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Help for single moms in Louisiana: 39 assistance programs

By Emma Johnson | Updated Apr. 29, 2023 (originally published Apr. 12, 2023)
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If you’re a single mom in Louisiana 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 July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 federal poverty guidelines:

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$14,580
2$19,720
3$24,860
4$30,000
5$35,140
6$40,280
7$45,420
8$50,560

* For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,140 for each additional person.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Louisiana

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

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)-Louisiana

Louisiana’s TANF programs provide financial assistance, education, job preparation, and other services through two separate programs:  

Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP): Provides financial aid for children whose parents cannot provide sufficient financial support.

  • $484 per month for a family of three

Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP): Provides cash assistance for children who reside with a qualified relative other than a parent.

  • $450 per month for each eligible child 
  • Child cannot make more than $450 per month

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Louisiana resident
  • Financially needy family 
  • Must have Social Security numbers for all families members
  • Children must be 18 years old or younger or be 18 years old and enrolled in full-time secondary school/technical training
  • Individual receiving FITAP for child must be related by blood, marriage, or adoption
  • Children must live in the same home as applying relative
  • Applicant must assign child support/medical support rights to the state 
  • Applicant must cooperate with Child Support Enforcement Services
  • Monthly income cannot exceed the flat grant amount
    • Total countable income is subtracted from flat grant amount
    • Allowable income deductions:
      • Earned income deduction of $120 for each employed family member
      • Time limited deduction of $900 for six months for each employed family member
  • Work eligible applicants and recipients must participate in Strategies to Empower People (STEP) program
  • Children’s immunizations must be up to date
  • Each applicant/recipient who is pregnant or has a child under one years old must attend parenting skills training
  • Ineligible if parent or two parents have received benefits for 24 of the prior 60 months
  • Recipients have a lifetime limit of 60 months
  • Minor unmarried parents and children must reside in the home of parent, legal guardian, other adult relatives, or in an adult supervised arrangement
  • Applicants/recipients 18 years and older must cooperate in screening for use of illegal drugs, drug testing, and education/rehabilitation if needed

How to get help:

More emergency cash help in Louisiana: 

Single moms in Louisiana 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 Louisiana

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

Rental assistance in Louisiana

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

Emergency Rental Assistance

The Louisiana Emergency Rental Assistance Program was established to help those experiencing housing instability as a result of COVID-19. The statewide application closed on 12/21/2022. However, the following parishes may still be accepting applicants for individual programs: 

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. The voucher covers a portion of the rent. The tenant pays 30-40% of their monthly adjusted gross income for rent and utilities. 

Qualifications:

  • Louisiana resident
  • Income cannot exceed 50% of median income for the county in which you live

How to get help: 

Mortgage assistance in Louisiana

If you need help with your mortgage in Louisiana, these programs can help: 

Hope Credit Union Home Loans

Hope Credit Union Enterprise Corporation offers loan options for first-time homebuyers, those looking to refinance, and those denied lending due to low credit scores. Hope has specific loan products that cater to low- to moderate-income families:

  • FHA loan – Ideal for families with low to moderate income who cannot afford a large down payment
  • Hope loan – An affordable housing loan from Hope Credit Union you can apply for even if your credit score is as low as 580

Hope has loan options for any income level and credit standing.

Qualifications:

  • Louisiana resident

How to get help:

Market Rate GNMA Program

This program from the Louisiana Housing Corporation offers a 30-year fixed rate FHA, VA, or USDA Rural Development mortgage at low interest rates. It also helps homebuyers with down payment assistance or closing costs, up to 4% of the home’s purchase price.

Qualifications:

  • Available for purchase of a single home in Louisiana
  • Household must have income up to 115% of AMI
  • Minimum credit score of 640
  • First-time and repeat home buyers are able to apply

How to get help:

Market Rate Conventional Program

Conventional loan applicants can receive up to 4% assistance for down payments, closing costs, or prepaid items through the Louisiana Housing Corporation.

Qualifications:

  • Available for purchase of single-family home in Louisiana
  • Maximum loan amount of $453,100
  • Maximum allowed 80% AMI by parish and household size
  • Minimum credit score of 640
  • 97% LTV 1-unit
  • Homebuyer education required for first-time homebuyers

How to get help:

  • Contact a Louisiana Housing approved lender
  • Call 225-763-8700

MRB Home and Assisted Program

This program helps potential homebuyers who are at 80% AMI or less get a mortgage with interest rates below market level. 

Qualifications:

  • Must be a first-time homebuyer
  • Property must be in Louisiana
  • Purchase price cannot exceed $349,525
  • Minimum Credit score of 640
  • Must meet local income requirements:
    • $63,900 for a family of three in Baton Rouge area
    • $56,450 for a family of three in New Orleans area

How to get help:

  • Contact a Louisiana Housing approved lender
  • Call 225-763-8700

Resilience Soft Second Program

This program offers up to $55,000 for a down payment and up to $5,000 for closing costs on 30-year fixed-rate FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loan products. 

Qualifications:

  • Must be a first-time homebuyer
  • Annual household income at or below 80% of AMI
  • Properties cannot be located in a flood zone
  • Available only in parishes affected by the Great Floods of 2016

How to get help:

Check today's mortgage loan rates >>

Homeless and special needs housing assistance in Louisiana 

If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may be able to get help from the following program: 

Coordinated Entry Access Points

If you are about to lose your home or apartment, are living on the street or in your car, and/or are fleeing domestic violence, contact your local Coordinated Entry Access Point for assistance. 

Other homeless programs

There are programs across the state for homeless assistance: 

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in Louisiana

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

Energy Assistance Program (EAP) in Louisiana

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides a one-time annual benefit to help cover home energy bills if you are disconnected or about to be disconnected. EAP will not cover all energy costs.

Qualifications:       

  • U.S. citizen or legally admitted immigrant
  • Louisiana resident
  • Applicants must be responsible for the household energy bill
  • Applicant must have an active heating/cooling utility account
  • Applicants may only receive one LIHEAP benefit each season:
    • Heating: November 15-March 15
    • Cooling: April 1-September 30
    • Crisis: October 1-September 30
  • Income is at 60% of estimated state median income — $3,505 for a family of three

How to get help:

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps qualifying households lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. 

Qualifying projects may include: 

  • Air and duct sealing
  • Wall, floor, attic insulation
  • Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system improvements
  • Lighting efficiency 
  • Hot water tank insulation
  • Water conservation devices

Qualifications:

  • Income at or below 200% of FPL
  • Louisiana resident
  • Based on household income:

How to get help:

To apply for weatherization services, contact your local WAP providers.

Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) in Louisiana

LIHWAP helps eligible households pay for drinking and wastewater. It provides a one-time payment to low-income eligible households. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S. Citizen or legal immigrant
  • Louisiana resident
  • Responsible for paying the water bill
  • Income at or below 300% of FPL

How to get help:

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Louisiana

The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families in the state of Louisiana.

Louisiana Donated Dental Services

The Louisiana Donated Dental Services is part of Dental Lifeline Network. This program provides dental care to disabled, elderly, or medically at-risk patients. 

Qualifications: 

  • Lack adequate income to afford dental services
  • Permanently disabled, medically at risk, or 65 years or older

How to get help: 

Low or no-cost dental care in Louisiana

These local clinics provide low or no-cost dental services in Louisiana.

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Louisiana

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

Louisiana Medicaid Options

Medicaid provides medical benefits to lower-income families.

Qualifications:

  • Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration
  • Receive financial assistance from the Office of Family Support (OFS) through the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)

You may qualify if you are:

  • Disabled
  • Have corrected vision no better than 20/200
  • Low-income parent of children under 19
  • Child under the age of 19
  • Pregnant
  • Have no insurance and need treatment for breast and/or cervical cancer
  • Receive Medicare coverage and are low-income 
  • Aged 19-64, have a household income less than 138% of the FPL — $2,859/month for a family of three

How to get help:

ACT 421 Children’s Medicaid Option/TEFRA

This program allows certain children with disabilities to receive Medicaid coverage even if their household income is too high.

Qualifications:

  • Louisiana resident
  • U.S. Citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Under the age of 19
  • Have a disability recognized by the Supplemental Security Income program
  • Child does not have total assets over $2,000
  • Child’s income is less than three times the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR)
  • Child meets the institutional level of care provided in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or intermediate care facility

How to get help:

Medicaid Application Office

PO Box 91278

Baton Rouge, LA 70821

The Louisiana Children’s Health Insurance Program (LaCHIP)

LaCHIP provides health coverage to uninsured children who are up to 19 years old.

Qualifications:

  • Child under the age of 19
  • Child may not have current health insurance
  • Household meets income limits — $4,496/month for a family of three

How to get help:

  • Apply online
  • Call 877-252-2447 to have an application mailed to you
  • Apply in person at a local office
  • Visit the Medicaid LaCHIP website

LaCHIP Affordable Plan

This plan helps to cover uninsured children whose families have an income too high to qualify for regular LaCHIP. The premium is $50/month per household.

Services covered by LaCHIP and/or LaCHIP Affordable Plan:

  • Doctor Visits
  • Hospital Visits
  • Dental Care
  • Vision Care
  • Hearing Care
  • Lab Work & Tests
  • Immunizations (Shots)
  • Prescription Medicines
  • Medical Equipment & Supplies
  • Medically Necessary Transportation
  • Speech & Language Therapy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Mental Health Clinic Services
  • Psychological Tests & Therapy
  • Help Scheduling Appointments

Qualifications:

  • Child under the age of 19
  • Child may not have current health insurance
  • Household meets income limits — $4,894/month for a family of three

How to get help:

  • Apply online
  • Call 877-252-2447 to have an application mailed to you
  • Apply in person at a local office
  • Visit the Medicaid LaCHIP website

The Louisiana Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (LaHIPP)

LaHIPP may pay for your individual or employer-sponsored insurance if you or a family member qualifies for Medicaid. 

How to get help:

  • Download and complete the application. Submit form in one of the below ways:
    • Email completed form to [email protected] 
    • Fax form to 855-618-5486
    • Mail form to:
      • ATTN LaHIPP

P.O. Box 91030

Baton Rouge, LA 70821

LaMOMS

The LaMOMS program will pay for pregnancy-related services and may provide coverage for up to 12 months following the end of your pregnancy. 

Qualifications:

  • Louisiana resident
  • Any pregnant woman may apply for coverage
  • Meet income limits — $3,450 for a family of three

How to get help:

Partners for Healthy Babies (PHB)

PHB was implemented by the Bureau of Family Health and connects Louisiana moms/families to pregnancy resources, services, and information. 

How to get help:

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Louisiana

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

The Supplemental Nutrition 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 

Click here for a list of what you can and cannot buy. 

Qualifications:

  • Louisiana resident
  • U.S. citizen or legal immigrant
  • Show proof of identity
  • Households must provide or apply for Social Security numbers for each member
  • All able-bodied adults must register for work and accept suitable employment
  • Asset/resource limit of $5,000
  • Meet income limits within 200% of FPL — $3,052/month for a family of three, who can receive up to $740/month in SNAP benefits

How to get help: 

DCFS Economic Stability
P.O. Box 260031
Baton Rouge, LA 70826

  • Call 888-524-3578 to apply on the phone
  • Mail your completed application to or apply in person at any DFCS office
  • Once your application is filed a DFCS case manager will interview you
  • View the SNAP website for more information

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)/Feeding Louisiana

TEFAP is a federal program that helps low-income individuals in Louisiana supplement their diet by providing emergency nutrition at no cost. 

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

Louisiana’s 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:

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP)

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. 

Qualifications: 

How to get help: 

Contact your child’s school to enroll.

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

SFSP provides nutritious meals/snacks to children in low-income areas during summer months and long vacation periods during the school year. 

The program provides up to two meals or one meal and one snack per day per child. They are typically available at schools, churches, recreation centers, camps, playgrounds, parks, etc. 

Qualifications:

  • Children 18 years old and younger
  • Children 19 years and over who have a mental/physical disability

How to get help:

  • Call the National Hunger Hotline at 866-2-HUNGRY
  • Searchable Meal Site Locator
  • Call 866-348-6479 to find nearest site to you
  • Text “Summer Meals” to 97779

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Louisiana

There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Louisiana.

Louisiana 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: 

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

Child Care Assistance Program for Families (CCAP)

The CCAP provides financial assistance to low-income families while they are working or attending school. 

Qualifications:

  • Louisiana resident
  • Child/children are U.S. citizens or eligible aliens
  • Parents or legal guardians must:
    • Work at least 20 hours a week OR:
      • Attend school or a training program on a full-time basis 
      • Attend school or a training program for at least 20 hours a week
      • Attend a combination of school and work
      • Are actively seeking work
      • Participate in a transitional living program
      • Receive disability income
      • Are experiencing homelessness
  • Within income limits — $4,866 for a family of three

How to get help:

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Louisiana

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

Louisiana High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)

The HiSET is a five-part test that helps you earn a state-issued high school equivalency credential. 

Costs:

  • State administration fee: $10.00
  • Paper-Based test fee: $15.00
  • Computer-based fee: $10.75
  • Test center fee: $6.00
  • Test-at-home fee: $17.50

Qualifications:

  • You do not have to be a Louisiana resident
  • Students who are 16 to 18 years of age can take the test if you provide the following:
    • Enrollment in or authorization by an approved WorkReady U literacy program
    • Enrollment in state-recognized LA Options program
    • The HiSET Official Practice Test (OPT) is required 
  • If you are at least 19 years old you can take the exam without any other documentation
  • All applicants must present state/government issued identification

How to get help:

Grants and scholarships in Louisiana

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA) contains information on all scholarships and grants. There are no application fees when applying for scholarships or grants with LOSFA. 

Qualifications:

Each scholarship has its own list of qualifications. Visit the individual site for further review. 

How to get help:

Louisiana Believes Scholarship Program

The Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP) is designed to provide additional financial support to lower-income families. 

Qualifications:

  • Louisiana resident
  • Family income must not exceed 250% of the FPL
  • Children must be entering kindergarten or enrolled in public school with a C, D, F, or T letter grade

How to get help:

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programs

There are certain programs that forgive some or all of your federal student loans if you choose a career in government, military, education, or other public services. Visit the ECMC website for more information about each program and to see if you qualify. 

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Louisiana

Workforce programs in Louisiana provide training and assist with employment:

Unemployment Insurance/HiRE

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

Helping Individuals Reach Employment (HiRE) also helps you search for job openings, post a resume online, find career guidance, search for training/education programs, find local employers, or file for unemployment. 

Qualifications: 

  • Louisiana resident
  • Unemployed through no fault of your own
  • Previously employed for the first four quarters of the last five calendar quarters
  • Able to work, available to work, actively seeking work 

How to get help: 

American Job Centers

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

How to get help: 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Louisiana

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

The Salvation Army of Louisiana

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 Louisiana's branch to find out more information. 

Catholic Charities of Louisiana

Catholic Charities assist with:

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

United Way of Louisiana

The United Way of Louisiana 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: 

Learn about more nonprofit programs and other charities in Louisiana.

Not your state? Select yours here:

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Wealthysinglemommy.com founder Emma Johnson is an award-winning business journalist, activist, author and expert. A former Associated Press reporter and MSN Money columnist, Emma has appeared on CNBC, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR, TIME, The Doctors, Elle, O, The Oprah Magazine. Winner of Parents magazine’s “Best of the Web” and a New York Observer “Most Eligible New Yorker," her #1 bestseller, The Kickass Single Mom (Penguin), was a New York Post Must Read. As an expert on divorce and gender, Emma presented at the United Nations Summit for Gender Equality and multiple state legislature hearings. More about Emma's credentials.

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