Grants for Single Mothers in New Mexico
New Mexico has a population of about 2.1 million people with poverty rate as much as 21%, making the state one of the highest in the country. The poverty rate among children is about 29%, also making them the highest in the country. With nearly 430,000 residents living in poverty, some single parents and other low-income families find it hard to meet up with the basic need of life.
To help improve the lives of its vulnerable residents, the state has adopted some essential programs to address the issue of poverty. The primary aim of most of these programs is to encourage self-sufficiency so they can at least make other provisions for their family. This guide will talk about the financial grants and assistance available to single mothers in New Mexico.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP is an initiate of the Department of Human Services, designed to help low-income families with the basic needs of life. Participants can get electronic benefits from SNAP, which they can then use to buy food items at some selected retail outlets. You can connect with the DHS through this number: 800-432-6217 to confirm if you are eligible for the program.http://www.hsd.state.nm.us/LookingForAssistance/Supplemental_Nutrition_Assistance_Program__SNAP_.aspx.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
This program is designed to help single mothers in New Mexico who need short-term cash assistance. They can then use the benefits to buy foods, pay for their housing and childcare, and many other basic needs. The DHS will provide you with more information on how to apply. Connect with them through 800-432-621 http://www.hsd.state.nm.us/
Medicaid
You can apply for Medicaid if you are not on any health insurance program. With this program, single moms can get their family covered at a low medical cost. Medicaid is a federal program, and it includes a broad range of healthcare services. 1-888-997-258 https://nmmedicaid.acs-inc.com/static/index.htm
Low Income Energy Assistance Progra (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program in New Mexico is designed to help needy families that have minor children with their utility bills and weatherization programs. This will help them save some little cash on the cost of heating and cooling their homes. You can reach out to LIHEAP via 800-283-4465 to confirm if you are eligible for the program.http://www.hsd.state.nm.us/LookingForAssistance/Low_Income_Home_Energy_Assistance_Program.aspx
New Mexico Works
The NM Works is an initiative of the Department of Human Resources, and it is aimed at assisting single mothers and other needy families that are finding it difficult to get or retain a job. The program can assist single mothers in finding suitable jobs and also offer them counseling to help them thrive in their new roles. If you have more inquiries to make about how you can benefit from NM Works, you can connect with them through 505-476-6230 http://www.hsd.state.nm.us/
Unemployment Insurance
The UI program of New Mexico is aimed at providing financial relief to residents who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own. They can receive cash payments based on the amount they received from their previous employer. It is also mandatory that they seek for employments while receiving the grant.https://www.jobs.state.nm.us/gsipub/index.asp?enc=6UqHcUZuN6XXIxleG/lj2g.
School Breakfast and Lunch Program
This program provides free and low-cost meals to underprivileged school children. The income of the parent in relation to the size of the household will determine if the meals the children will get will be low cost or free. Families that are enrolled under the TANF program will have their children automatically eligible for the program.
To qualify for this program, you must be able to meet the low-income limits. You will also be expected to contact the school the child attends to apply for the program. http://www.ped.state.nm.us/nutrition/
Head Start Program
The Head Start program in New Mexico is aimed at providing childcare assistance and also offer help to young children from the age of 5 years and below to help them enhance behavioral and social skills. Single moms with low-income are eligible for the program. http://www.nmheadstart.org/
Transportation Assistance
The cost of transportation in New Mexico can be expensive, especially if you do not have a car. The state offers some better alternatives, and low-income families can also get free rides when they have medical appointments. If you are enrolled under Medicaid, you can get free transportation for doctor’s appointments, lab tests, and so on. https://nm.medicalhomeportal.org/services/provider/19853
Legal Aid
The Legal Aid programs in the state offer free legal services to single mothers and low-income families in New Mexico. You can get legal assistance in many areas ranging from eviction, foreclosure, legal rights, domestic violence, and many more. https://www.newmexicolegalaid.org/
Housing Assistance Program
The housing assistance program in New Mexico is designed to help low-income residents of the states to live in housings owned by the Local Housing Agencies at a reduced cost. The housing agencies get funding from the state, and then use that in subsidizing rent in the local areas. For you to be eligible for this program, you have to be considered to be in the low-income category.http://www.lowincomehousing.us/NM.html
