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Help for single moms in Florida

By Emma Johnson | Updated Feb. 5, 2024
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If you’re a single mom in Florida struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

We also put together resources specifically for:

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 Florida

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

Temporary Cash Assistance in Florida

TCA — Florida’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children or to relatives who have court-ordered custody of a child placed in their home. 

The amount paid out varies depending on household income. However, these are the monthly payouts for children in the custody of a caregiver:  

  • Age 0 through 5 – $242 per child
  • Age 6 through 12 – $249 per child
  • Age 13 through 17 – $298 per child

TCA notes that these rates are higher than the payouts for family assistance.  

Qualifications:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Permanent Florida resident
  • Have children under 18 or under 19 if still enrolled in high school
  • Pregnant women in third trimester if unable to work or in 9th month of pregnancy
  • Children and mother must have social security number
  • Gross income must be less than 185% of FPL
  • Family assets of $2,000 or less
  • A child must be living in the home maintained by a parent or a relative who is a blood relative of the child.
  • Children under age 5 must be up to date with immunizations
  • Children ages 6 to 18 must attend school, and parents/caretakers must attend school conferences

Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 48 months for adults.

How to get help:

  • Apply online on the ACCESS Florida website
  • Contact the Florida Department of Children and Families at 866-762-2237
  • In-person at your local Social Security Office

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More emergency cash help in Florida: 

Single moms in Florida can 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 Florida

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

Rental assistance in Florida

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

State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP)

SHIP is an initiative of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation that helps low-income renters in two ways: 

  • Developing low-income housing
  • Rental assistance   

Qualifications:

How much you pay in rent in a SHIP-funded unit is based on your income in relation to the AMI. 

  • Extremely low income = below 30% of AMI
  • Very low income = At or below 50% of AMI
  • Low income = At or below 80% of AMI
  • Moderate income = At or below 120% of AMI

These are the current income limits to qualify for SHIP housing. 

To receive rental assistance, your rent cannot exceed the maximum for your household’s income category.

How to get help: 

Contact your local SHIP program and ask how to apply. Some counties may not offer rental assistance.

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 Florida 

If you need help buying a home in Florida or keeping your home after facing hardship, these programs can help: 

Florida Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Housing Counseling

Florida’s HAF provides counseling services through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The counselors teach homeowners how to work with mortgage holders to avoid foreclosure and stay in their homes. HAF also offers group workshops on financial topics to empower homeowners. 

Qualifications:

  • Florida resident and homeowner
  • Facing or experiencing foreclosure, bankruptcy, or financial hardship

How to get help:

Florida Housing Homebuyer Program

Florida Housing offers a home buyer program with 30-year fixed rate mortgage loans for first-time home buyers. These loans can be offered as FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.

Check today's mortgage loan rates >>

Qualifications:

  • Credit score of at least 640
  • Work with an approved, participating lender**
  • Go through their education program 
  • House you want to buy is within purchase price limits for your county**
  • Income below program’s county limits**
  • Must meet IRS definition of a first-time homebuyer, which means you can not have owned any other principal residence for three years prior to the date of purchase of the new principal residence                            

**All of this information can be found by using the Florida Housing Homebuyer Program Wizard. Select the number of people in your household and the county you want to buy in to access a list of available programs, a lender directory, purchase price limits, and income limits for your county.                                                                                                         

How to get help: 

  • Contact a participating lender listed on the Homebuyer Program Wizard
  • Call 850-488-4197

Florida Housing down payment assistance

Florida Housing also helps with down payment and closing costs in the form of a second mortgage loan. 

There are three down payment assistance options available: 

The Florida Assist (FL Assist)
  • Up to $10,000 on FHA, USDA, conventional, and VA loans
  • 0%, non-amortizing, deferred second mortgage
  • Repayment is deferred unless you sell, transfer, pay off the first mortgage, refinance the property, or no longer occupy the property
  • Not forgivable
The Florida Homeownership Loan Program (HLP) Second Mortgage
  • $10,000 loan
  • 3% fully-amortizing second mortgage
  • 15-year term
  • Requires a monthly payment, then the remaining unpaid principal is deferred unless you sell, transfer, pay off the first mortgage, refinance the property, or no longer occupy the property
Florida PLUS 3%, 4% or 5% Second Mortgage Program
  • 3%, 4% or 5% of the total first loan amount in a forgivable second mortgage
  • Forgiven at 20% a year over a 5-year term

Qualifications: 

These loans are not available as standalone assistance but in conjunction with Florida Housing’s first mortgage program above, which offers the following loan types: 

  • Florida First (FHA, VA, USDA-RD loans only) – Qualifies for Florida Assist
  • HFA Preferred or Advantage Conventional Loan Program – Qualifies for Florida Assist or HLP
  • HFA Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program – Qualifies for HLP or PLUS
  • HFA Preferred or Advantage Conventional Loan Program – Qualifies for Florida Assist

How to get help: 

  • Contact a participating lender listed on the Homebuyer Program Wizard
  • Call 850-488-4197

Homeless assistance in Florida 

Office on Homelessness

The main goal of the Office of Homelessness is to prevent Florida residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. The office oversees designated Continuum of Care agencies across the state that 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 Continuums of Care agencies. 

How to get help: 

More housing help: 

Transportation help for single moms in Florida

Florida provides several free and low-cost transportation services for single moms and their families to travel within their city, county, or the state of Florida.

Free and low-cost transportation

If you’re eligible, you can take advantage of the following free and cost-effective transportation options in Florida:

Free electric vehicle rides with Freebee

Freebee offers free rides in electric vehicles to people in numerous areas of Florida, including Miami, Fort Pierce, and Delray Beach. You can download and use the Freebee app to book your ride for free. 

Get reduced-cost shared rides through the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged

If you don’t have a way to get to doctor’s appointments or other places within your community, you may be able to qualify for the Transportation Disadvantaged Program for low-cost rides, also known as paratransit. 

Qualifications:

  • Physical or mental impairment and can benefit from public transport, or
  • Considered transportation disadvantaged due to a disability, income, or age

How to get help:

Medicaid transportation in Florida

Managed Medicaid plans in Florida can provide you with transportation to and from your doctor appointments for free. 

Qualifications:

  • Florida Medicaid recipient

How to get help:

  • Contact your Medicaid health plan for information and scheduling

Florida public transit

Florida has over 40 public transit systems, several of which offer free or low-cost transportation. We’ve included them below:

Arc on the Gulf 

  • Covers: Franklin County, Gulf County
  • Offers: Free or low-cost rides for people with disabilities or low income

Baker County Transit

  • Covers: Baker County, Duval County, Columbia County, Alachua County
  • Offers: Transportation for as low as $1 per trip for medical appointments

Bayway

  • Covers: Bay County
  • Offers: Low-price travel for adults with disabilities ($0.75), free rides for children aged 5 or younger and FSU students with valid ID, and $4 day passes for unlimited rides.

Big Bend Transit

  • Covers: Leon County, Gadsden County, Taylor County, Madison County, Jefferson County
  • Offers: Rides to eligible members of the paratransit program

Broward County Transit

  • Covers: Broward County
  • Offers: Rides to eligible members of the paratransit program 

Charlotte County Transit

  • Covers: Charlotte County
  • Offers: Free fares to sites along its route, like libraries, airports, and shopping plazas 

Citrus Connection

  • Covers: Polk County
  • Offers: Free fare for children seven and under when riding with an adult, plus discounted and free rides to eligible riders with disabilities or over 64

Citrus County Transit

  • Covers: Citrus County
  • Offers: Rides to eligible members of the paratransit program and free rides to veterans, seniors 60 and over, children 12 and under, and Medicare/Medicaid recipients

City of Fort Lauderdale LauderGo!

  • Covers: Fort Lauderdale
  • Offers: Free rides via shuttle, water taxi, or electric vehicle to select destinations, including beaches and shopping areas

City of Key West Transit

  • Covers: Key West
  • Offers: $1 reduced fares for people with disabilities and members of the military

City of Ocala SunTran

  • Covers: Ocala
  • Offers: Reduced fares (lower than $1.50) for eligible youth and people with disabilities

Collier Area Transit

  • Covers: Naples
  • Offers: Fares as low as $1 per trip for children 17 and younger, people with disabilities, and military members, and free rides for children 5 and under with a fare-paying adult

Escambia County Area Transit

  • Covers: Escambia County
  • Offers: Reduced fares as low as $0.85 for children and people with disabilities and rides to paratransit participants 

Gainesville RTS

  • Covers: Gainesville
  • Offers: Free rides for paratransit members, unlimited day passes for $3, and $0.75 fares for military members and Medicaid recipients. Children under 18 and seniors 65 and over ride free.

Hernando County Transit

  • Covers: Hernando County
  • Offers: Reduced fares as low as $0.60 for riders with disabilities and students and free fares for children 6 and under

Hillsborough County Sunshine Line

  • Covers: Hillsborough County
  • Offers: Door-to-door rides to paratransit participants and free daily or monthly bus passes to low-income residents

Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART)

  • Covers: Hillsborough County
  • Offers: Free rides on the TECO streetcar for all, discounted bus fares (as low as $1) for children 6-18 and adults with disabilities, and children 5 and under ride free if they’re under the height limit

Indian River County Transit (GoLine)

  • Covers: Indian River County
  • Offers: Free non-emergency transportation to all riders

J-Trans

  • Covers: Jackson County
  • Offers: Free, coordinated rides for community events, medical transportation, educational activities, and other trips in Jackson County. Riders must coordinate their trip three business days prior to riding.

Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)

  • Covers: Jacksonville area
  • Offers: Fares as low as $0.75 for adults with disabilities and free fares for middle and high school students

Lake County Public Transportation (LakeXpress)

  • Covers: Lake County
  • Offers: Rides to paratransit participants, free rides to students and children 5 or younger, and fares as low as $0.50 for adults with disabilities and veterans

Lee County Transit (LeeTran)

  • Covers: Lee County
  • Offers: Free fares for students and children 6 and younger, discounted fare of $0.75 for adults with disabilities, and discounted 12-trip passes as low as $6.50 

Liberty County Transit

  • Covers: Liberty County
  • Offers: Paratransit rides for $1.85 for emergencies and $3.18 for non-emergencies

Lynx

  • Covers: Orlando, Orange, Seminole, Osceola County, Lake County, Polk County, Volusia County
  • Offers: Discounted passes for eligible riders, like adults with disabilities

Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT)

  • Covers: Manatee County
  • Offers: Free fares to Manatee County residents traveling its fixed routes to beaches, shopping plazas, and more

Martin County Public Transit (MARTY)

  • Covers: Martin County
  • Offers: Free fare for veterans and discounted fare ($0.75) for passengers with disabilities

Miami-Dade Transit System

  • Covers: Miami-Dade County
  • Offers: Several reduced-price fare programs, like half-price (as low as $1.10) or free fares for full-time students, discounted rates for county employees (monthly pass for $95.65), and free or reduced fares (as low as $1.10) for people with incomes less than $21,870

Okaloosa County Transit

  • Covers: Okaloosa County
  • Offers: Free transfers, rides to paratransit participants, and reduced fares of $1 for riders with disabilities

Palm Tran

  • Covers: Palm Beach County
  • Offers: Paratransit rides and discounted $1 fares for riders with disabilities

Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT)

  • Covers: Pasco County
  • Offers: Reduced fares for students (21 and under), seniors (65 and over), disabled persons, veterans and Medicare recipients

Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA)

  • Covers: Pinellas County
  • Offers: Reduced fare ($1.10) for adult students, children aged 9-18, seniors 65+, and people with disabilities, plus free rides for children eight and younger

Sarasota County Breeze Transit

  • Covers: Sarasota County
  • Offers: Free fares for up to two children 5 and under, local government employees and staff and students at elect local colleges. Bus, trolley, paratransit, and rideshare transportation for as little as $0.75 to eligible riders with a qualifying impairment.

South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (Tri-Rail)

  • Covers: Southern Florida cities, including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale
  • Offers: Train rides with fares discounted by 50% (as low as $1.25) for people with disabilities, students, and children

Space Coast Area Transit

  • Covers: Brevard County
  • Offers: Bus and paratransit rides and fares as low as $0.75 for military members, students, and riders with disabilities, and free rides for children under 5

St. Johns County Sunshine Bus

  • Covers: St. Johns County
  • Offers: Paratransit rides and fixed-route transit as low as $1 per trip for students, Medicaid recipients, and people with disabilities. County residents can also ride free on the first Wednesday of the month if they have a St. Johns County library card.

St. Lucie County Area Regional Transit

  • Covers: St. Lucie County
  • Offers: Paratransit, fixed-route trips, and free microtransit services during the week and on Saturdays

StarMetro

  • Covers: Tallahassee
  • Offers: Free bus rides for K-12 students, children under 5, and transfers. Reduced fare as low as $0.60 for people with disabilities.

SunRail

  • Covers: Central Florida, including Longwood, Orlando, and Kissimmee
  • Offers: Train rides with 50% off fares for people with disabilities and children aged 7-18, plus free rides for children 6 and under with an adult

Suwannee Valley Transit Authority (SVTA)

  • Covers: Columbia County, Hamilton County, Suwannee County
  • Offers: Rides for paratransit participants, $2 scheduled rides to doctor appointments, stores, and community places

Votran

  • Covers: Volusia County

Offers: Free bus rides for children under 7, and rides as low as $0.85 for children aged 7-18 and people with disabilities

Florida transportation providers

The Florida Department of Transportation’s Public Transit Office maintains a listing of urban, rural, and association transit partners across the state:

Vehicle donation and car repair help in Florida

Look to the following program if you need a vehicle or car repair help in Florida:

Wheels of Success

Wheels of Success offers a few programs for single moms in need of reliable transportation:

  • Vehicles for Veterans: This program donates cars to military veterans who are reentering the workforce.
  • Road to Independence: Victims and survivors of domestic violence can reach out to this program to get a vehicle donated so that they can begin their path toward independence.
  • Cars for Caregivers: Caregivers can get a donated vehicle to help them provide transportation for their kids to go to school or for them to complete trips for work and personal needs.

Wheels of Success can also assist single moms with unaffordable vehicle repairs so that they can continue to attend their jobs.

Qualifications:

  • Full-time job
  • Valid Florida driver’s license
  • Income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level
  • Not receiving government assistance with the following exceptions: unemployment compensation, Medicaid, or SNAP
  • Unable to attend work reliably due to transportation issues
  • Referred by a social services agency, church, employer, or board member

How to get help:

Buying a car as a single mom

If you're ready to buy a car, but you have low or no credit, Auto Loan Express is a quality lender:

  • Better Business Bureau rating of A+
  • In business since 1999
  • For new or used cars
  • Auto loans and refi for buyers who have low or no credit, or who have gone through bankruptcy or had a vehicle repossessed
  • Pre-approval within 30 seconds

24 hours to a car loan with Auto Loan Express >>

Electric bill assistance in Florida

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

Florida Power and Light (FPL) Care To Share Electric Assistance

The FPL Care To Share program offers up to $750 in a 12-month period, per household, to help FPL customers pay their light bill. Priority is given to homes with seniors, disabled persons and children under 10 years old. Help is available based on funding from nonprofits and government agencies.

Qualifications:

  • Live in the FPL service area with an FPL account
  • Live at the FPL service location
  • Have a past due bill, final notice, or disconnect notice
  • Are disconnected from service or in danger of disconnection
  • Can show proof of hardship and a plan to pay future bills
  • Not eligible for any other energy assistance
  • No history of fraud or tampering with electric service
  • Annual income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level for household size

How to get help:

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Florida

LIHEAP helps qualifying households with home heating and cooling costs, paid directly to utility companies like FPL. The agency does not assist with water, sewer, or telephone services. 

Qualifications:       

  • Total income no more than 60% of the Florida State Median Income
  • Responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills
  • Resident of Florida
  • U.S. Citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S.

How to get help:

Contact your local LIHEAP office.

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) administers LIHWAP, a federal program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that issues funds to low-income households in Florida to pay for water utility services. 

These payments, made directly to your water supplier are to avoid disconnection or turn water services back on. This program runs until Sept. 2023 in Florida.

Qualifications:

  • Florida resident
  • U.S. citizen, qualified non resident or permanent U.S. resident
  • Annual income does not exceed 60% of the Florida State Median Income (SMI) for household size
  • Responsible for paying water utility bills

How to get help:

Print an application and submit it to your local Florida Community Action Agency

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:

  • Installing carbon monoxide detectors
  • Removing mold
  • Replacing inefficient or unsafe heating units 
  • Insulating a single family home for energy efficiency

Qualifications:

  • U.S citizen or a qualified alien
  • Resident of state of Florida
  • Meet annual household income guidelines based on the number of people in your household:
    • 1 – $22,340
    • 2 – $30,260
    • 3 – $38,180
    • 4 – $46,100
    • 5 – $54,020
    • 6 – $61,940
    • 7 – $69,860
    • 8 – $77,780
  • Automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI, TANF or Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits

How to get help:

Applications are not available online, so you have to visit your county’s Weatherization provider.

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Florida

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

Florida Discount Drug Card

The Florida Discount Drug Card Program helps state residents save on prescriptions. It's a free program that help you save money on most generic and brand name prescription drugs at pharmacies in-store and online through Elixir Solutions.

Qualifications:

Any Florida resident can sign up for the card.

How to get help:

Dental 101 

Dental 101 connects Florida residents with dental clinics throughout the state that offer free and low-cost dental care. 

Qualifications: 

Each individual clinic sets its own eligibility requirements. 

How to get help: 

Select your city from the dropdown list on the Dental 101 site for a list of free and low-cost dental clinics.

Project: Dentists Care (PDC)

PDC is a nonprofit organization founded by the Florida Dental Association to provide dental care to low-income individuals who don't qualify for public assistance. 

Qualifications: 

Each individual clinic or program sets its own eligibility requirements. 

How to get help: 

Search the PDC resource guide for a list of clinics across Florida.  

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)

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 Florida by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

Florida Medicaid

Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In Florida, most Medicaid recipients are enrolled in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program, which includes:

  • Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) – Covers medical services like doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health care, and transportation for medical needs
  • Long-term Care (LTC) – Covers care in a nursing facility, assisted living, or at home (must be at least 18 years old and require nursing home-level care or hospital-level care if you have cystic fibrosis)
  • Dental – Covers all dental services for children and adults

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Florida
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • Meet income requirements: 
Florida Medicaid income limits

Plus, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Pregnant, or
  • Caretaker for a child 18 or younger
  • Member of the household has a disability, including blindness
  • 65 or older

How to get help:

Apply for coverage on the Florida Department of Children and Families website or call 850-300-4323.

Florida KidCare 

Florida KidCare — part of the national Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — matches each qualifying child to one of its four health insurance programs: 

  • Medicaid – birth through 18
  • MediKids – 1 to 4 years
  • Florida Healthy Kids – 5 to 18 years
  • Children’s Medical Services – birth through 18 years with special health care needs

These placements are based on the age of the child, household size, and family income. Medicaid does not require any paid premiums. However, the other three programs do require a minimum monthly payment based on income. 

Most families pay nothing, and many pay as little as $15 or $20 a month for all children in the household. Families who do not qualify for free or subsidized coverage may purchase a full-price plan through Florida KidCare.

KidCare provides both health and dental services with a choice of local doctors, dentists, hospitals, and pharmacies. Benefits include:

  • Doctor visits
  • Surgeries
  • Vaccines
  • Vision and hearing 
  • Hospital stays

Qualifications: 

All children above the age of 1 are eligible for Florida KidCare coverage through a subsidized or full-pay program, even if one or both parents are working.

These are the current income guidelines for free and subsidized plans: 

Florida KidCare income limits

How to get help: 

Apply on the Florida Kidcare website to be matched to the program that fits your child/family. 

Florida Healthy Start

Healthy Start provides home visits to educate parents and coordinate care for people who need it. 

Education services cover:

  • Prenatal care and parenting 
  • Conception 
  • Stress management
  • Local resources and assistance

Qualifications: 

Pregnant women and parents of children under three years old are eligible for Florida Healthy Start services. 

How to get help: 

Search for services by county on the Florida Association of Healthy Start Coalitions website.

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Florida

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

Florida 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 

A program called Fresh Access Bucks (FAB) allows you to increase the spending power of your SNAP benefits on fresh fruits and vegetables at designated farmer's markets, produce stands, CSAs, mobile markets, and community grocery outlets. For a current list of markets, go to Fresh Access Bucks Locations – Feeding Florida.

Qualifications:

  • Florida resident
  • Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001 or under $3,001 and share your household with one of the following:
    • Person or persons age 60 and over
    • Person with a disability (child, spouse, parent, yourself

You must also have an annual household income below these amounts: 

Florida household income limits for SNAP benefits

How to get help: 

Apply for benefits on the Florida ACCESS website or call 850-300-4323.  

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: 

Call your local WIC office or 800-342-3556 and say you want to apply for WIC. 

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program

NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school. 

An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students. Schools with at least 80% of the students eligible for free or reduced-price meals must provide breakfast at no cost to all students. 

Qualifications: 

Household income must fall at or below the limits of the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.

How to get help: 

Apply online or contact your child’s school to enroll. 

Florida’s Summer Food Service Program

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, l parks and libraries. 

Qualifications: 

These are the current income guidelines for the Summer Food Service Program: 

Florida Summer Food Service Program income limits

How to get help: 

Find a location near you at the USDA Summer Food Service Program website.

Florida food banks

Food banks in Florida 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 Feeding Florida website.

More food help: 

Whether you’re going through divorce, eviction, family court issue, or need other legal help, there are ways to get it for free or at a reduced rate: 

Florida Bar Association

The Florida Bar Association lists a number of pro bono and legal aid resources: 

The following resources are also available: 

Florida Law Help

Enter your location, the type of legal assistance you need, and your income/family size, and Florida Law Help will pull up a list of legal services and resources you may be eligible for. 

This site allows users to post their civil legal questions. Volunteer attorneys log in to the website, select questions to answer, and provide legal information and advice. Users receive an email when their questions have a response. Topics include child support, education, domestic violence, and housing.

SLC is a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal help to low-income individuals with civil rights issues. They also offer educational resources and free clinics to help people self-advocate on issues like: 

  • Education disputes
  • Disability disputes
  • Employment discrimination
  • Homeless rights
  • Employment, employee and salary issues

Qualifications: 

SLC decides on a case-by-case basis which people and cases to take on. They primarily work on cases like lawsuits against the government and cases affecting: 

  • Low-income people
  • Homeless people 
  • Children
  • People with disabilities
  • LGBTQ+ people

How to get help: 

Apply for legal assistance on the SLC website or call 352-271-8890.

LSC is a private nonprofit organization that provides free legal help and representation to qualifying low-income individuals. There are seven organizations across Florida that carry out their initiatives: 

Child care help for low-income families

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

Florida 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 (TANF, 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 apply: 

Florida’s School Readiness Program

Florida’s School Readiness Program provides child care so a parent can work or attend a training or education program.

Qualifications: 

  • Parent must be working or attending school
  • Household gross income at or below 150 percent of family poverty level
  • Families engage in a co-pay based on income and family size

How to get help: 

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Florida

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

Get a GED in Florida

If you are at least 18 years old in Florida, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 or 17 with special permission from the school district where you live. 

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 Florida: 

  • Online at-home test – $38.00 per subject
  • In person at a test center – $32 per subject

Grants and scholarships in Florida

The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in Florida. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, create a student profile on the OSFA 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. 

Florida Department of Education tuition and fee exemptions and waivers

In Florida, you might be able to attend college and have fees and/or tuition waived if you meet eligibility requirements. 

Qualifications:

You’ll need to contact the Florida-based college you are interested in to get specific eligibility requirements, but you might be able to waive fees and/or tuition if:

  • You are in a dual enrollment or early admission program
  • You are in an approved apprenticeship program
  • You are homeless  
  • You are enrolled in workforce development training through the welfare transition program

How to get help:

Employment help for single moms in Florida

Workforce programs in Florida provide training and assist with employment:

Florida Reemployment Assistance (Insurance) Program

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

Qualifications: 

  • Florida resident 
  • Unemployed
  • Previously employed for the past 12 months
  • Earned a certain amount of wages
  • Actively looking for another job

How to get help: 

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

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

The Salvation Army of Florida

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

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

Catholic Charities of Florida

Catholic Charities assists with:

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

There are seven chapters across Florida: 

  • Catholic Charities Bureau Diocese of St. Augustine (based in Jacksonville)
  • Catholic Charities Diocese Of St. Petersburg
  • Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice
  • Catholic Charities Miami
  • Catholic Charities of Central Florida (based in Orlando)
  • Catholic Charities of NW Florida (based in Pensacola)
  • Catholic Charities Palm Beach

How to get help: 

United Way of Florida

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

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

How to get help: 

Help for single moms in Jacksonville, Florida

Single moms in Jacksonville can get assistance from the following resources:

Emergency cash in Jacksonville

If you’re in need of cash to pay for food, rent, or utilities, contact the following Jacksonville resources:

Downtown Ecumenical Services Council

The Downtown Ecumenical Services Council (DESC) helps families in the Jacksonville area get the resources they need, including food, shelter, and money, to get back on their feet after an emergency or unexpected situation. 

Qualifications:

  • Have not received help from the organization within the last 12 months
  • Have not received emergency federal help within the last 90 days

How to get help:

  • Call 211 using your phone and have a referral placed to DESC

Emergency Assistance Program

Jacksonville’s Social Services department offers an Emergency Assistance Program for families facing financial hardship. Eligible families can get temporary cash assistance to help them pay for rent or utilities.

Qualifications:

  • Duval County resident
  • Household income at or below 200% of the FPL
  • Have a financial crisis
  • Have a notice of eviction, foreclosure, shut-off notice, or loss of service due to delinquency in payments
  • Have not received help from the program within 30 months
  • Had the capacity to take care of your living expenses before facing financial hardship

How to get help:

Housing help in Jacksonville

Jacksonville offers the following resources for families in need of housing help:

BEAM

BEAM is an emergency assistance program serving residents of Jacksonville’s beach communities. The program offers rent and utility assistance to eligible families, as well as help with food, Medicaid, and case management.

Qualifications:

  • Not have had assistance from BEAM within the last 12 months
  • Current lease
  • Unable to meet current rent or utility obligations

How to get help:

Home Sweet Home Program

Offered by the Jacksonville Housing Finance Authority, the Home Sweet Home Program gives eligible first-time homebuyers an affordable 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and up to $20,000 to use toward their down payment or closing costs. 

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Duval County
  • New home will be the primary residence
  • Income up to $78,865 for up to two people or $90,694 for three or more people
  • Maximum home price of $299,000
  • First-time homebuyer
  • FICO score of 640 or higher

How to get help:

  • Call 904-630-2489
  • Ask your preferred lender if they participate

Mortgage Relief Program

Jacksonville’s mortgage relief program gives families who have fallen behind on their mortgage up to $7,500 to make up to six months of mortgage payments.

Qualifications:

How to get help:

Foreclosure Intervention Program

The Foreclosure Intervention Program helps homeowners who are facing potential foreclosure through mortgage counseling services, mortgage assistance, and educational resources. The program provides up to $12,000 as a deferred-payment loan to make past-due mortgage payments.

Qualifications:

  • Live in Jacksonville
  • Own a home that is your primary residence
  • Behind on a mortgage due to a financial or personal hardship
  • Income below 140% of area median income

How to get help:

Medical and dental care in Jacksonville

Get free or low-cost medical care in Jacksonville, Fla.:

Community Health Outreach (CHO)

CHO provides low-cost medical and dental services to families with low or no income who don’t have insurance coverage. It also provides grocery distribution to eligible families on Saturdays.

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Duval County
  • Uninsured
  • Income below 200% of FPL

How to get help:

Agape Family Health

Agape Family Health serves Jacksonville families with affordable medical and behavioral health care. Its clinics accept any patient, even if they can’t pay, and has a sliding-scale fee system to make services more affordable.

Qualifications:

  • Qualify based on income, which will be reviewed at your first appointment

How to get help:

Volunteers in Medicine Jacksonville

More than 200 volunteer medical professionals provide services to Volunteers in Medicine Jacksonville to give qualifying patients access to free medical care. 

Qualifications:

  • Meet income guidelines
  • Work at least 20 hours a week
  • No health insurance coverage
  • 18-64 years old

How to get help:

  • Call 904-399-2766 (South San Marco)
  • Call 904-539-3020 (West Jacksonville)
  • Fill out the online form

Food

If you’re in need of food to fill your pantry or refrigerator, seek out these Jacksonville, Fla. resources:

Feeding Northeast Florida

Feeding Northeast Florida offers the following programs for moms and their children:

  • Mobile Pantry: The Mobile Pantry brings fresh produce to low-income communities in Northeast Florida.
  • Snack Packs: Snack Packs are offered to eligible children through school and youth programs.
  • Prescriptive Nutrition: Low-income families without adequate health insurance can receive nutrition resources to feed their families healthy meals.

Feeding Northeast Florida also stocks participating school cafeterias and provides a database of food pantries.

Qualifications:

  • Live in a qualifying area
  • Income eligible (varies by program)

How to get help:

Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry

Lutheran Social Services is a Christian organization with numerous community outreach programs. It operates a food pantry for people in Northeast Florida and a backpack program with healthy food for school children to eligible families.

Qualifications:

  • Income eligibility is determined with an application

How to get help:

United Community Outreach Ministry (UCOM) Food Pantry

UCOM operates a food pantry and provides holiday meals to eligible families in the Jacksonville area.

Qualifications:

  • Varies by case

How to get help:

Education help in Jacksonville

If you’re interested in beginning your college education, consider the following tuition assistance program:

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) Scholarships

FSCJ allows eligible students to get assistance with tuition, fees, and books. Scholarship programs vary and many can be viewed via Scholarship Universe. 

Qualifications:

  • Eligibility varies by scholarship program

How to get help:

Employment help in Jacksonville

Check out these resources if you live in the Jacksonville area and need help finding a job:

The Arc Jacksonville

The Arc Jacksonville helps people with developmental and intellectual challenges fill unstaffed positions in the community. 

Qualifications:

  • Any disabled person in the Jacksonville area can receive help with find a job that suits their interests and abilities

How to get help:

CareerSource Northeast Florida

Find open positions in your area through CareerSource Northeast Florida, which also offers apprenticeships to develop your skills. Eligible job-seekers can also apply for financial help if they’re unemployed and looking for work.

Qualifications:

  • Anyone in Northeast Florida can get job search help
  • Reemployment assistance applicants must be out of work through no fault of their own

How to get help:

CIL Jacksonville

CIL Jacksonville helps job seekers with disabilities in Jacksonville find and apply for open positions and prepare for work with mock interviews and skill development.

Qualifications:

  • Jacksonville resident
  • Looking for work

How to get help:

Transportation help in Jacksonville

This program offers free transportation to people in Jacksonville, Fl.:

Beach Buggy

Beach Buggy is a free transportation service that provides rides to people around Jacksonville Beach and surrounding areas. Riders can request on-demand service for the buggies for groups up to 14 people.

How to get help:

Charity organizations in Jacksonville

This Jacksonville charity provides services to single moms and their families:

Family Promise of Jacksonville

Family Promise of Jacksonville helps single moms and their children who are facing homelessness by offering temporary shelter and case management to connect them to supportive services. 

Qualifications:

  • Single parent, two-parent family, or grandparent with children

How to get help:

Help for single moms in Miami, Florida

Find help in Miami with the following cash, employment, utility, and other assistance programs:

Emergency cash in Miami

The following Miami-based program can help families who need rental assistance:

Tenant-Based Rental Assistance

If you are in North Miami and have recently experienced a rent increase that you can’t afford, you may qualify for North Miami’s Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, which offers a one-time payment of up to $3,000 to help with rental costs.

Qualifications:

  • Current rental price is unaffordable
  • Renting within North Miami
  • Rent price doesn’t exceed 40% of household income
  • Income at or below 80% of area median income

How to get help:

  • Apply through your local HUD office
  • Call 305-893-6511

Housing help in Miami

Miami-Dade Florida Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP)

Low- to moderate-income residents in Miami-Dade County can get up to $28,500 in down payment assistance from the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust. These funds can be layered with funds from other state, county, and local government programs to help you buy a home.

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Miami-Dade County
  • Voluntarily attend a HUD-approved homebuyer education course
  • Annual income must not exceed 140% of the area median income in Miami-Dade County based on household size

How to get help:

Medical and dental care in Miami

Look to these programs and clinics to help you and your family get necessary medical and dental care: 

Free and low-cost health care through the Jackson Health System (JHS)

JHS provides free and low-cost primary and prenatal care to residents of Miami-Dade County who are without adequate health insurance. How much you pay is determined by your current income and household size.

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Miami-Dade county
  • Proof of citizenship immigration status
  • Income up to 300% of the FPL
  • Without funds or uninsured

How to get help:

  • Call 305-585-6000 to schedule a financial assessment appointment

Free and low-cost health care clinics in Miami

A few free and low-cost clinics are available for medical and dental care in Miami:

Qualifications:

  • Varies by location, but patients are typically required to fall within income guidelines and be uninsured or underinsured

How to get help:

  • Contact each clinic to learn more about its services and patient eligibility

Food help in Miami

The following resources can provide you with nutritious food for your family in Miami, Fla.:

NoMi Food Pantry

This food pantry offers food twice a month to North Miami families in need.

Qualifications:

  • Resident of North Miami
  • Qualify as needy, as determined by the food pantry, based on income

How to get help:

  • Call 305-893-6511, Ext. 20000 to make an appointment to apply for assistance

Food For Life Network

Food For Life Network is a charity organization that delivers ingredients and meals to parents and their children living with chronic illnesses. The organization has several programs, including a food pantry for families dealing with HIV/AIDS, home-delivered meals for long-term care members, and emergency food assistance for families with a financial hardship.

Qualifications:

  • Qualifications vary by program 

How to get help:

  • Speak with your current case manager to ask about a referral
  • Call 305-576-3663 for emergency food assistance

Child care help in Miami

If you’re having trouble paying for child care, consider the following resource for Miami families:

Early Learning Coalition of Miami Dade/Monroe

Get free or low-cost childcare through early learning centers partnered with the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Miami Dade/Monroe. Parent fees are based on a sliding scale by income. The agency also provides free pre-kindergarten instruction for children aged 4 and 5. 

Qualifications:

  • Meet income requirements as determined by ELC
  • Work or go to school

How to get help:

Miami Dade College’s Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) Program

Miami Dade College provides parents with children under age 5 who attend the school to get free childcare assistance at an approved daycare facility. 

Qualifications:

  • Enrolled in a degree program at Miami Dade College
  • At least one child under age 5
  • Receiving the Pell Grant
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA
  • Use an approved childcare center
  • Minimum enrollment of 6 credit hours

How to get help:

Education help in Miami

Single moms in Miami, Florida, who attend Miami Dade College may benefit from several school-sponsored financial resources:

Miami Dade College assistance for student parents

Miami Dade College supports parents who are attending the college through child care assistance, financial assistance, and professional development resources. Some scholarships provide free tuition, fees, and books for eligible student parents.

Qualifications:

  • Care for a child under age 18
  • Attend Miami Dade College

How to get help:

Employment help in Miami

If you’re looking for a job or training for a future job in Miami, check out the following resources: 

City of Miami Opportunity Center

Anyone in Miami can register for the City of Miami Opportunity Center, an online job portal for Miami-based jobs in all industries. After registering an account, you can view the status of jobs you applied to and sign up for job alerts when jobs match your skill set and interests.

Qualifications:

  • Miami resident or looking for work in Miami

How to get help:

Youth Employment Services in Miami

If you or your child is a young adult looking for work, check out Youth Education and Training Services, which offers several resources for people needing a job or wanting to develop their skills for employment, including:

  • High school and GED completion
  • Paid work experience
  • Internship placement
  • Employment, life, and financial skills training
  • Certifications for healthcare, hospitality, internet technology, and construction
  • Education scholarships
  • Help with transportation
  • Job placement

Qualifications:

  • Live in Miami-Dade County
  • Age 18-24

How to get help:

Transportation help in Miami

Miami’s residents can enjoy free transportation using these services:

City of Miami Trolley

The City of Miami has its own trolley system offering free rides to several areas of Miami, including the Health District, Coral Way, and Biscayne. Most trolley routes have operating hours throughout the week and on weekends, although some have limited weekend hours.

How to get help:

Miami Beach Trolley

The Miami Beach Trolley is open for free rides from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the week with routes all over Miami Beach. 

How to get help:

  • Call 305-673-7117

Metromover

The Metromover is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to move around Miami. The fare-free transit system operates seven days a week and offers a free bus shuttle if any routes are interrupted.

How to get help:

Charity organizations in Miami

Whether you need temporary housing for you and your children, financial assistance, or your basic needs met, the following Miami-based charity may be able to help:

Camillus House

Camillus House is a nonprofit organization that helps families get back on their feet after experiencing financial hardship. Camillus House provides meals, showers, clothing, and emergency and transitional housing to those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. It can also help you prevent eviction through its Homeless Prevention Program (HPP), which offers short-term financial assistance for rent or utilities.

Qualifications:

  • Varies by program

How to get help:

  • Call 877-994-4357

Help for single moms in Tampa, Florida

Are you a single mom in Tampa? Explore the following resources:

Emergency cash in Tampa

If you’re facing eviction or need help paying your rent or utilities, consider requesting help from this program:

Rental and Housing Assistance

Hillsborough County’s rental and housing assistance program helps low-income families pay their rent or utilities directly to their landlord.

Qualifications:

  • Income at or below 150% of FPL
  • Hillsborough County resident
  • U.S. citizen or resident alien
  • Current lease agreement
  • Responsible for paying lease

How to get help:

  • Call 813-272-5220

Housing help in Tampa

Consider the following programs if you need housing help in Tampa, Fla.:

Dare to Own the Dream (DARE)

Tampa’s DARE program pays eligible homebuyers up to $40,000 as a one-time payment toward their new home, depending on their income. Those with an income up to the maximum of 140% of the area median income can still earn a payment of $15,000 as a fully forgivable loan if they remain in the home for at least 10 years.

Qualifications:

  • Household income at or below 140% of the area median income
  • Minimum 600 credit score
  • Debt ratio of 36/43%
  • At least $2,000 investment from borrower
  • Maximum purchase price of $350,000
  • Home inspection

How to get help:

East Tampa CRA Down Payment Assistance Program

East Tampa CRA pays between $15,000 and $50,000 for eligible homebuyers to make a down payment on their new home. Homebuyers earning up to 30% of the area median income can qualify for a $50,000 payment, while those making a maximum of 140% of the area median income may receive $15,000. The payments are in the form of second mortgages with no interest or monthly payments, forgivable after seven years.

Qualifications:

  • Household income at or below 140% of the area median income
  • Minimum 600 credit score
  • Debt ratio of 36/43%
  • At least $1,000 investment from borrower
  • Maximum purchase price of $300,000
  • Home inspection
  • FHA, VA, or conventional mortgage

How to get help:

Medical and dental care in Tampa

Find free or low-cost medical or dental care in the Tampa area:

Tampa Bay Street Medicine Continuity Clinic

The Tampa Bay Street Medicine Continuity Clinic provides free walk-in medical care from experienced physicians and their medical students. Services include vital checks, wellness visits, prescriptions, and basic medical care. 

Qualifications:

  • Uninsured or without a primary care provider

How to get help:

Calvary Community Clinic

Calvary Community Clinic serves patients in the Tampa area who have low income or no health insurance. It offers free general medical services and health education. 

Qualifications:

  • Uninsured, unemployed, or low income

How to get help:

Community Dental Health Program

This program gives pregnant and postpartum women and their infants or children free basic dental services, like checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. 

Qualifications:

  • Pregnant women or women up to six months postpartum
  • Children 6 months to 20 years old
  • Hillsborough County resident

How to get help:

Mission Smiles

Mission Smiles offers a mobile dental clinic for low-income families who otherwise can’t afford basic dental care. Services are free to those who qualify based on their income.

Qualifications:

  • Meet income guidelines (at or near poverty level)

How to get help:

Food help in Tampa

If you and your children are in need of food or help paying for food, reach out to the following programs:

Feeding Tampa Bay

Feeding Tampa Bay operates a few food-based programs in the Tampa area that can benefit single moms and their children. The Trinity Cafe is open every day to serve a full-service meal to those in need. You can also take free nutrition courses or participate in a work training program to help you create a sustainable income to prevent hunger.

How to get help:

Community Food Pantry

The Community Food Pantry provides free bags of food to needy families on Saturdays and Wednesdays each week. Each family can receive food once every six weeks.

Qualifications:

  • Anyone in need of food

How to get help:

Child care help in Tampa

If you need help paying for child care, here’s a helpful Tampa, Florida resource:

Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County

This organization offers scholarships for eligible families to help offset the costs of child care while they work or attend school. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen
  • Child(ren) under the age of 13
  • Income within 140% of the FPL

How to get help:

Education help in Tampa

Get help paying for college or finishing your GED with these programs in Tampa:

LEAP Tampa Bay

LEAP Tampa Bay is a network of schools, businesses, and resources that help Tampa-area residents further their education affordably through technical training, financial aid guidance, and scholarships. Its Complete Tampa Bay program provides free assistance to students who have not yet finished their college degree, including transcript review, career coaching, and resource matching. 

How to get help:

  • Call 813-609-4866

Hillsborough County Adult Education and Training

Hillsborough County offers financial assistance for GED training courses and tests to eligible Hillsborough County residents. It also offers financial help for tuition, books, and fees through Hillsborough County’s technical colleges.

Qualifications:

  • Income below 125% of FPL
  • Hillsborough County resident
  • Must have government-issued ID and social security card

How to get help:

  • Call 813-231-1639

Employment help in Tampa

Check out this resource if you’re looking for work or want to improve your work-related skills:

CareerSource Tampa Bay

This organization serves those looking for work or training in the Tampa Bay area with its online job board, professional networking groups, and in-person career centers. It also has several online support services to help you prepare for your next job, like online skills training, interview simulations, and resume builders.

How to get help:

Transportation help in Tampa

Use these free transportation services in Tampa:

TECO Line Streetcar

This streetcar system offers free rides around Tampa, with streetcar stops as quickly as every 12 minutes during peak hours. The system operates every day of the week with extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights.

How to get help:

  • 813-254-4278

Emergency Ride Home

Tampa offers an Emergency Ride Home program, which provides rides home to college students and employees if their other rides fall through or they have an unexpected emergency causing them to leave work or school early. Although rides are usually up to $100 each, the program reimburses you for up to six rides each year if you commute with others at least twice a week.

How to get help:

Charity organizations in Tampa

These Tampa-based charities provide help to single moms and their families:

Dawning Family Services

This charity assists pregnant or single moms who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to get on their feet and into safe and secure housing. It offers rapid rehoming services, transitional housing, financial assistance to prevent homelessness, and employment help.

Qualifications:

  • Hillsborough County resident
  • Have children or be pregnant
  • Homeless or at risk of being homeless

How to get help:

Single Moms Community Program

Offered through the Living Faith Bible Fellowship, the Single Moms Community Program is a free, 10-week program for single moms to learn parenting and life skills to help strengthen their families.

Qualifications:

  • Single mom

How to get help:

  • Call 813-884-8401

Shirley’s Temple

Shirley’s Temple helps single parents rent and buy homes affordably. Its program begins with rental assistance for the family while teaching family literacy and eventually helps the family buy its first home with down payment assistance.

Qualifications:

  • Single mom
  • Complete initial screening, questionnaire, and in-person meeting

How to get help:

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