During the early 2000s, it is estimated that two-thirds of single moms worked outside their homes. In 2021, however, only about 1 in 2 single mothers were full-time employees the entire year, while a quarter (24.9%) remained jobless, which amounted to 2,279,200 unemployed single-mother households.
Fortunately, numerous organizations and local governments provide financial hardship grants for single mothers to help them with the financial strains of being single parents. Read the article below to learn which financial hardship grants for single moms are available to you.
Definition Of Financial Hardship Grants
Recent data from the U.S. News and World Report indicates that childcare expenses in 2022 were approximately $290,014, considering inflation and wage stagnation. In light of this, it should not be surprising that single-mother households require financial assistance for both emergency and day-to-day living expenditures. Such monetary support may come in the form of financial hardship grants.
Monetary aid and economic relief provided by local governments and non-profit organizations to low-income households are commonly referred to as financial hardship grants.
Need For Financial Assistance For Single Mothers
A study on how single mothers fare economically shows that most single moms are experiencing difficulty with their finances, regardless of where they live. The study also indicated that due to a decrease in their gross annual income from 2014 to 2019, almost half of the single-mom households (47.5%) are living in poverty.
Moreover, those who are employed full-time only earn approximately $40,000 per year, which is significantly inadequate to cover their family’s transportation, food, healthcare, housing, and educational expenses.
Types of Financial Hardship Grants for Single Mothers
There are several financial hardship grants available for single mothers who struggle to meet their basic needs. Keep in mind that eligibility requirements and the grant amount may vary depending on your median household income and family composition.
Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)
State and local governments receive funding from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to administer various welfare assistance programs. These initiatives are designed to assist low-income families in achieving financial security and self-sufficiency.
TANF is also used by some states to provide monthly cash payments and other support services to low-income single-mother households with children.
Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment compensation benefits can sometimes alleviate financial hardships caused by job loss.
Through the Unemployment Insurance Program, single mothers who lost their jobs due to reasons out of their control may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits on a monthly basis. However, pay-out benefits are taxable so they must be declared on your income tax return.
Social Security Payments
Social Security provides partial replacement income benefits for eligible retired workers or persons with disabilities, including their children and spouses. However, to qualify for Social Security, workers must have paid into the program and accumulated 40 credits while employed.
Additionally, single parents with children under 18 who have impairments may receive Social Security Benefits if they meet the following criteria:
- Median household income does not exceed Social Security’s income limits
- The child has an impairment or condition recognized under Social Security’s Disability for Children definition.
Pell Grants
An undergraduate student with extreme financial need who has not yet earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree can apply for a Pell Grant. This need-based grant covers college expenses of low-income students, such as tuition, miscellaneous, learning equipment, boarding rooms, and other educational costs.
Family And Income Aid Programs
Programs for family and income assistance are often referred to as welfare assistance programs, and eligibility for them is largely determined by your financial situation. Among the most well-known family and income assistance programs are:
Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA). Also known as Emergency Cash Assistance, the DCA provides a one-time monetary aid to single-mother households during emergencies. Payments may range from $100 to $1,000.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program is designed to help low-income households have access to a balanced healthy diet by providing them with free meals.
Housing Assistance Programs
There are several housing assistance programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) to help low-income families afford safe, decent housing.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP). The HCVP, formerly known as Section 8, offers housing vouchers that cover 70% of rent and utility expenses to qualified families.
Public Housing Program. Through this program, affordable housing units are provided to low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Energy Bill Assistance Programs
Weatherization Assistance Programs help low-income households who struggle to pay their electricity bills reduce their energy consumption. This program also provides clean energy resources to help families have access to affordable, sustainable energy.
Utility Bill Assistance Programs
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides grants to single-mother families that help cover utility bills, including gas, water, heating, and electricity. Additionally, cash payments are also offered to pay for energy-related home repairs.
Other Government Grants And Subsidies
Millions of low- and moderate-income working families receive financial aid in the form of tax credits each year through the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Recipients are also provided with additional benefits, such as health, education, and income are also provided.
Small Business Loans And Grants
Small businesses and non-profits can also provide financial support for single mothers through grants and affordable loans. There are several different charitable organizations and companies across the country that provide financial, educational, and transportation assistance to single-parent households.
Educational Funding And Scholarships
Single mothers who require financial assistance for their college may qualify for other types of educational grants. Getting financial aid for your college education begins with filling out and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Universities and other private institutions may also use the form to determine your eligibility for scholarships.
Conclusion
Throughout the United States, there are several single-mother households that suffer from financial instability and economic distress. While family and friends may offer assistance when possible, this does not happen often. Fortunately, much-needed help is provided through numerous assistance programs, including financial hardship grants for single mothers, transportation grants, and state grants.