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Help for single moms in Connecticut: 33 assistance programs

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If you’re a single mom in Connecticut struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached. 

Qualifications are simple:

1. You're a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)

Many of the programs on this list determine eligibility as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). These are the 2024 federal poverty guidelines:

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,060
2$20,440
3$25,820
4$31,200
5$36,580
6$41,960
7$47,340
8$52,720

* For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,380 for each additional person.

You can also look up your area median income (AMI) here.

Emergency cash for low-income families in Connecticut

If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:

Temporary Family Assistance in Connecticut

TFA — Connecticut’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children or pregnant women.

The amount paid out varies depending on family size and the region you live in. For example, payouts for a family of three in the most populated Connecticut region is $543 per month, or $500 per month if you live in subsidized housing. Use the “Am I Eligible?” tool on the Department of Social Services website to determine if you qualify.

Cash assistance is available for 21 months, with a lifetime limit of 60 months. Families can qualify for 6-month extensions if they are unemployed or still make less than the TFA payouts.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Permanent Connecticut resident
  • Have children under 18  
  • Children 18 and older must be full-time high school or vocational school students
  • Children must live with a related adult or an adult who has filed for guardianship through probate court
  • Pregnant women who have no other means of support 
  • Gross income must be less than 100% of the FPL
  • Family assets of $3,000 or less*

*$9,500 of a family’s car value and any earnings of dependent students are not counted toward assets.

How to get help:

Find a Department of Human Services office near you:

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More emergency cash help in Connecticut: 

Single moms in Connecticut can also visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.

Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash: 

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Connecticut

If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help: 

Rental assistance in Connecticut

There are multiple programs in Connecticut to help renters find housing and pay their rent:

Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

RAP is an initiative of the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) that helps low-income renters afford safe and sanitary housing by paying for a portion of their rent. Payments are made directly to landlords.

The amount of rental assistance varies depending on your family size, location, and income. DOH works with Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to manage and calculate the amount of rental assistance a family can receive. Typically, renters who qualify for RAP must put 40% of their income toward rent and utilities.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Resident of Connecticut
  • Household’s annual income must not exceed 50% of AMI
  • Family must find their own housing if moving
  • Housing must meet quality and safety levels set by DOH
  • Monthly rent must not exceed the maximum allowable rent for bedroom size and area

How to get help: 

Contact your local Public Housing Authorities (PHA) and ask how to apply.  

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing and vouchers to help low-income households pay their rent.

Qualifications:

Vouchers and housing are based on household income and family size. You can find your county’s income limits on the HUD website

How to get help: 

Mortgage assistance in Connecticut

If you need help paying your mortgage or buying a home in Connecticut, these programs can help: 

MyHomeCT 

MyHomeCT is a federally-funded program that offers up to $50,000 in mortgage and housing cost assistance. Assistance can be a one-time payment to cover mortgage reinstatement costs or ongoing monthly mortgage assistance for up to 12 months. 

MyHomeCT can also help pay for overdue home-related expenses like:

  • Real estate taxes
  • Homeowner’s insurance and/or flood insurance
  • Homeowner/condominium/co-op association fees
  • Ground lease or lot payments
  • Water and sewer liens
  • Loan servicer/mortgage company fees related to a reverse mortgage

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Connecticut
  • Proof of financial hardship related to COVID-19 pandemic 
  • Household income is less than 150% of AMI
  • Own and occupy the property as primary residence
  • Initial mortgage principal balance was at or below the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (for mortgage assistance)

How to get help: 

Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (EMAP) 

EMAP is a 30-year, fixed loan issued by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to help homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage. As a loan, Connecticut residents receive monthly assistance for up to 60 months to help pay current or past-due mortgage payments. 

The loan amount varies depending on your income and area, and interest will not accrue until CHFA determines you’re ready to pay the loan.

Qualifications:

  • Behind on mortgage, expect to fall behind on mortgage, or facing foreclosure
  • Facing foreclosure from delinquent taxes, housing fees, or water and sewer payments
  • Proof of financial hardship out of your control
  • Already attempted to negotiate a repayment plan with your lender 
  • Must participate in the Judicial Mediation Program if you receive a Summons and Complaint
  • Must have a favorable mortgage credit history during home ownership or past two years
  • Must have less than three 30-day late payments 12 months prior to financial hardship
  • Must be fully released from bankruptcy debts

How to get help: 

Call the CHFA Customer Call Center at 860-571-3500 and ask how to apply. 

Connecticut Homebuyer Mortgage Programs

CHFA offers four mortgage loan programs to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers purchasing homes in targeted areas

  • Homebuyer Mortgage Program: Loan with a below-market interest rate that can be combined with a CHFA down payment assistance program.
  • HFA Advantage and HFA Preferred Programs: Loans with below-market interest rates, plus lower mortgage insurance premiums, to help reduce monthly payments. Premiums end when you have 20% home equity. 
  • CHFA Conventional Area Median Income Loan Program (CALP):  Loan with a below-market interest rate, plus lower mortgage insurance premiums, that is available to homebuyers who exceed 80% of AMI and do not qualify for HFA Advantage or HFA Preferred programs.

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer or have not owned a home in the past three years
  • Non-first-time homebuyer trying to buy a home in a targeted area
  • Home will be primary residence
  • Home sales price must meet CHFA sales price limits 
  • Applicant’s gross income must not exceed 80% of the AMI
  • Household income must meet CHFA income limits  
  • Must attend free Homebuyer Education class before close

*Connecticut residents who have an income greater than 80% of the AMI can qualify for the CHFA Conventional AMI Loan Program.

How to get help: 

Contact a local CHFA Participating Lender

Check today's mortgage loan rates >>

Mobile Manufactured Home Loan Program

Connecticut residents who want to purchase a mobile home can apply for CFHA’s Mobile Manufactured Home mortgage for below-market interest rates, low closing costs, and low monthly payments. CHFA will lend up to 80% of the appraised value or purchase price of the mobile home. 

This program can not be combined with CHFA down payment assistance programs.

Qualifications: 

  • Current resident of Connecticut
  • First-time homebuyer or prior homeowner without a second property
  • Mobile home must be primary, year-round residence
  • Mobile home must be located in a state-licensed mobile home park
  • Mobile home sales price must meet CHFA sales price limits 
  • Household income must meet CHFA income limits 
  • Mobile home must be on a permanent foundation
  • Must enter a yearly, renewable lot lease agreement 
  • Must attend free Homebuyer Education class before close

How to get help: 

Complete a prequalifying application and contact the CHFA participating lender Capital For Change Inc. at 855-656-5500 or [email protected].

Connecticut down payment assistance

CHFA also helps with down payment and closing costs in the form of a second mortgage loan. These must be combined with a CHFA home mortgage.

There are two down payment assistance options available: 

Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) Loan:

  • Up to $20,000 in financing to cover down payments and closing costs
  • Low-interest rate at 1% (1.10% -1.50% APR)
  • Loan must be at least $3,000 but less than the minimum down payment (3% to 3.50% of home price)

Time To Own – Forgivable Down Payment Assistance Loan:

  • Up to $50,000 in financing to cover down payments and closing costs
  • Up to $25,000 in financing for homes in high or very high opportunity areas 
  • Financing covers up to 20% of down payment and up to 5% of closing costs
  • 0% interest rate and no monthly payment
  • Loan must be at least $3,000  
  • 10% of the principal balance forgiven annually until the loan is fully forgiven (on the tenth anniversary of closing)

Qualifications: 

  • Current resident of Connecticut
  • Proof of residency for past three years
  • Must be first-time homebuyer or purchasing home in a targeted area
  • Must apply and qualify for a CHFA first mortgage
  • Must show ability to repay the CHFA first and second mortgage 
  • Must attend free Homebuyer Education class before close

How to get help: 

Homeless assistance in Connecticut

Housing and Homeless Services

The main goal of the Housing and Homeless Services is to prevent Connecticut residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. Coordinated Access Networks (CAN) across the state offer services including:

  • Emergency shelters
  • Transitional housing
  • Permanent housing
  • Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing

Qualifications: 

Requirements are set by individual Coordinated Access Networks.

How to get help: 

  • Call 2-1-1 and press #3 and #1 if you are homeless or in a housing emergency
  • Call 800-203-1234 

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in Connecticut

If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Connecticut, check out the following programs:

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) 

CEAP helps Connecticut residents with home heating costs, usually paid directly to utility companies. Heating bill assistance ranges from $250 to $600 depending on income level, household, and vulnerable family members (elderly, people with disabilities, and children). 

Assistance can also include: 

  • Payment plans
  • Shut-off protection
  • Heating equipment and water heater replacements or repairs
  • Fuel deliveries, like propane 

Qualifications:    

  • Resident of Connecticut
  • Each household member has a social security number (or meet exception)
  • Eligible if already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (State Supp), Refugee Cash Assistance
  • Your annual household income is at or below 60% of the state’s median income — $64,230 for a family of three

How to get help:

Connecticut’s Weatherization Assistance Program (CTWAP)

CTWAP  — Connecticut’s name for their Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) — helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:

  • Replacing inefficient or unsafe heating units 
  • Insulating a home for energy efficiency
  • HVAC repair or replacement
  • Water heater repair or replacement
  • Lighting replacement
  • Ventilation and moisture control measures  

CTWAP applications are submitted with CEAP applications. 

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Connecticut
  • Each household member has a social security number (or meet exception)
  • Eligible if already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (State Supp), Refugee Cash Assistance
  • Home has not been weatherized by WAP, LIHEAP, HUD, or USDA activities in last 15 years
  • Home cannot be listed for sale or sold within six months of CTWAP weatherization 
  • Home cannot be in foreclosure or loan mediation
  • If renting, landlord may need to contribute 20% of material costs, up to $500
  • Your annual household income is at or below 60% of the state’s median income — $64,230 for a family of three

How to get help:

  • Call or visit your local Community Action Agency and ask for help applying for CTWAP
  • Call 2-1-1 to find you local Energy Assistance intake site
  • Apply online at the Heating Help website

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) in Connecticut

LIHWAP helps low-income Connecticut residents pay for water and wastewater bills to avoid utility disconnection or reconnect their service. Households can receive up to $1,000 in assistance to pay bills, and LIHWAP can also help reduce the cost of overdue water bills. 

Qualifications:       

  • Resident of Connecticut
  • Immediate danger of water or wastewater disconnection
  • Already disconnected from water or wastewater
  • Automatically eligible if already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (State Supp), Refugee Cash Assistance, or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Your annual household income is at or below 60% of the state’s median income  — $64,230 for a family of three

How to get help:

  • Call or visit your local Community Action Agency and ask how to apply
  • Call 2-1-1 to find you local Energy Assistance intake site

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Connecticut

The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:   

Connecticut Dental Health Partnership (CTDHP) 

CTDHP connects Connecticut residents who are already enrolled in a HUSKY Health program  with in-network dentists and specialists. The program also helps schedule appointments and arrange transportation.

Qualifications: 

Individuals and families must qualify for Connecticut’s HUSKY Health medical benefits program.

How to get help: 

Contact a CTDHP Customer Service Representative at 855-283-3682 or visit the HUSKY Dental website.

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Connecticut

HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.

HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.

Qualifications: 

Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced cost care. 

How to get help:

Find an HRSA health center in Connecticut by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

HUSKY A (Connecticut Medicaid)

HUSKY A — Connecticut’s Medicaid program — provides free or low-cost medical coverage for low-income individuals, pregnant women, and families. Coverage includes services like:

  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital visits
  • Prenatal care
  • Prescriptions
  • Vision

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Connecticut
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien*
  • Pregnant and/or caretaker for a child 18 or younger
  • Children over 18 must graduate highschool at 19
  • Meet income requirements

*Families who do not qualify for Husky A because of their immigration status may qualify for State Husky A, a state-funded program that covers uninsured children up to age 12 with a household income between 0-323% of the FPL.

How to get help:

Apply for coverage on the Access Health CT website or call 855-805-4325.

HUSKY B

HUSKY B — part of the national Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — provides health insurance to children under 19 in higher-income households who don’t qualify for Medicaid. 

Families who do not qualify for Husky B because of their immigration status may qualify for State Husky B, a state funded program that covers uninsured children up to age 12 with a household income under 323% of the FPL.

Husky B health insurance programs include: 

  • HUSKY B (Band 1) or State HUSKY B (Band 1) – Covers children 0-12 (through 18 if enrolled before 13) and includes no monthly premiums, with some co-payments. 
  • HUSKY B (Band 2) or State HUSKY B (Band 2) – Covers children 0-12 (through 18 if enrolled before 13) and includes a $30 monthly premium for one child, $50 monthly premium for more than one child, and some co-payments.
  • HUSKY B Prenatal – Covers non-citizen pregnant people and their unborn child. Offers no monthly premiums, but some co-payments for non-pregnancy services.

These placements are based on the age of the child, household size, and family income. 

Qualifications: 

  • Resident of Connecticut
  • Non-citizen pregnant person
  • Children are age 0-12 
  • Meet income limit requirements for household size — up to $80,298 for a family of three

How to get help: 

Apply for coverage on the Access Health CT website or call 855-805-4325.

Connecticut Family Wellness Healthy Start Program (FWHS)

FWHS provides home education and coordinated care for low-income pregnant women in Hartford and New Britain. Services are provided by eight contracted Community Partners and include: 

  • Health assessment
  • Health education
  • Provider referrals
  • Follow-up services and support

Qualifications: 

Pregnant women and parents of children under 18 months are eligible for FWHS services.

How to get help: 

Call 860-509-8092 and ask how to apply.

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Connecticut

A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:

Connecticut Food Assistance Program (SNAP)

USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households. 

SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card to purchase food in retail food stores, including:

  • Breads
  • Cereals
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meats
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Dairy
  • Plants and seeds to grow food 

Connecticut’s maximum SNAP benefit is $740/month for a family of three.

Qualifications:

  • Connecticut resident
  • Gross household income is at or below 200% of FPL
  • If income is more than 200% of FPL, total assets (savings, checking, cash, stock, and bonds) can not exceed $4,250
  • Meet income guidelines — $3,838 for a family of three 

How to get help: 

Apply for benefits on the ConneCT website or call 855-626-6632.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies. 

Qualifications:

  • Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
  • Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
  • Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
  • Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
  • If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC

How to get help: 

Free school meals

Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation in February to extend free meals to all students at least through the end of the 2022-23 school year.

Connecticut Summer Food Service Program

Connecticut schools may also offer the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) that offers free or low-cost lunch and breakfast during school vacation periods for eligible students. This service is part of the Seamless Summer program, where a school offers NSLP, SBP, and SFSP.

Qualifications: 

Household income must fall at or below the limits of the federal income eligibility guidelines.

How to get help: 

Find your local CT Summer Meals Program.

Connecticut food banks


Food banks in Connecticut provide meals for individuals and families who are struggling to put food on the table. 

Qualifications: 

Each food bank sets its own eligibility and proof of need requirements. 

How to get help: 

To find a food bank near you and for additional information, visit the Connecticut Foodshare website.

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Connecticut

There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Connecticut:

Connecticut  Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school. 

Qualifications: 

  • Children from birth to 5 
  • Meet federal poverty guidelines 
  • Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TFA, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
  • Some programs accept kids with incomes above the poverty guidelines
  • Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start

How to get help: 

Contact your local Head Start or Early Head Start to apply.

Connecticut Care 4 Kids

Care 4 Kids partners with the state of Connecticut to help low- to moderate-income Connecticut families afford child care.

Qualifications:

  • Parent and children live in Connecticut
  • Children must be under 13 or under 19 if they have special needs
  • Parent is working or attending Jobs First approved education or training activity
  • Household meets income requirements 

How to get help: 

Apply on the Care 4 Kids website.

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Connecticut

If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources: 

Get a GED in Connecticut

If you are at least 18 years old in Connecticut, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 17 if you have been withdrawn from school for at least 6 months.

The GED test is broken into four exams on different subjects, which can be spaced out and taken at your own pace (though each individual exam has a time limit): 

  • Mathematical reasoning – 115 minutes
  • Reasoning through language arts – 150 minutes
  • Social studies – 70 minutes
  • Science – 90 minutes

You have two options for taking the test in Connecticut: 

  • Online at-home test – $0 per subject + $13 registration fee
  • In person at a test center – $0 per subject + $13 registration fee

Grants and scholarships in Connecticut

The Office of Higher Education (OHE) connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in Connecticut. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, visit the OHE website

Individual schools also offer need-based and academic scholarships for their students. If you’ve been accepted to a higher education institution, contact their office of financial aid to learn how to apply. 

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Connecticut

Workforce programs in Connecticut provide training and assist with employment:

Connecticut Unemployment Insurance

This program provides unemployment compensation to eligible Connecticut workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.

Qualifications: 

  • Connecticut resident 
  • Unemployed
  • Earned significant wages in the last 12-18 months
  • Actively looking for another job

How to get help: 

Apply online through ReEmployment CT.

American Job Centers

The American Job Centers offer employment and training services, career counseling, and job search assistance. 

How to get help: 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Connecticut

There are a number of charitable organizations throughout Connecticut that offer support to single moms:

The Salvation Army of Southern New England

The Salvation Army wears many hats. Chapters assist with:

  • Food, shelter, and clothing
  • Medication costs
  • Education and job training
  • Christmas presents
  • Rent and utility bills
  • Substance abuse rehabilitation
  • Youth services
  • Emergency disaster response

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs. 

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

Catholic Charities of Connecticut

Catholic Charities assists with:

  • Housing
  • Utility assistance
  • Food assistance
  • Health care assistance

There are three chapters across Connecticut:

  • Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford
  • Catholic Charities Diocese or Norwich
  • Catholic Charities of Fairfield County

Qualifications: 

Each Catholic Charities branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs. 

How to get help: 

Find your nearest Catholic Charities branch on the Catholic Charities website.

United Way of Connecticut

The United Way of Connecticut connects people in need with local resources like: 

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Child care services
  • Housing
  • Health care
  • Support groups

How to get help: 

More charities for single moms: 

Charities that help single moms


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