8 Hardship Grants for Single Mothers

Hardship Grants for Single Mothers

According to recent surveys, including data from the Pew Research Center, the United States ranks among the countries with a high percentage of children living in single-parent households, highlighting the significant number of single-parent families compared to global averages.

Of these, around 23% of children below 18 years live with a single parent, whereas the global average is only 7%. For instance, on average, 3% of children belong to single-parent households in China.

To address this situation, the U.S. government provides various grants and loans specifically designed for single mothers. Let’s take a closer look at the process of applying for and receiving hardship grants for single mothers in the U.S.

Sources of Hardship Grants for Single Mothers

Several federal and state-funded, as well as non-profit organizations and individuals, offer grants for single mothers. You can apply for as many grants as possible, as this approach maximizes the chances of qualifying for more than one grant.

Here are the different sources where you can apply for hardship grants for single mothers.

Federal Grants for Single Mothers – Fulfill Your Dreams!

1. Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant program is one of the largest sources of federally funded grants for needy students, offering financial aid that does not require repayment. The maximum grant amount can vary annually; applicants should refer to the official Federal Student Aid website for the most current amount.

The Pell Grant program disburses billions of dollars each year to millions of students across the United States, aiding their pursuit of higher education by providing need-based grants. Interested parties should consult the Department of Education’s official reports for the latest disbursement statistics.

The highest proportion of students receiving Pell Grants were Black students at 72%, while the lowest proportions were among Asian and White students, at 36% and 34% respectively. (1)

This need-based grant is ideal for single mothers with limited means to continue their education to become skilled workers and productive members of society.

This is a grant and not a loan. Hence, recipients are not required to repay the amount in any way or form.

We recommend you visit the official Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website to learn about this grant’s eligibility criteria and application process.

2. Federal Work-Study Grant

Federal Work-Study (FWS) grant is a federally subsidized financial aid initiative. It offers single-parent students a way to earn income by becoming part-time employees, on or off-campus, in their chosen field of education.

Under this program, single-parent students can work up to 20 hours a week and receive monthly paychecks for their hourly wages.

These wages are beneficial for single mothers to continue pursuing higher education.

3. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is designed to help families in need achieve self-sufficiency through financial assistance and support services, with specific programs and eligibility criteria varying by state.

The program aims to help needy families become self-sufficient through work opportunities and short-term financial assistance.

You can choose between “Family” TANF grants or “Child-Only” TANF grants. A family grant is easier to get and provides monthly cash for food, clothing and other basic needs. This grant is offered for 60 months or less in some states.

These grants are often called “welfare,” and the eligibility criteria vary from state to state.

If you are an unemployed single mother with children below 19 years, you may be eligible for assistance under TANF.

However, the eligibility criteria require the recipient to work at least 20 hours weekly at a regular job.

To learn more about eligibility criteria and the application process, we advise you to visit the official TANF website.

4. Supplemented Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp Program, provides nutritional assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families to help purchase healthy food. This initiative offers affordable and healthy meals to needy families, most of whom belong to the low-income group.

This is one of the federal government’s earliest and most widespread welfare programs.

For most low-income families in the US, the SNAP initiative is the sole income assistance they get.

SNAP has helped over 38 million low-income US citizens to afford nutritionally sufficient groceries, especially in families with children below 18 years of age.

This program is offered through a debit card (EBT) system that the recipient uses to purchase grocery items in any of the participating stores close to their home.

The application process for this program requires the applicant to fill out an application form and submit it at your local SNAP office, either by fax, email or in person.

5. Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

Hardship Grants for Single Mothers – Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally-funded initiative to provide nutritional support to eligible pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, helping to prevent malnutrition and promote health during critical growth periods.

The WIC program has committed to providing free and healthy foods to pregnant women, new mothers and children below 5 years at risk of malnutrition.

This is a short-term relief program under which eligible applicants receive benefits for up to 6 (six) months to a year (12 months).

Recipients can re-apply to continue receiving the benefits of this initiative.

This brings the total amount to around $2.248 per month per participant.

The eligibility criteria for receiving aid under the WIC program require determining applicants’ nutritional risk and income level. In most states, priority is given to TANF awardees for the WIC initiative.

To learn whether you are eligible for receiving grants under the WIC initiative, it is recommended to visit the official website and check their FAQs page.

Complete the application form as instructed and keep all income and family-health-related documents handy when applying.

6. Small Business Grants

While specific government grants for single mothers starting a small business are not as prevalent, various federal and state programs offer support and resources to entrepreneurs, including single mothers. These programs can include loans, training, and other forms of assistance, with detailed information available on sites like Grants.gov and the Small Business Administration (SBA).

You can search for these grants at Grants.gov. To view grants specifically for small businesses, filter the results on the left side of the page, or you can connect with the Women’s Business Center for local resources.

7. Diversion Cash Assistance (DCA)

The DCA provides alternative assistance for single mothers in times of emergency.

8. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

The USDA provides loan programs that offer housing assistance to single moms. The money can be used for closing costs, repairs, refinancing, household equipment, etc. For more information, visit https://www.usda.gov/topics/rural/housing-assistance.

Here are the Grants for Single Moms by State

Grants for Single Mothers in the US (Map)

List of Grants for Single Mothers by Purpose

Singe Mother Federal Grants Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a single mother get

Single mothers can apply for grants ranging from a one-time grant of $1,000 to $6,345 for college, depending on their requirements and eligibility criteria.

Certain states offer a tuition assistance program outside of the federal government that provides you with up to $5,000.

Are all single mothers eligible for grants?

The federal government and some private organizations have several funds for single mothers with different requirements. These grants can fulfill your food, health, housing, education, and emergency requirements.

Are there any grants available for single mothers with special children?

Different foundations offer special grants for single mothers with disabled children. These children and their mothers require special care, and organizations like the First Hand Foundation, Parker’s Purpose Foundation, UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation, etc., ensure that.

Conclusion

These are the top 5 sources for single mothers to get hardship grants in the US.

These federal and state-funded programs have helped millions of needy individuals and families lead comfortable, healthy, and happy lives for years.

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