Get Assistance for Single Mothers
Single mothers often bear a tremendous financial burden. Not only must they pay the bills for their family, but they often incur additional costs for daycare and babysitting while they go to work. Luckily, there is financial aid available from a number of different sources. In addition, less formal organizations can provide aid in alternative ways, helping to ease the strain and freeing up funds for other costs.
Instructions
1. Apply for a federal government grant. The U.S. government has nearly 900 programs aimed at helping single mothers. They are grouped into three general categories, only two of which are applicable. Federal grants for individuals are referred to as special needs grants--which include grants for housing, health care, and food and work programs. There are also educational grants, which provide money to return to school. Examples of the first category include the Family Unification Program, which provides vouchers for housing to help those who may be in danger of losing their children. Educational grants include Free Application For Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, which allows you to pay for your education provided you maintain a certain grade point average. Most federal grants require you to be a citizen of the United States and have a valid Social Security number. Many of them are designed for those whose income is below a certain level. Check to see if you meet the requirements before you apply for a federal grant. You can find a list of specific grants at the Grants.gov website.
2. Check out state grants or assistant programs. Similar to federal grants, most U.S. states offer assistance for single mothers. Many are based around educational opportunities. For example, the Coplan Donohue Single Parent Scholarship in Minnesota provides scholarship money for single mothers enrolled in a Minnesota state school. As with federal grants, state grants require you to meet certain criteria before you can apply. You must prove that you have genuine financial need, have a dependent child, and are a resident of the state in question (with a driver's license or a utility bill addressed to your place of residence). The home website of your particular state government should provide information on programs right for you.
3. Look into daycare options through your church or community charity. Many churches run daycare facilities for preschool age children and will waive (or at least reduce) the costs involved for church members. Not only does this ease some of the financial strain, but it frees the mother's time to hold down a job more readily. They may also provide used or recycled appliances, clothes, and children's toys at no cost.
4. Apply for mortgage assistance with a bank or reputable lending firm. Long-term loans are available to help hold onto your house while you raise your children. The offices of Housing and Urban Development also offers programs to help with housing costs, and the Federal Housing Administration has adjustable rate mortgage insurance to back your loan if you do not qualify for other forms of assistance.
5. Look into Medicaid or a similar "healthy kids" program for help with medical bills. Most states have healthy kids programs aimed at lower income applicants (though few programs specify single mothers only), and the federal Department of Health and Human Services has a State Children's Health Insurance Program which is jointly financed by the state and federal governments. Families who qualify can defer numerous medical expenses, allowing their kids to receive good care without adding doctor's bills to the list. As with other government programs, you'll need to be a U.S. citizen and prove you have a genuine need for the assistance before you can apply.
6. Think of creative ways to gain assistance which don't necessarily involve money. For example, many day care centers are short-handed and may need people to file paperwork or man the front desk for a few hours. You could volunteer for such duties in exchange for free or reduced care, trading your time rather than adding more expenses. Or you can hire a local teen or older child to perform household chores in exchange for a plate of brownies. Little steps like that can go a long way in helping to make ends meet.
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