Grants for Single Mothers in America – Personal Grants for Single Mothers in America, There are more than 8.7 million single moms in the United States that represent nearly 25% of households with kids below 18 years. Single-mom households suffer from economic distress, financial hardship, and other problems, unlike conventional families. As per reports of 2022 nearly 37.3% of single moms were living in poverty while 29% of them were unemployed.
Single moms go through numerous challenges in their day-to-day lives to take care of their young ones and this takes a huge toll on their physical, emotional and financial health. Grants for single moms come in handy for women who are looking for funding opportunities to make ends meet.
Fortunately the governments and private organizations offer free personal grants to single moms to promote their self-sufficiency and financial well-being.
Highlights of this Post
What Are Personal Grants For Single Moms?
Free personal grants for single moms are monetary incentives that help single moms fulfill certain needs instead of providing general financial assistance. These grants may range from Medicaid to other welfare programs like TANF and food stamps.
Personal grants are financial awards given to eligible single moms to offset the costs associated with food, housing, education, rent, utility, childcare expenses, etc. While few government programs and grants directly finance the needs of single moms some programs do not cater to single moms exclusively instead they provide funding to charities and local governments that assist those in need, especially single moms.
What Are The Different Types Of Personal Grants Available For Single Moms?
Following are the different types of grants that single moms can avail of to reduce their economic burden.
Federal Grants
One of the most popular types of personal grants for single moms is federal grants that are run by the U.S. federal government. Government Programs for Low-Income Families are monetary relief that are provided to eligible beneficiaries by state agencies.
Federal grant subsidizes projects and initiatives that assist single moms and help them afford their basic needs. Some of the popular federal grants include the Pell Grant, the Temporary Assistance For Needy Families Program, the Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, and so on.
State And Local Grants
Similar to federal grants there are state and local grants available for single moms. These are cash initiatives that are funded by local and state governments to assist low-income single-mother households. For instance Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Emergency Homeowners Loan Program, Home Affordable Refinance Program, and so on.
Private Grants And Charitable Organizations
Federal, state, and local grants have stringent eligibility criteria application procedures which demand a lot of paperwork and documentation. Furthermore they come with a long waiting list with a limited number of open slots.
Fortunately, there are nonprofit organizations and several charities in the United States of America that offer financial assistance programs and personal grants for single moms. These include Bridge Of Hope, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Mercy Housing, and so on.
Eligibility Criteria For Single Moms To Receive Personal Grants
Most personal grants for single moms are given by the government based on their financial needs and the number of children under the age of 18 years in the household.
The financial assistance received through these grants may vary depending on the gross monthly income of single moms, the household expenses, and whether or not there are legal considerations involved. The household income level of single moms must not exceed the federal poverty level of the local area.
Some of the common eligibility criteria for single moms to obtain Federal and States government social programs are as follows:
- Applicants should be a minimum of 18 years old and a citizen of the United States or a noncitizen having eligible immigration status
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Belong to the low-income category
- The household income of single moms should be below the area median income. The percentage of AMI may vary depending on your state however applicants with 50% or less income than AMI are given the main preference.
What Are The Available Government Grants For Single Moms In America?
Several personal grants are readily available to assist single moms in need so that they can provide for themselves and their children such as the following.
Nutrition Grants For Single Moms
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Formerly known as the food stamp program the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a government-funded nutrition program that assists low-income families including single moms who are unable to afford healthy nutritious food.
Eligible single moms will be given an electronic benefit transfer card that they can use to purchase food and groceries at authorized retailers anywhere in the USA. The program ensures low-income single moms and their children can access nutritious and healthy foods and can improve their overall well-being.
Women, Infants, And Children Program (WIC)
The Women Infant And Children program is designed by the government to support the food and nutritional needs of single moms and their children, pregnant women, and new mothers.
Single moms who can fulfill the eligibility criteria of the program can apply for WIC benefits and receive nutritional food like fruits, vegetables, baby formula, milk, and so on. The program also offers nutritional education, access to healthcare references, breastfeeding support for mothers and their children.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
The National School Lunch Program provides discounted meals or free lunches to students whose family income is below the poverty guidelines. The program makes sure children receive inexpensive and nutritious lunches every day.
Children belonging to single-parent families with income at or less than 130% of the federal poverty level can receive free meals through this program. Single-parent families having income between 130 to 185% of the federal poverty level can receive reduced-price meals.
If you are receiving snap benefits then your child becomes eligible for the free lunch program automatically. The easiest way of applying is to contact a school, fill out a school meal application and give a group of income sources.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
A federal initiative run by the US Department of Agriculture is known as the Emergency Food Assistance Program. The program offers free food to eligible individuals and families in need and low-income single moms. The eligibility for the program and the application guidelines are established by USDA.
Eligibility criteria for Emergency Free Food Program
The eligibility criteria for the program might include SNAP or participation in existing food or other programs like TANF.
How to apply for Emergency Free Food Program
As the program is governed at the state level, it is better to connect with your state distributing agency for more details about TEFAP.
Other USDA Food Assistance Programs
USDA offers a variety of food and nutritional programs designed for single moms and their children through its food and nutrition service. Some of the programs include the School Breakfast Program and Special Milk Program.
In addition, the Summer Food Service Program and USDA Child And Adult Care Food Program also provide food products and discounts to the communities. To learn how USD can benefit single moms with food assistance visit its official website.
Local Food Banks
Food banks are not at all a grant. It exists to assist families who might not become eligible for other welfare programs. This is a place where food is given and made available to those individuals who really need it.
Feeding America has a network of more than 200 food banks worldwide that offers food to more than 40 million individuals facing hunger that includes seven million seniors and 12 million kids through meal and food pantries programs.
Financial Grants For Single Moms
Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)
A federal government-funded program known as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program offers financial assistance to eligible low-income households including single moms.
The objective of the program is to assist the beneficiaries of the program in attaining self-sufficiency in their lives. Through this program, single moms can obtain care support and cover their basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, and so on.
TANF Government Grants for Struggling Families offers employment services and job training facilities so that single moms can locate and maintain stable employment.
Supplemental Security Income
The Supplemental Security Income offers monthly cash support to people who are blind elderly or disabled. Single moms who belong to any one of these categories can receive financial assistance from this program. The program guarantees a minimum level of financial assistance to those who qualify.
The basic monthly SSI benefits for an individual is $914 while for a couple it is $1371. While this program is designed for elderly and blind people the benefits are also applicable to children with disabilities whose parents belong to the low income category. Single moms with a disabled child can visit www.ssa.gov to learn SSI Grants for Parents With a Disabled Child
Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA)
The Diversion Cash Assistance Program also known as emergency cash assistance is an alternative financial support program for single moms who are facing an emergency. The program offers one-time payment instead of extended cash benefits. Eligible families receive a one-time grant of up to $1000 to meet their minor crisis or emergency.
Unemployment Insurance
The US Department of Labor provides unemployment insurance to remedies who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own. The program assists unemployed single moms struggling to make ends meet by providing them with weekly compensation or temporarily replacing a part of their wages until they get new work. The compensation may vary from state to state and you need to file a claim online or over the phone to receive unemployment benefits.
Eligibility criteria for Unemployment Insurance
Applicant must have earned at least:
- 30 times the weekly benefit then they are eligible to collect
- Legally certified to work in the United States of America
- Earned $5,700 during the last four completed calendar quarters
- Must be willing and should be able to start to suit work without delay when provided.
- Working in reduced hours or are unemployed through no fault of your own
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
A refundable tax credit designed by the government to assist low-income families including single moms is the Earned Income Tax Credit. Low-income single moms can receive tax refunds and reduce the amount of taxes owed based on their family size and earned income. This credit will provide a financial boost and help single moms meet their economic obligations and financially support their families.
Eligibility criteria for the Earned Income Tax Credit Program
Applicant must have:
- Earned and worked income under $57,414
- Have income investment below $10,000 in the financial year 2021
- Resident aliens or citizens of the United States every year.
- Have a valid SSN or Social Security number by the due date 2021 return that includes extensions.
How to apply for Earned Income Tax Credit For Single Mother?
To apply for the program, you can visit the local community center and get the necessary details related to the EITC
Paid Family Leave for single mothers program
The program called Paid Family Leave does not guarantee mothers paid leave. There are nine states in the United States including the District of Columbia that provide paid family leave to new parents or offer care for a seriously ill family member. There are twelve weeks of job-guaranteed under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Grants for American Indians and Alaska Natives
If you become a member of a Native American tribal entity searching for benefits or federal grants, there are a range of federal financial assistance programs for Alaska Natives and American Indians.
Your best bet to get grants that offer benefit is NativeOneStop.gov, where you may get browse a list of sources that you or a family member might receive that includes but not restricted to,
- Urban Indian Health program
- Native Employment Works Program
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for needy people
- Family Education and Indian Child
Eligibility criteria for the program
The eligibility criteria for the program is applicants must need financial help and belong to a low-income background.
How to apply for American Indian Single Mothers Grants
To apply for the program, the process is quick and simple. You can submit the necessary documents directly to the local community center and apply for the program
Childcare Grant For Single Moms
Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG)
The Child Care Development Block Grant assist single moms by providing support with childcare expenses. The objective of the Child Care Development Block Grant is to make sure children get a nurturing and safe environment while their mothers can attend school or go to work.
The program offers much-needed financial assistance to single moms and helps them cover the costs of childcare services like daycare centers, in-home care, and after-school programs.The program child care development fund helps low-income background families who need inexpensive child help.
Eligibility criteria for CCDF program
The eligibility criteria for the CCDP program is that applicants should work or attend school. The age of the child must be under 13 years old. The household income should be below 85 percent of the SMI or State Median income for the similar size household.
How to apply for CCDF or child care development fund
The application process is easy and simple. Applicants must provide the necessary documents to apply for the program. They can directly visit the official website for State and Territory Child Care and Development Fund Administrators and Tribal TANF – Child Welfare Coordination Grants or office to apply for the CCDF program.
Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program (CCAMPIS)
A federal grant program committed to providing campus-based child care assistance to low-income parents including single moms in post-secondary education is the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program.
The program is intended to assist low-income student parents who need childcare assistance to remain in school and want to graduate with a college degree. The amount of assistance you can receive through this program will be based on your eligibility status, resources, financial income, family contribution level, and financial need.
Head Start / Early Head Start
The Head Start and the Early Head Start programs are federally funded grants that are designed to promote the school readiness of children from birth to five years of age. While early head start serves children from birth to two years of age, the Head Start program serves children who are between three to five years of age.
The program offers a wide area of services such as free dental and medical care, child education, health and nutritional services etcetera. The eligibility criteria of the program are based on the family income of the households.
Eligibility criteria for the Head Start program
The eligibility threshold depends on family income below the poverty level. There are also other aspects for eligibility that include children in foster care, homelessness or getting particular types of public help. Pregnant women might also become eligible for early head start.
Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The DCAP program, also named as a Dependent care assistance program, helps you to keep aside a portion of income for an elderly or for the care of the child. Under this program, babysitter fees, preschool, day care and other charges are applicable as qualifying expenses. So, if you need any of these services then you can apply for the program. The DCAP offers a maximum savings of $5000. You should enroll for the program every year.
Who is eligible for Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) program
- Adults who cannot take care for themselves during their working hours
- Kids under 13 years
How to apply For Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
To apply for the program is quick and simple. To become eligible for the program, you can directly visit the office and apply for the program.
CAA, Community Action Agencies
Created through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 the Community Action Agencies strives that no family in America should live in poverty. Community Action Agency programs provide child care assistance, job training, early education, and other important resources for parents including food and financial support. If you’re looking for childcare assistance or other resources to support your family then you can look for your county Community Action agency.
Healthcare Programs For Single Moms
Medicaid
The government health insurance program known as Medicaid offers medical coverage to low-income families and individuals including single moms and their children. The program provides a wide array of essential medical services such as hospital care, doctor visits, preventive care, and prescriptions.
By applying and becoming eligible for the Medicaid program single moms can make sure they can meet their and their children’s healthcare needs in case they are unable to afford private health insurance.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Children’s Health Insurance program offers health insurance coverage to uninsured children up to 19 years of age and belonging to low-income families. Families who are earning income too high to qualify for the Medicaid program but are unable to afford private health insurance coverage on their own can consider applying for this program.
The program covers everything that a child needs like doctor visits, vaccinations, dental and vision care, and so on. The eligibility criteria and the application procedure may vary. CHIP services comes free of cost while some families need to pay a small monthly premium, co-pay, and enrollment fees to avail of services.
Housing Assistance Programs For Single Moms
Public Housing Program
The HUD-sponsored public housing program enables low-income families, single moms, disabled individuals, and elderly people to live in public housing units at a rate that they can afford.
A lot of people pay no more than 30% of their monthly income for rent and utility costs. Single moms having income up to 80% of the area median income for the metropolitan area or county where they are living can receive assistance under this program. You need to apply to a local public housing authority in your city or town.
Who is eligible for the Public Housing Program for single mothers?
Public housing is restricted to low-income individuals and families. It considers your eligibility based on:
- Applicant must be a citizen of the United States or have legal immigration status
- Applicants must qualify as a person with a disability, elderly or as a family.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Federal Housing program known as the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program assists the neediest family with decent, safe, and affordable rental housing. The program offers rental vouchers to low-income families, single moms, disabled individuals, and senior citizens to cover a part of their rental cost.
Those eligible for this program receive a voucher that funds 70% of their rent and utilities while the remaining 30% has to be borne by them. A single mom of two children working 30 hours every week and renting an apartment for $700 will receive a rental voucher worth $440 per month. To apply for the program you can contact your local public housing authority.
Eligibility criteria for Section 8 Rental Subsidy
Candidates should be a U.S citizen or 18 years old and non-citizen must have a household income of less than 50 percent of area median income. Also, eligibility depends on family size. You must consider if the local PHA has any preferences or restrictions.
Homelessness Prevention And Rapid Rehousing Program
Single moms who are at risk of homelessness or are presently experiencing homelessness can apply for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program. The funds received through this program can be used to cover rental costs, utility bills, and other housing-related expenses.
The HUD offers various housing assistance grants and programs for single moms that aim to promote affordable and secure housing. A few more examples are Emergency Solution Grants, Community Development Block Grant, and the HOME Investment Partnership program
Education Grants For Single Moms
Pell Grant
One of the largest education assistance programs in America is the federal Pell Grant. Low-income students who are struggling financially can receive grants ranging between $5350 to $6825 to cover their tuition fees.
The Pell Grant can also be used to pay for books, room and board, transportation costs, certification programs, examination fees, and other miscellaneous educational expenses. It is one of the greatest resources for low-income single moms who want to return to school and avail better employment opportunities.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant similar to the Pell Grant is awarded to low-income students with robust financial needs. The amount of financial assistance will be determined by FAFSA results.
Priority is given to students with the absolute highest level of need especially those with low expected family contributions. Pell-eligible single moms can apply for this program and receive financial assistance anywhere between $100 to $4000 every year based on fund availability and the gravity of their financial needs.
TEACH Grants
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education offers financial assistance to students including low-income single moms who want to start a career in the teaching profession. Recipients need to teach in high-need fields and serve low-income schools after graduation. The program assist single moms to pursue their teaching goals while receiving financial assistance.
Utility Bill Assistance Programs For Single Moms
Lifeline Program
The Lifeline program was established in 1985 for low-income families to afford connectivity and gain access to Lifeline emergency services. The program provides monthly phone or broadband Internet subsidy to individuals or families however limited to $9.25 per household per month. Single moms earning less than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines can apply for this program.
The lifeline program was established in 1985 and has been around since the Reagan Administration as a means to assist low-income families who can access and afford connectivity to a lifeline of emergency services such as 911. The subsidy of the lifeline program is not limited to “welfare recipients” only.
Eligibility criteria for Lifeline program to Low Income Families
To become eligible for the program, criteria differ from state to state and also it is made available to those earning less than 135 percent of the guidelines of federal poverty.
How to apply For Lifeline program for single mothers
You can apply for the Lifeline discount program through a designated state agency or provider in your state. It also offers a handy tool to check for participation of companies near you
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a government program that assists low-income families including single moms to pay for their home energy bills. Paying home energy costs for instance heating and cooling bills can be a significant financial burden for single moms.
Single moms who are unable to for their home energy bills or pay for their utility bills can apply for the LIHEAP. The program offers financial assistance, reduces energy-related expenses and makes sure families can live in a safe living and comfortable environment.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
Low-income families in the United States of America who are unable to pay their home energy and utility bills can apply for the Weatherization Assistance Program. The assistance is given to low-income families with children, especially single moms and senior citizens.
The eligibility criteria of the program are based on the applicant’s household income. Depending on your state of residence you need to have income less than 200% of the federal poverty level to qualify for this program. Single moms can not only cover their utility costs for this program but can also make their homes energy efficient.
Business Grants For Single Moms
Small Business Administration (SBA) Women’s Business Centers Grant
Women’s business centers granted by the SBA provide training, resources, and counseling to women including unemployed single moms, and help them grow their businesses. You can navigate the complex procedure of launching and managing your business with the valuable support of this program.
STTR Grants For Single Moms
A federal grant program known as Small Business Technology Transfer aims to transfer innovative technologies from research institutions to eligible small businesses. Single moms who are interested in starting technology businesses can be eligible to receive assistance under this program.
The Amber Grant For Women
A grant program designed to support single moms and women entrepreneurs is the Amber Grant. If you’re a single mom and want to start your own business then you can apply for this program and receive a monthly grant of $10,000 to turn your business dream into reality.
Grants.gov
A database of several grant opportunities provided by federal agencies is grants.gov. If you’re looking for small business grants for single moms entrepreneurs then you can visit this site and search for a grant that aligns with your eligibility criteria and business goals.
Walmart Awards Grants
Walmart Award offers grants to non-profit organizations across the globe. The National Giving program Walmart helps charity organizations to expand themselves locally. Walmart provides grants through four initiatives. Several of these groups can concentrate on empowering women in business, feeding the hungry and promoting sustainability. Also, the grants are more than $25,000.
There are non-profit organizations who apply for grants to start state-level or regional level chapters through the State Giving Program. The Walmart grant programs provide a range in value from $25,000 to $250,000.
Organizations And Charities That Help Single Moms
There are a lot of charities and organizations that are stepping up in America and helping single moms get back on their feet. If you are a single parent in America and need of assistance you can consider seeking help from the following US-based charities
Mercy Housing
Mercy Housing is a leading organization that assists single moms to overcome homelessness by helping them with domestic violence prevention workshops, transitional housing, and career mapping seminars.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides a lot of programs for low-income single moms and helps them with food, housing, rent, utility bills, and transportation. The transitional living centers for single moms help them to get a safe and secure place. They also have self-improvement and skill training programs to assist single moms.
Feeding America
Feeding America is a charity that offers food and necessities to single moms. The charity network has more than 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries throughout the country. Single moms struggling to put food on the table can contact the charity.
Helping Hands For Single Moms
The charity Helping Hands For Single Moms assists needy mothers in the Dallas and Phoenix area with educational financial assistance, counseling and support groups. You can find a wide array of help to fund your education or receive professional counseling, dental and medical health, legal counsel, vehicle repair assistance, and so on.
The Sunshine Lady Foundation
The Sunshine Lady Foundation offers tons of scholarships and grants to women, particularly single moms who have experienced difficult circumstances and domestic violence and are willing to pursue vocational training or education to improve their lives.The program called Sunshine Lady Foundation provides the women independence scholarship. To become eligible for the program, applicants must have experienced domestic violence and should be female. They must have been separated from their partner for at least a year and should be a citizen of the United States of America.
Carsforyourhelp.com
The program called Carsforyourhelp.com is a non-profit organization that provides free cars to single mothers to help them become more self-reliant. Carsformoms is not a giveaway program that provides free automobiles, but they provide a necessary instrument to single mothers to improve their standard of living.
The charity also accepts sponsorships and uses them to offer free vehicles, public transportation, travel, and even repair to single moms. They also assist mothers for school, jobs, emergencies, health-care and more by offering free transportation.
YWCA’s Women’s Economic Empowerment Programs:
The nonprofit organization YMCA offers programs to empower women economically. The programs include job skills development, formal financial literacy training, support services, and career counseling to benefit single moms and improve their economic stability.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities assist single moms with housing, food, nutrition, refugee and immigration services, physical and mental healthcare, and many other services. It also provides emergency shelters and permanent housing facilities to single moms in need.
National Coalition For The Homeless
Charity increases awareness about providing resources and eliminating homelessness in the USA. They do not provide direct help for single moms but increase awareness about homelessness and craft policies to address homelessness. Homeless single moms can avail resources from this charity.
Parents Without Partners
Single parents can receive assistance from this charity in the form of support groups that eliminate their emotional burden and help them to receive the much-needed support. They provide a venue for single moms to share their experiences and learn from one another.
Conclusion
Grants for single moms play a crucial role in the lives of needy women who are facing economic challenges. These programs provide financial resources and aid and help them improve their lives. There are tons of government assistance grants available throughout America for instance personal grants for educational grants, grants to housing, utility assistance programs, and so on. Single moms need to explore local, state, and federal grant programs, private organizations, and support networks to enhance their financial stability. By staying connected to these resources and taking proactive steps, needy single moms can create a brighter future for themselves and their children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of grants are available for single mothers?
There are different types of personal grants available for single mothers such as Walmart grants, CHIP, DCAP, carsformoms.org and national school for lunch programs etc. These are the different grants available for single moms to take care of their kid’s expenses or themselves such as transportation, free or low-cost lunch meals, education expenses and others.
Where to apply for single mothers grants?
To apply for the single mother grants, you can directly visit the office and apply for the program or you can visit the website directly to apply for the program.
Who can help with hardship grants for single mothers?
Single moms who need financial assistance for any reason may find additional support of income through a third public program such as TANF by contacting the appropriate county, state or tribal agency. You may even assist with other requirements too.
Can I get free government grant money for single moms?
Yes, if you are a single mother who needs help to start your business, to take care of personal expenses, transportation or other needs then you can get free government grant money. You don’t have to worry as the government understands your pain as a single parent and provides help through various programs.
