If you’re a single mother, it really doesn’t matter whether you are a work at home mom or you work outside the home. Things are tough no matter which route you take. Bills have to be paid, mouths must be fed, and kids need transportation to school and activities. It’s enough to make even the most capable mother lose her mind.
If your income isn’t that high, then all these responsibilities can feel insurmountable at times, and you may not know where you can turn for help. Fortunately, a variety of government and private resources provide help for low income single moms, and they can enable you to meet your obligations so you can focus on fulfilling your most important role – being a mother.
Government Help for Low Income Single Moms
You can find help for your financial responsibilities from government entities on different levels. You can apply for federal and/or state programs so you can make ends meet and keep the roof over your head. The first step, however, is to be brave enough to ask for help.
Federal Programs
If you are looking for assistance for low income single mothers for things like school or work-study programs, the first thing you should do is fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the U.S. Department of Education’s web portal. Once you do this, you’ll be contacted by the government with your options and the amount of money you’ll qualify to receive. If your income is extremely low, you may even qualify for a Pell Grant that you do not have to pay back. Make sure you’ve filed your taxes before you fill out a FAFSA so you will receive the most accurate estimates for aid and avoid unnecessary paperwork and delays.
State Programs
Contact your local Department of Health and Human Services and schedule an appointment to speak with a caseworker. The best way to get state assistance is to arrive in person and bring all documentation necessary to complete your application for aid. Your caseworker will be able to tell you what you qualify for, and depending on your income level, you may be entitled to things like food stamps, rental vouchers, and free or low-cost medical assistance for yourself and your children.
Private Help for Low Income Single Moms
In every area of the country, there are private organizations that offer help for low income single moms, as well. The easiest way to find the right agencies in your area is to pick up the phone and dial 2-1-1. This is an information line, and the operator can give you many different private options to obtain the help you need. If your area doesn’t have a help line, consult your local phone book or run a quick Internet search. Some of the more popular community organizations that can help include:
- The Salvation Army
- YWCA
- United Way
Check these agencies to get started in your search. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, the volunteers at these agencies should still be able to point you in the right direction.