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.