Across the United States, over 15 million single mothers are raising 22 million children, often on their own. While each single parent’s situation is unique, many encounter challenges that can be difficult to tackle alone.
The challenges of being a single mother come in several various forms, from being the only income-earner in a household to time and energy constraints created by raising children solo. Friends and family may step in to provide help when possible, but this isn’t the case across the board.
Fortunately, help for single moms is available through several different programs, including grants for single moms, federal programs, and non-profit or community assistance. Financial resources for single mothers are abundant when one knows where to look.
Federal aid: Grants for single moms
While the U.S. Department of Education does not offer any federal grants geared specifically toward single moms and dads, you can contact your state’s financial aid office Opens a new window to find ones offered through your state. You may learn of many grants and scholarships by simply going directly to the college or university you plan to attend and asking what they offer.
Here are a few other scholarships that cater specifically to single moms:
- Society of Women Engineers Opens a new window offers scholarships if you’re pursuing an engineering degree. The awards, which are renewable, range from $1,000 to $20,000 each.
- Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation Opens a new window offers education or training scholarships of up to $5,000 each if you’re a single mom and make less than $20,000 per year as a family of two; less than $25,000 per year as a family of three; or less than $30,000 per year as a family of four. Women are chosen based on need, educational goals, vocational or occupational needs, civic goals, activism and service. To apply, you must be at least 17 years old and enrolled in a not-for-profit-accredited school.
- The Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Opens a new window scholarship is awarded if you’re facing hardship as a result of economic, social or physical challenges. The scholarship, offered through Executive Women International (EWI), awards adult students between $2,000 and $10,000 for education. You must apply through a local EWI chapter.
- P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education Opens a new window provides single moms with a one-time grant of up to $3,000. It can pay for basics like tuition, books, testing, transportation and equipment, but it can also go towards child care while you’re in class or studying. To be eligible, you must currently be enrolled in a certification or degree program and be within 18 months of completing a degree that will lead to employment or job advancement. You must have also taken two years off from completing your degree as a result of having children (or another education interruption).
While these grants may not be geared directly toward single moms, they can also help you pay for your education:
- Pell Grants of up to $7,395 for the 2023-2024 school year are given by the federal government, though usually only for undergraduate degrees. The amount you’re awarded depends on your financial need and whether you’re a full- or part-time student. Unlike a loan, the money from this grant doesn’t have to be repaid. To apply, fill out a FAFSA form Opens a new window.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) offers between $100 and $4,000 per year from the federal government, no matter what you plan to study. The grants vary depending on your financial need, but your school must participate in FSEOG, so check that the school you plan to attend is in the program.
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Opens a new window offers up to $4,000 per year if you’re studying to become a teacher. To receive the grant, you must agree to teach in a high-need field at an elementary or secondary school, or at an educational service agency that serves low-income kids. You also must finish at least four years of service within eight years of having received the grant.
- American Association of University Women Career Development Grant Opens a new window can offer you between $2,000 and $20,000 if you already have an undergraduate degree and are hoping to pursue your first master’s degree, certification program or specialized/technical training (but not doctorate-level work). Special consideration is given if you’re a woman of color or are pursuing a career in a “nontraditional” field (such as architecture, engineering or statistics).
- National League of American Pen Women’s Shirley Holden Helberg Grant for the Mature Women Opens a new window offers grants of $1,000 if you’re over the age of 35 and pursuing a career in the arts, writing or music. You can apply for more than one grant, but you must do so separately for each category.
Make sure you fill out the forms completely and honestly. Mark your calendars for when applications are due and follow up when necessary. By doing your research and applying for a number of opportunities, you may be closer than you realize to earning a new degree.
Housing for single moms
Low-income households can apply for housing help through several federal programs:
- Housing Choice Vouchers Opens a new window: Formerly known as “Section 8,” this U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program offers low-income families rental housing in privately-owned buildings — from single-family homes to apartment units. You could even convert your public housing rent into a mortgage payment. Generally, your household income must be 50 percent or less of the median income where you live in order to qualify.
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Opens a new windowand Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Opens a new window: These government programs provide assistance in paying utility bills. They also offer home weatherization — work to help your home stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer — and other repairs to reduce energy costs.
Food assistance for single moms
A number of programs can help you put food on the table, including:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Opens a new window: This USDA service helps families that make up to 130 percent of the poverty level Opens a new windowbuy food using an electronic card accepted at most grocery stores.
- National School Lunch Program Opens a new window: The USDA offers free lunch (and often breakfast too) for some school-aged kids, even during the summer.
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): The USDA buys emergency food and ships it to states. The states then distribute the food to soup kitchens and public food pantries as well as to low-income people who qualify.
Affordable health insurance for single moms
Uncovered medical expenses will put your financial security progress on hold (and can even send you into bankruptcy) faster than anything else. If you don’t have health insurance already, getting it for you and your child is imperative.
Many single moms qualify for Medicaid Opens a new window. Medicaid is low-cost or free health insurance provided by the state in which you live. If you make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, you could still sign up your kids (or yourself, if you’re pregnant) for insurance through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Opens a new window.
If your employer offers coverage, get signed up now. If not, comparison-shop for policies at your state’s online Affordable Care Act Marketplace or at HealthCare.gov Opens a new window. (While pregnancy is not a “qualifying event,” the birth of a child is — which will allow you to join your employer’s plan or the marketplace even if you opted out in the past.)
You can also find a reliable broker to do the legwork for you. Check out the National Association of Health Underwriters Opens a new windowfor more information about brokers.
Single parents can also pare down medical costs by taking advantage of community and state-based programs that provide checkups and low-cost immunizations for minor children. Look for those through your state, county or town’s department of health and human services.
Child care programs for single moms
If you need help paying for child care as a single mom, several programs can help cut the costs:
- Child Care Assistance Programs (CCAP): Your state’s Department of Education offers affordable child care to low-income families while they are working, attending school or training. You’ll pay a certain percentage of the total cost of child care depending on your income and the size of your family.
- Head Start Opens a new window: Using federal funding, your state runs a Head Start program to prepare kids from birth to age 5 for school. These free child care programs offer resources to support your child’s education and health and promote family relationships and well-being.
Tax benefits for single parents
It’s smart to be aware of all the tax benefits you’re entitled to as a single parent. Make sure to investigate the following. (Reminder: A credit is directly subtracted from the amount you owe in taxes, while an exemption is deducted from your total taxable income.)
- Dependent Exemption: If you share equal custody with your child’s father, only one of you can claim this. Avoid IRS woes by deciding who it will be in advance.
- Earned Income Tax Credit Opens a new window: Single working parents with low to moderate incomes often qualify.
- Child and Dependent Care Credit Opens a new window: If you’ve been paying for child care so that you can work (or look for work), you’re likely entitled.
- Child Tax Credit: This important tax credit may be worth as much as $1,000 per qualifying child depending upon your income.
- Additional Child Tax Credit: This gives you a payment for each child, even when you don’t owe any tax.
- Adoption Credit: This is intended to offset the expenses of adopting a child.
One final tip: File as “head of household” instead of “single.” You’ll probably get a higher standard deduction — though there are a few requirements (including being unmarried on the last day of the previous year).
More help for single moms
Other organizations or programs in your area can help with housing, health care, food and more:
Additional federal grants
Learn which programs you qualify for by checking out 211 Opens a new window, which offers links to health services and housing and heating assistance.
Or visit the U.S. government’s benefits page Opens a new window. It includes information on over 1,000 federal and state programs, some specifically for single moms, including grants for victims of domestic violence.
Local religious organizations and charities
Many religious outlets and charities have local programs in place to help single mothers, including shelters, food pantries and clothing. The services they offer are generally similar to government programs, but they may not have as many income requirements for single mothers to meet. That said, you’ll likely still have to provide some information, including your sources of income.
Local offices for United Way Opens a new window, YWCA Opens a new windowand Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) often have assistance officers who can direct you to help, or check for charities in your area via GuideStar Opens a new window.
Food banks
Food banks typically are private nonprofits that provide meal assistance for needy families. Food is donated by local businesses, individuals and restaurants to help you stock up on healthy eats for you and your children. Find a local food bank through Food Pantries Opens a new windowor Feeding America Opens a new window.
As a new parent, it’s normal to feel both overjoyed and overwhelmed. And especially if you’re also newly single, finances can compound your worries. Fortunately, many programs and resources can step in and help make money matters more manageable.
Financial assistance for single moms
SNAP food assistance ( government grants ) for single mothers
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is aimed towards helping low-income families, single moms and individuals by providing them with assistance for buying food. Together with State agencies and partners, the Food and Nutrition Service, the SNAP initiative helps provide thousands of American citizens with “food stamps” in order to ensure they are receiving proper nutrition. To see whether you are eligible for assistance, have a look at the SNAP Eligibility Information. You can also enquire with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service Head Office by calling them on 703-305-2062 for detailed information.
WIC program assists single moms with grants
WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. This initiative provides States with Federal grants for nutrition education, health care referrals, and supplemental foods. Women that fall under the low-income bracket who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as children up to the age of 5, may be eligible for assistance. To apply for WIC, you need to contact you nearest agency providing WIC services, or call the Hotline on 1-800-522-5006. Alternatively, visit the website for more information on single mother assistance.
Child Nutrition Programs
The United States Department of Agriculture offers a wide range of nutritional programs aimed at providing nutritional meals to children. Some of their assistance programs include the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, Team Nutrition, and the Special Milk Program. The Food and Nutrition Service also offers a Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) as well as a Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) that are aimed at assisting communities with food products and special discounts. For detailed information, visit their website.
TEFAP grants
As a Federal assistance program, The Emergency Food Assistance Program offers free food assistance to low-income single moms, families and individuals. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and before applying for assistance, you need to meet income requirements set out by the guidelines. You can contact Les Johnson, director of the Food Distribution Division, on 703-305-2680, or visit their website for detailed information and eligibility requirements.
Medicare
Medicare is a medical insurance program primarily targeted at individuals aged 65 and older, but they do offer assistance for individuals under the age of 65 in certain circumstances. To check whether you’re eligible for any one of the programs, use the Medicare Eligibility Checker Tool. To apply for Medicare assistance, get in touch with the Social security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visit their website for detailed information.
HUD Public Housing and grants for single parents
Low-income families can apply for low-cost rental housing from the HUD Public Housing Assistance Program. With over 3,300 Local Public Housing Agencies participating in the program, all States and territories are served by HUD Public Housing. To find out more about eligibility requirements and application requirements, contact your local public housing agency, or call the Service Center at 1-800-955-2232. You can also visit the website for more information on single mother assistance.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a Federal medical assistance program that aims to assist low-income families and those who do not have sufficient medical insurance. Medicaid eligibility guidelines differ from State to State, and as such, is administered by each individual state. If you want to find out if you’re eligible for Medicaid assistance, you can contact your local State Medicaid Office. General information regarding the program can be found on the Medicaid website.
LIHEAP energy grants and assistance for single parents
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program was established to assist low-income single moms, families and individuals that cannot afford their home energy bills. Heating and cooling energy cost assistance may be provided to individuals that meet the LIHEAP eligibility criteria. For application requirements, contact your State or Local LIHEAP Office. LIHEAP also has contact center that can assist you with your queries. Call them on 866-674-6327 or visit the website for more information.
Federal Government Pro Bono Program
The Federal Government Pro Bono Program assists low-income single parents, individuals and families in need of help with free legal assistance and mentoring services. To find out more about the program or to apply for free help, contact Laura Klein at the Federal Government Pro Bono Program by sending an email to Laura.F.Klein@usdoj.gov. You can also visit the website for more information or call the New York office at 212-760-2554.
Head Start and Early Head Start / Childcare grants
The U.S Department of Health and Human Services offers a federally funded Head Start program which aims at assisting children up to the age of 5 with school readiness programs. Low-income families may be eligible for assistance. A lot of the Head Start Programs run Early Head Start programs that are aimed at pregnant women, toddlers, and infants. If you wish to apply for Head Start or Early Head Start, you’ll need to contact your local program that supports Head Start. You can find a Head Start Locator Tool on the website. Alternatively, you can also call the Service Centre on 1-886-763-6481 for more information.
As you can see, there are a lot of helpful government assistance programs that can assist single mothers and individuals in need across the country.