Becoming a widow can be a sad and challenging time. When your significant other dies, it can lead to heartache, as well as stress. Many people are also faced with financial challenges when they become widowed. During these difficult times, it is important to know that there are programs offering help for widowed single mothers. The programs can make a world of difference in helping to ensure basic needs and more are being met.
Single moms often experience financial challenges. Add to that the fact that they have been widowed and it becomes even more difficult. When they are widows there is a good chance they are not receiving financial assistance in the form of child support. Knowing the programs that provide help for widowed single mothers will make these difficult times a little easier on everyone.
Reach out to all of the programs below that you feel could help with your situation. There is no limit to how many of the programs you can receive help from, and with the exception of a rare loan, you won’t have to pay back any of the financial assistance. These programs can help ensure that you have food, clothing, transportation, health care, housing, and more.
Programs Offering Help for Widowed Single Mothers
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This agency is part of the federal government and their mission is to help people in the country with their housing needs. They provide a variety of programs to help, including paying rent or mortgages, locating affordable housing options, providing government owned housing, helping to make necessary home repairs, and more. Widowed single mothers who need help covering the costs of housing can contact the HUD office in their state to see what programs they qualify for. To get more information and find your state office, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program is federally funded and provides people with help purchasing food each month. Formerly known as food stamps, the program will provide those who qualify with a debit card that can be used to pay for groceries. Each month, the government electronically adds funds to the card. There is no limit to how long you can receive SNAP benefits. The amount that you receive is determined by how many dependents you have. To get more information or apply for SNAP in your state, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program is also a federally funded one that provides assistance to those who have a low income and have at least one minor child they are caring for. Those who are qualified for TANF will receive a cash benefit each month that can be used to pay for living expenses. The funds can be used on housing, food, transportation, clothing, etc. The amount of the benefit is determined by the number of dependents you have. There is a five year limit on how long you can receive help through TANF. To get more information or apply for the program, click here.
Medicaid – This federally funded program will help cover the cost of health care for those who have a low income. There is no limit to how long you can receive help through Medicaid. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income. Once approved, the program will help cover the costs of such expenses as doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and more. To get more information about the program, click here.
Wheels from the Heart – This is an organization that provides help for widowed single mothers and others who need transportation. They get cars donated to them, they fix them up, and then they give them away to mothers who need transportation. To get more information about the program, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization provides a variety of programs offering help for widowed single mothers and others. The programs they offer include free food, clothing, shelter, counseling services, and more. They have thousands of locations around the country, including having thrift stores where you can get help with household items. To get help, reach out to a location near you and inquire about the services they can provide. To find a location near you, click here.
211 – This is a service that provides people information about programs that are near them that can help. They have information about programs that only locals may be familiar with or know about. All you have to do is dial 211 or visit their site and let them know what type of help you need. They will provide you with the information you need, including the resources close to you, that can be contacted for help. Their service is free and available around the country. To get more information, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization has thousands of locations around the country. They provide a range of helpful services, including offer free food, shelters, clothing, and more. They will help meet a variety of needs that people have. You can contact a location near you to inquire about getting assistance. Although they are a faith-based charity, you do not need to be religious to get help through their service. To find a location near you, click here.
St. Vincent de Paul – This is another charity that has locations around the country. They provide free services to those who have a low income and need assistance. They provide free food, clothing, household goods, and more. They also have thrift stores, so they can help with items you may need from there. To get more information, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This is a program that will help widowed single mothers and others with paying their utility bills. To get help paying your bill you have to have a low income and be the person who is responsible for paying the bill. Those who are approved will have their bill paid directly to the utility provider and your account will be credited. To get more information or apply for help, click here.