Single moms have to singlehandedly deal with the responsibilities and challenges that are normally shared between two. However, there is government help for single moms, and we shall address the types of help available, and how to get it. The government today has over 900 different programs, throughout every single state, and for some states there is even more without including private organizations, so it is safe to say there are many that will be able to help you.
Like all types of government help for single moms, you have to meet certain criteria in order to be eligible to receive it. Other than the obvious, you must be a U.S Citizen, or a resident of the U.S for at least more than 3 consecutive years. For educational help, you’ll need to have high school academics, or a GED. Many financial programs offered by the government require you to bring home around 85% of the average income for your area as stipulated by the State department.
There are lots of different types of government help available. Most come in the form of grants. A grant is something that is of value, transferred from the government to the person eligible, in order to perform public support which the government deems authorized. They have over 20 different categories, and we shall look at the main ones:
Education
The most common type of government help for single moms in funding school is the Federal Pell Grant, or FPG. For more information on Grants available, visit http://studentaid.ed.gov/. If you are seeking educational government help for single moms, you’ll need to apply for a FAFSA, which then will need to be given to your school of interest for them to make an application. Your financial aid officer at your school can give you more information.
Note: Don’t just rely on government programs for education, however. There are plenty of private scholarships and grants available from non-profit organizations, businesses, and even websites. You should be able to get a list of the current scholarships for 2010 from your local community college (or state college) financial aid office. One private scholarship program designed just for moms is the $10,000 scholarship for working adults. This scholarship works like this: you fill out the free scholarship application and get entered into a monthly draw for $10,000. You can apply as a single mother or dad. This scholarship is just one example of the many private scholarship offers you can find on the web with a bit of hunting.
Housing
The most common type of government help for single moms in housing support is HUD. HUD, or U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development can provide housing at greatly reduced prices, or even for free for those who have exceptional financial needs. For more information, either speak with your local social services officer, or visit http://www.hud.gov/
Food and Nutrition
The most common type of government help for single moms in providing food and nutritional products is WIC. WIC, or Women, Infants and Children, is a program that allows you to purchase foods using a EFT card, similar to a credit card. The EFT card is topped up every month by the government. For more information, either speak with your local social services officer, or visit http://www.fns.usda.gov/.
There are several different methods you can take into consideration before applying to get government help for single moms. But, before you do – its important you do two things; first make sure you meet the criteria set, and second it to get all important documents and details ready. This would include your social security number, tax information, passport information, statements, other program information, birth certificates, driving license and other licenses etc.
The next best thing to do is to speak with your local social services officer, or financial aid officer. They’ll be able to give further advice and speak about the various different options you have with regards to government help for single moms. It will take time and effort – but, it will be worth it!
