Raising children is difficult and expensive – there's no doubt about that. If you have the
added burden of raising children alone, however, it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there is
government help for single mothers, government help for single
parents, and government help for needy individuals in general. The government gears
much of this help toward paying expensive bills that households with limited incomes are unable
to pay. Some government benefits for single mothers can help pay:
- Household utilities
- Housing expenses
- Medical expenses
- Educational expenses
The best way to receive the help that some of the programs discussed here can offer you is
to visit your local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You can make an appointment
to speak to a DHHS worker to find out which of these programs you qualify for to receive
help.
Government Help with Utility Bills
If you are unable to pay household utilities due to a limited income, keep in mind that
there is government help for single
mothers in your situation. Some government assistance programs may help you pay
your gas or electric bills. Many times, the government pays the money directly to your utility
service provider on your behalf.
The government has designed most utility assistance programs simply to decrease your monthly
bills, but you may also qualify for emergency funds as well. This type of aid can be used in
certain emergency situations. For instance, you may qualify for assistance if the utility
company is going to shut off your heating source due to non-payment in the middle of
winter.
Housing Expenses
Housing expenses such as rent are
often one of the main monthly expenses in most households. The Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) provides rental
assistance for people who are having trouble keeping a roof over their
children's heads. HUD intends for this type of government assistance to allow families to
have affordable, safe, clean housing. If you qualify, you will only be responsible for
paying a portion of your rent, and the government will pay the rest. Visit HUD's web portal to find out how to apply.
Medical Bills
Medical bills can also get very expensive for a single mom. They can be nearly impossible to
pay if your employer does not offer you a healthcare plan. If this is the case, you and your
children will most likely qualify for government help for single mothers and
children. The government designed special medical assistance programs to keep you and your
children healthy. These programs will help pay for routine check-ups, immunizations for your
children, and emergency medical care. You and your children may also qualify to receive dental
and eye exams for free or at a reduced cost.
Chances are, if you're like many mothers, you probably don't want to be receiving government
assistance for the rest of your life. In order to be able to live comfortably without
assistance, however, you may need to go back to school to get a degree, which is typically very
expensive. With a limited income, however, you may qualify for
government help that is designed to help pay for your education. The government offers
need-based education grants to many
individuals with limited incomes. While you're attending school, you may also be able to get
assistance to cover the cost of childcare.
