Over 8.7 million single mothers live in the United States, representing approximately 25% of all households with children under 18. However, most single-mom households suffer from greater financial hardships and economic distress than conventional families. In fact, as of 2022, approximately 37.3% of single moms live in poverty, while almost 29% are unemployed.
Single mothers must rely on their income to provide for themselves and their children. This has been increasingly difficult as their annual median income experienced a sharp decrease of 21.9% in some states. To improve their financial well-being and self-sufficiency, the federal government and private organizations provide free personal grants for single mothers. Read on to learn more.
Overview Of Free Personal Grants For Single Mothers
Free personal grants for single moms offer monetary incentives for certain needs rather than providing general financial assistance. As a result, grants differ from welfare assistance programs like food stamps and Medicaid.
Grants are cash awards given to help with costs associated with a specific need, like paying for college. Several government grant programs do not cater exclusively to individuals. Instead, they provide funding to local governments and charities that assist those in need, including single mothers. However, certain grant programs directly finance the needs of single-mom households.
Types Of Grants Available
As a single mother, you can qualify for certain grants quickly, while others demand work. A grant will allow you to pursue a quality college education, buy a personal vehicle, and find a better job. Check out the different types of grants available to single moms.
Federal Grants
Federal grants are forms of financial assistance provided by the federal government of the United States. As per U.S. laws, it is a monetary relief given to a qualified beneficiary by any state agency to carry out public support or financial stimulation.
Federal grants may be provided through benefits, vouchers, or entitlements. They are used by the government to subsidize initiatives and projects that help single mothers afford their basic needs. Some of the most popular federal grants include:
- Pell Grant
- Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
- Federal Work-Study Grant (FWS)
- Student loans
- Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)
- Emergency Cash Assistance
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children Grants (WIC)
State And Local Grants
Like federal grants, state and local grants are cash incentives each state’s local government provides to low-income single-mother households. Recipients can use the monetary assistance to pay rent, child care, utility bills, medical services, mortgage, housing, auto repairs, and education. There are grants offered by local governments, including:
- Cal Grant Program
- Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program
- Child Care Access Program (CCAMPIS)
- Home Affordable Refinance Program
- Clean Vehicle Assistance Program
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Private Grants And Charitable Organizations
State and local grants, as well as federal grants, have a complex eligibility screening process and demand several requirements. Furthermore, waiting lists are often long, with a limited number of open slots.
Fortunately, several charities and non-profit organizations offer private grants and financial assistance programs for single mothers without federal or local grants. Among the charities that provide generous grants to single moms are the following:
- National Association Of Letter Carriers
- Bridge Of Hope
- Helping Hands For Single Moms
- The Salvation Army
- Feeding America
- Single Parent Advocate
- The American Legion
- Mercy Housing
Eligibility Requirements For Single Mothers To Receive Financial Assistance
Most single-mother grants are given out by the government based on a household’s financial needs and the number of dependent children under the age of 18 in the household.
To qualify for educational grants, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application form gives the government and other educational institutions you wish to enroll in a complete picture of your financial situation. The monetary amount for these grants also varies depending on the single mother’s gross income, the tuition charged by the school, and whether or not there are legal considerations involved.
The Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) are awarded solely based on financial need. The Pell Grant amount can be up to $5,000 if the single mother meets the financial requirements. The minimum income requirements for the FSEOG are even lower. The FSEOG program is designed to assist households under “lowest-income” levels.
Eligibility requirements for housing and mortgage assistance programs primarily depend on the applicant’s annual gross income. Household income levels should not exceed the federal poverty level of the local area.
Examples Of Grants Available To Single Mothers
Several grants are readily available to help single moms provide for themselves and their children. Here are some common examples of grants offered to single-mother households:
Pell Grant
The largest student assistance program in the country is the Pell Grant. Financially struggling students can receive grants ranging from $5,350 to $6,895 to help cover tuition fees. The grant may also be used to pay for books, miscellaneous, transportation costs, examination fees, and certification programs.
The Pell Grant is a great resource for low-income single mothers to return to school and find better employment opportunities.
Housing Grant
Public housing grants are provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to private organizations and property owners. In turn, housing grants are used by these organizations to construct homes and apartments for low-income households that lack the means to pay rent.
On the other hand, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program provides vouchers to eligible seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income families. These vouchers cover up to 75% of the recipient’s monthly rent.
Utility Bill Assistance Grant
The Utility Bill Assistance Grant is given to families with difficulty paying for cooling, heating, and electricity. The grant, however, only covers a fixed portion of the monthly utility bills while the recipient pays the remaining amount.
Additionally, beneficiaries of utility bill assistance grants and energy assistance programs may utilize the funds to install sustainable energy resources, weatherization upgrades, and home repairs that decrease energy costs.
Conclusion
Grants are a great resource for low-income single-mother households requiring educational, medical, and housing assistance. The U.S. government and charitable organizations provide many free personal grants for single mothers.
If you’re looking for grants in California, check out this article from Single Mothers Help.