Financial Assistance for Single Mothers
It is always refreshing to know that there is a shoulder to lean on when things get hard. Single mothers in need can apply to different financial assistance programs as long as they qualify. These cash grants could be pivotal in ensuring that every single mom maintains a high quality of life.
The financial assistance programs listed here help with childcare, medical bills, housing, rental payments, meals, and counseling services. Most resources listed here are temporary and aim to support families in their journey to self-reliance.
Government Programs
The Federal and State Government administers several programs that help low and moderate-income families – single mothers inclusive. Some of the most widely accessible programs have been listed below.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The US Department of Health and Human Services(HHS) operates the Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF). This program temporary financial support to pregnant women and families with dependent children. To obtain more information about TANF, visit https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/613
Childcare Assistance (CCAP)
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides financial support to low-income families with children from birth to age 12. Parents must meet a certain income limit become they can apply. They should also be involved in any of the following activities.
– Working or looking for a job.
– Attending college or vocational school.
– Enrolled in high school if below age 21.
– Must be studying for the GED if under age 21.
To apply, please visit http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=104995
Housing Assistance for Single Moms
HUD
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development provides community and housing development programs so that everyone can get access to quality homes. Most cities have a housing authority that administers the HUD program locally. Contact your local organization for more details.
Help from Charities and NGOs
Several charities could provide cash grants in times of hardship. The primary source of funding for these NGOs is through fund-raising, donations, and other mediums. These funds are then distributed to those that need them the most. Some of the most popular organizations have been listed below.
Salvation Army
People that show a significant need for assistance can get help from the Salvation Army group. It is one of the largest charity groups in the US. The poor can find shelter, and the hunger could find hot meals, the unemployed could find jobs, those facing disaster could find help. Like their motto says, they want to meet the greatest need and serve humanity. To find out the Salvation Army center closest to you, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/plugins/gdosCenterSearch?start=1 and direct your need to them.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities provides extensive services to low-income families and society at large. Through their various Archdioceses, rent help, housing and shelter programs, free and low-cost meal, and cash grants for multiple is given. To locate the local Catholic organization that can help, visit https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/find-help/ or dial (6312) 655-7700.
Financial Assistance for Education
Most single mothers who want to further their education but cannot due to lack of funds or any other reason can apply for scholarships. These scholarships come in the form of grants and do not need to paid back, unlike student loans. Different organizations have scholarship programs that they fund every year. The criteria for each program vary, though some are earmarked for single mothers.
Live Your Dream program, operated by Soroptimist International, aims to provide women who are the breadwinners of their families with financial support for their education. Each year, over $2 million is distributed to 1,500 women to further their education. Through this, the beneficiaries can improve their skills and employability. In short, it allows them live their dreams. The cash award can be used to cover tuition costs, books, childcare, and transportation.
Finding the right scholarship that meets your meet can take time. Low and moderate-income families can apply for Pell Grants from the federal government. To apply for The Pell Grants, students must file and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This form can be obtained from any college’s financial aid office. https://www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/index.html
The Single Parents Alliance of America
The Single Parents Alliance of America (SPAOA) empowers single-parent families with a network that connects them with other single parents. The network is not only helpful in meeting new people, ample opportunities, and information on how to increase income is shared here. That’s not all; helpful resources like access to programs that can help both the children and parents are discussed. The mission of SPAOA is to promote the welfare, social, and economic development of single-parent households. Registration is absolutely free; eligibility details are that You must be a single parent and also a resident of the United States. Find out more at https://www.spaoa.org/
Free and Low-Cost Meals
Many local food banks can help single mothers with the food that they need to feed their families. Feeding America provides useful information on how to find the food bank closest to you. You can also contact them on the telephone at (800) 771-2303.
