare help, food, clothing, and other daily necessities.
In all instances, non-profit organizations based the amount of your grant based on your assets and other personal criteria. You will be required to meet with a caseworker who will run through their specific program, detail your information (including income, proof of residence, past bills, dependent information.
Local non-profit agencies include:
- Department of human services
- Department of social service (providing food stamps, daycare help, and healthcare assistance such as Medicaid and Medicare)
- Soup kitchen
- Rent assistance
- Free or reduced meals for school-aged children
The National Lunch Program (NSLP)
Interestingly free and discount meals started in 1966 as a pilot project for what was called ‘nutritionally needy children. They set up the program in public schools in some of the poorest communities, and in their first year, they fed more than 80 000 children with just over half a million dollars.
Look into more information on this program here.
Childcare assistance
As a single mother working to provide for your family or continue your education in school, one of the most affordable things is to find safe and affordable childcare.
DSS funds the Childcare assistance program (CCAP), which consists of four subsidy programs. Contact the Division of Child development in your state to see if you qualify and for more information.
Recap of financial help offered for single mothers
We hope that this article shows that there is financial assistance for single mothers in many ways, shapes, and forms.
The above financial assistance for single mothers offers emergency help to low-income mothers and single mothers and their young children and infants.
National Women’s Law Center says that “the truth is that women are 35% more likely to live in poverty than men”.
Work inequities account for women being 60% of the nation’s lowest-paid workers, so finding help is stressful when you’re the only one supporting your family.
As a single parent, the most important thing is having the resources to take care of yourself and your children. We hope this helped in your search.
