Being a single mother, is definitely a challenging experience. It becomes even more challenging for women who are unable to afford the cost of living and caring for their children. Doing things all alone is a constant struggle for these single mothers but luckily, help is actually available.
For women living in the state of Montana, there are actually a number of different assistance programs and Help for Single Mothers in Montana available. Even though these women tend to feel that they are solely by themselves, the programs that are available through the state do provide them with the kind of support they need.
There are many types of programs, ranging from food stamps to rental assistance, all of which can come in handy for the average single mom who is struggling to make ends meet.
Food Resources
The state of Montana offers food stamps to those who need it. As a single mother, this is an ideal program to apply for. In the state of Montana, the food stamps program is actually known as the SNAP program. SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. When you apply and are approved for this program, you will receive a specific EBT card, which looks just like a credit card. Each month, a certain amount of money will be put on the card and you can use it at the grocery store or any store where EBT is accepted so that you can purchase food items for you and your family.
The amount you receive on a monthly basis will ultimately depend on a number of factors, which includes the amount of income you earn on a monthly basis and the current size of your household. Overall, this program can surely benefit you and your entire family.
The WIC program is another program that can come in handy, especially if you are in need of groceries for your children. On this program, which is designed specifically for women and their babies/children, you will receive checks that are dated for specific months. Each check will list different food items that you can purchase.
You can only purchase the items that are listed on the check, which basically include cereal, milk, cheese, eggs and other food basics. If you have a baby and you are formula feeding him or her, the WIC program will also provide you with some formula cans for your baby on a monthly basis.
State of Montana SNAP Program Overview
Montana’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Childcare Assistance
Being a single mom is difficult, especially when you are the one who has to do just about everything, including working hard to make a living for you and your children. If you are working or attending school, you are going to need someone to be there to watch your children. In most cases, you would rely on childcare services. Unfortunately, childcare is not very affordable and you may be struggling to afford the expense of childcare.
If this is an issue you have been dealing with for quite a while now, you can apply for childcare assistance in Montana. With this program, the government helps to pay a portion of the childcare expense so that it is far more affordable to you and you will no longer have to struggle to make those payments.
The Department of Public Health and Human Services
Rent Assistance
Struggling to pay your rent on time? Being harassed by your landlord because you cannot seem to make the payments? If so, you may want to consider moving. Apart from moving, you should also apply for Section 8 Housing alongside, which is affordable and safe housing for low-income families.
Your rent would relatively be far more affordable than what you are paying now and your children would live in a warm and welcoming environment, away from the troubles and any type of other problems.
Affordable Healthcare
Having healthcare is not just a want, it is a necessity. Not only do your children need to have healthcare for their doctor visits, you need to have it as well. When you have healthcare, you can receive medical attention without paying a fortune. The only issue is that not all healthcare plans and premiums are affordable.
If you cannot seem to afford healthcare for you and your children, applying for Medicaid makes the most sense. Medicaid is basically an affordable alternative, providing low-income families with the health insurance they need.
Department of Public Health and Human Services
Grants and Scholarships/College and School
Going back to school is always a good idea because it means that you are bettering yourself and opening up more doors for your future. If you want a better job, you may need a better certification or a degree. In order to get a degree or certification, you would need to attend trade school or college.
If you think that this is not possible because of the expense of college and trade school, think again. There are actually a number of scholarships and grants that are made for single moms that you can apply for. The best thing is that in most cases you would not have to pay back any of the money received for college or trade school through grants and/or scholarships.
Financial Assistance
trIf you are looking for a little extra help and are not sure where to turn, you can apply for financial assistance. The state of Montana does provide emergency financial assistance as a part of its public assistance programs.
With financial assistance, you will receive a certain amount of cash on a monthly basis. However, you will only be able to receive the cash for a limited amount of time as the financial assistance program is more so a temporary solution. Even so, it can help you till the time you are able to get back on your feet.