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Child Care Assistance for Single Mothers

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Child care is a significant expense for most families, but it takes on a whole different level of strain for many single mothers. It can be difficult to come up with the money to pay for quality child care on just one income. There are many assistance programs that are available to help single mothers pay for the cost of child care.

In the rest of this article, we are going to explore the different child care assistance options that are available for single mothers so you can get the care your child needs without worrying about the financial aspect.

What are the available child care assistance programs for single mothers?

As a single mom, it can be difficult to make ends meet. With little or no financial support from your child’s other parent, it’s important to be aware of the resources available to you to help you pay for things like child care.

Programs will vary a bit depending on your specific circumstances and where you live, but here is a breakdown of some of the options that are available to you as a single mother looking for childcare.

Child Care; Development Fund Assistance

The easiest way to get assistance with child care costs as a single mother is to apply for assistance through a state-run program where you live. These programs are run on a state-by-state basis and receive funding from the federal government to cover the cost of the benefits they extend to local families.

These programs are run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It’s easy to find the local offices near you to find out more details about how to apply for the program and what is included.

To qualify for assistance through the Child Care ; Development Fund programs, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be characterized as very low or low income
  • Be employed or enrolled in an approved educational or training program
  • Be a parent or primary caregiver of a child under 13 (or under 19 if unable to care for themselves or requiring court-ordered supervision)
  • Demonstrate a need for assistance paying for child care

State-Funded Early Learning Programs

For most single parents, the need for child care assistance is most significant between ages 0-5, before their children are eligible to enter the public school system. Most states have options for state-run early learning programs that cover the period of childcare and early education before kindergarten to help bridge the gap.

Here are the most common programs that are available in most states:

Head Start Programs

Head Start offers child care options at low or no cost for qualifying families or single parents. They also offer Early Head Start programs that you can access in early infancy as well. These are wonderful programs that focus on quality early learning for children to prepare them to enter school.

Pre-Kindergarten Programs

Once children turn 3, they can move on from Head Start to a state-funded pre-Kindergarten program. These programs offer quality education to children between the ages of 3-5 at a reduced cost or possibly no cost depending on your financial situation.

Tribal Child Care Financial Assistance

If you are American Indian, Native Alaskan, or Native Hawaiian, you may qualify for Tribal Child Care Financial Assistance. This assistance comes in the form of grants that tribal associations can allocate to members who need help covering the cost of programs like Head Start and other state-funded early childhood education.

Are there any child care discount programs available for single mothers?

Many single mothers do not qualify for the state-funded programs due to the income requirements or other factors, so it’s important to know about other options that can help to offset the cost of child care.

Discounts and scholarship programs are great because the restrictions are often less strict and you can often combine a few different ones to cover a significant chunk of child care costs.

Here are some of the other child care programs and discounts you can inquire about:

Scholarship Programs

If you do not qualify for state-funded programs or are in need of additional assistance, a great next step to look at would be scholarships. This can be a great way to offset the expensive cost of quality childcare as a single mom.

Many public and private child care centers offer scholarships for full or partial tuition to their establishment. Some scholarships have income requirements to apply, but others do not. This is a great option if you are striking out with the strict state-funded programs due to income restrictions or other regulations.

Military Discounts

If you, your child’s other parent, or anyone else in your family currently serves or has served in any branch of the U.S. military, you may qualify for a military discount on childcare.

Speak with someone at the child care center of your choice to find out what options are available to you as far as military discounts. Some centers offer full scholarships to service members’ families while others are willing to at least extend a discount, which will help minimize the cost of care.

Multi-Child Discounts

Child care costs for multiple children can be staggering. When you have a few children who all require full-time child care, the costs can quickly eclipse your income, especially as a single parent.

When you find a child care center that you like, inquire about multi-child discounts. Many centers offer discounts or sliding scale rates for parents who enroll multiple children in their programs. This is a great way to save some money when you have to foot the bill for a few children in full or part-time care.

Employee Discounts

Many employers are adding child care discount programs and even fully subsidized child care to their benefits to help with employee retention and satisfaction. With parental leave being inconsistent and minimal depending on local laws and company regulations, this is a way that companies are trying to help bridge the gap.

Check with your employer’s human resources department to find out if they have partnered with any local child care centers to offer a discount or if they offer in-house child care. These options are great because you can get access to a high-quality child care center that is close to or even at your office.

Are there any tax credits that can help pay for childcare?

As a parent, there are some perks that you can take advantage of when it comes to your income and other tax credits. It’s important to properly budget for these items to make sure you make the best use of these funds so you can help pay for child care.

Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

If you meet certain income requirements and can prove the need for child care so that you can find a job or go to your current job, you may qualify for this additional tax credit. It is meant to help cover a portion of the cost of child care so that you can continue to work without interruption.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

Although this is not technically a tax credit, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (also known as FSAs) are a great way to allocate some of your own money towards child care in a tax-advantageous way.

Money contributed to an FSA for dependent care is pre-tax dollars, so you are not required to pay taxes on whatever funds you contribute to it.

Your employer will deduct the amount you want to contribute directly from your paychecks and it will be available on your FSA card. You can pay your child care center tuition with your FSA card and not have to worry about the added expense from your normal income.

Final Thoughts

As a single mother, child care costs can seem overwhelming and even feel impossible to cover on your own. Without the support of a partner’s income, it’s easy to assume that you can’t find a way to make it work. The good news is that there are plenty of programs available to support single mothers who need financial assistance.

The goal of state-run programs is to provide quality education and preparation for formal schooling once children turn 5 and are eligible for public kindergarten. These programs are heavily subsidized so they are available at low or no cost as long as you meet the income requirements.

Another great option is to explore the different discounts and scholarships that you might qualify for as well. These are usually less strict than government-run programs and can be combined depending on what you qualify for. Look for discounts through your employer, for multiple children, or if you come from a military family.

Whether you opt for state-run assistance programs, capitalize on scholarships, or use discounts that are available to you, there is always a way to make it work. Many of the options listed above can be used in conjunction with each other, which is a great way to cover the at-times overwhelming costs easily.

Learn more about Grants and Government Assistance Programs for Single Mothers.

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Grants and Government Assistance Programs for Single Mothers

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Being a single mother can be one of the most expensive jobs ieducatin the world. This is one of the main reasons why there is a social safety net that low income families can fall back on when they are struggling.

Most hardship grants, government assistance programs and welfare benefits that give aid to single mothers are funded by the federal government and administered by the individual states. These assistance programs provide a variety of different forms of aid that can include monetary, nutritional, health, housing, childcare, and educational needs.

There is a lot of competition to receive benefits from these grants. If you are a single mother who is struggling financially, you should start applying to these grants to ease your financial burden as much as possible.

Types of Assistance the Government Provides Single Mothers

There are six main types of assistance that the government offers to single mothers through government grants. These areas that the government assists with are:

  • Monetary needs
  • Nutritional needs
  • Health needs
  • Housing needs
  • Childcare needs
  • Educational Needs

Cash Assistance

In the United States, the government offers relatively little monetary assistance to low income families. There are a few programs that do help with the monetary needs of recipients. These are TANF and Unemployment Insurance.

TANF

TANF, also known as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, is the primary cash assistance program that the United States government provides. In the past, this program was called welfare and recipients have to prove that they are at least working part time, or at least actively searching for a job.

There are two types of TANF assistance. These are “child” grants and “family” grants. Child grants only pay for the needs of a child, while the family grant helps the entire family. This gives recipients a little bit of cash every month that they can spend on clothing, shelter, food, and other essential items.

By law, recipients can receive TANF benefits for up to five years. However, there are some states that have shorter limits on how long a person can receive these benefits.

The funds for TANF come from the federal government, but the services are managed by individual states. You can find out more about this program, and the eligibility requirements for your state by following this link to read their website.

Unemployment Insurance

If you have lost your job through no fault of your own, you might be eligible for unemployment insurance. You can contact the office of the Unemployment Insurance Program in your area to find out more about how to apply.

These programs are administered by individual states, with funds from the federal government. This means that different states might have different eligibility requirements, and different states will have their own restrictions on how much unemployment aid you can receive.

For example, the state of Massachusetts offers up to $855 per week for up to 30 weeks of unemployment insurance. On the other hand, the state of Florida offers less than half of that, just $275 per week for up to twelve weeks.

In general, unemployment insurance is not intended to be enough money for people to live on, it is merely meant to supplement their bare essentials alongside their emergency saving funds in times of disaster.

Of course, if you are a single mother who is trying to raise a family in poverty, you need all of the help that you can get and unemployment insurance can be a great help to you.

There are some programs and grants which can help you with your bills. Learn more about How to Get Help With Bills for Single Mothers here.

Food Assistance

There are more government grants and assistance programs that focus on providing food to low income families than there are programs that focus on giving people money directly. These programs include SNAP, WIC, the Emergency Food Assistance Program, and the National School Lunch Program. There is also the Special Milk and the School Breakfast programs.

SNAP

SNAP, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal nutrition program that was called food stamps in the past. This is a program that single mothers can use to help stretch their family’s food budget.

SNAP recipients are issued benefit cards every month, and they can use this to buy several different kinds of food. The items that they can buy with food stamps include:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meat
  • Poultry
  • Fish
  • Dairy products
  • Bread and Cereal

SNAP is a means-tested government assistance program, which means that recipients have to prove that they are low income before they can start collecting benefits.

The income requirements for getting these benefits varies from state to state, based on the median income. This is one of the most important parts of the American social welfare system, and is the only way that a lot of families are able to eat. Visit SNAP website to learn more.

WIC

WIC is the National Program for Women, Infants, and Children. This is a temporary food assistance program that single mothers can use to feed themselves and their children.

This is a program that provides low income women and children with nutritious food. To join this program for herself, a single mother has to be either pregnant, breastfeeding, or within six months of having given birth or had their pregnancy end.

Even if they are no longer eligible for WIC themselves, single mothers can still apply to WIC on behalf of their children, until those children are five years old.

Like with other government assistance programs, WIC is a means-tested program. This means that the eligibility requirements vary from state to state based on the median income and poverty line in each state.

Generally speaking, your household income has to be less than 185% of the poverty line for the area that you live in. If you are already receiving other welfare benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, then you likely already qualify to participate in WIC.

If you are interested in applying for WIC, you can get in touch with your local office to get more information about the application.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program

The Emergency Food Assistance Program is a program that distributes food to low-income Americans regardless of their age. It does this by giving money to local food banks, and by providing for individual food consumption at home.

In order to enroll in the Emergency Food Assistance Program, you may have to also be enrolled in SNAP. Other people who are automatically eligible for TEFAP benefits are people who are enrolled in programs like TANF, Medicaid, WIC, Supplemental Security Income, Head Start, Veteren’s Aid, and Fuel Assistance.

National School Lunch Program

The National School Lunch Program is a program that is administered by the United States Department of Agriculture. This program is in place to ensure that all school aged children have access to a nutritious lunch every day. These are low cost or free meals that low income families can use to feed their kids.

Regulations for reduced price meals vary from state to state but your family income must be less than 130% of the poverty line to be eligible for free meals.

If you are enrolled in SNAP then you are automatically eligible for your child to receive free meals under this program.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this program to feed your kids, you can find out more information on the National School Lunch Program website.

Summer Food Service Program

The Summer Food Service Program is similar to the National School Lunch Program. This program operates over the summer, so that kids can continue to get healthy meals even when school is not in session. They operate across the country and you can find more information about how to participate in the program here by visiting their website.

School Breakfast Program

The National School Breakfast Program is another food service program that can help single mothers, similar to the National School Lunch Program.

This program offers reimbursement to states if they administer nonprofit breakfast programs in schools and residential childcare facilities.

Like with other government food assistance programs, you can find out more information about how to apply for this program right here on their website.

Special Milk Program

Unfortunately, not every school and child care facility offers the School Breakfast Program. However, for schools that do not sponsor this program, children are often eligible to participate in the Special Milk Program as an alternative. As with other government assistance programs, you can find ore information on these programs by visiting Special Milk Program website.

Healthcare Needs

Healthcare is another area where the government gives relatively little assistance. There are three main types of aid that the government provides with healthcare. They are Medicaid, CHIP, and the National Family Planning Program.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a federal government program that provides low income families who are struggling to afford medical insurance. This is a different program from Medicare. Medicaid is for people with low incomes, Medicare is for senior citizens.

The eligibility requirements for Medicaid vary from state to state. This is because the program is administered by individual states who use federal funds for the programs.

If you are a single mother who is in need of government assistance to pay for medical costs, you can find out more information about the programs in your state that you can use to get the help you need. You can check out the Medicaid website to see if you qualify in your state.

CHIP

The other major form of healthcare assistance that the federal government provides to single mothers is the program CHIP. This program lets uninsured children get access to healthcare. This is an option for families whose income is too high to be eligible for Medicaid, but not high enough to pay for private health insurance.

This program covers all of the expenses that children need for their healthcare. This covers medical visits, vaccinations, dental health, and vision. Most families who are in this program are in the program for free. Some pay minimal amounts in co-pay, enrollment fees, and monthly premiums.

The National Family Planning Program

Title X is a program that is devoted to helping low income families access comprehensive family planning and preventative health services.

This program gives funds to clinics so that women with low incomes can still get affordable health care, even if they do not have insurance.

Some of the services that recipients can get with this program include breast and pelvic examinations, HIV testing, pap smears, cancer screenings, affordable birth control, as well as pregnancy testing and counseling.

This has been an important source of health care for single mothers who are trying to support themselves and their families on a low income.

There are also several programs that can help you with medical bills.

Housing Needs

Housing is another area where the government puts a relatively high amount of effort into building the country’s social safety net. Section 8 vouchers and public housing are the only way that some people are able to avoid homelessness. These programs give people across the country a safe place that is off of the streets.

Are You Qualified For These Programs?

If you are a single mother trying to raise her family on a single income, you are probably wondering if you even qualify for any of these programs to begin with. The specific eligibility rules vary from place to place based on the median income and poverty line that is set in each state.

However, generally speaking, there are some indicators that you can look at to see if you probably apply. Usually, your child will be eligible for participation in these school food programs if they are already receiving SNAP, TANF, or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

They will also usually qualify if they are foster children who are under the legal supervision of the foster or court system. Whether or not you qualify is also largely based on your income level. If your family makes less than 130% of the poverty level, your children should be able to qualify for free meals at school.

If your family makes less than 185% of the poverty level, your family will likely be eligible for reduced price meals. Again, because the poverty level differs from place to place, you will have to check with your local office to see if you qualify.

Housing Assistance Programs

While a lot of the assistance that the federal government provides is focused on food, there are also some housing assistance programs that they offer. The most significant of these programs is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Even if you already have a stable income, you might still be able to qualify for a first time homeowner program. This helps low income families and individuals get on their feet by providing them with support in terms of energy costs, weatherization, energy crisis help, and other home repairs related to energy.

As with other government programs that provide assistance to single mothers in need, you can find more information about this program by visiting their website.

Section 8 Housing

Section 8 is a federal housing program that helps needy families find safe housing. People in this program receive vouchers that they can use to pay for a portion of their rent. Their landlords accept these vouchers as part of the payment and send the vouchers in to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

This is one of the ways that single mothers can find assistance, but Section 8 housing is often overpopulated and you could be on a waiting list for years before you start receiving benefits. You might never end up qualifying for Section 8, but if you do you will be less restricted than if you live in public housing.

Public Housing

Along with Section 8, public housing is the primary housing assistance program that the government sponsors.

Instead of giving participants rent vouchers, public housing lets the elderly, the disabeled, and eligible low income families live in public housing units. This provides recipients a place to live at a price that they can afford.

Public housing residents have to meet strict eligibility requirements that are set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The wait lists to live in public housing are not as long as the wait lists to join Section 8. However, residents who live in public housing are more restricted than residents in Section 8 housing. This is because public housing residents have to live in a designated area, while Section 8 residents can live anywhere in the state that accepts Section 8 vouchers.

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program is a less well known form of government aid that single mothers can take advantage of in order to keep their homes safe and secure. This program is administered by the United States Department of Energy, and it is designed to help low income families make their homes more energy efficient, so that they can lower their energy bills.

This program often gives priority to families with senior citizens or young children. If you are a single mother who needs help to weatherproof her home and make it more efficient, you should use the Department of Energy’s website to find out more about the specific resources that are available in the area that you live in.

You might also want to learn about Rent Assistance for Single Mothers.

Child Care Assistance Programs

In addition to food distribution programs, the federal government also offers assistance through several different child care programs. These include the public assistance day care programs, head start day care, and state child care assistance subsidies for single moms.

This gives parents a day care that they can afford so that they can look for a job, attend school, or attend career training. Eligibility is based on the average income in your area. You usually have to pay on a sliding scale. Families with more income have to pay a higher rate than families with less income.

Paid Family Leave

This is not an option in every single state, but depending on where you live you might find help from the Paid Family Leave program. People often associate this with maternity leave, but this is not the only reason why you would need to take urgent time off to be with your family.

If you are in a situation where you have to take time off of work to respond to a family emergency, you might be able to get temporary help from your State Disability Insurance Program. If you are a single mother who has missed work to respond to a family crisis, this program can help you recover your lost wages.

This program does not exist across the entire country. It is only available in certain states and usually it is only certain low income residents of those states who are eligible to use this program.

However, if you are a single mother who desperately needs the money she lost when she had to miss work, it is worth seeing if this program is available in your area.

Public Assistance Day Care Programs

Every state has a Health and Human Services Department that can help you find grants and money to help you cover the rising cost of child care. When you apply with these programs, you can usually get child care during the day for free or for a low price.

Eligibility to apply for these programs depends on several factors including your need, your income level, and the availability of room in the programs in your area.

Head Start Day Care

Head Start and Early Head Start are two established federal government programs that have been successfully providing education opportunities to low income families with children under the age of five.

This program is both a daycare service and an educational opportunity. The goal of these programs is to help every child get ready to start school.

You might want to read our Child Care Assistance for Single Mothers article to learn more.

Educational Needs

The United States Government also spends relatively little money sponsoring education. Aside from funding public schools, the primary grants that the government can offer single mothers here are the Federal Work Study Grant, the Pell Grant, and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.

These programs help to make college more affordable for students who come from families with the lowest incomes. If you are raising your family by yourself, this might be the only way that you can afford to send them to school.

Federal Work Study Grant

The Federal Work Study Grant is a financial aid program that lets students with only one parent earn money while they attend college. This program lets students earn money by working jobs on or near their college’s campus. Students typically receive a paycheck once a month, which they can use to pay for their educational or living expenses.

FSEOG

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant that is given to students with the strongest need for financial assistance, as determined by their FAFSA form. Applicants who are also receiving the Pell Grant and have the least amount of family contribution to their tuition are the highest priority for this grant.

If you are a single mother who is trying to go back to school yourself or hoping to send your child to college, this is a good grant to look into.

Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is the largest student aid program in the United States. This is a need-based grant that is given to millions of students every year, many of whom are single mothers. This is free money that does not need to be repaid, and you can use it to go back to school and launch your career.

If you are interested in applying for the Pell Grant, the first thing that you need to do is fill out the Free Application for Student Aid.

You might want to check out our Education and College Grants for Single Mothers article for more information about education grants.

What If You Don’t Qualify for Grants?

Depending on the median income level where you live, you might be in the tricky spot of earning just a little bit too much money to qualify for welfare benefits, but not enough money to get by every month. If this is the case, there are still resources that can help you.

You can usually find assistance from community organizations, charities, and churches. It is also important to remember that most of these grants and programs are only temporary. It is not a good idea to rely completely on government assistance.

It is also important to remember to keep trying. Regulations change every year, as does the poverty line for your community. Just because you do not qualify to participate in a grant program this year does not mean that you will be unqualified next year.

Final Thoughts

Raising a family on one income is no easy task. Fortunately for parents everywhere, there are programs that can help ease the cost of raising a family. Many of these programs are grants issued by the federal government and administered by individual states. The grants cover an array of different necessities to help recipients make ends meet.

This social safety net encompasses things like education, money, nutritional assistance, health services, safe housing, and child care. The eligibility requirements vary from place to place but if you are trying to raise a family on just one income, these programs will help make your finances more manageable.

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Financial Help for Female Veterans

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Are you a female veteran in need of financial assistance? There are many programs in place to help you. We greatly thank you for your service on behalf our country and hope that you find the help you need from the resources below.

Housing

Housing is usually one of the biggest expenses in an American’s life. If you are having financial trouble, getting help with your housing may be just what you need. As a female veteran, you can check out the VA home loan program which allows you to get a loan with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance.

If you already have a VA loan, you may be able to reduce it with the VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan. Additionally, those who have suffered an age or service-related disability, can potentially qualify for a grant to build or modify a home.

If you are in a position where you may become homeless in the near future, contact the human, social services, shelter, or housing programs in your state. Most are free or low-cost and can offer shelter for up to several months.

Lastly, if you are in retirement, you may want to consider one of the Armed Forces Retirement Homes (AFRH). They offer wellness services as well as a variety of recreation options.

Learn more about housing help here.

Food

If you are having trouble keeping food on the table, there are several places you can turn.

Feed Our Vets is a nationwide organization that provides free food assistance to more than 25,000 vets and their families. It distributes gift cards to buy food as well as food itself. Futher, it provides related goods and services as well as education and outreach. Find a food pantry near you here.

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Progam organized by the Federal government. It can potentially help you buy healthy food and garden seeds. It is adminstered by agencies in each county of each state. To qualify, you must meet the income limits. Learn more here.

Job Assistance

Maybe the help you need is finding a job that will better cover your financial needs. VetJobs is a job board specifically for those who have served in the U.S. military and their families. Check it out here.

Health Benefits

As a veteran, you should have a Veteran’s medical benefits package that include services to help treat illness and injuries, prevent health problems, improve functionability, and enhance life quality. Plans often cover preventative care services, inpatient hospital services, emergency care, mental health services, assisted living and home health care, and prescriptions written by a VA doctor.

If you have an illness or injury that was caused or worsened by your active duty service, you may qualify for disability compensation. Learn more about VA health benefits here.

Cash Assistance

If you need cash assistance and have children, you may qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). It is a government program that provides cash assistance to those in financial need. It is a temporary solution to help people get through a tough time but is not meant to be a permanent answer. To find out if you qualify or to learn more, click here. You may be able to apply online at your state’s TANF website.

General Help

Lastly, there are organizations that exist to help veterans with the many facets of life. Whether you need a car, need to pay a bill, need a couch, or something else, they cover al the bases. Here are some of those organizations:

  • The American Red Cross: Helps veterans connect with local, state, and national resources through the community offices across the U.S.
  • Operation Homefront: Provides a wide range of programs and services and is dedicated to helping veterans regain resiliency and experience relief.
  • Unmet Needs Program: Helps veterans get the funds they need to meet their basic needs.
  • PenFed Foundation: Offers emergency financial assistance to pay rent, mortgage, electric, water, natural gas, heating petroleum, utilities, auto loans, and auto insurance.

Reach out to them to learn more about the help they can provide.

Female Veterans: Get the Help You Need

If you are having some financial difficulties, check out the resources above to find out if they can offer you the help you need. Lines of support are there so you are not alone!

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance Program for Women

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LIHEAP stands for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. The program aims to keep families safe by assisting those in need with their energy costs including home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and energy-related minor home repairs. The Federal government’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provides funds for the program which are funneled down to each state and the counties within each state to reach people across the country.

Who is eligible for LIHEAP?

The eligibility requirements for LIHEAP vary by state, however, generally you must need financial assistance for home energy costs. To determine if you are in need, the program typically looks at your household size and maximum income level per year. In most cases, you must be a specific percentage below the state median income. For example, in California, you must have an annual household income that is 60% below the state median income. For a single person household, that amounts to $26,049 per year. While for a four-person household, the amount is $50,094.

How do you apply?

LIHEAP is administered through energy service providers, so you will need to find one in your area and apply with them. You can find the contact for your local low-income energy office by clicking here. You will need to visit the LIHEAP office and apply in person or download the application and send it through the mail.

What do you need to apply?

To apply, you will need to show a valid, government-issued id, a social security card, a current energy bill, and recent proof of income. However, requirements may vary by state. Proof of income can often be in the form of current paycheck stubs, social security benefits, unemployment check stubs, TANF printouts, child support printout, food stamps printout, proof of no income, etc.

LIHEAP assistance

Here’s more on LIHEAP assistance. There are several types of services available to those who qualify, including:

  • The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) which offers a one-time helping hand in paying a utility bill.
  • LIHEAP Weatherization provides low-income households with free energy efficiency upgrades which will help to lower monthly energy costs. They can also help to improve the safety and health of a household’s occupants.
  • Counseling: You may be able to access energy budget counseling and education on weatherization measures.
  • Crisis Intervention: A crisis situation is one in which a household is at risk of having their energy source disconnected. For example, if you have received a 24-hour disconnect notice or a notice that your service will be terminated. Another example could be if you have a life-threatening situation in the household, like a combustible appliance. LIHEAP can help you resolve these types of situations.

Additionally, some states offer other programs which can help. For example, California has a LIHEAP funded program called ‘Solar for all California.” It has helped to install rooftop photovoltaic solar systems on more than 1,000 low-income households in the state at no cost to the homeowner. These help to provide a long-term solution to high energy costs. So you never know what might be available, it’s worth checking out!

Is LIHEAP right for you?

LIHEAP may be able to help you if you answer yes to any of these questions.

  1. If you installed energy efficient upgrades, could you lower your energy costs?
  2. Are you in need of help with your energy bills?
  3. Are you experiencing an energy crisis?

Get the energy assistance you need

LIHEAP can be a helpful place to turn for women who are in need of energy assistance. Whether you need one-time help to make ends meet, help in a crisis, or a long-term solution through full weatherization of your home, it’s worth checking out the program. You may not even know exactly how weatherization can help but by visiting your local office, you can schedule an appointment for a representative to visit your home. They can go over the improvements and how they can help to cut your costs. And if you’ve just had a rough month, they may be able to help with that, too.

Find an office near you and see if you qualify by following this link.

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Water Bills Assistance for Women

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Are you looking for assistance with your water bill? It can be stressful when your connection to a basic necessity is at risk. Luckily, there are organizations out there that help to ensure that you will not lose your access to water. Read on to find out where women as well as others can find water bill assistance.

Your Water Company

The first place you should turn is your water company. Let them know you are having trouble keeping up with your bill and ask them if you can make some sort of payment arrangement. Also, ask if they have any discount programs based on income levels. You may be able to take a percentage off of your bill each month so that it is more affordable. Further, you may be able to ask them about tips on keeping your bill down.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an organization that has offices across the nation. It aims to help people in need by providing a variety of services. One of those services is helping people to pay their bills, such as water and energy, when they can’t pay them on their own. You can visit a local Salvation Army to see if they can help. Click here to find one near you.

Welfare or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF is a program that can provide eligibile recipients with money to help pay for bills, food, housing, and more. It is funded by the federal government but distributed at the state level. Eligibility is determined by the state but you must be a resident of the state where you are applying. To apply, you should visit your local social services agency. Find the one nearest you here.

Local Churches

Many churches have programs to help those in need in their communities. From food pantries to counseling to financial support, they may be able to lend a helping hand or point you in the direction of an organization that can help.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities is an organization that has offices all across the country and it aims to help those in need whether Catholic or not. While the programs and services vary by state and location, most will help people who are struggling to pay their rent or utility bills-which include water bills. To find an office near you, click here.

Lutheran Services of America

Here we have another organization with offices across the country that aims to help Americans in need. In fact, 1 in 50 Americans get help from Lutheran Services of America each year. It may be able to help you get assistance to pay bills including water. Click here to learn more.

American Water’s H20 Help to Others Program

American Water in an organization that makes access to clean and safe water a top priority. It helps to ensure that as many people as possible have access and has an emergency line that is open 24/7. It runs a program called H20 Help to Others which helps customers who can’t pay their water bills by paying them for them. Anyone can qualify who is in danger of losing their primary source of water and who meets the basic needs criteria set by Community Action Agency caseworkers. To learn more about the details in your state, click here.

Find the help you need and learn how to keep water bills down for the future

Water is a necessity and noone should have to go without it. From keeping your home and yourself clean to staying hydrated, we all need it on a daily basis. If you are struggling with a water bill you can’t pay, try reaching out to the above organzations. One of them should be able to help or point you in the right direction.

And, for the long run, research ways to conserve water so you can keep your bills low. The Water Project has a great list of tips including things like always turning off your taps so they don’t drip, never running water continuously when washing dishes, installing low flush toilets, and only wasing full loads in your washing machine. Learn more here.

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College Grants for Women

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Millions of women are either going to college or would like to. The one thing that holds many women back from attending college is the high cost of tuition. Salaries are not keeping up with the pace at which college tuition is rising. The good news is that there are many college grants for women, making it easier to afford the cost of getting an education.

About College Grants

There are many companies and organizations that offer college grants for women. The grants are used to help pay for the cost of college, and they are essentially gifts that do not need to be paid back. The organizations award the college grants for women as a way of giving back, honoring someone in a particular field, to support women who want to get an education, and for a variety of other reasons. Women who need financial assistance paying for college can apply for more than one grant. There is no limit to the number of grants you can apply for or receive.

College Grants Opportunities

GoGirl! Grants – The Girlfriend Factor provides women with college grants that are called GoGirl! Grants. They have given out over half a million dollars in college grant money so far. The eligibility requirements include being at least 25 years old, working toward an undergraduate degree, be enrolled in at least two classes, and share how your education will help you with your career goals. Those who are interested can apply for the grant online. The deadline to apply is December 15th and June 15th of each year.

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation – Since 2003, this foundation has been providing college grants for women. The awards they give out are up to $5,000 each. The grant program is open to women who are considered low income, and who want to go to college to better their situation. The application deadline each year is late April to early May. To apply, women must be at least 17 years old, have minor children, and must be pursuing a vocational certificate or a college degree. They award the grants based on such criteria as financial need, personal circumstances, education path and goals, and service or civic goals. Those interested in this college grant can apply for it online.

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund – Women who are over the age of 35 who need assistance paying for college can apply for the Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund. The fund has helped over 1,000 women since it was started in 1978. The eligibility requirements for the grants include being low income, a citizen or legal resident, being enrolled in an accredited educational institute, and be pursuing a degree. The application deadline each year is March 1.. Those who would like to apply for the grant can do so online.

Society of Women Engineers – Women who are interested in pursuing a degree in engineering may qualify for a college grant through the Society of Women Engineers. The grant is open to women who are working toward a degree in the engineering field. The program is open to freshmen through graduate students. The college grants for women that they offer range from $1,000 to $15,000. Some people are able to renew those for another year, while others may get the grant just one time. Full and part time students may apply for the grants. There is no minimum GPA requirement for this grant. Those interested in a grant from the Society of Women Engineers can apply for the program online.

Federal Pell Grants – The federal government offers college grants for women. The grants are for those who are considered low income. The maximum amount that you can receive per year in a Federal Pell Grant is $6,095. The program is open to those who are citizens or legal immigrants, and who are pursuing a college degree in any field at an accredited institution. Those interested in the program can apply online.

Going to college can help people be able to make more money, have more career options, and may help ensure lower unemployment risks. Those who find it difficult to pay for college should consider applying for college grants for women, to help make it more affordable.

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Local Church Assistance Programs for Women

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Are you a woman who is looking for a helping hand? Maybe you need to put food on the table, keep your lights on, or get help finding a job. While there are many places you can turn for help, local church assistance programs are likely to have the resources to provide you with assistance. Read on to learn what church assistance programs are, how to find them, and some nationwide organizations that may have satellite locations near you.

What are local church assistance programs?

Local church assistance programs are programs created by churches in your local area that are designed to provide those in need with assistance. The programs can vary from food pantries and assistance with bills to counseling and employment assistance. While church’s will be limited in the amount of support they can provide, they can likely point you in the right direction even if they are out of resources.

How to find local church assistance programs

To find local church assistance programs you can make a list of the churches in your area along with their phone numbers and addresses. You can call each of them or go by for a visit to ask about any programs they provide. Be sure to ask about any qualification requirements they may have in place.

Nationwide Religious Organizations

Several religious organizations have a national presence which consists of headquarters and branches spread across the country. A few you can look into are listed below:

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a movement that spans even beyond U.S. borders. It is the evangelical part of the universal Christian Church and aims to help to meet the needs of humans whenever and however it can. Programs include:

  • Support for survivors of disaster
  • Hunger relief
  • Poverty relief
  • Support for the fight against human trafficking
  • Shelter for the homeless
  • Education for kids
  • Empowerment through art
  • Unemployment assistance
  • Addiction help
  • And more.

You can find the Salvation Army nearest you here.

Lutheran Social Services

The Lutheran Services in America (LSA) is composed of more than 300 organizations that offer health and human services programs. Together, they help 6 million people each year, which breaks down to 1 out of every 50 U.S. citizens.

The organization serves vulnerable and low-income individuals of every age and situation. The continuum of care includes everything from prenatal care to senior care. To find a service near you, click here and fill out the form.

Jewish Federation of North America

The Jewish Federation of North America focuses on helping the Jewish community and helps more Jews than any other organization in the world. It has programs for the following:

  • To provide seniors with care
  • Bill payment support
  • Food and nutrition
  • Housing
  • Employment assistance
  • Cash assistance

Learn more here.

United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church funds hundreds of projects each year which help to give back and support the world and the mission of the church. Learn more about how they give here.

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities aims to reduce poverty across America. They will help people regardless of their faith if they are struggling with complex issues and poverty. Programs include:

  • Healthcare
  • Affordable housing
  • Refugee and immigrant services
  • Food and nutrition
  • Social enterprise initiatives
  • Advocacy and Social Policy Initiatives
  • DIsaster services
  • Foundational services
  • Leadership development and Catholic identity

To find help near you, click here and enter your zip code.

Get the Help You Need from Local Church Assistance Programs for Women

Sometimes we all need a helping hand, local church assistance programs may be able to provide it. Many are based on the foundational principle of giving back to those in need so they have programs in place to do so. Check out the above religious organizations and if none of them work out, reach out to the churches near you to see if they can help. Most of them have programs for a wide variety of needs and can even find resources for unique situations. Whether you want to go back to school find a new career, get groceries for your family, get transportation, or something else, you may just find the solution you’ve been hoping for!

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Food Assistance for Women

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Many women around the country experience financial difficulties. The prices of groceries continue to increase, yet people are not making more money in order to counter the additional fees. Due to these money shortages, many women find it difficult to purchase the groceries they need. This can be an even bigger challenge if they have dependent children that they care for. The good news is that there is food assistance for women. All women have to do is reach out for the help.

Types of Food Assistance for Women

There are programs around the country that strive to help women obtain the food they need feed themselves and their families. These programs are provided through the government, as well as through nonprofit organizations, and church-affiliated groups. While there are strict eligibility requirements for food assistance for women through government programs, opportunities through nonprofit organizations tend to be less strict. They typically provide free food assistance, in the form of boxes of food and free hot meals, to those who say they need the assistance.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – SNAP used to be called the food stamp program. The name was changed to counter any negative stigma that came from the term “food stamps.” The program is government funded and provides those who qualify with a grant each month that is used to purchase food. This is the largest food assistance program in the country. When it comes to food assistance for women, SNAP is hard to beat. The program helps women, especially those with dependent children, to obtain the food they need each month.

Those approved for SNAP will receive a debit-style card that can be used at grocery stores, and some farmers markets, around the country in order to pay for your food. Some food is not covered under the program, such as prepared hot foods, vitamins, and alcohol. The eligibility requirements for SNAP include meeting the low income requirements, and being a citizen or legal immigrant. To apply, contact your local SNAP office.

Women, Infant & Children (WIC) – The WIC program is federally funded and is specifically for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have dependent children under the ages of five. Women also have to meet the low income requirements in order to qualify for the benefits. Those who are approved for the program will receive a grant each month that can be used to purchase healthy foods from the grocery store or participating farmers markets. To apply for this food assistance for women you will need to contact your local WIC office. You will set an appointment to be evaluated for the program and apply.

Food Banks – There are many food banks, or food pantries, around the country. They are run by nonprofit organizations and church-affiliated programs. They provide food assistance for women and are open to helping a wide range of people, without usually having a strict application process. The food banks will typically provide those in need with boxes of free food, as well as the ability to obtain daily hot meals. Some of the food banks run soup kitchens, where those in need of food assistance can stop in for a free meal each day. You can use the map to locate a food bank near you, and then contact them to see what food assistance for women is offered, and how you can go about receiving it.

Popular Nonprofit Organizations – There are several organizations around the country that offer food assistance for women. The programs are geared toward helping to meet the needs of those who are very low income or experiencing a short term financial hardship. The popular nonprofits that offer these assistance programs include Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and United Way. Additionally, the American Red Cross will provide food assistance for women if there has been an emergency situation or natural disaster. The organizations have locations around the country. Contact the one closest to you to inquire about food assistance for women.

You may also find smaller organizations in your local area that will provide food assistance for women. Contact each of the programs to see what help you can get. You can apply for more than one program. Also, the food assistance does not need to be paid back at any time.

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Cash Assistance for Women

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As the cost of living continues to rise, more and more women are having a difficult time trying to keep up and make ends meet. Paychecks are mostly not keeping up with the rising costs of things like rent, food, and transportation, creating challenges. Many people who experience these problems may not realize that there are programs they can turn to for help. The government provides cash assistance for women , and is open to those who meet the program requirements.

Types of Cash Assistance Programs

There is cash assistance for women through the government, as well as through some select nonprofit organizations around the country. You can apply for all of these programs so you can maximize the amount of help you receive. It’s also important to note that the cash assistance for women is considered a helpful gift. They are not loans and do not have to be paid back at all.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This government funded program offers cash assistance for women who have dependent children. You are limited in the number of months that you can receive the benefit if you are approved for the program. If you meet the eligibility requirements you will receive a monthly cash grant that can be used for living expenses, such as clothing, rent, food, transportation, and medicine. To meet the eligibility requirements, you have to be very low income, be a citizen or legal immigrant, and you typically have to have dependent children. To apply for TANF, you have to locate the office in your state and contact them directly.

Catholic Charities – This is a program that is church affiliated that provides a wide range of assistance for those in need. They have locations around the country and offer different assistance programs at each one. They do help people with small cash assistance that can be used on living expenses. They usually do not have a strict application process or eligibility requirements, you just need to contact them and express that you have the financial need for the help. To apply, find a location in your area and contact them to see if they offer cash assistance for women.

Salvation Army – This program is funded by a nonprofit organization that has locations around the country. Many people are familiar with Salvation Army and their fundraising efforts, because they see them ringing the bell with the red kettle every December. The funds raised during that time are used to help those in need, including providing cash assistance for women. Similar to Catholic Charities, to apply for their assistance programs you need to contact your local branch and let them know you are in need of assistance. They will guide you in providing info about the programs they offer locally and how to apply for them.

United Way – The United Way is another popular organization that has locations around the nation and helps people in a variety of ways. If you need cash assistance to pay necessary bill, for example, you may be able to obtain it through the United Way programs. They offer over 800 locations around the world, so you should have one that is close to you. To apply for their programs, find a local office and inquire about what cash assistance for women they offer and how to apply for it.

Washington State Department – There are many refugees who seek asylum in the country. While they are not eligible for most welfare programs, the government does have one program that will provide them with cash assistance for women. The program is called the Refugee Cash Assistance Program, and it provides refugees with cash assistance and medical care for the first eight months that they are in the country. If you have no income at all, you will receive $420 per month over the eight month period. You can find the application online or you can apply at your local community service office.

There is cash assistance for women who are having a difficult financial time. If you find that you can’t make ends meet and get all the bills paid, reach out to these programs and see which ones you can get help from. These programs can play an important role in helping you to get your bills paid and meet your needs.

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Childcare Assistance for Women

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According to the US Department of Labor, 70 percent of women who have children under the age of 18 are in the labor force. Plus, mothers are the primary earners for 40 percent of households that have minor children. These numbers have increased a lot over the last several decades, with more women being in the labor force. There is one challenge that most of these women face, however, and that is childcare. The good news is that there is childcare assistance for women who need it.

The Need for Childcare

Millions of women who are in the work force are faced with a challenge every week. That challenge is paying for childcare. The cost of childcare can be a real challenge for many mothers, with a month of care ranging from $1,000 per month in a state such as Arizona, but over $2,000 per month in a state such as New York. The amount that is charged for childcare is a lot, often making some women wonder if it’s even worth taking a job.


Childcare assistance for women is made possible through the federal government. The program helps to cover the cost of the childcare, making it easier for mothers to afford. With childcare being one of the biggest things that parents have to budget for it’s important that there is helpful childcare assistance for women. There are several childcare assistance options, giving you more to explore so you can find the one that works best for your family.

Types of Childcare Assistance Programs

The government provides a few different options when it comes to childcare assistance for women. It’s a good idea to explore the various options to see which one you qualify for and will work for you.

Childcare Subsidies – This is a federal program that uses vouchers or fee assistance. Every state is given money from the government in order to help people with childcare assistance. The eligibility requirements vary by state, but all require that you have a low income. The programs will help pay for your childcare expenses, by providing your care provider with a voucher that is funded by the government. To apply for the childcare subsidies you have to contact the office in your state.

Head Start Programs – The Head Start programs that are available around the country provide children with an early education program that also provides them with childcare. Those who meet the low income requirements may be able to have their child in the program for free. The number of spaces for those to attend the program for free is limited, so if it is full your name will go on a wait list. You can apply for the Head Start program online.

Prekindergarten Programs – Many states around the country offer what are called prekindergarten programs. These programs provide childcare that is done in an educational type environment. The children who attend these programs are usually 3-4 years old and will focus on early learning development, such as learning to count and the alphabet. The programs help to prepare to children to start kindergarten, by getting them ready to take on academics and getting them used to being in an educational setting. These programs are usually free to everyone, regardless of what your income level is. To apply, contact the prekindergarten program in your area. In some states these programs are referred to as VPK.

Military Childcare Assistance – There is a special program for military members who need childcare assistance. The program helps members of the military with their childcare expenses. The requirements to participate in this program vary by state, as well as by which branch of the military you are in. To get more information or apply for the program, locate the program in your geographic area.

Additional Information

You may also find childcare assistance for women by contacting local churches and childcare centers. Some may provide discounts and grants that will give you what you need to help make it more affordable. Contact the charities, churches, and childcare centers in your area to inquire about what programs they can offer. You may just be surprised at the resources that are out there to help with covering childcare expenses.

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