Being a single mother is a challenge no matter where you live. Not only are you responsible for caring for yourself, you are also responsible for taking care of your children, however if you are in Mississippi, help for Single Mothers in Mississippi is surely available. When you are a single mother, you have to do just about everything and are basically like a superwoman.
The only problem with this is that you cannot always do everything, especially as the cost of living continues to increase, making it harder for you to live and support your children all on your own. If you live in the state of Mississippi and you are currently struggling, know about the help available, which will make your job just a bit easier.
Food Resources
One of the primary resources available in the state of Mississippi is the food stamps program. The food stamps program has been available for several decades and is designed to provide low-income families with money that is used specifically for groceries.
When you go to the grocery store, you may have noticed that the price of food continues to increase and it may be getting harder and harder for you to afford.
You may have sunk into a position in which you are struggling to pay bills and get food on the table for your children. However, on the food stamps program you will receive money on a monthly basis that is put directly into an EBT card. You can use the card to buy groceries at a number of different stores, as most stores accept this form of payment for food.
Along with the food stamps program, you can also apply for the WIC program. There are certain income guidelines for this program but as a single mother, you will most likely be eligible.
The program was designed specifically with women and children in mind which is where the name WIC originally comes from, as it stands for Women, Infants and Children.
This program allows you to receive checks each month that are to be used in any grocery store. There are certain items you can get, which includes milk, bread, cereal, cheese and eggs. The WIC program basically provides you with some of the food basics, helping to ensure that your children are as healthy as can be.
Women, Infants and Children’s Nutrition Program (WIC)
Childcare Assistance
If you are struggling to pay for childcare that your children need while you are working or attending school, do not worry. There is childcare assistance available in the state of Mississippi. The thing about childcare is that it is not necessarily very affordable and often times, you may feel as though all the money you work hard for is, inturn, being spent directly on childcare because you need someone to watch your children while you work.
If this is an issue that you have been dealing with, childcare assistance would be ideal for you. You can apply for this type of assistance to get help with paying for childcare so that you are no longer paying a fortune and your children will still be cared for.
Mississippi Department of Humain Service
Rent Assistance
The cost of living continues to rise and in most areas, the cost of rent is getting higher and higher. Many people, not just single mothers, are having a hard time making their rent payments. So as a single mother, you may be having a hard time paying your rent on time. If this is a constant battle for you, you may even be dealing with the possibility of being evicted from your home because you are unable to pay the rent on time.
If this scenario sounds familiar, your best bet is to apply for rental assistance or go through the local housing authority to find affordable housing for low-income families.
Affordable Healthcare
As a parent, you need to have healthcare for your children and for yourself. You never know when either you or your children will get sick and need medical assistance. It is important to be prepared for what could happen and having healthcare would be the best way to be prepared in the event of medical emergency or health-related situation. However, health insurance is not always cheap and is actually quite costly.
If you simply cannot afford health insurance plans, you can apply for Medicaid in Mississippi for you and your children. Medicaid is an alternative form of health insurance for low-income families and senior citizens.
Grants and Scholarships/College and School
Going back to school is always a good thing to do as a single mom because when you further your education, you also are able to gain more job opportunities in the future. If you want to have a better job than the one you currently hold, the type of job that pays better and will help you to provide for your children even if you are doing it all alone, you will likely need a degree or a certification of some sort.
Going to trade school or college is not impossible, especially not at this point, where there are so many different grants and scholarships that are now available specifically for single mothers so that they can pursue their goals and follow their dreams.
Financial Assistance
There may come a certain point in time where you can always be better off with a little financial assistance. If you are in need of extra cash but have no other solution, you can apply for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
This program, while being only temporary, will provide you with a set amount of cash on a monthly basis, which can ultimately help you with the process of getting back on your feet.