Being a single mother, Being a single mother is always a challenge because when you are a single mother, you have the responsibility of caring for your children all on your own while also working to support your small family and doing what you can to provide for them.
The problem is that this is often easier said than done, especially in the current economy. As the cost of living continues to increase, it is becoming harder and harder for single mothers to make it out here. The good news is that there are a plenty of assistance programs available specifically for these women and their children as a means of helping them.
Food Resources
The state of Virginia offers the food stamps program to those who need it. The program was originally designed specifically for low-income families, which includes single mothers as well. The general purpose of this program is to provide assistance with affording groceries. Groceries are definitely not always the most affordable and for a single mother, it can be hard to afford food for children while also having to pay rent, bills and other living expenses.
In this case, the food stamps program would come in handy. If approved, you would receive a food stamps card which could be used in the grocery store to buy different food items. You can buy the food that your children and you will eat while also saving money from your own pocket and not having to worry about your children going hungry ever.
The WIC program is also an ideal program to apply for as a single mother. This program was designed specifically with women and children in mind which is where the name originates from in the first place. WIC actually stand for Women, Infants and Children. On this program, you would receive monthly checks that will help you to afford some food basics. Such basics include milk, eggs, cheese, and bread. This food can be of a huge help for you and your family. If you have an infant, you may also receive formula on the WIC checks.
Virginia Department of Social Services
Childcare Assistance
Having childcare assistance may be a necessity for you. As a single mother, you are likely working full-time or attending school. You might even be working and attending school at the same time. Regardless of what you are doing, someone needs to take care of your children while you are out making a living or working on furthering your education. While you work or attend school, you will more than likely need to put your children in daycare.
The main problem with daycare is the cost. Childcare expenses can cost you a fortune, which is something you may simply not be able to afford because you are a single mother who has to afford all other bills as well. If this is the case, you can apply for childcare assistance and get help paying your childcare premiums so that you never have to go broke just to make sure your children are properly cared for while you work or go to school.
Child Care Assistance – Parents & Guardians
Rent Assistance
Affording rent may not always be the easiest task for you. The thing about it is that the cost of living continues to increase and when that happens, monthly rent payments also increase. If you are struggling to pay your rent, you may feel as though you simply have no other options available but this is entirely untrue. While the possibility of being evicted is a scary thought, rest assured help is available. You can apply for rent assistance to get the help you need with affording your monthly rental payments.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Affordable Healthcare
As a single mother, you need to have affordable healthcare for your children and for yourself as well. It is important to have healthcare insurance in order to stay as healthy as possible. Not to mention, your children typically need to have routine visits and checkups on a regular basis. Affording healthcare, however, is not so easy.
Healthcare insurance can be extremely expensive, especially when you have to pay premiums for more than one person. If you simply cannot afford healthcare for you and your children, you can apply for Medicaid. This will allow you and your children to receive insurance that is affordable and will not burn a hole in your pocket.
The Virginia Medicaid Helpdesk
Grants and Scholarships/College and School
Going back to school is definitely a smart idea for any single mother. By going back to school, whether you choose college or a trade school, you are furthering your education and ultimately opening doors for yourself in the future. When you have the right degrees and certifications in specific fields, the opportunities end up being quite endless.
You may think furthering your education is out of the question because you are a single mom with other responsibilities but this is not true. And, while the cost of college and even trade school may be expensive, there is help available. There are plenty of different scholarships and grants that have been made available and are offered specifically to single mothers who are looking to pursue specific careers and need the right education and training in order to get such jobs.
Virginia Grants and Scholarship Programs
Financial Assistance
Most single moms deal with a rough patch at some or the other point in time. If you are struggling to afford the cost of living and simply do not know where to turn to, you can apply for financial assistance in the state of Virginia. The financial assistance program in the state is known as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF. On this program, you can receive cash assistance on a monthly basis for a temporary amount of time. This program can help you while you work on getting back on your feet.