Are you a single mother struggling with living expenses due to a lack of income or financial support? We bring good news.
There are several hardship grants for single mothers you can apply for that can help you with your financial problems.
Some charitable organizations provide resources and cash aid to help people in dire need get by with their daily lives.
In this article, we have compiled a list of 15 hardship grants for single mothers.
Hardship Grants For Single Mothers
1. Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is the largest student aid program in the United States and it is usually offered to low-income undergraduates. It provides grants of up to $6,495 to the most deserving students in college.
This need-based grant enables single mothers of limited income the opportunity to continue with their education and re-enter the workforce.
The first step in application is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for a Pell Grant.
The deadline for submission is the 30th of June each year or as early as the 1st of October preceding the year for which you need assistance.
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2. Federal Work-Study Grant
The Federal Work-Study Grant (FWS) provides funds for part-time employment to help needy students finance the costs of postsecondary education.
The program allows single mother students to earn money by working part-time on or off campus.
Students that take the FWS grants can work up to 20 hours per week and get a monthly stipend based on an hourly wage, which they can use for their educational expenses.
However, this alternative will only work if you have minimal living expenses and have the family support to meet your childcare needs.
3. Federal Student Loan
Federal Student Loans allow a single mother to borrow money for education at low-interest rates. What’s more? These interest payments can be deferred until after graduation.
Single mothers who require more financial assistance to get back to school can apply for student loans which either be subsidized or unsubsidized. They are often offered as part of a total financial aid package.
4. Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA)
Diversion Cash Assistance also known as Emergency Cash Assistance provides alternative assistance for families who have short-term needs and do not wish to receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) assistance.
Families that meet the criteria may receive a one-time grant of up to $1,000 to deal with an emergency or minor crisis. However, the money may vary depending on the severity of the financial crisis.
5. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.
Formerly known as Food Stamp Program, SNAP has become the major source of economic support for many of the poorest people in the U.S.
This assistance comes in the form of a debit card(EBT) which the beneficiary may use to buy groceries at any participating store in their area.
To apply, you will have to fill out a form and submit it at a local SNAP office either in person, by mail, or by fax.
6. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, FSEOG is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need to help pay for their education.
The awards can range from $100–$4,000 and do not need to be repaid. Priority is given to students with the lowest Expected Family Contribution and those who have benefited from or are benefiting from Pell Grants.
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7. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a federal assistance program that assists families with children when the parents or other responsible relatives cannot provide for the family’s basic needs. As a single mother, this could be your safety net.
TANF funds or grants are divided into two categories; child-only and family grants. The child-only grants are designed to address the needs of the child.
It’s usually smaller than family grants, with one child receiving about $8 per day.
The family grant is believed to be the simplest award to obtain. It offers a small cash amount monthly for food, clothing, shelter, and other essentials for up to 5 years, although there are shorter time limits in many states.
Unemployed single mothers, with children under the age of 19 are eligible for this grant but the recipients are required to participate in work activities for at least 20 hours per week.
8. Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) is a federal-funded program that provides free and nutritious food to pregnant women, new mothers, and children below the age of 5 who are nutritionally vulnerable.
WIC is a short-term scheme, with beneficiaries receiving benefits for 6 to 12 months.
Eligibility is determined by nutritional risk and income that fall below 185% of the federal poverty level. However, in many states, priority is given to TANF recipients.
Women in the program receive $11 per month for fresh fruit and vegetables, while children receive $9 per month. There is also an extra $105 per month for a single mother of two.
9. Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Child Care Assistance Program is a fully funded state-administered program that aids low-income families pay for child care while working, searching for a job, or attending school or training.
Based on a sliding fee scale that is designed to charge higher co-payments to families with higher income, families receiving child care assistance are required by most states to contribute toward their child care costs.
Please note that your income must not be greater than the income limit set by your state of residence.
10. Child Care Access Means Parents In School Program (CCAMPS)
The Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program, is a federal grant program dedicated to the provision of campus-based child care for low-income parents in postsecondary education.
CCAMPIS assists low-income student parents who need child care assistance to remain in school and graduate.
Eligibility status, financial income, need, resources, and family contribution levels are considered for child care assistance through CCAMPIS funding.
11. The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
This department is responsible for providing housing assistance through Section 8 housing vouchers for low-income individuals.
Local public housing agencies distribute these vouchers which are used to help pay rent on houses that meet minimum health and safety standards.
To apply, your income level must not exceed 50% of the middle-class household income for the area where you want to reside. 75% of those who receive the aid have incomes that don’t exceed 30% of the area median.
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12. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP assists eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization, and energy-related home repair.
For single mothers, utility costs may pose a problem but do not worry as LIHEAP provides financial support for low-income households.
The program pays a portion of the monthly utility bill directly to the utility company. You can apply for this grant if your income does not exceed 60% of the median income.
13. Children Health Insurance Program
Children’s Health Insurance Program provides low-cost health coverage to children in families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. It also provides care or coverage for pregnant women.
This insurance covers doctor visits, vaccination, dental, and eyesight development. This program is free and single mothers can apply and benefit from this program.
14. Weatherization Assistance Program
WAP enables low-income families to reduce their energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. It is another ideal program that can assist single mothers.
Under WAP, the elderly and single mothers are given higher priority. Individuals with income 200% below the poverty line are eligible to get this grant or assistance.
15. Medicaid Health Insurance For The Poor
Medicaid is America’s public health insurance program for people with low income. As a single mother, you may not be able to afford medical insurance.
Medicaid Health Insurance grant provides financial assistance for low-income families and single mothers as well.
Medicaid is another good option for single mothers to get medical assistance free of cost.
Conclusion
Being a single mother comes with difficulties. But you’re alone. The hardship grants listed above for single mothers can help you support your family, continue your education and live a better life.
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