Government Assistance for Single Mothers

Single mothers often face difficulties that two-parent households just don’t deal with. Single moms may earn less money, and that can be a problem by itself, but what about the other issues?

Often, single moms don’t have a strong family support system and are faced with the weight of being on deck 24/7 with all the responsibilities. They may worry about health care, have transportation problems, or have trouble putting enough nutritional food on the table for their children.

If you are a single mother, there’s good news. There are numerous government assistance programs designed specifically to lighten your load. Some you may have heard of but were unaware how to sign up, while others may be completely new to you.

Common Government Assistance Programs

If you are a single mother in need of a little help, consider the following types of assistance offered by the government.

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program – The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is a program offered by the government created to deliver financial assistance to low income families. This assistance is typically given during the cooler months of the year to help single mothers and low income families with home heating costs. Eligibility for this program is generally determined by the size of the family, income, and any available resources the family has. Brochures on how to apply for this type of assistance are available at www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap.

• Weatherization Assistance Program – The Weatherization Assistance Program, or WAP, provides a unique kind of assistance to low income families and single mothers. Those who qualify for this assistance will receive help improving the energy performance of their homes. Advanced testing and technologies are used to ensure a home is energy efficient, to test existing energy equipment, and to analyze energy bills. The most cost-effective measures are then taken to reduce energy consumption and cost. To apply for this assistance, contact your local government agency.

• Special Milk Program – The Special Milk Program helps to deliver milk to children in day care, preschool, kindergarten, and schools that do not participate in federal programs for nutrition. Children from low income families are given milk at no cost and the institution is reimbursed for the milk they have served. Single mothers must apply annually in order for their child to remain eligible and can find information on how to apply through their local public school.

• Food Assistance Program - The Food Assistance Program, or Nutrition Assistance Program, is a wonderful resource for single mothers. It provides low income families with access to food and education about nutrition. Some of the programs available through this resource are the Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program, National School Lunch Program, Food Distribution, and Summer Food Service Program. If you are interested in the Food Assistance Program, contact the Department of Human Services in you area.

• CHIP Program – The CHIP Program is a children’s Medicaid program providing health coverage to children under the age of 19. This coverage includes, but is not limited to, eye exams and care, dental care, prescription, regular doctor’s visits, and emergency room visits. Many single mothers pay nothing for this type of assistance, and those who are required to pay for a portion of this cost pay no more than $50 a year. If you have a child under the age of 19 who needs medical health coverage, visit www.chipmedicaid.org for information on how to apply.

• Food Stamp Program - The Food Stamp Program, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provides low income families with a monthly sum of money each month that can be spent solely on food. The amount of money each family receives depends on their income and household expenses. To see if you qualify for SNAP, visit www.foodstamps-step1.usda.gov. To apply in person, visit your local Department of Human Services office.

• Temporary Assistance Program – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or TANF, is a cash assistance program that can be used by low income single mothers and families to pay for utilities, housing costs, and clothing costs. This program is often referred to as welfare and is only available to individuals for about 60 months during their lifetime. Extensions can be obtained, though, for those who can provide proof of hardship. Contact your local DHS office for more information and for an application.

• Medicaid Program – Medicaid is the biggest resource of funding for health and medical services in America. It provides medical coverage for individuals with low income, disabilities, pregnant women, and children. This type of program is governed by your state and applications can be obtain at your local Social Security Office.

• Medicare Program - Medicare is similar to Medicaid, however it is available to individuals over the age of 65, those who are permanently disabled, or those who have long term kidney disease. Unlike Medicaid, this type of assistance is governed by the federal government. If you are interested in Medicare, visit your local Social Security office or apply online at www.medicare.gov.

• MicroLoan Program – For single mothers who are interested in starting their own business or wish to grow their small business, the MicroLoan Program is a wonderful opportunity. With this type of assistance, individuals can receive up to $35,000 in small loans. You can find out more information and apply for a microloan at www.sba.gov.

• Homeless Veterans Program- If you are a single mother and a veteran, you can take advantage of the many program offered by the government for veterans. Assistance is available for those who are homeless, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental problems. Job training, healthcare, and help overcoming substance abuse is available. For information on how to apply for this type of assistance, visit www.va.gov/homless.

• Street Outreach Program- This program works with children to provide food, shelter, counsel, and survival supplies to those living on the street. Volunteers and workers with this program often work with local hospitals, churches, and shelters to deliver the resources homeless children need. Designed for youth in crisis ages 12-21, information can be found at www.1800runaway.org or by calling 800-621-4000.

As a single mother, you may find it difficult to provide for your children completely on your own.

Government financial assistance and resources are available in many forms and can help make your life, your future, and the lives of your children, better.

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