For many single mothers, raising children while earning money to pay the bills can be hard work. Luckily, there are multiple grants and financial assistance programs that are in place to help single mothers throughout the US. In this article, we will discuss the variety of grants, how you can access them, and the difference they can make in the life of a single mother.

The Financial Struggles of Being a Single Mother

Single mothers as a class tend to be very economically deprived. Per U.S. Census Bureau data, just under a quarter of children under the age of 18 are residing with a single mother1. This group is at greater risk of poverty, with single-mother families at a poverty rate of 31% versus married-couple families at 5%2. Stats like these show that having targeted financial support to assist single mothers in achieving economic stability is critical.

Look for Grants for Single Mothers There Are

There are many grant programs that cater specifically to single moms, including help with education, housing, and daily living costs:

Federal Pell Grants: Pell Grants are geared toward low-income students, and they can be especially helpful for single mothers looking to pursue a degree. Its maximum award is $7,395 for the 2023-2024 academic year, making it a great asset to lower college tuition costs3.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): TANF is a federal program that provides short-term cash and employment services so families can become self-sufficient. This means single moms will have to seek out state-specific programs4 because there is flexibility for states in how they disburse TANF dollars according to local needs.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): This is known as food stamps (not to be confused with the food stamp program) for low-income families. For many, the program is essential for single mothers facing hunger, leading to steady meals for their kids5.

Housing Choice Voucher Program: More commonly known as Section 8, this program aids low-income families (including single moms) to obtain safe and decent housing. Specifics vary from state to state and the program might not be available in your area so inquire with local housing authorities6.

How to Access These Grants

Understanding how to apply for these grants — which can differ by program and state — is key to accessing the funding:

Research State-Related Programs: Begin by looking into programs that are directly related to or that benefit your state. Websites like Benefits. Among them are gov, where you will get a complete list of single mother assistance programs that are available to you7.

Have Your Paperwork Ready: Compile the necessary documents including proof of income, ID and all information that relates to your finances. This preparation will reduce any friction in the process of applying.

Fill In Apps In Full: Make sure all apps are filled out correctly and in full. Failure to provide sufficient information may lead to protracted processing times, or denial of the application.

Reach out to local agencies– Local non-profits and government agencies are available for guidance and assistance in the application process.

How Financial Support Affects Single Moms

Such grants provide financial assistance that can change the lives of single moms. These grants help mothers with some of the economic stressors so they can focus on their jobs and education — and help them improve their long-term economic outlook. Entitlement, for example, offers access to education grants like Pell Grants, leading to greater education, higher income potential and job security.

Furthermore, TANF and SNAP are designed to address near-term needs, making sure that people's fundamental needs (such as a place to live and food to eat) are met. The life of single mothers and their children will get better with this support, which will also increase health and education outcomes for the next generation.

References

• U.S. Census Bureau - United States Family Households: 2020
• U.S. Census Bureau - Income and Poverty in the United States: 2020
• Federal Student Aid - Pell Grants
• Office of Family Assistance - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• USDA - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• HUD - Housing Choice Voucher Program Fact Sheet
• Benefits.gov