Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.
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.)
Number of people in family/household
Annual income
1
$15,960
2
$21,640
3
$27,320
4
$33,000
5
$38,680
6
$44,360
7
$50,040
8
$55,720
For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.
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) in Montana
Delivered through Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), TANF helps low-income families with emergency funds to help cover the costs of:
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
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:
Montana resident
Income cannot exceed 50% of median income for the county in which you live
If you need help getting or paying for a mortgage in Montana, these programs can help:
Montana Homeowner Assistance Fund
The Montana Housing Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) is for Montanans whose GMI does not exceed 150% of the AMI. 60% of funds available must target Montanans whose GMI does not exceed 100% of the AMI.
The fund is available in two forms:
Interest-free loan to bring a mortgage account current
Grant to prevent property tax foreclosure or to remove or prevent creation of other liens (HOA, COA, etc.) that would place the homeowner at imminent risk of displacement
Homeowners can also get assistance with utility payments.
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, check out these programs in Montana:
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV)
The EHV program helps families and individuals experiencing homelessness by helping them find affordable housing in the short term and establishing housing stability in the long term.
Qualifications:
EHVs are limited to individuals and families who are:
Homeless or at risk of homelessness
Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking
Recently homeless and for whom providing rental assistance will prevent the family’s homelessness
High risk of housing instability
How to get help:
If you’re experiencing a housing crisis and need help, dial 2-1-1 or visit 2-1-1 Montana
Montana’s Emergency Solutions Grant helps those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by partnering with service providers to provide the following services in Montana:
Rapid rehousing
Emergency shelter provisions
Homelessness prevention
Street outreach
How to get help:
If you’re experiencing a housing crisis and need help, dial 2-1-1 or visit 2-1-1 Montana
Montana residents can submit a combined LIHEAP, LIHWAP, and WAP application, which allows you to apply to all three utilities programs at once. Please see the information for each program below:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance in Montana
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay part of their winter energy bills and may be able to assist with furnace emergencies. See benefit amounts and income limits based on your home size and type of fuel.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or legally admitted immigrant
Montana resident
For a household of three, the LIHEAP, LIHWAP, and CRF upper limit is $45,450
Submit a combined LIHEAP, LIHWAP, and WAP application
Weatherization Assistance Program in Montana
WAP helps qualifying households lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes safer, healthier, and more energy efficient. Types of assistance 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:
Low-income homeowners and renters (at or below 200% of the FPL), with priority given to higher-risk residents such as:
Elderly
Disabled individuals
Families with children
High energy users
Households that receive TANF, SSI, or LIHEAP are automatically income-eligible for WAP.
Medical insurance & dental help for single moms in Montana
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families in Montana:
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Montana
HRSA, an agency of the U.S. 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 national 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you’re 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 Montana by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool
Montana Medicaid
Montana Medicaid provides health care benefits for eligible low-income Montanans, including:
Dental care
Doctor, hospital, and emergency services
Family planning
Home health services
Laboratory and x-ray services
Maternity and newborn care
Mental health and substance abuse treatment
Prescription drugs
Rehabilitative services and supplies
School-based services
Speech therapy, audiology, and hearing aids
Transportation to appointments
Vision care.
Qualifications:
Montana resident
U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant
Has an SSN or applying for one
Under the income limits (examples below are for a household of three):
HMK offers free and low-cost health insurance plans to children of families whose incomes are too high for Medicaid. A family's maximum copayment amount is $215 per benefit year.
Donated Dental Services – Montana Dental Association
The Montana Donated Dental Services (DDS) program helps eligible low-income residents of Montana who are disabled, elderly, or medically compromised with dental care and associated fees.
Qualifications:
Have a permanent physical or mental disability, or be age 65 or older, and unable to be employed
Have no other means of obtaining needed dental care
Need extensive (comprehensive) dental treatment (more than a basic check-up and/or cleaning)
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Montana
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:
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that provides emergency nutrition at no cost through local food banks in Montana.
Qualifications:
Each food bank sets its own eligibility and proof of need requirements
People receiving Food Assistance in Montana automatically qualify for TEFAP
How to get help:
Visit Find Food Banks in Montana to find your nearest food bank.
Montana 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
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) & School Breakfast Program (SBP)
NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price, or free meals to children in school. An extension of the NSLP, the SBP provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students.
The Montana SFSP, funded by the USDA, serves healthy meals to youth ages 18 and under at no cost during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, parks, and libraries and other central sites in low-income areas.
Qualifications:
Meet current income guidelines for the federal SFSP — $42,606/year for a family of three
Children must be present to receive “grab & go” food bundles
Child care help for low-income families in Montana
There are several federally funded education programs and resources in Montana:
Montana 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
Montana’s Early Childhood Services Bureau offers Best Beginnings child care scholarships to qualified low-income families whose child receives care from a licensed child care center, licensed group home, or family child care home.
For a family of three at 100% of the FPL, the maximum monthly income is $1,919, and the maximum monthly co-payment for child care is $77.
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education in Montana, here are some helpful resources:
High school equivalency in Montana
In Montana, you can obtain your high school equivalency certification by taking and passing a HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) exam. Most colleges, universities, and employers accept the HiSET in place of a high school diploma.
Students looking to earn their high school equivalency can take five separate HiSET subtests at one of Montana’s testing centers or online in English or Spanish:
Math
Social Studies
Science
Language Arts
Writing
HiSET fees & scores in Montana:
Online: $65 for full test, or $16.25 per subject
Test centers: $128 for full test, or $32 per subject
Score: 8 in each subtest, combined score of 45; minimum of 2 on the Language Arts/Writing essay
Qualifications:
Resident of Montana
19 years old or older; however, you can take the test if you are 16, 17, or 18 with additional requirements specified by Montana state rules
You cannot be enrolled in an accredited high school or be a high school graduate
You can also search Scholarships.com for more scholarships available in Montana. You will find links to the specific scholarships, scholarship application deadlines, and amounts given (if available). For students who want extra help with scholarship essays, a dedicated scholarship essay writing service can provide targeted editing and example drafts to improve your chances of winning competitive awards.
“The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families
Not your state? Select yours here:
If you’re a single mom in Nebraska struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with:
Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.
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.)
Number of people in family/household
Annual income
1
$15,960
2
$21,640
3
$27,320
4
$33,000
5
$38,680
6
$44,360
7
$50,040
8
$55,720
For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.
Emergency cash for low-income families in Nebraska
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) in Nebraska
ADC — Nebraska’s version of the 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 maximum amount paid out is 55% of the ADC Standard of Need based on the number of eligible members in the household. Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 60 months for adults. Children living with relatives may qualify for a longer assistance period.
Qualifications:
Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Permanent Nebraska 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
A child must be living in the home maintained by a parent or a relative who is a blood relative of the child.
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Rental assistance in Nebraska
There are multiple programs in Nebraska to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
Emergency Assistance Program
The Emergency Assistance Program funds shelter expenses, relocation expenses, or non-medical transportation for families in need. Payments are made directly to the provider of the service.
Qualifications:
A family must have a child living in the home and meet income guidelines to qualify, which are the same as the income limits for the SNAP program.
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) has several programs to help with down payments and closing costs in the form of a second mortgage loan. Interest rates for this second loan are currently at 1%. Some programs require a minimum investment from the homebuyer of $1,000. See the NIFA site for more details about individual programs.
The main goal of the Nebraska Homeless Assistance Program (NHAP) is to prevent Nebraska residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. The program offers 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.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Nebraska, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Nebraska
LIHEAP helps qualifying households with home heating and cooling costs, paid directly to utility companies. The agency does not assist with water, sewer, or telephone services.
Heating season runs from October 1st to March 31st, and the cooling season runs from June 1st to August 31st.
Low-income Nebraska residents may also qualify for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), which provides financial assistance to water utility providers for households whose drinking water or wastewater services are disconnected or past due.
Responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills
Resident of Nebraska
U.S. Citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S.
Qualifications for LIHEAP cooling only:
Household includes child under age 6 who receives ADC or someone age 70 or older
Household includes someone with a severe illness or condition that is aggravated by extreme heat as verified by a medical statement signed by a licensed health care provider
Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) energy assistance programs
OPPD administers three programs to help customers in its 13-county service area in Nebraska, which includes the counties of Douglas, Saunders, Washington, Burt, Dodge, Colfax, Sarpy, Cass, Otoe, Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee, and Richardson:
OPPD Energy Efficiency Assistance Program (EEAP): Helps reduce energy bills through educating families on energy use and making energy-efficient upgrades from a grant of up to $2,000
OPPD Energy Assistance Program (EAP): Offers financial assistance of up to $500 per year with utility bills to OPPD households experiencing financial hardship or emergencies
OPPD Customer Assistance Program Pilot (CAP): Provides a monthly credit on electric bills to help customers reduce payments to an affordable amount
OPPD payment plans: OPPD offers an installment payment program and a level payment program to help customers
Qualifications:
Eligibility requirements are different for each program but you must be an OPPD customer.
EEAP:
Household income cannot exceed 200% of the federal poverty level
Homeowner in the OPPD service area or renter with written landlord/property owner’s permission to apply
EAP:
Household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
Provide proof of financial hardship or emergency
CAP:
Must be current on OPPD bill and pay monthly
Household income at or below 100% of the federal poverty guidelines
Must report any change in household size or income within 10 business days
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Nebraska
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Nebraska
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 Nebraska by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
Nebraska Medicaid
Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In Nebraska, benefits 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
Nebraska CHIP — part of the national Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — offers health coverage for children under age 18. It provides the same services covered under Medicaid in Nebraska.
Most families pay nothing, and many pay as little as $15 or $20 a month for all children in the household.
CHIP and Medicaid provide both health and dental services with a choice of local doctors, dentists, hospitals, and pharmacies. Benefits include:
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) works with partners to distribute oral health kits in the community. The kits teach parents, guardians, and children about the proper way to care for teeth.
Qualifications:
These oral health kits are available for all children and are distributed to birthing hospitals, Head Start programs, WIC centers, day cares, foster child sites, and other places that cater to children’s needs.
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Nebraska 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 Double Up Food Bucks allows Nebraskans to use their EBT cards at participating stores and markets to get more fresh fruit and vegetables. Double Up matches fruit and vegetable purchases dollar for dollar, up to $20 a day.
Qualifications:
Nebraska 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
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
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.
Contact the Office of Nutrition Services at 402-471- 2488
Email nde.nsweb@nebraska.gov
Nebraska’s Summer Food Service Program
The Nebraska Department of Education serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, parks, and libraries.
Child care help for low-income families in Nebraska
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Nebraska:
Nebraska 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
Nebraska’s Child Care Subsidy Program helps cover the cost of child care so a parent can work or attend a training or education program. The full cost of child care may be covered. Depending on their income, some families may owe a monthly fee that is paid directly to the child care provider.
Qualifications:
Nebraska resident
Children must be 12 or younger
Families may receive Child Care Subsidy for a child up to age 19 if the child requires care due to a special need
Parent must be working or attending school
Going to medical or therapy visits for self or child
This program provides free baby care items to Nebraska families experiencing hardship such as diapers, baby wipes, clothing, strollers, car seats, and bouncers.
Qualifications:
Any family with children aged 5 or younger living in the Omaha metro area
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in Nebraska
If you are at least 18 years old in Nebraska, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 or 17 with special permission and forms from the school district where you live.
The Nebraska Department of Education provides adult education programs across the state. Through these programs, Nebraskans can get GED testing vouchers.
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 Nebraska:
Online at-home test – $36 per subject
In person at a test center – $30 per subject
Grants and scholarships in Nebraska
The Nebraska Department of Education connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in Nebraska.
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.
Workforce programs in Nebraska provide training and assist with employment:
Nebraska Reemployment Assistance (Unemployment Insurance) Program
This program provides unemployment compensation to eligible Nebraska workers who are out of work through no fault of their own. The Reemployment Program also helps Nebraskans find job opportunities through one-on-one assistance.
The maximum weekly benefit amount for 2023 is $514.
“The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families
Not your state? Select yours here:
If you’re a single mom in Nevada struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with:
Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.
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.)
Number of people in family/household
Annual income
1
$15,960
2
$21,640
3
$27,320
4
$33,000
5
$38,680
6
$44,360
7
$50,040
8
$55,720
For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.
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) in Nevada
The Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) in Nevada offers five different TANF programs, which provide financial assistance and services to people in need.
If a family qualifies for more than one program, the family has the final say in which one they choose. A family of three can get up to $383 a month.
TANF Neon
For families with work-eligible adults
Head of household must enter into a Personal Responsibility Plan for reducing their dependency on public assistance
Adults must work a defined number of hours to remain eligible for the program
Households may receive 24 months of assistance after which they are unable to receive cash assistance for 12 months
TANF Child-Only
Cash assistance program for families with no work-eligible adults
Monthly cash benefit may be given if a child is living with a relative or caregiver because their parent is not in the home or ineligible to work due to citizenship requirements
If you accept TANF-Child Only, you must cooperate with child services
Self Sufficiency Grant (SSG)
One-time lump sum payment for families who may be eligible for another program but have an immediate financial need
If you receive SSG, you are not eligible to receive TANF benefits for a period of time afterward, determined by dividing the SSG benefit amount by the maximum TANF benefit for your household size
Temporary (TEMP) Program
Provides monthly cash payments to help with immediate financial needs
Limited to no more than four months per episode (an unforeseen circumstance such as a fire, earthquake, etc.)
TANF Loan
Monthly cash payment to meet immediate financial needs with the expectation that an adult member has a future source of income and will be able to pay the money back
Households may receive 24 months of assistance, after which they cannot receive cash benefits for 12 months
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
Nevada resident
Children aged 7 to 12 years old must attend school
Child 18 years old in school full time and expected to graduate before or in the month of their 19th birthday is eligible for TANF through their graduation month
Minor parents must be enrolled and attending high school or participating in GED program
Adults must sign Agreement of Cooperation
Assessment is required for each household member to evaluate existing skills, prior work experience, employment potential, and other issues that may be a barrier to self-sufficiency (TANF-NEON, TANF CHILD ONLY, and TANF-LOAN)
Parent/caregiver must cooperate in establishing paternity or seeking child support from non-custodial parent
Children must be living with individual applying for assistance
Each TANF member must apply for Social Security Number unless you are a non-qualified citizen
All children in household must be immunized properly
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Rental assistance in Nevada
There are multiple programs in Nevada to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
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% to 40% of their monthly adjusted gross income for rent and utilities.
Qualifications:
Nevada resident
Income cannot exceed 50% of AMI for the county in which you live
Clark County CARES Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) was initially established to help residents of Clark County who had been impacted by COVID-19 with rent.
The program has now been updated to help those facing eviction due to non-payment of rent.
Qualifications:
Resident of Clark County
At least one member of a household living on a fixed income
Have experienced a rent increase within a 12-month period prior to the date of application
Received an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent
Have filed an Answer to the eviction notice in Justice Court
If you need help with your mortgage in Nevada, these programs can help:
Unemployment Mortgage Assistance Program (UMA)
This program provides temporary financial help to Nevada homeowners who have suffered a loss of income due to under- or unemployment, up to $3,000 per month for 12 months.
Qualifications:
Experienced involuntary job loss due to COVID-19 pandemic on or after January 21, 2020
At least one homeowner must be currently unemployed and receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) or have received UIB any time on or after January 21, 2020
Household income must be equal to or less than 150% of AMI or 100% of the median income of the U.S., whichever is greater
Homeowner must own and occupy a single family Nevada home as a primary residence
3-year lien will be required
Eligible financial hardship must have occurred after the purchase of the home
This program helps income-qualified Nevada homeowners in default who have experienced COVID-19-related financial hardships.
Households can receive up to $50,000 in assistance.
Qualifications:
Experienced involuntary job loss due to COVID-19 pandemic on or after January 21, 2020
Mortgage and/or housing related expenses (property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and/or HOA dues), must be two or more payments past due at the time of the application
Must be able to sustain monthly mortgage payment after reinstatement
Household income must be equal to or less than 150% of AMI or 100% of the median income of the U.S., whichever is greater
Homeowner must own and occupy a single family Nevada home as a primary residence
A 3 year or 5 year lien will be required
Eligible financial hardship must have occurred after the purchase of the home
These programs help low- and moderate-income homebuyers get a fixed interest rate 30-year mortgage with assistance for down payment and/or closing costs.
This new program from the Nevada Housing Division helps homebuyers qualify for 30-year fixed rate mortgages with up to $15,000 in down payment assistance, which may be forgivable if you stay in the home for at least three years. Home purchase price limits vary by county.
Qualifications:
First-time homebuyer
Nevada resident for at least 6 months prior to applying
This program helps determine which state or federal assistance may be available to you, as a “one-stop” free resource. Call 855-457-4638 for assistance.
Homeless and special needs housing assistance in Nevada
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may be able to get help from the following programs:
Emergency Solutions Grant Program
The Nevada Housing Division receives funds from the federal government to provide services to individuals at risk of homelessness or who are currently homeless. They help with:
If you are at risk of homelessness or are currently homeless, Nevada’s Coordinated Entry System may help you find housing. You can go to any Clark County Social Service office for help.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Nevada, check out the following programs:
Energy Assistance Program (EAP) in Nevada
EAP provides a one-time annual benefit to help cover home energy bills if you are disconnected or about to be disconnected. The benefit amount varies based on household size, income, and energy usage.
Qualifications:
U.S. Citizen or legally admitted immigrant
Nevada resident
Applicants must be partly responsible for the household energy bill
Applicant must have an active heating/cooling utility account
Household’s total monthly gross income may not exceed 150% of FPL — $2,878.75/month for a household of three
One application is completed submit it through fax, DWSS office drop off boxes, or email to energyassistance@dwss.nv.gov
Water and Sewer Assistance Program (WSAP)
The WSAP provides assistance to qualifying low-income Nevadans with the help of water and wastewater bill costs. Applications will be accepted through September 30th, 2023, or until funds run out. Eligible households receive a one-time benefit of at least $240.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Nevada resident
Household must be responsible for water and sewer costs
Household’s total monthly gross income may not exceed 150% of FPL — $2,878.75/month for a household of three
WAP helps qualifying households lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Owners of eligible rental properties may be required to pay 50% of any improvements.
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Nevada
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families in the state of Nevada.
Low or no-cost dental care in Nevada
These local clinics provide low or no-cost dental services in Nevada. Each clinic sets its own eligibility criteria.
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Nevada
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 Nevada by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
Nevada Medicaid
Medicaid provides medical benefits to eligible low-income families. The Division of Welfare and Support Services (DWSS) determines eligibility.
Qualifications:
Adults between 19-64 years old
Income is at or below 138% of FPL
Children under the age of 19 whose income is at or below 205% of FPL
Pregnant women whose household income level is less than 165% of the FPL
Parents or caretakers with income at or below 138% FPL
Nevada Check Up provides low-cost health coverage to uninsured children who are not covered by private insurance or Medicaid. This is the state of Nevada’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Qualifications:
Nevada resident
U.S. Citizen or qualified Non-Citizen
Children aged up through 18 years old
Household income with an annual income of up to 200% of FPL — maximum income per year is $49,720 for a family of three
The Nevada Health link website was created to help people find affordable health insurance that fits within their budget. Nevadans can browse, compare, and purchase qualifying health insurance plans.
Community Health Alliance
Community Health Alliance offers seven locations that are able to provide care regardless of income or insurance status. They are able to provide services for:
If you're a parent caring for a child with autism or developmental delays, these Nevada sources may help you access therapy and support:
Autism and ABA Therapy in Las Vegas (Nevada Autism Center)
Nevada Autism Center provides ABA therapy for children with autism in Las Vegas, with services like functional assessments, 1:1 ABA therapy, social skills support, family guidance, and school readiness. They offer center-based services and can also support kids in community settings.
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:
WIC provides checks to buy healthy foods, information about nutrition and health, support and information about breastfeeding, and help finding other community services.
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
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.
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. These 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
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Nevada.
Nevada 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
This program provides financial assistance to eligible parents for child care services. You can use their child care portal below to find licensed care in Nevada.
The HiSET is a five-part test that helps you earn a state-issued high school equivalency credential.
Costs:
Paper-based test: $15
Computer-based test: $10.75
Test-at-home fee: $17.50
Qualifications:
You do not have to be enrolled in high school
Must be without a high school diploma
18 years and older if you have not already passed a state-approved high school equivalency exam
16-17 years old under certain conditions
Must present written permission of withdrawal from compulsory attendance from the board of trustees of a school district along with signed parental permission
The Nevada State’s Treasurer’s Office has a comprehensive list of available grants and scholarships for Nevada students pursuing post-secondary education.
Qualifications:
Each scholarship has its own list of qualifications. Visit the individual site for further review.
Jeremiah Program operates in several states including out of Las Vegas to offer grants and other support to low-income single mothers committed to earning a college degree.
Workforce programs in Nevada provide training and assist with employment:
Unemployment Insurance
This program provides temporary unemployment compensation to eligible Nevada workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.
Qualifications:
Nevada resident
Unemployed through no fault of your own
Must have earned at least a minimum amount in wages before you were unemployed
Must have earned at least $400 during the highest paid quarter of your base period (earliest four of the five complete calendar quarters before you file) and one of the following:
Your total earnings during base period must be at least one-and-a half times your earnings during the highest paid quarter
You must have earned some wages in at least three of the four quarters of the base period
Able to work, available to work, actively seeking work
“The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families
Not your state? Select yours here:
If you’re a single mom in New Hampshire struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with:
Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.
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.)
Number of people in family/household
Annual income
1
$15,960
2
$21,640
3
$27,320
4
$33,000
5
$38,680
6
$44,360
7
$50,040
8
$55,720
For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.
Emergency cash for low-income families in New Hampshire
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
Financial Assistance to Needy Families in New Hampshire
Financial Assistance to Needy Families Program (FANF) — New Hampshire’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 and size.
FANF cash assistance is provided through the following programs:
New Hampshire Employment Program (NHEP)
Family Assistance Program (FAP)
Interim Disabled Parent (IDP) program
Families With Older Children (FWOC) program
All FANF programs have the same cash eligibility requirements — you can find out if you qualify using this online eligibility tool. Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 60 months for adults.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
New Hampshire 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
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Rental assistance in New Hampshire
There are multiple programs in New Hampshire to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
Emergency Rent Assistance
If you are behind on your rent and facing eviction, your local Community Action agency might be able to help. Emergency Rent Assistance is available to income-eligible households.
Qualifications:
Eligibility is determined by each individual Community Action agency.
If you need help buying a home in New Hampshire, these programs can help:
New Hampshire Homeowner Assistance Fund
If you are facing foreclosure or struggling to pay your mortgage and other important home expenses like property tax, the New Hampshire Homeowner Assistance Fund may be able to help.
The fund offers three options:
Mortgage loan reinstatement with a maximum benefit of $20,000
Default resolution of property charges of up to $20,000
Payment assistance for utilities or internet up to $3,000
Qualified properties are eligible for up to $20,000 in assistance.
Qualifications:
New Hampshire resident
Proof of COVID-related impact on income or household expenses after January 21,2020
New Hampshire Housing offers a number of different homeownership programs to help make home ownership more affordable. While each specific program has different income limits, in general, most programs assist households with incomes up to $151,200:
New Hampshire Home First and Home First Plus
The Home First and Home First Plus program provides a low-rate mortgage and the option to add up to $10,000 in cash down payment assistance.The down payment assistance is a second mortgage and is fully forgivable after four years.
New Hampshire Housing also helps with down payment and closing costs. The Home Flex Plus and Home Preferred Plus programs provide cash assistance to help with down payments and closing costs in the form of a second mortgage that is forgiven after four years. If the home is sold prior to four years, the money needs to be repaid in full.
The main goal of the Bureau of Housing Supports is to prevent New Hampshire 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.
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Greater Nashua, The Front Door has programs to help you get back on track, including:
Transformational Housing: This program helps single moms 18 to 35 years old and their children (or expectant mothers) chart a path toward self-sufficiency
Housing Stability: A financial help program that assists people who are at risk of homelessness, offering resources like back rent, utility bill help, and mortgage loans
Affordable Housing: You can apply for The Front Door affordable housing units
Qualifications:
Each program has its own eligibility requirements. Contact The Front Door to ask about a specific program.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in New Hampshire, check out the following programs:
Electric Assistance Program
New Hampshire’s Electric Assistance Program (EAP) provides eligible customers with a discount on their monthly electric bills. The discounts range from 8% to 76%, depending on the customer’s gross household income and household size. EAP provides a maximum of 12 months of assistance.
New Hampshire Electric Co-op (NHEC) Financial Assistance
NHEC can assist with payment arrangements if you are behind on your NHEC electric bill. They also offer Project Care, a program that issues grants to stop service disconnection or restart service after a shutoff. Grants are issued once within a 12-month period.
Qualifications:
NHEC member
Electric service at risk of being disconnected or already disconnected
You are eligible for Project Care if you have already applied to other agencies and exhausted all other resources such as EAP.
The Gas Assistance Program can help eligible heating customers with their natural gas winter heating bills. Income-eligible customers of Liberty Utilities and Unitil-Gas may be able to receive a 45% discount on heating bills.
Qualifications:
New Hampshire resident
Must be heating customers of either Liberty Utilities or Unitil-Gas
Must receive or qualify for benefits from one of the following programs:
Fuel Assistance Program
Electric Assistance Program
Supplemental Security Income Program
Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
Commodity Surplus Foods Program (for women, infants and children)
Elderly Commodity Surplus Foods Program
Temporary Aid to Needy Families Program (TANF)
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Head Start Program
Aid to Permanently and Totally Disabled (APTD)
Aid to the Needy Blind
Old Age Assistance
Food Stamps
How to get help:
Contact your gas company directly at 800-833-4200 for Liberty Utilities and 888-301-7700 for Unitil-Gas.
Fuel Assistance Program
For households having trouble paying for heat during the winter season, the Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) helps households during a heating emergency by:
Securing an emergency delivery of fuel
Delaying a shut-off notice
Referring clients to another source of assistance
Fuel Assistance benefits range from $304 to $3,024 per household, taking into account household income, energy costs, number of heating degree days within a region, and housing type.
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in New Hampshire
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 New Hampshire by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
New Hampshire Medicaid
Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In New Hampshire, most Medicaid recipients can receive the following benefits:
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
New Hampshire Medicaid for Children — part of the national Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — is for children of families who don’t qualify for Medicaid.
Most families pay nothing, and many pay as little as $15 or $20 a month for all children in the household.
Medicaid for Children provides both health and dental services with a choice of local doctors, dentists, hospitals, and pharmacies. Benefits include:
This nonprofit runs a mobile clinic that provides free healthcare to people in New Hampshire who are uninsured or underinsured. In addition, medical volunteers can show you how to find other healthcare resources.
Qualifications:
You do not have a primary care doctor
You are uninsured or underinsured
You have insurance but are struggling with affording co-pays or medication
The New Hampshire Smiles program offers dental benefits such as exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and oral surgery. These services are for children and adults who receive full Medicaid benefits.
Food help for low-income families in New Hampshire
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
New Hampshire 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 in retail food stores to purchase food, including:
Breads
Cereals
Fruits
Vegetables
Meats
Fish
Poultry
Dairy
Plants and seeds to grow food
With every SNAP dollar spent at participating Farmers' Markets, you will get an additional dollar to spend on fresh fruits and veggies.
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
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.
Apply online or contact your child’s school to enroll.
New Hampshire’s Summer Food Service Program
The New Hampshire Department of Education serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, parks and libraries.
Qualifications:
You must be 18 or younger to receive free summer meals.
Food banks in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire website.
Southern New Hampshire Services (SNHS) Community Gardens
SNHS Community Gardens serves residents of Hillsborough County who wish to grow food for their families. Every year, 50 land plots are set aside for families to grow food with 75% of all space offered free to low-income families. If you exceed income guidelines, the cost is $20. Applications are due every April and the gardening plot is open through September.
Child care help for low-income families in New Hampshire
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in New Hampshire:
New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire’s Child Care Scholarship helps parents cover the cost of child care for children under age 13. This is a cost-share program, so families are required to contribute a portion of the cost.
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in New Hampshire
If you are at least 18 years old in New Hampshire, you can take the HiSET test (which replaced the GED in New Hampshire). Students who are 16 and 17 can take the test with an approved waiver.
The NH Department of Education Bureau of Adult Education administers the NH HiSET at testing centers and issues the NH high school equivalency certificate.
Before taking your HiSET, some testing centers require test takers to first pass the Official HiSET Practice Test. Local test centers may impose additional requirements concerning age waivers, initial testing, and retesting through local school board policies.
Grants and scholarships in New Hampshire
The following grants and scholarships may be available to students in New Hampshire:
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is the largest provider of publicly available scholarships in the state, awarding nearly 1,800 students each year. Through the NHCF, there are 451 scholarship funds.
For grant information call 603-225-6641 ext. 21249 and email endy.cahill@nhcf.org
Governor’s Scholarship Program
The Governor's Scholarship Program provides scholarships of up to $2,000 a year to eligible New Hampshire students toward the cost of a postsecondary educational or training program.
The program is for high school graduates who enroll full-time and attend a participating postsecondary education institution of their choice within New Hampshire.
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.
WorkNowNH, a free job search and readiness program from the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security (NHES) helps eligible applicants find employment. As a WorkNowNH recipient you can get the following benefits:
Up to $6,500 toward tuition
Up to $500 to purchase books and supplies for school
Up to $160 per month for travel reimbursement
Up to $100 for child care registration fees
WorkNowNH also helps with job placement, training, and referrals to programs and community resources. There is even a reentry program for those soon to be released from correctional facilities.
Qualifications:
New Hampshire resident
Medicaid or Expanded Medicaid recipient
Other eligibility requirements set by NHES
How to get help:
Call 833-658-4760
Fill out and submit the intake form to WorkNowNH@nhes.nh.gov
American Job Centers
The American Job Centers offer employment and training services, career counseling, and job search assistance.
“The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families
Not your state? Select yours here:
If you’re a single mom in California struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with:
Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.
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.)
Number of people in family/household
Annual income
1
$15,960
2
$21,640
3
$27,320
4
$33,000
5
$38,680
6
$44,360
7
$50,040
8
$55,720
For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.
Emergency cash for low-income families in California
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 California
In California, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is called CalWORKS. This welfare program offers cash aid and services for qualifying families with children, or to relatives who have court-ordered custody of a child.
CalWORKS serves all 58 counties in California. Eligible families can receive immediate short-term help for:
Housing
Food
Utilities
Clothing
Medical care
Those who qualify for ongoing assistance can receive money every month for up to 48 months as long as they enroll in the Welfare-to-Work program for a designated number of hours each week.
Welfare-to-Work assesses participants based on their education and employment history to determine if they should:
Be placed immediately into a job
Begin an education or training program
Combination of both
Participants may also be eligible for child care and transportation services.
These are the maximum benefits per family size:
Family size
Minimum Basic Standard of Adequate Care (MBSAC) Limit
1
$757
2
$1,242
3
$1,539
4
$1,826
5
$2,083
6
$2,343
7
$2,575
8
$2,802
9
$3,041
10
$3,300
Qualifications:
Live in California and plan to stay
U.S. citizen, or immigrant who has been given permission to live in the United States
Have an eligible child(ren) and/or are pregnant, and:
One or both parents do not live in the home, are no longer living, or are disabled
Both parents are living in the home, but the person who makes the most money is either not working or working less than 100 hours per month at the time of application
Have a Social Security Number or have applied for one
Show that take-home wages are less than the maximum aid payment for each family size (MBSAC in the table above)
Have less than $10,888 in cash, the bank, all accounts, and other resources
Give proof of vaccinations for children under the age of six
Follow child support rules
Participate in Welfare-to-Work activities, completing a certain number of hours each week
If you need help buying a home in California, these programs can help:
California Mortgage Relief
The California Mortgage Relief Program is a free program that uses federal Homeowner Assistance Funds (a federal program that helps homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments due to COVID-19) to help homeowners catch up on their past-due housing payments and property taxes. Homeowners do not have to repay these funds.
Even if a household has previously received funding, they can still apply again. Each household is eligible to receive a maximum of $80,000 in total assistance.
Qualifications for mortgage relief:
Must have experienced financial hardship because of COVID-19
Combined income of all household members over the age of 18 is at or below 150% of AMI
Homeowners cannot have cash or assets on hand (excluding savings in a retirement account) that is equal to or greater than the relief funds needed + $20,000
The original balance of the homeowner’s main loan can’t be larger than the conforming loan limit
Own and live in a single family home, condo, permanently affixed manufactured home, or property with up to four units
Must currently own and occupy the property in California as their only residence
Past-due amount must be $80,000 or less at the time of application submission
MyHome Assistance Program is a loan program with two down payment assistance options:
CalHFA Government Loans (FHA): MyHome offers a deferred-payment second mortgage of an amount up to the lesser of 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value to assist with down payment and/or closing costs
CalHFA Conventional Loans: MyHome offers a deferred-payment second mortgage of an amount up to the lesser of 3% of the purchase price or appraised value to assist with down payment and/or closing costs
Occupy the property (which must be a single-family, one-unit residence, including approved condominium/PUDs) as a primary residence
Complete homebuyer education counseling
Meet CalHFA income limits (below) for this program:
County
Limit
Alameda
$282,000
Alpine
$188,000
Amador
$171,000
Butte
$168,000
Calaveras
$178,000
Colusa
$159,000
Contra Costa
$282,000
Del Norte
$159,000
El Dorado
$202,000
Fresno
$159,000
Glenn
$159,000
Humboldt
$159,000
Imperial
$159,000
Inyo
$163,000
Kern
$159,000
Kings
$159,000
Lake
$159,000
Lassen
$159,000
Los Angeles
$180,000
Madera
$159,000
Marin
$300,000
Mariposa
$159,000
Mendocino
$159,000
Merced
$159,000
Modoc
$159,000
Mono
$161,000
Monterey
$178,000
Napa
$236,000
Nevada
$194,000
Orange
$235,000
Placer
$202,000
Plumas
$163,000
Riverside
$173,000
Sacramento
$202,000
San Benito
$208,000
San Bernardino
$173,000
San Diego
$211,000
San Francisco
$300,000
San Joaquin
$168,000
San Luis Obispo
$216,000
San Mateo
$300,000
Santa Barbara
$198,000
Santa Clara
$300,000
Santa Cruz
$236,000
Shasta
$177,000
Sierra
$178,000
Siskiyou
$159,000
Solano
$215,000
Sonoma
$223,000
Stanislaus
$159,000
Sutter
$159,000
Tehama
$159,000
Trinity
$159,000
Tulare
$159,000
Tuolumne
$166,000
Ventura
$228,000
Yolo
$211,000
Yuba
$159,000
How to get help:
Find a loan officer in your area on the CalHFA website
California Dream For All
The California Dream For All program offers down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers in the form of an interest-free, second mortgage shared appreciation loan. With an appreciation loan, a homebuyer repays the loan and a percentage of the appreciation value if the home is sold or transferred to a new owner.
The percentage varies based on the terms of the first mortgage. For example, if the loan provides 20% of the cost of the home, the homebuyer would pay 20% of the appreciated home value when sold or transferred.
Qualifications:
First-time homebuyer
Household income is between 80% of the median income for your area and 150% of CalHFA income limits
How to get help:
Call 877-922-5432
Homeless assistance in California
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, these programs can help:
CalWORKS Homeless Assistance
The CalWORKs Homeless Assistance (HA) Program is for families in the CalWORKS program (including eligible CalWORKS applicants).
HA helps pay for permanent housing with a security deposit and 1-2 months of rent, and can also provide emergency shelter ($85 per day for up to 16 days) for families experiencing homelessness.
Qualifications:
Must be a current CalWORKs recipient or currently applying to CalWORKs.
Transportation help for low-income families in California
If you need help with a car repair, getting reliable transportation or are looking for discounts on transportation, there are many resources available to low-income families.
Discounts on public transportation in California
California has over 100 public transit agencies that cover ground and water transportation. To find out what is available in your area, contact your local transit agency.
While we can’t cover each of them, we’ve listed money-saving options for some of the largest transit agencies in the state:
Golden Empire TD
Covers: Bakersfield
Offers: Free rides through May 2024 if you attend school in the Bakersfield metro area (kindergarten through college) and reduced fares for disabled persons and riders 65 and over
Metrolink
Covers: LA County and Orange County
Offers: Free rides for children 5 and under, youth 6-18 with a Student Adventure Pass, and law enforcement officers with ID and in proper uniform, reduced fares for seniors 65 and over disabled persons, veterans, and Medicare card holders
Santa Cruz Metro
Covers: Monterey and Santa Cruz
Offers: Free rides for legally blind passengers, K-12 students, and to COVID-19 vaccination appointments, discount fares for seniors 62 and over and disabled persons
Riverside Transit Agency
Covers: Riverside
Offers: Free rides for active duty military, first responders, jurors, and children 46 inches tall and under, and reduced fares for seniors 60 and over, disabled persons, Medicare card holders, and veterans
Sacramento Regional Transit
Covers: Sacramento
Offers: Free fares for Los Rios Community College district students and for children in TK(transitional kindergarten)-12, reduced fares for seniors and disabled persons
More reduced fare transit in California
Here are some options in different areas of the state to check out:
Golden Empire Transit District
This transit service covers Bakersfield and offers reduced or free fares for eligible riders.
Qualifications:
Reduced fares for riders 65 and over or with a certified disability
Free rides through May 2024 if you attend school in the Bakersfield metro area (kindergarten through college) if your school participates, but you will need to get a pass form your school
How to get help:
Call 661-869-2438
Mobility-4-All
Metrolink provides a 50% fare reduction to any rider who has a valid California EBT card. This pilot program, which launched in August 2023, will be available until all funding is exhausted.
Metrolink service is available in the following areas:
California resident with a current California EBT card
How to get help:
Call 800-371-5465
Nonmedical transportation (NMT) and nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) in California
If you are a Medi-Cal recipient, you may have access to free transportation to medical, dental, mental health, and substance abuse disorder appointments.
NMT is when you are transported by a private or public transit vehicle because you have no other way to travel to your appointment. NEMT is for individuals who need transport by an ambulance, wheelchair van, or litter van because you are unable to use public transit.
Qualifications:
For NMT, you must have full-scope Medi-Cal or be a pregnant Medi-Cal recipient
For NEMT, you must contact your plan’s membership department if you are under a managed care plan, and if you have FFS Medi-Cal, you must request transport from your medical provider
How to get help:
If you cannot find a provider for either service, you may email dhcsnmt@dhcs.ca.gov for assistance
Free cars in California
This nationwide nonprofit may be helpful if you need a car and cannot afford to buy one:
Free Charity Cars
Free Charity Cars awards free vehicles to selected applicants in all 50 states. The nonprofit charity group has been awarding free vehicles to low-income American families since 1996 and has gifted more than 9,000 cars. The charity group notes that they do not have an inventory of vehicles readily available as they award cars as soon as they get them, so there can be extensive waiting periods for those selected for the free car program.
Need help getting your car back on the road? Check out the following resources:
Nonprofit garages
Nonprofit garages offer free or reduced cost help for minor car repairs. For example, the Give Back Garage in Brentwood offers free or low-cost car repairs to qualified applicants based on need and the nature of the repair. Search “nonprofit garages near me” to see what is in your county.
Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) Repair Assistance
If you fail a smog check, CAP provides up to $1,200 for emissions related repairs if your vehicle year is 1996 or newer and up to $900 if your vehicle year is 1975-1995.
Qualifications:
Household is at or less than 225% of the FPL for household size
Registered owner of vehicle
Must be the first time request for repair assistance with the vehicle
Able to make a 20% co-pay of the total cost of repair or pay the difference if the repair cost exceeds the maximum benefit
Able to pay additional fees or the cost of non-CAP approved repairs
You must be able to make a co-payment of 20% of the repair cost up to the maximum amount of assistance. If the repair exceeds the maximum benefit you will subtract the maximum from the total cost and the remainder will be your co-pay.
If you want to purchase a vehicle that runs on clean energy, such as an electric, fuel cell, or plug-in hybrid model, you can get an income-qualified grant or loan to help you make the purchase with the following program:
Clean Cars 4 All
If you are willing to scrap your gas-powered car and buy a new or used clean, fuel-efficient vehicle, you can get up to $9,500 to help you make the purchase.
Qualifications:
Eligibility requirements are set by each district that offers the program:
If you meet income requirements, you can get a $1,000 refundable tax credit if you do not own a car in California. This program is focused on improving air quality by reducing pollution from vehicle emissions. Even if you do not owe money on your taxes, you can get the money as a refund.
Qualifications:
Resident of California
Household income does not exceed $40,000 for single filers and $60,000 for joint filers
How to get help:
Talk to your tax professional or contact your local state tax office
If you're ready to buy a car, but you have low or no credit, Auto Credit 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
The WAP program provides services to make homes more energy efficient, such as installing carbon monoxide detectors, removing mold, or replacing inefficient heating units. This helps families lower their monthly energy bills.
Qualifications:
U.S citizen or a qualified alien
California resident
Meet annual household income guidelines based on the number of people in the household:
Persons In Household
Monthly Income
1
$2,146.67
2
$2,903.33
3
$3,660.00
4
$4,416.67
5
$5,173.33
6
$5,930.00
7
$6,686.67
8
$7,443.33
9
$8,200.00
10
$8,956.67
Families receiving SSI, TANF or Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits are automatically eligible.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
LIHWAP can help you pay down past due water or wastewater bills if you meet income requirements. The program offers one-time support to help you keep your water service on and works with local water bill assistance service providers.
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in California
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:
California Medicaid
Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families:
Outpatient (ambulatory) services
Emergency services
Hospice and palliative care
Hospitalization
Maternity and newborn care
Mental health services
Prescription drugs
Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
Laboratory and radiology services, such as X-rays
Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
Substance use disorder treatment services
Pediatric services
Vision services
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)
Non-medical transportation (NMT)
Long-term services and supports (LTSS)
Telehealth services
Qualifications:
California resident
U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
In need of health care/insurance assistance with low income or very low income:
Household size
Maximum income level per year
1
$18,075
2
$24,353
3
$30,630
4
$36,908
5
$43,186
6
$49,463
7
$55,741
8
$62,018
Must meet at least one of the following requirements:
Pregnant
Caretaker for a child 21 or younger
Member of the household has a disability, including blindness
65 or older
How to get help:
Apply for coverage on the Medi-Cal website or call (916) 558-1784.
Medi-Cal Dental Program
The Medi-Cal Dental Program covers or helps with dental services for most Medi-Cal members (Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program).
Diagnostic and preventive dental hygiene
Emergency services for pain control
Tooth extractions
Fillings
Root canal treatments
Crowns
Scaling and root planing
Periodontal maintenance
Complete and partial dentures
Orthodontics for children who qualify
Qualifications:
If you are eligible for Medi-Cal, you are eligible to get dental services. You do not need to apply separately.
How to get help:
To contact Medi-Cal Dental, call the Telephone Service Center at 800-322-6384 or call your local County Social Services office.
Covered California Dental
Family dental plans (DHMO and DPPO) are available to single and married adults, with or without children, who have a health plan through Covered California (sponsored by the Department of Health Care Services).
DHMO plan has no deductible; no annual benefit limit; and a $350 individual out-of-pocket maximum (child only)
DPPO plan has a $50 deductible for adults and $75 for children; no annual benefit limit for children and a $1,500 limit for adults; and a $350 individual out-of-pocket maximum (child only)
Services covered include:
Diagnostic and preventive
Amalgam filling
Root canal
Gingivectomy
Extraction
Crown
Medically necessary orthodontia
Qualifications:
At least one adult must be enrolled in a family dental plan for a child in the family to enroll.
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in California
HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, provides free or low-cost health and dental care to low-income people, including:
General primary medical care
Diagnostic laboratory
Diagnostic radiology
Screenings
Coverage for emergencies
Voluntary family planning
Immunizations
Well child services
Gynecological care
Obstetrical care
Preventive dental
Pharmaceutical services
Substance use disorder services
Health education
HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS).
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 California by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
California Healthy Start
The Healthy Start Program is designed to help women with Medi-Cal coverage during and after pregnancy through services including:
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
California Food Assistance Program: Cal-Fresh (SNAP)
Cal-Fresh provides free money for food on an EBT card, which can be used at qualifying food retailers to purchase:
Breads
Cereals
Fruits
Vegetables
Meats
Fish
Poultry
Dairy
Plants and seeds to grow food
Recipients can also take advantage of a program called Fresh Access Bucks (FAB). With this program, SNAP benefits can also be used for fresh fruits and vegetables at designated farmer’s markets, produce stands, CSAs, mobile markets, and community grocery outlets.
Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,500 or under $3,750 and share your household with one of the following:
Person or persons age 60 and over
Person with a disability
Recipients must also have an annual household income below these amounts:
Household size
Gross income
1
$2,148
2
$2,904
3
$3,660
4
$4,418
5
$5,174
6
$5,930
7
$6,688
8
$7,444
*Each additional member +$758
How to get help:
Apply for benefits on the Cal-Fresh website or call 877-847-3663.
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 888-WIC-WORKS (888-942-9675) and say you want to apply for WIC.
Free school meals
California became the first state to mandate free meals to all students, starting with the 2022-23 school year. All K-12 public schools must provide free breakfast and lunch to students requesting a meal, even if they didn't previously qualify for free or reduced price meals.
California’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, parks and libraries.
Child care help for low-income families in California
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in California:
California 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
First 5 California/Proposition 10 helps children’s health and education in the early years of their development. Each county provides services for families with children ages 0-5.
For City of Orange residents, coordinating CalEITC, Young Child Tax Credit, and dependent-care credits through strategic tax filing for Orange, CA can help maximize refunds and avoid leaving money on the table; experienced local preparers can also advise on head‑of‑household status and year‑round planning.
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in California
If you are at least 18 years old in California, you can take the GED test. If not, you must meet the following qualifications:
Within 60 days of your 18th birthday (regardless of school enrollment status)
Within 60 days of when you would have graduated from high school had you remained in school
17 years of age; have been out of school for at least 60 consecutive days and provide a letter of request for the test from the military, a postsecondary educational institution, or a prospective employer
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 California:
In person — $35 per subject
Online — $41 per subject
Grants and scholarships in California
The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in California. 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.
Workforce programs in California provide training and assist with employment:
CalWORKS Welfare-to-Work
The CalWORKs Program helps single moms in California prepare for employment. Transportation, child care, and covering work or training-related expenses are some of the services offered.
Qualifications:
The CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work Program is open to anyone receiving CalWORKs cash aid
Anyone receiving CalWORKs cash aid must participate in the Welfare-to-Work program unless that person is exempt due to being ill or incapacitated
How to get help:
Call 916-657-2128
WorkSource Centers
WorkSource centers are government-funded locations that help unemployed single moms or people looking to gain new skills. These centers act as your personal employment agency, and all services are free. Employment support services include:
Job training, resume building, and interview skills
The following resources serve residents of Los Angeles, Ca.:
Housing help in Los Angeles
If you need housing help in Los Angeles, here are some options:
Downtown Women’s Center
The Downtown Women’s Center helps women with children find permanent housing after going through hardship or having trouble finding ideal housing resources. They offer rapid re-housing to survivors of domestic violence, support to veterans to navigate benefits, and help for women dealing with complex mental or physical health conditions.
The center also provides:
Daily meals
Health clinic access
Showers and bathrooms
Computer access
Employment services
Qualifications:
Los Angeles resident
Single woman with or without children
How to get help:
Call 213-223-2900
Safe Parking LA
If you are currently living in your vehicle, Safe Parking LA can make sure you have safe overnight parking, provide access to running water, and help you chart a pathway to stable housing.
This program is available in:
San Fernando Valley
Hollywood
Downtown Los Angeles
West Los Angeles
Qualifications:
Currently living in your car and have a valid driver’s license
Vehicle is operational and you are the registered driver
The LIFE program, offered by LA Metro, helps income-eligible LA County residents save money by capping fares, offering discounted passes, and earning free rides. New applicants will get a free 90-day pass to ride LA Metro fixed routes.
This program works on the following LA transit routes:
Call 818-244-2550 if you travel in the Gateway Cities or San Gabriel Valley or 323-870-8567 for all other LA Metro areas
Medical and dental care help in Los Angeles
If you are looking for medical or dental care in Los Angeles, check out these resources:
QueensCare
QueensCare is a faith-based organization that helps provide healthcare access to low-income households in Los Angeles. The organization administers direct care to patients and also contracts with hospitals and nonprofits to deliver healthcare services to families in need.
QueensCare provides:
Health screenings
Primary care
Medical treatment
Health education
Dental treatment
Pastoral care
Qualifications:
Household income is up to 300% of the FPL for household size
St. John’s Community Health runs multiple clinics throughout Central and South Los Angeles and Compton. The clinics offer medical, dental, vision, pediatric, and behavioral health services. St. John’s offers these services to low-income residents and those who are uninsured or underinsured.
In addition, they provide:
Vaccinations
Access to a food pantry
A program especially for new and expecting Black mothers
Homeless health services
Substance abuse services
Transgender health programs
HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and PrEP care
Qualifications:
Anyone, regardless of age, is welcome to make an appointment if they need care
Help Me Grow LA helps parents find free or low-cost programs to support children experiencing developmental delays and education or behavioral challenges.
Qualifications:
All families with children in Los Angeles County looking for development, learning, or behavioral resources
How to get help:
Call 833-903-3972
Food help in Los Angeles
Here is a food resource local to Los Angeles:
Los Angeles Mission food boxes
Los Angeles Mission runs a weekly food box program. The boxes contain perishable food items and toiletries.
Qualifications:
Families who are in need of food in Los Angeles
How to get help:
Call 213-629-1227
Email sbrewster@lamission.net
Child care help in Los Angeles
Check out this child care resource available to parents in Los Angeles:
Connections for Children
Connections for Children helps parents who work or attend school find financial help to pay for child care. Depending on income, child care programs are either free or offered at a reduced cost.
Qualifications:
You must complete the pre-eligibility tool to determine qualification for the child care subsidy
How to get help:
Call 310-452-3325
Email admin@connectionsforchildren.org
Education help in Los Angeles
Here are some education resources in Los Angeles:
College Match LA
College Match LA helps high school students from low-income households pursue college. The organization has a 100% success rate of students being accepted at four-year colleges and helps students with the following:
Tutoring
College visits
Help with completing college and financial aid applications
Contact your child’s guidance counselor at a participating school
Email contact@collegematchla.org
LA Cash for College
LA Cash for College helps parents support their students who are planning to attend college. They offer help with completing college applications, run financial aid workshops, and provide opportunities for students to earn scholarships.
Qualifications:
Any Los Angeles family with a high school student planning to attend college
Check out these employment resources in Los Angeles, Ca.:
WorkSource Centers
The Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department provides centers where job seekers can get support to find a job, apply for unemployment. All career services are free and you’ll have access to phones, computers, printers, copiers, and fax machines.
Qualifications:
Anyone in Los Angeles who needs employment service support
If you are considering a civil service career, LA Local Hire offers two programs to help you get started:
Targeted Local Hire Program: Helps you gain access to entry-level civil service position in the City of Los Angeles
Bridge to Jobs: Helps individuals get hired to semi-skilled positions (greater responsibility than entry level)
Qualifications:
Anyone may apply but preference is given to:
Veterans
Disabled persons
Transgender individuals
Seniors
Foster, transition age, and disconnected youth
Former gang members
Homeless and former homeless persons
Residents of underserved zip codes
Former incarcerated persons
How to get help:
Email lalocalhire@lacity.org
Charity organizations in Los Angeles
Here is a local Los Angeles charity that helps single moms:
She Is Hope LA
She Is Hope LA helps single mothers find answers to challenges they encounter every day. They offer food support and other basic needs, but single moms must meet with an advisor to receive targeted services to help them thrive.
Qualifications:
Single mothers in Los Angeles are encouraged to apply
The following resources serve residents of San Diego, Ca.:
Housing help in San Diego
If you need housing help in San Diego, here is an option:
One Month Away
City Heights Community Development’s One Month Away program focuses on keeping San Diego residents in their homes. The program offers a one-time payment of $1,000 to avoid eviction for low-income renters who are impacted by a COVID-29 job loss or personal hardship.
Qualifications:
San Diego County residents facing an eviction
How to get help:
Call 619-961-1054
Transportation help in San Diego
Here are some options to save money on transportation in San Diego:
San Diego Metro Transit System (MTS) free and reduced fares
Children 5 and under can ride free on any MTS route with an adult, but San Diego MTS also offers multiple programs to help further reduce costs on public transit:
Youth Opportunity Pass (YPO): Free fares through June 2024 on PRONTO (trolley service) and North County Transit District (NCTD) routes for youth 18 and under through the YPO pilot program
Silver Line Education Program: If you are a third-grade teacher in San Diego County, you can get free fares for yourself and your students to take a 25-minutes trip in the Silver Line Vintage Trolley
Discounted College Pass Program: Unlimited rides for one price for students at participating colleges
Employee fare discounts: Ask your employer if they participate in MTS reduced fare programs
PRONTO Extend: If you are 18-24 and have exited the foster care system or are in the Extended Foster Care Program, you can ride free on MTS and NCTD routes
Qualifications:
Each program has its own requirements and application process
How to get help:
Call 619-557-4555
Electric bill help in San Diego
This resource in San Diego helps with utility assistance:
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) bill assistance
If SDG&E provides your power and you are behind on your bill, they offer multiple programs to help you get caught up or save money, including:
CARE: Save 30% or more on your monthly energy bill
FERA: Get an 18% discount on your bill if you have at least three people in your home
Neighbor-to-Neighbor: Get up to $600 toward your bill
Debt forgiveness: Reduce your outstanding balance through a payment plan
Qualifications:
Each program has specific eligibility requirements
How to get help:
Call 800-411-7343
Child care help in San Diego
Check out this child care resource available to parents in San Diego:
Child Care San Diego
If you need help paying for child care, Child Care San Diego may be able to help you get a child care subsidy. You will have to meet certain qualifications to apply.
Qualifications:
You or your family member that needs care must meet one of the following:
Current CalWORKS recipient
At risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation
In Child Protective Services (CPS)
Homeless
Recipient of Medi-Cal, CalFRESH, CFAP, WIC, Head Start or Early Head Start benefits
Recipient of the Federal Food Distribution Program in Indian Reservations
You may also be eligible if you meet income guidelines. You must use the income calculator to determine if you are a fit for assistance.
Check out this employment resource in San Diego, Ca.:
San Diego Workforce Partnership
The San Diego Workforce partnership helps people find careers, connecting businesses with job seekers. This partnership also finds ways to empower people to increase their opportunities through career guidance and grants to pay for education.
Qualifications:
Any San Diego resident looking for work is welcome to connect
Here are some local San Diego charities that help single moms:
Bridge of Hope
If you are transitioning for any reason, such as former homelessness or surviving domestic violence, Bridge of Hope provides a safe space to make a plan for your future. The nonprofit provides furniture, clothing, food and household goods to help you get back on your feet.
San Diego Nice Guys gives back to the community by helping neighbors in need. They raise money to help people with medical bills, car repairs, clothing, wheelchairs, or anything else families need when they fall on hard times.
Qualifications:
Anyone in San Diego with a need due to hardship is welcome to apply for financial help
The following resources serve residents of San Jose, Ca.:
Transportation help in San Jose
If you live in San Jose, this resource may help you reduce costs on local travel:
Caltrain
Caltrain offers several reduced fare programs to help riders save money on public transit:
Promotional fares: Caltrain offers seasonal discounts or rides and parking
Discount fares: If you are a senior 65 and over, disabled, under 18 or a Medicare card holder, you can get half-price fares
$1 youth rides: Children up to age 18 pay $1 each way on Captrain transit
Day passes: Family and group day passes allow you to pay one price for unlimited travel
Go Pass: Pay one annual fee and get unlimited travel at just $275 a year ($99 for college students)
Qualifications:
Each discount fare program has its own requirements and application process
How to get help:
Call 800-660-4287
Electric bill help in San Jose
This resource in San Jose can help with utility assistance:
San Jose Water Customer Assistance Program
The San Jose Water customer assistance program offers a 15% discount for eligible low-income customers.
Qualifications:
You must be responsible for the water bill
You are not a dependent on another person's tax return
How to get help:
Call 408-279-7900
Email customer.service@sjwater.com
Child care help in San Jose
Check out this child care resource available to parents in San Jose:
Choices for Children
Choices for Children helps parents pay for child care and identify services to help children learn and grow in safe spaces. It's a great resource for working or student parents who need child care but are struggling with the cost.
Check out these employment resources in San Jose, Ca.:
JobTrain San Jose Career Center
The JobTrain San Jose Career Center helps job seekers look for employment, practice interview techniques, build resumes, and explore career paths. You can also use laptops, printers and other technologies to help with your job search.
Qualifications:
All San Jose residents over 18 are welcome to use the free career services
How to get help:
Call 650-330-6429
Email info@jobtrainworks.org
Charity organizations in San Jose
Here are some local San Jose charities that help single moms:
WANDA
WANDA helps low-income single moms save money and increase their educational opportunities through a three-year program. Women in the program have been able to buy homes, pay for college and fund retirement accounts. It’s a nonprofit dedicated to financial self-sufficiency and career advancement for single moms.
Qualifications:
Single moms in the San Mateo County or Santa Clara County
The following resources serve residents of San Francisco, Ca.:
Housing help in San Francisco
If you need housing help in San Francisco, here is an option:
Season of Sharing (SOS) Program
The SOS program offers emergency financial assistance to pay for housing or other critical family needs. This is one-time help for San Francisco residents facing an urgent hardship. However, you may reapply if five years have passed since you received help.
The SOS program offers the following assistance:
Overdue rent or mortgage
Future rent payments
Move-in assistance (security deposit or first month's rent)
Looking for discounts on transit in San Francisco? Check out this resource:
Clipper START
This transportation option helps people who live in the Bay area. If you are a low-income rider you can get a reduced fare through 2025. Your discount ranges between 20-50% off of regular fares.
Qualifications:
Live in the San Francisco Bay area
Be 19-64 years of age
Earn up to 200% of the FPL
Not be eligible for the RTC Clipper Card for people with disabilities
If you are looking for medical or dental care in San Francisco, check out these resources:
Clinic by the Bay
If you are uninsured living in the San Francisco Bay Area, and you work, you can get free healthcare at Clinic by the Bay if you meet eligibility guidelines. All services are provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Eat SF Vouchers for Veggies program provides low-income households with free vouchers to buy fresh or frozen produce at participating Eat SF stores.
Qualifications:
You cannot apply to the program directly. You must obtain vouchers through health clinics, supportive housing agencies, senior centers, and other Eat SF partners. Ask your case worker or community action group for assistance or dial 211 from your landline or cell phone.
How to get help:
Call 833-834-4968
Email eatsf@ucsf.edu
Child care help in San Francisco
Check out this child care resource available to parents in San Francisco:
Children's Council San Francisco
If you need help paying for child care, Children's Council San Francisco offers financial assistance for qualified low-income families. Depending on your income, you may receive a full or partial subsidy for child care.
Check out these employment resources in San Francisco, Ca.:
JobsNOW!
San Francisco Human Service Agency’s JobsNOW! is a free program that helps eligible job seekers land a new position or get training to pursue a career. The program will either match you with the right employer or give you a voucher to help you find a job on your own. Upon being hired, the City of San Francisco will subsidize your salary for up to six months.
Qualifications:
Current San Francisco resident
Authorized to work in the U.S.
18 years or older
CalWORKS, CalFresh, or Medi-Cal recipient or a formerly in foster care
Household income less than 300% of the FPL or receiving unemployment benefits
“The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families
Not your state? Select yours here:
If you’re a single mom in Arizona struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with:
Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.
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.)
Number of people in family/household
Annual income
1
$15,960
2
$21,640
3
$27,320
4
$33,000
5
$38,680
6
$44,360
7
$50,040
8
$55,720
For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.
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) in Arizona
Cash Assistance (CA), Arizona’s version of the TANF program, helps single mothers and low-income families with emergency funds to help cover the cost of:
Food
Rent
Clothing
Bills
You can receive CA for up to 60 months throughout your lifetime. The amount of money you receive depends on the number of people in your household, as well as your household income. For example, a family of three can receive a maximum of $278/month.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
Arizona resident
Unemployed or underemployed
Very low or low income, under 130% of FPL
One of the following:
Have a child (or children) 18 years or younger
18 years or younger and the head of your household
Arizona offers housing programs and services that help individuals and families with low incomes, older adults and people with disabilities, or those at-risk of or experiencing homelessness secure housing, pay their rent, or qualify for a mortgage.
Rental assistance in Arizona
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent, this program can help:
Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing (rental apartments) and vouchers in most states to help single mothers and low-income households pay their rent.
In Arizona, there are two Section 8 programs through the Arizona Public Housing Authority (APHA) that offer housing assistance:
Housing Choice Voucher Program: To view public housing availability in your area, reach out to your county/jurisdiction’s designated housing authority.
Project-Based Rental Assistance
APHA is Arizona’s contract administrator for about 8,000 affordable project-based Section 8 properties around Arizona. Each property is owned and managed by private agents and has a Housing Assistance Payments Contract with HUD, administered by APHA. For information on housing availability, contact each property individually.
Qualifications:
Meet income limits specified by HUD — less than 50% of the median income for the county in which you live
If you need help getting or paying for a mortgage in Arizona, these programs can help:
HOME+PLUS Arizona
Arizona Housing Finance Authority’s HOME+PLUS program consists of a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage combined with down payment assistance ranging from 0% to 5%, depending on the terms of the mortgage.
Down payment assistance is available as a three-year, no interest, no payment, deferred second mortgage, fully forgiven after three years. If you refinance or sell your home before that time, the remaining second mortgage would need to be repaid (minus the number of forgiven months from the closing date). .
Assistance can be used directly toward the down payment, closing costs, or a combination of both.
Qualifications:
Borrower’s annual income cannot exceed $122,100
One borrower per household must complete a homebuyer education course before closing
Borrowers on mortgage must have minimum credit score of 640 or higher
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, check out these programs:
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV)
The EHV program helps families and individuals experiencing homelessness by helping them find affordable housing in the short term and establishing housing stability in the long term.
Qualifications:
EHVs are limited to individuals and families who are:
Homeless or at risk of homelessness
Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking
Recently homeless and for whom providing rental assistance will prevent the family’s homelessness
Arizona Department of Economic Security Homeless Service
The DES Homeless Coordination Office (HCO) uses federal and state funding to partner with nonprofit and local governments to provide the following services in Arizona:
Rapid rehousing
Emergency shelter
Homelessness prevention
Street outreach
How to get help:
If you’re experiencing a housing crisis and need help, dial 2-1-1 or visit 2-1-1 Arizona
If you’re struggling to pay your utility bills in Arizona, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Arizona
LIHEAP helps eligible households with their home heating and cooling bills through energy bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, and long-term weatherization assistance.
Eligible households can receive up to $1,200 per year, plus an additional $1,000 in the event of an energy crisis.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or legally admitted immigrant
Total gross household income at or below 60% of state median income — $3,615/month for a family of three
WAP helps qualifying households lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes safer, healthier, and more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:
Air and duct sealing
Wall, floor, attic insulation
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system improvements
Lighting efficiency
Hot water tank insulation
Water conservation devices
The average expenditure per household is $7,669 depending on the home audit results.
Qualifications:
Low-income individuals (at or below 200% of FPL), with priority given to higher-risk residents such as:
Medical insurance & dental help for single moms in Arizona
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families in Arizona:
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Arizona
HRSA, an agency of the U.S. 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 Arizona by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
Arizona Medicaid
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona’s version of Medicaid, an assistance program that helps lower-income families pay for some or all of their medical bills.
Qualifications:
Arizona resident
United States citizen or a qualified immigrant
Has a Social Security number or applying for one
Under the income limits (examples below are for a family of three):
KidsCare, Arizona’s version of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), provides health coverage for children under 19 who aren’t eligible for other AHCCCS health insurance programs.
Unlike Medicaid coverage, families with children enrolled in KidsCare must pay a monthly premium of $10-$70 a month based on income and the number of children per household.
Qualifications:
Arizona resident
Under age 19
United States citizen or a qualified immigrant
Has a Social Security number or applying for one
Not currently covered by other health insurance
Under the income limits — $4,174/month for a family of three
Arizona residents enrolled in Medicaid (AHCCCS) are eligible to receive emergency dental care. Medicaid in Arizona does not cover exams, x-rays, cleanings, or other preventative dentistry. The annual limit for emergency dental care is $1,000.
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Nutrition Assistance in Arizona
Nutrition Assistance is Arizona’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federally funded program that provides emergency and monthly food-related benefits to eligible low-income households. Funds are loaded on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to buy food items like:
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that provides emergency nutrition at no cost through local food banks.
Qualifications:
Each food bank sets its own eligibility and proof of need requirements
Persons receiving Nutrition Assistance automatically qualify for TEFAP
How to get help:
Visit Find Food Banks in Arizona to find your local food bank
Arizona’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
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP)
Arizona recently allocated $6.75 million to school lunch programs to waive fees for all children who qualify for reduced-price meals. This change went into effect in January 2023.
How to get help:
Contact your child’s school directly to enroll.
Arizona’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
Arizona’s SFSP, funded by the USDA, serves healthy meals to youth ages 18 and under at no cost during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, parks, and libraries.
Qualifications:
Must meet current income guidelines for the federal SFSP — $42,606/year for a family of three
Child care help for low-income families in Arizona
There are several federally funded education programs and resources in Arizona:
Arizona 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:
Have children from birth to age 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
Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services
DES provides CCA through its Division of Child Care (DCC), helping eligible families afford child care so parents can work and/or attend school/training.
If you’re eligible for CCA, you will still have to pay a portion of child care costs, based on income.
Teen parents enrolled in high school, GED, ESOL, or remedial education programs
Residents of homeless or domestic violence shelters
Individuals unable to care for their children due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition
Individuals unavailable to care for their children due to participation in court-ordered community service or participation in a drug treatment program
Individuals currently receiving full-time DES CCA who enroll in a full-time education or employment training program, and submit a work requirement waiver to DES
How to get help:
Apply online; a copy of the application form can be found here
Select a DES-approved child care provider by calling 800-308-9000 or by visiting azccrr.com
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in Arizona
In Arizona, students looking to earn their GED can take four separate GED subtests at one of Arizona’s testing centers or online in English or Spanish:
Literacy (Reasoning through Language Arts)
Math (Mathematical Reasoning)
Science
Social Studies
These are the GED testing fees in Arizona:
Test center: $140 for the complete test or $35 per module
Online testing: $164 overall or $41 per subtest
Qualifications:
Minimum age to qualify for GED testing is 16; however, underage applicants must provide verification that they have formally withdrawn from high school and include a notarized, dated, and signed consent statement from a parent/guardian
No residency requirement
No preparation program requirement
Must also pass the state’s Civics Test
Not be in enrolled in any other education program and have not graduated from secondary school
How to get help:
Visit GED in Arizona for requirements, classes, and testing centers
Helping Hands for Single Moms Phoenix
Helping Hands for Single Moms Phoenix helps single moms achieve their higher education goals through scholarships, emergency funds, technology assistance, and cleaning services while they attend school. The charity also has holiday gift programs for families in need.
Qualifications:
Be a United States citizen
Live in Phoenix Metro Valley / Maricopa County
Have at least one child under 11 living with them most of the time
If you are a single mom currently enrolled in or going to school, check out these options for financial aid:
Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE)
The Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) provides access to state and federal grants through the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs.
ACPE currently offers two main programs:
Arizona Teacher Student Loan Program: This program is a need-based forgivable loan to financially support Arizona college students to study education and teach at a public school in Arizona. The maximum forgivable loan is $7,000 per academic year for up to three years.
Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP): AzLEAP provides need-based grants to low-income, undergraduate, Arizona-resident students. The maximum AzLEAP award for the academic year is $2,500; the average is $1,000.
The Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) offers more than 150 scholarships to post-secondary Arizona students. You can apply for all applicable scholarships online through one general application.
“The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families
