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 Colorado
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these programs can help:
Temporary Cash Assistance in Colorado
Colorado Works — Colorado’s name for its 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. Recipients must be committed to finding employment.
The amount paid out varies depending on household income and number of household members. The maximum grant amount is $439 for a household of three.
Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 60 months for adults. This may be extended if you are caring for someone with a disability or you ask for a hardship extension.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen, naturalized citizen, or a qualified non-citizen
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Rental assistance in Colorado
There are multiple programs in Colorado to help renters find housing and pay their rent. In many cases, they are specific to the county you live in. Check with your local DHS office for county-specific programs.
Here are some statewide rental assistance resources:
Colorado Housing Connects
Supported by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), Colorado Housing Connects helps Coloradans who are:
Looking for affordable housing
Facing eviction
Dealing with rent/landlord issues or discriminatory rental practices
Qualifications:
Any resident of Colorado with rental concerns can get help. This is a referral service that prepares you to reach out to local programs, educating you on paperwork and eligibility requirements.
How to get help:
Contact Colorado Housing Connects at 844-926-6632.
Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing and vouchers to help low-income households pay their rent.
Qualifications:
Vouchers and housing are based on household income and family size. You can find your county’s income limits on the HUD website.
If you need help buying or keeping a home in Colorado, check out these programs:
Colorado Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program
If you have missed mortgage payments or you’re behind on property taxes, insurance, or utility payments, the Colorado Emergency Mortgage Assistance program provides help through federal funding from the Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF).
You can get up to $40,000 for help with qualified expenses, if approved. You can only apply once for this benefit.
Qualified expenses include:
Mortgage payments (on-time or delinquent)
Cost of mortgage reinstatement
Homeowner or condo association fees or liens
Utility payments (electric, gas, energy, etc.)
Late or delinquent property tax payments
Homeowner’s insurance payments
Qualifications:
COVID-19 impacted your income and ability to provide financially for your home on or after January 2020
Own your home and live in a single family home, condo, or a 2-, 3-, or 4-family home in Colorado as a primary residence
Income does not exceed 100% of the AMI for your county or city
The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) provides downpayment assistance through grants or second mortgage loans, affordable home loans, homebuyer education, and guidance throughout the home-buying process.
Qualifications:
620 credit score or higher
Attend CHFA-approved homebuyer education class before closing
These are general qualifications across all CHFA programs. Depending on the program, there may be additional eligibility requirements.
Programs include:
CHFA Downpayment Assistance Grant – Get up to 3% of your home’s cost as a downpayment with no repayment required
CHFA Downpayment Loan – A second mortgage loan where you can borrow up to 4% of the home’s purchase price as a downpayment with deferred payments
CHFA FirstStep and FirstStep Plus – 30-year fixed FHA loan for first-time homebuyers and qualified veterans for homes in specific areas, downpayment assistance available
CHFA HomeAccess – 30-year fixed FHA, USDA-RD, or VA loan with downpayment second loan assistance up to $25,000, open to borrower who have or care for a dependent with a permanent disability
CHFA Preferred and Preferred Plus – 30-year fixed conventional loan (Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac) not restricted to first-time homebuyers, downpayment assistance option
CHFA Preferred Very Low Income Program (VLIP) – 30-year fixed Freddie Mac conventional loan, downpayment assistance available, open to first-time and experienced homebuyers, subject to VLIP income limits
CHFA SmartStep and SmartStep Plus – 30-year fixed FHA, FHA 203(k), VA, and USDA-RD loan, option for grant up to 3% of first mortgage or 4% of second mortgage for downpayment help, not restricted to first-time homebuyers
CHFA SectionEight and SectionEight Plus – 30-year fixed FHA or USDA-RD loan, must be a first-time homebuyer or qualified veteran, downpayment assistance available, must be receiving Section 8 assistance
The Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) provides low-interest loans to low to moderate-income first-time homebuyers for downpayment and closing cost assistance. Payments may be deferred, but the loans must be paid in full, over monthly installments.
Qualifications:
First-time homebuyer, owning no other residential properties
The home must be your primary residence
Must contribute a minimum of $1,500 ($750 for disabled borrowers) toward the loan
Attend a CHFA/CHAC-approved first-time homebuyer class
Meet limits for home price and assets set by county
How to get help:
Call CHAC at 303-572-9445
Email frontdesk@chaconline.org
Section 502 Direct Loan Program
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Section 502 Direct Loan Program helps low to very low-income borrowers buy a home in a qualified rural area. The loan interest rate is 4% as of February 1 and there is an up to 33-year payback period (extends to 38 years for very low income applicants).
If you are homeless or facing homelessness, these resources can help you find shelter:
Colorado DOLA Office of Homeless Initiatives
The main goal of the Colorado DOLA’s Office of Homeless Initiatives (OHI) is to prevent Colorado residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. The office oversees multiple initiatives including:
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Colorado, check out the following programs:
Energy Outreach Colorado
Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) is a statewide nonprofit focused on making energy costs affordable for Coloradans. It offers multiple programs to make homes healthier, safer, and more energy-efficient, including bill payment assistance.
Qualifications:
You are behind on paying your heating and/or electric bill to an energy supplier
You have not received bill payment help from EOC during the current program year, which runs from October 1 to September 30.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) in Colorado
LEAP helps qualifying households with winter home heating costs, paid directly to utility companies like Xcel Energy or to a landlord. Applications are accepted between November 1 and April 30. The LEAP benefit can only be used once during this time period. This program also provides repairs or replacement of heating systems.
Qualifications:
Responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills
Resident of Colorado
U.S. Citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
If you need help reconnecting your water or waste/sewer services because of a past due bill, you may be eligible for help from LIHWAP.
Qualifications:
An approved LEAP recipient between November 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023
You pay a water vendor directly and not through a landlord (if you pay through a landlord, you can get help if your rent is past due or you are facing an eviction)
You have disconnected service, are about to get a shut off notice, or have a past due bill
WAP helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient and ensuring proper heating. This program does not help with cooling issues.
Types of assistance include:
Energy audits and energy conservation education
Sealing areas to reduce drafts
Replacing or repairing inefficient or unsafe heating units
Insulating a single family home for energy efficiency
Installing efficient appliances and LED light bulbs
Connecting your home to a solar program
Qualifications:
You are automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI, TANF, SNAP, or LEAP.
If you are not eligible for these programs, you’ll need to meet certain criteria:
U.S citizen or a qualified alien
Resident of state of Colorado
Meet annual household income guidelines — $49,720 for a family of three
How to get help:
Applications are not available online, so you have to visit your county’s weatherization provider.
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Colorado
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:
Connect for Health Colorado
Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment is between November 1 and January 15. If you have a qualifying life change event, such as starting a new job or recently moving to the state, you can enroll outside of this period.
Qualifications:
U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
Resident of Colorado
Not incarcerated
If you have a low income, you may be eligible for a subsidy to lessen the cost of your health insurance premium. You can use the Quick Cost and Plan Finder to see your estimated savings (actual costs may vary, the tool only provides an estimate based on your income).
Health First Colorado is Colorado’s Medicaid plan, providing medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. Coverage includes physical, dental and behavioral health benefits such as:
Healthcare provider visits
Dental services
Emergency services and transport
Maternity and newborn care
Behavioral health
Pharmacy and durable medical equipment
Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
Lab services
Preventative and wellness services
Family planning
Qualifications:
Resident of Colorado
U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
For a family of three with adults aged 19 to 65, you must make up to $2,553
For a family of three with children aged 0 to 18, up to $2,726
For a family of three with a pregnant woman, up to $3,743
How to get help:
Apply for coverage on Colorado PEAK
Call your local Colorado DHS.
Call 800-221-3943 if you are already a member.
Colorado Child Health Plan Plus
Colorado Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) — part of the national Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — is for children of families who don’t qualify for Medicaid. The following services are covered:
Primary care
Emergency care
Urgent care
Hospital services
Dental care (for children and for pregnant women)
Prescriptions
Immunizations
Maternity care (prenatal, delivery and postpartum care)
Mental/behavioral health care
Costs are based on your annual income for your household size. There are no copays for preventive care. You might pay small copays on other services.
Qualifications:
Lawful resident of Colorado (children or pregnant women with no five-year waiting period)
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 Colorado by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Colorado 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
As a SNAP recipient, you also have access to discounted admission at museums and cultural centers around the state.
A program called Double Up Food Bucks doubles your SNAP benefits at participating markets and food retail locations. For a current list of markets, go to Double Up Food Bucks Colorado.
Qualifications:
You may be eligible if you're a Colorado resident and meet one of the following conditions:
Unemployed or work part-time
TANF, SSI or other public assistance recipient
Elderly or disabled and live on a small income
Children under 18
Adults ages 18 to 49 who have no children in their home
You must also have an annual household income less than 200% of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, the maximum income is $3,840 per month for a maximum monthly benefit of $740 from SNAP.
How to get help:
Apply through Colorado PEAK
Contact your local Colorado DHS
Call 303-866-5700.
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
The 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 at participating schools. Schools with at least 80% of the students eligible for free or reduced-price meals must provide breakfast at no cost to all students.
For the 2023-24 school year, all Colorado students will be able to get free school meals, as long as their school district opts into the Healthy Meals for All Program, which will reimburse participating school districts for the meals they provide.
The Colorado Department of Education, in partnership with sponsoring organizations, serves nutritious meals at no cost to children up to age 18 during summer break. Food is distributed at community sites, such as schools, churches, rec centers, and parks.
Qualifications:
Anyone 18 years of age and younger is welcome to eat a meal at participating sites throughout the summer.
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Colorado:
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) connects low-income families to free or affordable child care help. These services are available through CCAP child care providers to those enrolled in Colorado Works (the state’s TANF program) or families that meet eligibility guidelines.
Qualifications:
Resident of Colorado
Employed, in training for a job, or actively looking for work
Have at least one child under 13 (or 19 if the child has a disability that requires special needs care)
Income is less than 85% of the state median income and less than the maximum income for household size set by each Colorado county.
How to get help:
Apply online through Colorado PEAK or contact your local Colorado DHS office
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
The state of Colorado will launch free Universal Preschool (UPK) in the 2023-2024 school year (August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024). It provides up to 15 hours per week of educational care for 3- to 4-year-olds.
If your child meets one of the qualifying factors, they may be eligible for up to 30 hours of care per week when combined with other benefits such as Head Start, CCAP, or other preschool funding.
Qualifications:
Child will be 3 or 4 when the 2023-2024 school year begins
Family income is below 270% of the federal poverty guidelines, based on your household size.
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in Colorado
If you are at least 17 years old in Colorado and not enrolled in high school, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 with approval from the Colorado High School Equivalency office.
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 Colorado:
Online at-home test – $43.50 per subject
In person at a test center – $37.50 per subject
Grants and scholarships in Colorado
The Colorado Department of Higher Education connects students and prospective students with financial aid resources like grants and scholarships available in Colorado and nationwide.
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.
If you are having trouble paying back your student loans, look into these options for student loan forgiveness:
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you have a Direct Loan or loans that have been consolidated into a Direct Loan, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness if you meet certain requirements.
Qualifications:
Full-time employee of a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization (use the PSLF Help Tool if you are uncertain you work for a qualified employer)
Direct loan holder
In an income-driven repayment plan
Must complete 120 qualifying payments
New qualifications will be announced July 1, 2023 (we will update them when they are released).
How to get help:
Call 855-265-4038
Employment help for single moms in Colorado
Workforce programs in Colorado provide training and assist with employment:
Colorado Workforce Development Council
The Colorado Workforce Development Council is an organization that connects workers to helpful career and education resources, including:
Workforce centers – Virtual or in-person centers to help you find work, career-related training, educational opportunities, grants, apprenticeships, and other job services
TalentFOUND – A portal to look for jobs, explore careers, and develop employable skills
My Colorado Journey – A platform to help you plan your career and look for opportunities that suit your skills
“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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
Temporary Family Assistance in Connecticut
TFA — Connecticut’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children or pregnant women.
The amount paid out varies depending on family size and the region you live in. For example, payouts for a family of three in the most populated Connecticut region is $543 per month, or $500 per month if you live in subsidized housing. Use the “Am I Eligible?” tool on the Department of Social Services website to determine if you qualify.
Cash assistance is available for 21 months, with a lifetime limit of 60 months. Families can qualify for 6-month extensions if they are unemployed or still make less than the TFA payouts.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Permanent Connecticut resident
Have children under 18
Children 18 and older must be full-time high school or vocational school students
Children must live with a related adult or an adult who has filed for guardianship through probate court
Pregnant women who have no other means of support
Gross income must be less than 100% of the FPL
Family assets of $3,000 or less*
*$9,500 of a family’s car value and any earnings of dependent students are not counted toward assets.
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Rental assistance in Connecticut
There are multiple programs in Connecticut to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
RAP is an initiative of the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) that helps low-income renters afford safe and sanitary housing by paying for a portion of their rent. Payments are made directly to landlords.
The amount of rental assistance varies depending on your family size, location, and income. DOH works with Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to manage and calculate the amount of rental assistance a family can receive. Typically, renters who qualify for RAP must put 40% of their income toward rent and utilities.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
Resident of Connecticut
Household’s annual income must not exceed 50% of AMI
Family must find their own housing if moving
Housing must meet quality and safety levels set by DOH
If you need help paying your mortgage or buying a home in Connecticut, these programs can help:
MyHomeCT
MyHomeCT is a federally-funded program that offers up to $50,000 in mortgage and housing cost assistance. Assistance can be a one-time payment to cover mortgage reinstatement costs or ongoing monthly mortgage assistance for up to 12 months.
MyHomeCT can also help pay for overdue home-related expenses like:
Real estate taxes
Homeowner’s insurance and/or flood insurance
Homeowner/condominium/co-op association fees
Ground lease or lot payments
Water and sewer liens
Loan servicer/mortgage company fees related to a reverse mortgage
Qualifications:
Resident of Connecticut
Proof of financial hardship related to COVID-19 pandemic
Initial mortgage principal balance was at or below the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (for mortgage assistance)
EMAP is a 30-year, fixed loan issued by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to help homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage. As a loan, Connecticut residents receive monthly assistance for up to 60 months to help pay current or past-due mortgage payments.
The loan amount varies depending on your income and area, and interest will not accrue until CHFA determines you’re ready to pay the loan.
Qualifications:
Behind on mortgage, expect to fall behind on mortgage, or facing foreclosure
Facing foreclosure from delinquent taxes, housing fees, or water and sewer payments
Proof of financial hardship out of your control
Already attempted to negotiate a repayment plan with your lender
Must participate in the Judicial Mediation Program if you receive a Summons and Complaint
Must have a favorable mortgage credit history during home ownership or past two years
Must have less than three 30-day late payments 12 months prior to financial hardship
Must be fully released from bankruptcy debts
How to get help:
Call the CHFA Customer Call Center at 860-571-3500 and ask how to apply.
Connecticut Homebuyer Mortgage Programs
CHFA offers four mortgage loan programs to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers purchasing homes in targeted areas:
Homebuyer Mortgage Program: Loan with a below-market interest rate that can be combined with a CHFA down payment assistance program.
HFA Advantage and HFA Preferred Programs: Loans with below-market interest rates, plus lower mortgage insurance premiums, to help reduce monthly payments. Premiums end when you have 20% home equity.
CHFA Conventional Area Median Income Loan Program (CALP): Loan with a below-market interest rate, plus lower mortgage insurance premiums, that is available to homebuyers who exceed 80% of AMI and do not qualify for HFA Advantage or HFA Preferred programs.
Qualifications:
First-time homebuyer or have not owned a home in the past three years
Non-first-time homebuyer trying to buy a home in a targeted area
Connecticut residents who want to purchase a mobile home can apply for CFHA’s Mobile Manufactured Home mortgage for below-market interest rates, low closing costs, and low monthly payments. CHFA will lend up to 80% of the appraised value or purchase price of the mobile home.
This program can not be combined with CHFA down payment assistance programs.
Qualifications:
Current resident of Connecticut
First-time homebuyer or prior homeowner without a second property
Mobile home must be primary, year-round residence
Mobile home must be located in a state-licensed mobile home park
The main goal of the Housing and Homeless Services is to prevent Connecticut residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. Coordinated Access Networks (CAN) across the state offer services including:
Emergency shelters
Transitional housing
Permanent housing
Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing
Qualifications:
Requirements are set by individual Coordinated Access Networks.
How to get help:
Call 2-1-1 and press #3 and #1 if you are homeless or in a housing emergency
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Connecticut, check out the following programs:
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
CEAP helps Connecticut residents with home heating costs, usually paid directly to utility companies. Heating bill assistance ranges from $250 to $600 depending on income level, household, and vulnerable family members (elderly, people with disabilities, and children).
Assistance can also include:
Payment plans
Shut-off protection
Heating equipment and water heater replacements or repairs
Fuel deliveries, like propane
Qualifications:
Resident of Connecticut
Each household member has a social security number (or meet exception)
Eligible if already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (State Supp), Refugee Cash Assistance
Your annual household income is at or below 60% of the state’s median income — $64,230 for a family of three
Connecticut’s Weatherization Assistance Program (CTWAP)
CTWAP — Connecticut’s name for their Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) — helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:
Replacing inefficient or unsafe heating units
Insulating a home for energy efficiency
HVAC repair or replacement
Water heater repair or replacement
Lighting replacement
Ventilation and moisture control measures
CTWAP applications are submitted with CEAP applications.
Qualifications:
Resident of Connecticut
Each household member has a social security number (or meet exception)
Eligible if already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (State Supp), Refugee Cash Assistance
Home has not been weatherized by WAP, LIHEAP, HUD, or USDA activities in last 15 years
Home cannot be listed for sale or sold within six months of CTWAP weatherization
Home cannot be in foreclosure or loan mediation
If renting, landlord may need to contribute 20% of material costs, up to $500
Your annual household income is at or below 60% of the state’s median income — $64,230 for a family of three
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) in Connecticut
LIHWAP helps low-income Connecticut residents pay for water and wastewater bills to avoid utility disconnection or reconnect their service. Households can receive up to $1,000 in assistance to pay bills, and LIHWAP can also help reduce the cost of overdue water bills.
Qualifications:
Resident of Connecticut
Immediate danger of water or wastewater disconnection
Already disconnected from water or wastewater
Automatically eligible if already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (State Supp), Refugee Cash Assistance, or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Your annual household income is at or below 60% of the state’s median income — $64,230 for a family of three
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Connecticut
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:
Connecticut Dental Health Partnership (CTDHP)
CTDHP connects Connecticut residents who are already enrolled in a HUSKY Health program with in-network dentists and specialists. The program also helps schedule appointments and arrange transportation.
Qualifications:
Individuals and families must qualify for Connecticut’s HUSKY Health medical benefits program.
How to get help:
Contact a CTDHP Customer Service Representative at 855-283-3682 or visit the HUSKY Dental website.
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Connecticut
HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.
HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.
Qualifications:
Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced cost care.
How to get help:
Find an HRSA health center in Connecticut by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
HUSKY A (Connecticut Medicaid)
HUSKY A — Connecticut’s Medicaid program — provides free or low-cost medical coverage for low-income individuals, pregnant women, and families. Coverage includes services like:
Doctor visits
Hospital visits
Prenatal care
Prescriptions
Vision
Qualifications:
Resident of Connecticut
U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien*
Pregnant and/or caretaker for a child 18 or younger
*Families who do not qualify for Husky A because of their immigration status may qualify for State Husky A, a state-funded program that covers uninsured children up to age 12 with a household income between 0-323% of the FPL.
How to get help:
Apply for coverage on the Access Health CT website or call 855-805-4325.
HUSKY B
HUSKY B — part of the national Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — provides health insurance to children under 19 in higher-income households who don’t qualify for Medicaid.
Families who do not qualify for Husky B because of their immigration status may qualify for State Husky B, a state funded program that covers uninsured children up to age 12 with a household income under 323% of the FPL.
Husky B health insurance programs include:
HUSKY B (Band 1) or State HUSKY B (Band 1) – Covers children 0-12 (through 18 if enrolled before 13) and includes no monthly premiums, with some co-payments.
HUSKY B (Band 2) or State HUSKY B (Band 2) – Covers children 0-12 (through 18 if enrolled before 13) and includes a $30 monthly premium for one child, $50 monthly premium for more than one child, and some co-payments.
HUSKY B Prenatal – Covers non-citizen pregnant people and their unborn child. Offers no monthly premiums, but some co-payments for non-pregnancy services.
These placements are based on the age of the child, household size, and family income.
Qualifications:
Resident of Connecticut
Non-citizen pregnant person
Children are age 0-12
Meet income limit requirements for household size — up to $80,298 for a family of three
How to get help:
Apply for coverage on the Access Health CT website or call 855-805-4325.
Connecticut Family Wellness Healthy Start Program (FWHS)
FWHS provides home education and coordinated care for low-income pregnant women in Hartford and New Britain. Services are provided by eight contracted Community Partners and include:
Health assessment
Health education
Provider referrals
Follow-up services and support
Qualifications:
Pregnant women and parents of children under 18 months are eligible for FWHS services.
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Connecticut Food Assistance Program (SNAP)
USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households.
SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card to purchase food in retail food stores, including:
Breads
Cereals
Fruits
Vegetables
Meats
Fish
Poultry
Dairy
Plants and seeds to grow food
Connecticut’s maximum SNAP benefit is $740/month for a family of three.
Qualifications:
Connecticut resident
Gross household income is at or below 200% of FPL
If income is more than 200% of FPL, total assets (savings, checking, cash, stock, and bonds) can not exceed $4,250
Meet income guidelines — $3,838 for a family of three
How to get help:
Apply for benefits on the ConneCT website or call 855-626-6632.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies.
Qualifications:
Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC
Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation in February to extend free meals to all students at least through the end of the 2022-23 school year.
Connecticut Summer Food Service Program
Connecticut schools may also offer the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) that offers free or low-cost lunch and breakfast during school vacation periods for eligible students. This service is part of the Seamless Summer program, where a school offers NSLP, SBP, and SFSP.
Child care help for low-income families in Connecticut
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Connecticut:
Connecticut Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school.
Qualifications:
Children from birth to 5
Meet federal poverty guidelines
Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TFA, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
Some programs accept kids with incomes above the poverty guidelines
Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in Connecticut
If you are at least 18 years old in Connecticut, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 17 if you have been withdrawn from school for at least 6 months.
The GED test is broken into four exams on different subjects, which can be spaced out and taken at your own pace (though each individual exam has a time limit):
Mathematical reasoning – 115 minutes
Reasoning through language arts – 150 minutes
Social studies – 70 minutes
Science – 90 minutes
You have two options for taking the test in Connecticut:
Online at-home test – $0 per subject + $13 registration fee
In person at a test center – $0 per subject + $13 registration fee
Grants and scholarships in Connecticut
The Office of Higher Education (OHE) connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in Connecticut. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, visit the OHE website.
Individual schools also offer need-based and academic scholarships for their students. If you’ve been accepted to a higher education institution, contact their office of financial aid to learn how to apply.
“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 Maine 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:
My Maine Connection
My Maine Connection, a self-service website focused on helping people find state resources, serves as the application and pre-screening tool for single moms looking to see if they qualify for various forms of state aid.
Temporary Cash Assistance in Maine
Maine’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying pregnant women, families with children or to relatives who have court-ordered custody of a child placed in their home. The goal of the program is to help people pay for basic household expenses.
The amount paid out is based on household income and family size. For example, the maximum payout is $628 for a family of three. In addition to cash aid, benefits can also include child care and transportation assistance, job training and more.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Permanent Maine resident
Have children under 18 or currently pregnant
Children and mother must have social security number
Unemployed or underemployed and have low income
18 years of age or younger and the head of your household
You may only receive TANF for up to 60 months throughout your lifetime.
TANF-eligible single moms can also receive short-term monetary assistance through Alternative Aid Assistance. Voucher payments worth up to three months of TANF benefits are given to help single moms find or maintain employment and avoid the need for long-term TANF benefits.
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Rental assistance in Maine
There are multiple programs in Maine to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
Housing Choice Vouchers
Those needing rental assistance can apply for MaineHousing’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, which helps eligible tenants cover a portion of their monthly rent.
Qualifications:
How much rental assistance you receive is based on the city or county where you live, your income, and the number of people in your household. See the current income guidelines to qualify for vouchers.
MaineHousing gives priority to people who are homeless
You can be denied as a result of criminal activity or alcohol abuse
The Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) Program
In partnership with MaineHousing, this Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program finds permanent housing for extremely low-income people with disabilities (limit is 30% of AMI).
Mortgage assistance in Maine
MaineHousing provides low fixed-rate mortgages and other assistance to help make homeownership affordable for more people in Maine.
If you need help buying a home in Maine, these programs can help:
First Home Loan Program
This home-buying program provides low fixed-rate mortgages to people who have not owned homes in the last three years. There are options with little or no down payment required, and if you still need help with cash for closing costs, there is also a down payment and closing cost assistance option called Advantage.
MaineHousing mortgages also come with payment protection for unemployment. As long as you are a borrower in good standing, MaineHousing will advance up to four months of your mortgage payments, including taxes and homeowners insurance, if you lose your job.
Qualifications:
Meet income guidelines for your county — up to $134,600 for a family of three or more in Cumberland or York counties
House you want to buy is within purchase price limits for your county
Must be a first-time homeowner or have not held ownership interest in your principal home within the past 3 years
Limits vary depending on how many people live in your household and where in Maine you plan to buy your home
Must meet IRS definition of a first-time homebuyer, which means you can not have owned any other principal residence for three years prior to the date of purchase of the new principal residence
If you are a veteran, retired military, or on qualified active duty, the first-time homebuyer requirement is waived and MaineHousing provides an interest rate reduction through the SaluteMe program.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Maine, check out the following programs:
Home Energy Assistance (HEAP) in Maine
HEAP 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.
HEAP is not intended to pay your heating costs in full but can help to reduce them. The program is administered by the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) and your local Community Action Agency.
The Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) in Maine
LIAP helps qualified low-income electricity consumers by providing a credit on their electric bills. Eligibility for LIAP is based on eligibility for LIHEAP.
If your electric utility account is past due and you meet eligibility criteria, the Arrearage Management Program (AMP) can also help you reduce your past-due balance.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Cub Care offers free and low-cost health insurance options for kids under 21 whose parents don’t qualify for MaineCare. Coverage includes:
Doctor visits
Surgeries
Vaccines
Vision and hearing
Hospital stays
Dental care
Qualifications:
Families who earn up to 213% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is $4,413 a month for a family of four.
Visit your local Office for Family Independence (OFI)
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)
HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.
HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 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 Maine by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Maine 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 Maine Harvest Bucks allows you to use your SNAP benefits on fresh fruits and vegetables at designated farmer's markets, produce stands, CSAs, mobile markets, and community grocery outlets. For a current list of markets, visit the Maine Harvest Bucks website.
You can use the SNAP benefits calculator to determine if you qualify and how much you could receive per month in SNAP benefits.
Qualifications:
Maine resident
Gross income below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level or net income below 100% FPL
Household members who are 18 to 59 years old must participate in work registration
Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001 or under $3,001
If you are above the gross income limits, you may still qualify based on net income and assets if 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
How to get help:
Call your local WIC office or 800-342-3556 and say you want to apply for WIC.
Free school meals
Starting in the 2022-2023 school year, Maine public schools are now required to provide free school meals to all students, regardless of their family's income.
How to get help:
Apply online or contact your child’s school to enroll.
Maine’s Summer Food Service Program
The Maine 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:
These are the current income guidelines for the Summer Food Service Program.
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Maine:
Maine 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
Maine’s School Readiness Program provides child care so a parent can work or attend a training or education program. Almost 80% of Maine school districts offer at least one public preschool classroom.
Qualifications:
Parent must be working or attending school
Child must be 4-years-old by October 15th
How to get help:
Call 207-446-3967
Email: nicole.madore@maine.gov
Maine Child Care Subsidy Program (CCSP)
CCSP helps eligible families to pay for child care so parents can work, go to school, or participate in a job training program.
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get your High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) in Maine
If you are at least 17 years old in Maine, you can take the HiSET test (which replaced the GED in Maine). If you are a resident of Maine, there is no fee to take the HiSET exam or retest. If you are a non-resident of Maine, the fee per subtest is $45.
Before taking your HiSET, you must first pass the Official HiSET Practice Test at a local test center or provide evidence of preparation for testing. Local test centers may impose additional requirements concerning age waivers, initial testing, and retesting through local school board policies.
Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE)
The HOPE Program covers school-related costs for low-income individuals, whether you are seeking a short-term training certificate or an associate or bachelor's degree.
Qualifications:
Parent or caretaker relative of a minor child who is living with you
Have been accepted to or are enrolled at least half-time in a qualifying training or education program. If you are enrolled less than half-time, the HOPE Program needs to grant special approval
No one in your family unit can be receiving a monthly TANF benefit
U.S. citizen or legal alien
Do not already have a marketable bachelor's degree
Are making satisfactory progress in your training or education program and you are on track to graduate
How to get help:
Call 207-624-4170
Email: HOPE.DHHS@maine.gov
Grants and scholarships in Maine
If you are currently in school or want to go back to school, check out these programs for financial aid:
Finance Authority of Maine (FAME)
FAME is an independent state agency that helps people pay for higher education and business expenses.
This grant program provides need-based grants to Maine undergraduate students. For the 2022-2023 academic years, the maximum grant award amount is $2,500. You must attend an eligible college or university in Maine.
How to get help:
Call 207-623-3263
Email: info@famemaine.com
Loan forgiveness in Maine
The Maine Educational Opportunity Tax Credit
The Maine Student Loan Repayment Credit provides a $2,500 tax credit per year — $25,000 lifetime value — for people who live and work in Maine. The credit can be claimed on your Maine state tax return. Learn more about eligibility at OpportunityMaine.org, which for certain years requires that you attended a school in Maine.
The Alfond Leaders Student Debt Reduction Program
This program provides student loan repayment assistance to people who live and work in Maine in a STEM-designated occupation at a Maine-based employer.
Employment help for single moms in Maine
Workforce programs in Maine provide training and assist with employment:
ASPIRE
The ASPIRE program helps TANF recipients find financial independence through job training, education, and employment services. Speak to your case worker to learn more.
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout Maine that offer support to single moms:
The Salvation Army of Maine
The Salvation Army wears many hats. Chapters assist with:
Food, shelter and clothing
Medication costs
Education and job training
Christmas presents
Rent and utility bills
Substance abuse rehabilitation
Youth services
Emergency disaster response
How to get help:
Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter.
Catholic Charities of Maine
Catholic Charities assists with:
Housing
Utility assistance
Food assistance
Health care assistance
For Northern Maine residents, Catholic Charities of Maine offers a Farm for ME program, which is designed to increase access to nutritious vegetables, reduce food insecurity and improve food sustainability.
Mainers can also find a list of Catholic Charities food banks across the state here.
How to get help:
Apply for assistance on the Catholic Charities website or reach out to your nearest Catholic Charities branch
“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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
MFIP — Minnesota’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children or to relatives who have custody of a child placed in their home.
The amount paid out varies depending on household income and if you’re employed. A family of three can receive $1,189/month if the parent is not working. If the parent works full-time and receives $10.33/hour, they are paid $1,777/month. Payments are more if you work, and your cash assistance is decreased after one, six, and seven months if you don’t find work.
Families who apply for MFIP are usually enrolled in the Diversionary Work Program (DWP) first — a four-month program that helps parents find work immediately so they don’t need cash assistance.
Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 60 months for adults.
Qualifications:
Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Permanent Minnesota resident
Have children under 18 or under 19 if still enrolled in high school
Pregnant women
Household income is at or below 200% of FPL — $4,143/month max income for a family of three
Family assets of $10,000 or less (does not include one car)
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help.
Rental assistance in Minnesota
There are multiple programs in Minnesota to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Rental Assistance
HTF helps low-income Minnesota renters — who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless — pay for rent, security deposits, and other housing-related expenses. The program works with local Coordinated Entry (CE) systems to help renters find permanent, affordable housing. Renters may also select their own housing if it meets HTF Rental Assistance standards.
People who qualify for HTF are expected to spend 30% of their income on housing, and the program will pay the difference. Assistance is available for up to five years but may be extended if renters aren’t eligible for Section 8 housing.
Qualifications:
Renters must meet with their local CE system for an assessment and referral to apply for HTF. Priority is given to High Priority Homeless (HPH) families, and the household income limit to qualify is typically below 30% of AMI.
Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program (FHPAP)
The main goal of FHPAP is to prevent Minnesota residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness — through services and financial assistance. Assistance can go toward rent deposits, rent and mortgage payments, or utilities.
Qualifications:
Local FHPAP providers determine eligibility and the amount of assistance a household can receive. Other requirements include:
Minnesota resident
Household income must be at or below 200% of FPL — $49,720/year max for a family of three
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Minnesota, check out the following programs:
Energy Assistance Program in Minnesota
Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program helps qualifying households pay for past-due heat, electricity, and water bills, with funds paid directly to utility companies. Eligible households can receive up to $1,400, plus additional funds for emergencies. The average eligible household receives $500.
Qualifications:
Resident of Minnesota
U.S. Citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S.
Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In Minnesota, most Medicaid recipients are enrolled in the Medical Assistance (MA) program, and most can choose a health plan based on the county they live in.
The national Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is rolled into MA coverage for children under 19. MA also covers dental services for children.
Adults 21 and older may qualify for the MA Cost Sharing Cost program, which includes a $3.80 monthly individual and family deductible and a $3 copay for non-preventive visits. Emergency Medical Assistance (EMA) is also available for folks who are not enrolled in a health plan. This is billed directly to the state on a fee-for-service basis.
Qualifications:
Minnesota resident
U.S. citizen or a qualifying noncitizen
Each household member seeking coverage must have a Social Security number
Meet income limits — $63,332/year max income for a family of three
Low-income Minnesotans and their families may qualify for the state health care program, MinnesotaCare, instead of Medicaid. Families enrolled in MinnesotaCare pay a monthly premium based on their household income. Programs include:
MinnesotaCare for children under 19: Covers the majority of medical and dental services.
MinnesotaCare for parents, caretakers, adults without children, and children 19 or 20 years old: Limited dental for nonpregnant adults and medical transportation coverage.
MinnesotaCare Cost Sharing and Limits: Some people 21 or older pay copays for services. Includes: $100 copay for ER visit, $30 for non-preventive visits, $250 inpatient hospital admission, $25 copay for eyeglasses, $15 for non-routine dental services.
Qualifications:
Minnesota resident
U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the U.S.
Meet the income limit — $46,060/year max for a family of three
Must not be enrolled in (or have access to) Medicare Part A and B
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 Minnesota by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP)
MFAP — Minnesota’s name for the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) – provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households.
MFAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card to purchase food in retail food stores, including:
Call the SNAP Hotline at 651-431-4050 in the Twin Cities metro area or 800-657-3698 outside the metro area.
Minnesota 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
Contact your local WIC Clinic or call 800-942-4030
Free school breakfast and lunch
Starting with the 2023-24 school year, students in Minnesota schools will get free meals regardless of their ability to pay. This change is in effect for at least the next four years.
Minnesota’s Summer Food Service Program
The Summer Food Service Program serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools and nonprofits..
Qualifications:
Must qualify for the NSLP.
How to get help:
Call the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 888-711-1151
Text Summer Meals to 914-342-7744
Minnesota food banks
Food banks in Minnesota 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 America website.
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
Minnesota’s School Readiness Program provides services to prepare children for school and help parents find and keep long-term employment. School Readiness Programs services and support include:
Professional development
Early learning standards and assessment
Scholarships
PreK-3 alignment
Qualifications:
Parent must be working or attending school
Child is at least three on Sept. 1
Families engage in a co-pay based on income and family size (fee is waived if unable to pay)
Child meets at least one risk factor:
Qualifies for free or reduced lunch
English learner
Homeless
Has an individualized education program (IEP) or standardized written plan
School district or health and developmental screenings find child has risks that may impact learning
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in Minnesota
If you are at least 19 years old in Minnesota, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test starting at 17 by submitting an Age Waiver Form.
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 Minnesota:
Online at-home test – $36 per subject
In person at a test center – $30 per subject
The state of Minnesota will cover $10 for each subject when you take your first GED test (use code MNGED10 at check-out).
University of Minnesota Student Parent Help Center
If you are a single mom attending the University of Minnesota, the Student Parent Help Center offers multiple programs to help you as you pursue an undergraduate or graduate college degree.
Resources include:
Child care assistance grants
Community spaces to study
Teen parent support and guidance
Support groups for student parents
Family activities and social events
Qualifications:
Single parent
Current student at University of Minnesota (all campuses)
Jeremiah Program operates in several states including out of Minneapolis to offer grants and other support to low-income single mothers committed to earning a college degree.
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in Minnesota.
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. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, visit the OHE website.
Specific OHE grants and scholarships that can help single moms include:
Minnesota State Grant
The Minnesota State Grant helps students in low- and moderate-income households pay for their education and related expenses. Grants can be renewed for six full-time semesters (or nine quarters) at more than 130 eligible Minnesota schools.
The average grant amount is $2,603, but recipients may receive:
A minimum of $100/year
$7,845/year max at a public two-year college
$12,345/year max at a private four-year college
Qualifications:
Minnesota resident
Have not attended eight full-time semesters (or equivalent terms)
At least 17 years old and graduated high school
Must be enrolled as an undergraduate with at least three credits
Minnesota’s Child Care Grant helps low-income college students with young children pay for child care so they can attend classes. Recipients can receive up to $6,500/year per child.
Qualifications:
Minnesota resident
Enrolled in 1-12 credits per term (undergraduates)
Enrolled in 1-6 credits per term (graduates)
Children are 12 years or younger
Children are 14 years or younger if special needs
Has not received child care grant funds for 10 semesters
Workforce programs in Minnesota provide training and assist with employment:
Minnesota Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program
This program provides unemployment compensation to eligible Minnesota workers who are out of work through no fault of their own. The weekly benefit amount is typically 50% of your average weekly income, with a maximum of $857.
Qualifications:
Minnesota resident
Unemployed at no fault of your own
Earned sufficient wages during a 52-week period (sufficient wage amount determined at application)
One City Minnesota offers resources to help single parents navigate raising children, working, housing, and getting an education. The nonprofit also assists with medical care and emergency issues like evictions and food insecurity.
Qualifications:
Single parent living in the Twin Cities metro area
“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 Mexico 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 Mexico
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 New Mexico
New Mexico ’s 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, circumstances and location. For example, a family of three can receive $740/month.
Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 48 months for adults.
New Mexico Christian Children’s Home (NMCCH) Single Parent Program
The NMCCH Single Parent Program makes it possible for single parents to keep their children as they take time to improve their self-sufficiency. The program offers an apartment with paid utilities, major appliances, help with groceries, age-appropriate activities for children, Christian counseling, and more.
Qualifications:
Must have reliable transportation
Non-smoker and does not drink or use drugs
No pets
If convicted of a crime, you have completed all legal requirements
The New Mexico Eviction Prevention and Diversion Program provides rental and utility assistance to eligible renters facing eviction for up to 13 months.
Qualifications:
Since the program is winding down, you must have an active eviction court case for non-payment of rent to receive assistance.
How to get help:
Go to the nmhomefund.org site to access the EPD contact form
If you need help buying a home in New Mexico, these programs can help:
New Mexico Homeowner Assistance Fund
The New Mexico Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) provides housing grants to eligible households experiencing financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 crisis. The amount of assistance varies per household, but grants of up to $20,000 are available.
The grant can help with:
Past-due payments, including payments in forbearance.
Property taxes
Home insurance
The program can help homeowners decrease the amount they owe on their mortgage or take other steps to prevent foreclosure.
Qualifications:
Experienced financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Here are some programs that help homeless residents in New Mexico:
Emergency Homeless Assistance Program (EHAP)
The main goal of the Emergency Homeless Assistance Program (EHAP) is to prevent New Mexico residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. The program also aims to help people fleeing from domestic violence. EHAP offers services including:
Emergency shelters
Transitional housing
Permanent housing
Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing
The organization provides professionals to serve the medical and dental needs of homeless individuals and families in central New Mexico. But the services also meet the needs of people who need help with medication, therapy, substance abuse, housing, life skills, and food insecurity.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in New Mexico, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in New Mexico
LIHEAP helps qualifying households with home heating and cooling costs, paid directly to utility companies. The agency does not assist with water, sewer, or telephone services.
The NM Energy$mart weatherization assistance program helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:
Installing carbon monoxide detectors
Removing mold
Replacing inefficient or unsafe heating units
Insulating a single family home for energy efficiency
New Mexico Community Dental serves low-income families with free dental care or sliding fee discounts. After meeting the initial requirements, you will need to continue to provide proof of eligibility every six months. You may be able to get dental work for as little as $20.
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in New Mexico
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 Mexico by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
New Mexico Medicaid
Centennial Care — New Mexico’s Medicaid program — provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In New Mexico, most Medicaid recipients are enrolled in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program, which includes:
Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) – Covers medical services like doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health care, and transportation for medical needs
Long-term Care (LTC) – Covers care in a nursing facility, assisted living, or at home (must be at least 18 years old and require nursing home-level care or hospital-level care if you have cystic fibrosis)
Dental – Covers all dental services for children and adults
Qualifications:
Resident of New Mexico
U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health coverage to children whose families have incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but can’t afford private coverage. In New Mexico, this program is called New MexiKids. Some benefits covered through CHIP include:
Routine check-ups
Immunizations
Doctor visits
Prescriptions
Dental and vision care
Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
Laboratory and X-ray services
Emergency services
New MexiKids has no premiums, but you may be required to pay co-pays for some services if your income is over 185% of the FPL.
Qualifications:
New Mexico resident
U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen
Age 18 and under ora primary caregiver with a child under 18
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
New Mexico 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
The Human Services Department (HSD), Income Support Division (ISD) offers several programs to help people with low income purchase food.
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 866-867-3124 and say you want to apply for WIC.
Free school meals
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently signed legislation to provide free school meals to all students in New Mexico, regardless of family income.
New Mexico ’s Summer Food Service Program
The New Mexico Family Nutrition Bureau serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, l parks and libraries.
Qualifications:
These are no income requirements for the Summer Food Service Program in New Mexico.
Child care help for low-income families in New Mexico
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in New Mexico :
New Mexico 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.
If you meet income requirements, you can get a portion of your child care costs paid if you are working, in school or training, or seeking employment. Your copayment will be based on your income and ability to pay for child care.
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in New Mexico
If you are at least 18 years old in New Mexico , you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 or 17 with special permission from the school district where you live.
The GED test is broken into four exams on different subjects, which can be spaced out and taken at your own pace (though each individual exam has a time limit):
Mathematical reasoning – 115 minutes
Reasoning through language arts – 150 minutes
Social studies – 70 minutes
Science – 90 minutes
You have two options for taking the test in New Mexico :
Online at-home test – $36 per subject
In person at a test center – $20 per subject
You can also take the HiSET to earn high school equivalency.
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.
This online resource offers a free job search within New Mexico, access to job fairs across the state, help with preparing for interviews, and other helpful tools. You can also find paid apprenticeships and find training programs to get started in a career or add to your skills.
Qualifications:
Anyone looking for work in New Mexico can use this resource
“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 York 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 York
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 New York
Family Assistance (FA) — New York’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children that have court-ordered custody of a child placed in their home, whether they are parents or a relative.
The amount paid out is based on household income, family size, and county. For example, the maximum benefit for a household of three in Albany County, N.Y., is $698 per month.
FA is available for a lifetime total of up to 60 months for adults. However, it can be extended if an adult family member is unable to work because they are physically or mentally impaired or a victim of domestic violence.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen, Native American, U.S. national, or qualified non-citizen
Permanent New York resident
Have dependent children under 18 or 19 attending high school or vocational school
Women with medical proof of pregnancy
Children and mother must have social security number
Gross income must be less than 185% of FPL
Family assets of $2,000 or less ($3,000 if the household has a family member 60 or over)
Child must be living in the home maintained by a parent or a relative who is a blood relative of the child
Children ages 6 to 18 must attend school, and parents/caretakers must attend school conferences
New York also offers Emergency Assistance as part of its TANF program. You can receive emergency funds even if you are not eligible for FA to help with:
Food
Shelter
Utility payments
Domestic violence shelter costs
Temporary housing (hotel)
Call your local DSS office to apply.
Single moms in New York can also visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.
Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash:
The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides rental assistance for low- to moderate-income residents to reduce homelessness and ensure proper access to gas and electricity.
This program does not apply to Hempstead, Islip, or Oyster Bay. Those areas have their own local rent assistance programs.
ERAP-approved households may get:
Up to 12 months of payments if you are behind on rent, paid directly to your landlord
Up to three months of financial help if your rental payment exceeds 30% of your gross monthly income
Up to 12 months of back payments for electric or gas utilities
Qualifications:
Rental help will be based on your income and level of need. To qualify:
Household gross income cannot exceed 80% of AMI for where you live
On or after Mar. 13, 2020, you or a household member received unemployment benefits or lost income or had financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic
You have missed rental payments on or after Mar. 13, 2020
You are at risk of homelessness
How to get help:
As of Jan. 20, 2023, this program has stopped accepting new applications.
Mortgage assistance in New York
If you need help buying a home (or staying in your home) in New York, these programs can help:
HUD Homeowner Assistance Programs
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a list of resources for homeowner assistance offered by New York state, region, city, and county.
Qualifications:
Each program has its own requirements. Select the program for your region to learn more.
How to get help:
Select your area in New York to see which programs are available
The New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund is a federal program that can help you if you are facing a default on your mortgage, foreclosure, or had to leave your home because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Qualifications:
Homeowners with income equal to or less than 100% of AMI
Must own the property and live there as your primary residence
Behind on monthly mortgage payments, property taxes, water bills, sewage bills, homeowner association payments, maintenance fees, etc.
In a forbearance plan or missed the chance to enter one, but are considered delinquent on your mortgage
How to get help:
The application period closed on February 18, 2023. You can sign up for the waiting list for help.
The Section 504 Home Repair Program provides affordable loans and grants to eligible homeowners with very low incomes. This program helps homeowners get necessary repairs or upgrades to their homes for improved health and safety.
The maximum loan is $40,000 with a 20-year term and a 1% fixed interest rate. The maximum grant is $10,000. If eligible for both, you can combine the loan and grant for up to $50,000 in home repair assistance. Grants require repayment if you sell the property less than three years after receipt.
Qualifications:
Own the home and live in the house as your primary residence
Unable to get an affordable loan somewhere else
Not exceed the very low limit household income for your area
For grants only, you must be at least 62 years old and unable to repay a repair loan. Loans are open to all ages.
Call 315-477-6400, extension 4 to speak with a USDA home loan specialist
State of New York Mortgage Agency
Through multiple programs, the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) provides low-interest loans, down payment assistance, homebuyer education, and other resources to help New York residents become homeowners:
Call 1-800-382-4663 for more information about SONYMA programs
Homeless assistance in New York
Are you homeless or facing homelessness in New York? Here are some helpful resources:
Housing and Support Services
New York state’s Housing and Support Services (HSS) falls under the New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (NYOTDA). It administers multiple programs that support homeless people, those at risk of homelessness, and low-income families in New York.
Programs include:
Solutions to End Homelessness Program (STEHP)
New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP)
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS Program (HOPWA)
Emergency Needs for the Homeless Program (ENHP)
Operational Support for AIDS Housing Program (OSAH)
Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI)
Qualifications:
Homeless, facing homelessness, or have a low income and need help to maintain stable housing
Each program may have individual eligibility requirements
Transportation help for low-income families in New York
New York offers multiple transportation resources for single moms and low-income families:
Free and low-cost transportation
You may be eligible for these free and low-cost transportation options if you meet the eligibility criteria:
Ride United
Ride United Transportation Access program provides free rides to help people in need access essential medical services, complete education programs, get to job interviews, and more.
Through Ride United Last Mile Delivery program, people in need who don’t have transportation access can have charitable food, essential items, pet food and supplies delivered.
While Ride United notes that free transportation and deliveries of food and essential items are not available in every community, the organization said that 211 specialists will connect you with the best available services to meet your family’s needs.
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.
Fair Fares NYC helps low-income New Yorkers get discounted rates for transportation costs. By using a Fair Fares NYC MetroCard, eligible New York City residents receive a 50% discount on subway and bus fares.
Qualifications:
Must reside in NYC
Income at or below the FPL for household size
Not eligible for other discounted transportation from the MTA or the city
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in New York, check out the following programs:
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in New York
HEAP helps qualifying households with home heating and cooling costs, paid directly to utility companies like Con Edison. The agency does not assist with water, sewer, or telephone services.
There are two benefits to help you pay energy bills:
Regular HEAP — Pays the energy vendor directly to assist with regular heating costs
Emergency HEAP — Emergency funds for situations where a resident is under threat of having no heat in the winter
The Regular HEAP benefit is available once per household during the program year, which started November 1, 2022 and continues until funding is gone. Emergency HEAP benefit funding started January 3, 2023. In some cases, you may be eligible for both benefits.
Regular HEAP Benefit Amounts for 2023-2024:
Minimum Regular HEAP Benefit
Household situation
$21
Government subsidized housing or group home with heating costs included in the rent
$45 or $50
Households with heating costs as part of the rent
$900 plus add-ons
Homes that use oil, kerosene, or propane as the primary heat source and pay the vendor directly
$635 plus add-ons
Homes that use wood, wood pellets, coal, corn or other fuel as the primary heat source that is delivered and pay the vendor directly
$400 plus add-ons
Homes that use electricity or natural gas as the main heat source and pay the vendor directly
For households that pay vendors directly for heat, add-ons refer to an additional $41 if the household is considered Tier 1. Tier 1 households are at or below 130% of the FPL or receive benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (TA), or Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
Resident of New York
Not exceed the monthly income limits for your household size — $4,608 for a family of three
Responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills
To be eligible for Emergency HEAP, you must be:
At risk of having no heat or currently without heat
Out of fuel or have low fuel
At or below the monthly income limits
Receiving SNAP, TA, or SSI
Responsible for paying the heating bill
Have less than $2,000 and no household members are 60 or older
Have less than $3,000 and a household member who is 60 or older
Administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), the WAP helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:
Sealing a home with weather stripping, caulk or other sealant
Replacing or repairing inefficient or unsafe heating units
Improving lighting, hot water tank and pipe insulation
Replacing refrigerators with Energy Star models
Insulating a single family home for energy efficiency
Qualifications:
U.S citizen or a qualified alien
Resident of state of New York
Must be a renter or homeowner
Must have household income that is at or below HEAP monthly income guidelines
Automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI, SNAP or HEAP
How to get help:
Call 518-474-5700 fo general questions about WAP
Applications are not available online, so you have to visit your county’s weatherization provider.
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in New York
These resources can help you get access to medical and dental treatment for you and your children:
New York free clinics
New York free clinics offer medical help to people who are uninsured or having trouble paying for health care. Some partner with top schools like New York University to have medical students on staff, guided by senior doctors.
Qualifications:
All patients are accepted.
How to get help:
Dial 2-1-1 in New York state to find the nearest free clinic
Dial 3-1-1 in New York City to find your the closest free clinic
New York Medicaid
Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In New York, most Medicaid recipients are enrolled in a New York State Medicaid Managed Care Plan (MMCP), which includes:
Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) — Covers medical services like doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health care, lab services, rehab, inpatient hospital services, and transportation for medical needs
Dental and Orthodontic Services — Covers all dental services for children and adults
Hearing Services — Covers hearing tests, hearing aids services and hearing products
Vision Services — Covers eye care and low vision services
Qualifications:
Resident of New York
U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
Child Health Plus, the name of New York State’s Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP), provides free or low-cost health insurance for children who don’t qualify for Medicaid coverage based on household income.
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 York by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
New York State of Health Marketplace
The New York State of Health marketplace allows individuals and families to shop for affordable health insurance coverage. To compare plans and estimate your monthly cost, you must create a free account.
You can choose an insurance plan during open enrollment, which generally runs between November and January each year. You can also apply during a special enrollment period such as when you lose coverage due to job loss or if you’ve just moved to a new state.
Qualifications:
New York resident
U.S. citizen, national or lawfully present immigrant*
Not currently incarcerated
Not seeking coverage for nursing home care or care provided in a Residential Treatment Facility for Children and Youth, Developmental Center or Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled
*There may be different immigration rules for those eligible for Child Health Plus, NYS Medicaid, or the Essential Plan based on your income
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
New York 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 or credit card to purchase food in retail food stores, including:
Breads
Cereals
Fruits
Vegetables
Meats
Fish
Poultry
Dairy
Plants and seeds to grow food
Some stores in New York are participating in a SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot, allowing you to order groceries online using your SNAP benefits.
Qualifications:
You must be a New York resident and meet one of the following conditions:
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 parent of children under age of five 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 dial 1-800-522-5006 and say you want to apply for WIC.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program
NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school.
An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students. Schools with at least 80% of the students eligible for free or reduced-price meals must provide breakfast at no cost to all students.
Contact your child’s school to enroll. If you receive TA and/or SNAP, no enrollment is necessary. Simply submit a certification letter to the school from your local DSS.
New York’s Summer Food Service Program
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) administers the Summer Food Service Program. During summer break, this program serves nutritious meals at no cost to children. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, summer camps, parks, and other public spaces.
Qualifications:
These are the current income guidelines for the Summer Food Service Program:
Child care help for low-income families in New York
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in New York:
New York Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school.
Qualifications:
Children from birth to 5
Meet federal poverty guidelines
Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
Some programs accept kids with incomes above the Poverty Guidelines
Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start
How to apply:
Visit MySchools to find a Head Start program in New York City
The New York State Child Care Assistance Program (NYS CCAP) provides funds to pay for child care costs from licensed providers. You can even pay for child care with providers who are registered or enrolled as a legally exempt provider — including friends or relatives.
Qualifications:
Must need child care to go to work, look for work, or attend job training
Cannot make more than 300% of the poverty level for their family size — $69,090/year for a family of three
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in New York
If you are at least 19 years old in New York, you can take the GED test. If you are 16, 17, or 18, you must get approval from the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
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
In New York, you can only take the test in person. There are no online tests at this time. You may take the test for free, as it is paid for by the state. The GED is available in English and Spanish. Upon passing, you will be awarded a High School Equivalency Diploma.
The Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in New York. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, create a student profile on the HESC 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.
Jeremiah Program
Jeremiah Program operates in several states including out of Baltimore to offer grants and other support to low-income single mothers committed to earning a college degree.
Student loan forgiveness in New York
The HESC has several student loan forgiveness programs for New York residents. The federal government also offers multiple programs. For more information on these programs, visit the HESC website.
Employment help for single moms in New York
Workforce programs in New York provide training and assist with employment:
Department of Labor Career Centers
The New York State Department of Labor provides a career hub online that connects job seekers with employment resources throughout the state. The website offers resources like:
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout New York that offer support to single moms:
Feeding America
Feeding America is an excellent resource to get connected to your local food bank or food program. Plus, your local food bank can help you apply for helpful programs like SNAP, which provides money each month to buy groceries for your family.
The following resources serve residents of New York City, N.Y.:
Emergency assistance in New York City
If you need emergency cash for expenses like utilities, rent, and groceries, here are some helpful resources to consider in New York City:
NYC’s Human Resources Administration
Human Resources Administration (HRA) offers more than 30 programs that provide essential benefits to those in need, such as emergency cash assistance, food, rental vouchers, free ID cards and Medicaid assistance.
HRA also covers the cost of child care for eligible families. Parents who are in school or employed may qualify for the childcare program. If eligible for childcare assistance, HRA can help parents find a provider that is best for their household. You can use HRA’s online childcare search tool to find a provider.
If you are in school, employed or participating in a work activity and would like HRA to help pay for child care, you and the provider need to complete and submit the required forms.
Qualifications:
Eligibility for all programs is determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors that may be considered include:
Household income
Household size
The reason for the need, which can include losing a job
If you need housing help in Cleveland, here are some options:
CityFHEPS
In New York City, CityFHEPS helps residents at risk of losing housing by providing financial assistance. They also help New Yorkers find affordable housing.
CityFHEPS offers rent assistance for an entire apartment, a single room in an apartment, or a single room unit in any of the five boroughs of New York City. Rental payments are made directly to landlords or property owners.
Payment amounts vary based on the number of bedrooms and whether utilities are included. For example, the maximum amount you can get for a one-bedroom unit with all utilities included is $2,218.
Qualifications:
If you are a family with children eligible for New York Cash Assistance, you must be receiving those benefits before applying for CityFHEPS.
You must also meet one of the following conditions:
Household member is a veteran or service member and facing eviction
Household member receives Pathway Home benefits and would be eligible for CityFHEPS if they were in a Department of Homelessness Services (DHS) or Human Resources Administration (HRA) shelter
Household was referred by a CityFHEPS qualifying program through DSS and it was determined this benefit is needed to avoid entering a shelter
Evicted in the past year or at risk of being evicted and household has a member who has lived in a DHS shelter, has an active Adult Protective Services (APS) case (or is in a community guardianship program), or lives in a rent-controlled apartment and needs the benefit to remain there
CityFHEPS is renewable for up to four years after initial acceptance, for a total lifetime benefit of up to five years. If someone aged 60 or over receives federal disability payments in your home, the five-year limit does not apply.
The Homelessness Prevention Administration (HPA) aims to keep New Yorkers in their homes. HPA partners with the Department of Homeless Services, the NYC Housing Authority and multiple other organizations and NYC agencies to prevent homelessness.
HRA helps families in need maintain stable affordable housing in their communities. HPA also provides emergency cash assistance on a case-by-case basis to help pay for things such as back rent to avoid eviction, food, and money towards burial costs for loved ones.
Qualifications:
Homeless or facing homelessness
How to get help:
718-557-1399
Dial 311
Housing Connect
Housing Connect helps families find and apply for affordable rental and homeownership opportunities in each of NYC’s five boroughs. Housing Connect works as a lottery system for eligible applicants. There are rental and homeownership properties with regulated rentals so the price of rent stays affordable. Condos and houses have restricted prices to help keep costs low.
In New York City, the Coalition for the Homeless has compiled an online resource guide that includes emergency contacts for food, shelter, and other necessary services.
Qualifications:
Any person who is homeless or at risk of homelessness is eligible for help.
Call 888-358-2384 if you need help with access to a shelter
Medical and dental care help in New York City
If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in New York City, check out these resources:
Free Clinics for the Uninsured
The Institute for Family Health operates two free clinics, one in the Bronx and another in Manhattan. The clinics provide numerous healthcare services to uninsured adults at no cost. The Free Clinics are open Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon, except holidays. The clinics do not see children. Services offered for adults include:
Primary care
Women’s health and gynecology
Disease prevention and screening
Vaccinations
Health education
Counseling
Social work services such as help obtaining public assistance, disability assistance, housing, food stamps and other aid
The Free Clinics are operated by students from New York University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Students are supervised at all times by senior Institute of Family Health physicians.
Qualifications:
Appointments are required
Must be 18 or older
How to get help:
Call 347-854-0170
NYC CARE
NYC Care is a healthcare access program that helps New Yorkers find low-cost and no-cost medical and dental services. NYC Care members can receive services at any NYC Health + Hospitals patient care location in the five boroughs, including 11 hospitals and dozens of community-based health centers.
Services provided by NYC Care include:
Access to affordable health care at NYC Health + Hospitals patient care locations
Choice of Primary Care Provider
Preventive care such as vaccinations, routine screenings and mammograms
Mental health support and substance abuse services
Access to low-cost prescription medications
Support from nurses, medical assistants, social workers, pharmacists, and nutritionists
There are no membership fees, monthly fees, or premiums, and the cost to receive health care is based on family size and income. A sliding fee scale can be found online.
Qualifications:
Must live in one of the NYC’s five boroughs
Must not qualify for any health insurance plan available in the state of New York
Must be unable to afford health insurance
How to get help:
Call 646-692-2273
Zucker School of Medicine's Free Clinic
The Zucker School of Medicine's Free Clinic offers free medical services on Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m. at 95-25 Queens Boulevard in Rego Park in New York City. The clinic is for adults only and is operated by Zucker medical students who are supervised by faculty physicians. The Free Clinic provides primary care services to uninsured patients at no cost, including annual physicals, sick visits, vaccines, blood work, electrocardiograms and more.
Qualifications:
Appointments are required
Must be 18 or older
How to get help:
Call 631-393-5650
Email som.clinic@pride.hofstra.edu
Food assistance in New York City
Here is a food resource local to New York City:
Community Food Connection
Community Food Connection (CFC) helps provide food assistance by connecting those in need to quick food access such as groceries from a food pantry or a cooked meal from a community kitchen. There are dozens of locations all over the five boroughs.
Qualifications:
Everyone is eligible for food assistance, regardless of immigration status or income
How to get help:
Call 311
Use the Food Help NYC map to find your closest food pantry and community kitchen
Food Bank for New York City
The Food Bank for New York City helps provide food assistance through numerous community kitchens and pantries. The Food Bank also holds multiple mobile pantries and pop-up distribution events per month. Families in need of food can check the online map and a list of all the places to receive free food.
The Food Bank also offers a Campus Pantry program that works with schools and universities across the five boroughs to set up on-site food pantries for students and their families. Each Campus Pantry location provides families with healthy food items from nonperishables to fresh produce. While the Food Bank supplies the items, each school staffs its pantry and creates distribution hours.
Qualifications:
Everyone is eligible for food assistance, regardless of immigration status or how much money families have
The Free Summer Meals program provides free breakfast and lunch to children at numerous locations such as schools, parks, pools, libraries and food trucks in all five boroughs.
Qualifications:
Children under age 18
People with disabilities, regardless of age, who participate in special education programs
Anyone who gets SNAP benefits is automatically eligible
How to get help:
Call 311
Text NYC Food to 304-304
Grand Central Food Program
The Grand Central Food Program (GCFP) is a mobile soup kitchen that delivers roughly 1,000 meals, which consist of hot stew, bread, fresh fruit, and juice or milk, to homeless and hungry New Yorkers.
The mobile soup kitchen makes 22 stops around the city. During the winter, GCFP hands out coats, hats, gloves and blankets in addition to the meal. GCFP operates every night of the year, and the route starts at 5:30 p.m. from St. Bart’s located on 51st Street.
Check out these resources if you need help paying for child care in NYC:
Child care vouchers
The New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) provides vouchers to help qualifying families pay for child care.
Qualifications:
Work 10+ hours each week
Enrolled in an education or vocational program
Actively seeking work
Reside in temporary housing
You need to attend services due to domestic violence
Have an income that falls below 300% of FPL
How to get help:
Call ACS at 212-835-7610.
Promise NYC
Promise NYC launched in January 2023 and provides money for child care paid directly to the provider to help undocumented low-income families in need. This program will run as long as it has funding but is currently being offered until June 30, 2023.
NYC ACS is partnering with four organizations to administer the program:
Current immigration status makes them ineligible for other federal child care assistance programs
Live in a home with an income below 300% of FPL for household size
How to get help:
Contact the partner organization serving your borough (listed above) for more information.
Education help in New York City
Here are some education resources in NYC:
The Excelsior Scholarship
The state of New York’s Excelsior Scholarship allows eligible students to earn a free two- or four-year college degree at any City University of New York (CUNY) or State University of New York (SUNY) college. In addition to the free tuition, the Excelsior Scholarship covers any remaining gap in tuition expenses, after other federal and state grants and scholarships are applied, up to $5,500.
Qualifications:
Must be a resident of New York and have resided in the state for 12 continuous months
Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Must have a high school diploma or GED
Household income of under $125,000
Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college
Must take at least 12 credits per term and complete at least 30 credits yearly
Must not be in default on state or federal student loan programs
Must reside in the state for the length of time the award was received
The New York Public Library (NYPL) offers numerous free programs for both children and adults. Through the NYPL’s After School free drop-in program, kids ages 6 through 12 can get homework help from a tutor and partake in writing and enrichment activities.
Some branches offer snacks to children during the After School program, which takes place at roughly 50 NYPL branches across the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island after regular school hours Monday through Thursday, during the school year.
The NYPL also offers numerous free programs for adults, including English and technology classes, career services, writing and activity groups and workshops.
NYC Public Schools offer several Adult Education programs that provide free classes for eligible students who have not earned a U.S. high school diploma or equivalency. Adult Education programs are offered Monday through Saturday at more than 175 sites across all five boroughs.
The programs offered include:
Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
High School Equivalency Preparation (HSE)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Qualification for the Adult Learner Program scholarships:
Must be 21 or older
Must not have a U.S. High School diploma or equivalency
How to get help:
Call 646-481-8227
Email adultednyc@schools.nyc.gov
Employment help in New York City
Check out these employment resources in New York City:
Career Services
HRA's Career Services offers three programs to New Yorkers who are receiving Cash Assistance. The programs help people increase their job skills and build a career that will lead to success and financial security.
HRA's Career Services will help you find opportunities that match your skills, needs, and career goals. The three programs offered include:
CareerCompass:Helps adults assess their skills and experience and then assists with finding employment, job training and education programs as well as internship and community service opportunities
YouthPathways: Works with young adults ages 18 to 24 to provides career, education, and training services and helps find programs that match applicants’ skills, including internships and community service
CareerAdvance: Offers career, education, and training services for people in specific industries
Qualifications:
Must have an active Cash Assistance case
How to get help:
Call 212-331-4640
Business Link: JTP POP Program
Through the program, New Yorkers selected will have a full-time job while they look for a permanent job. The NYC Parks Department is hiring for outdoor maintenance positions, which are 40 hours per week and pay $15.45 per hour. The job duties include: sweeping, raking, picking up litter, and emptying trash receptacles.
The job is five days a week, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with four of those days during the week and one day a week on the weekend. One of the shifts is a paid day to look for a permanent job
Qualifications:
Must have an active Cash Assistance case
Must be the head of household
Must be unemployed
How to get help:
Call 718-262-3400
Email businesslinkjtp@hra.nyc.gov
Visit 123 William Street, 6th Floor in New York City
Workforce1 Career Centers
Workforce1 Career Centers offer free professional employment and training services that can help people find a job or develop their career.
Services include:
Help to find a job
Information about job fairs and recruitment events
Financial counseling
Job readiness classes, such as creating or updating a resume, mock interviews, resources to help pay for job training and career advancement coaching
HOPE aims to assist New Yorkers who are looking for jobs by offering training, employment opportunities and career support. HOPE offers numerous services, and a list of current programs can be found online. No diploma or high school equivalency is required to be eligible for the programs.
Qualifications:
Must participate in a full-time program and work full-time
Must be at least 18
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Some programs may have additional eligibility requirements
In-Person: Every Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Brooklyn and Bronx locations
Charity organizations in New York City
There are several charitable organizations throughout NYC that offer support to single moms: Robin Hood
Robin Hood partners with more than 250 nonprofits to connect New Yorkers in need with food, housing, education, legal services, workforce development, and more across all five boroughs. Qualifications vary depending on the individual program and the assistance needed.
How to get help:
Call 212-227-6601
Email info@robinhood.org
Women In Need (Win)
Win helps mothers and children obtain safe housing. Win offers multiple services to help New Yorkers experiencing homelessness in addition to operating 14 shelters in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens.
After arriving at a Win shelter, each family receives a kit that includes necessities for setting up their units, such as new sheets and towels, pots, pans, dishes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and toilet paper. Win also has 96 supportive housing units where people can live in their apartments and pay a reduced rent of 30% of their income.
Qualifications:
Must be referred from the shelter system and have one or a combination of the following needs: mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence or aged out of foster care
How to get help:
Call 212-695-4758
Email info@winnyc.org
Moms for Moms
Moms for Moms offers free postpartum and baby products to single mothers who are living in unsafe situations. Moms for Moms provides two care packages per person. One of the packages is a postpartum recovery care kit for the mom and the other is a newborn baby bundle containing items for infants to 6 months old babies. Some of the items included in the care packages include:
Diapers
Wipes
Nursing pads
Feminine hygiene products
Baby soap
Thermometers
Blankets
Bottles
Qualifications:
Must be a single woman who is pregnant or within the first two months of postpartum
The following resources serve residents of Buffalo, N.Y.:
Emergency assistance in Buffalo
If you need emergency cash for expenses like utilities, rent, and groceries, here are some helpful resources to consider in Buffalo.
Erie County Temporary Assistance
Erie County Department of Social Services offers multiple emergency cash assistance programs for Buffalo residents in need, such as a place to stay for those experiencing homelessness, one-time mortgage or rent payment help, and one-time grants to assist families with buying necessary household furniture and supplies. A full list of emergency cash assistance services can be found online.
Qualifications:
Eligibility for all benefits offered as part of the county’s Temporary Assistance is determined on a case-by-case basis. Factors that may be considered include:
Family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
Household size
The reason for the need
How to get help:
Call 716-858-8000
Email TAEmergencyServices@erie.gov
Apply for benefits in person at 158 Pearl Street in Buffalo
The Needy Family Fund helps Western New Yorkers who are experiencing an emergency by offering one-time cash assistance. The amount of cash awarded and what the funds can be used for are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Some examples of how the Needy Family Fund can help include:
Rental assistance
Utilities
Gas vouchers
Motel vouchers
Food vouchers
Prescription medication costs
Bus passes
Vocational training and tuition
Qualifications for assistance vary and include income, family size and reason for the assistance.
If you need housing help in Buffalo, here are some options:
Buffalo City Mission
Buffalo City Mission’s Women and Children’s Shelter, known as Cornerstone Manor, provides food and a safe place to stay for Buffalo residents in need. The manor allows moms and children to have a stable place to live while going through the Buffalo City Mission’s Transitional Housing Program, which helps families find and maintain permanent housing. Through City Mission programs, moms and adults can partake in job training, education programs and classes, health and wellness events and more.
Qualifications:
Single moms in need of assistance must apply before receiving services.
The Cynthia Gardens Apartments consist of eight townhouse-style rental units located on Hudson Street in Buffalo. Two of the units are two handicapped-adaptable, two-bedroom apartments. Each apartment has been furnished with appliances, including a refrigerator, range oven and dishwasher as well as an in-unit washer and dryer.
At Cynthia Gardens Apartments, there are two-bedroom units at roughly 950 square feet and cost $575 per month as well as three-bedroom apartments that cost $655 per month. The monthly rental fee includes water, sewer and trash but does not include gas or electric bills.
As of January 2024, there are no vacancies. Cynthia Gardens Apartments has a first-come-first-serve waitlist for people interested in a unit.
Qualifications:
Families in need of assistance must call and be added to the waitlist.
How to get help:
Call 716-882-7661 ext. 205
To be added to the waitlist, provide full name, phone number, and mailing address and specify if interested in a two or three-bedroom apartment
Email info@hocn.org
Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program
The City of Buffalo, in partnership with the Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency and Heart of the City Neighborhoods Inc., offers the Down Payment and Closing Cost (DPCC) Assistance Program to help first-time homebuyers purchase a home in the city. The program offers up to $10,000 in financial assistance in the form of a no-interest conditional grant to help with closing costs and down payment expenses. The funds awarded must only be repaid if the home is sold within five years.
Qualifications:
Must be a first-time homebuyer
The property must be:
In the City of Buffalo
Classified a single-family or a double-family home
Owned by the applicant for at least 18 months
In good condition and not in need of repairs
Under the sales price limit of $223,000 for a single-family home or $286,000 for a double-family home
Household annual income limit of 80 percent AMI
Household assets under $35,000, not including funds being put toward purchase
Must complete a HUD Certified Homebuyer Education course
The City of Buffalo’s Emergency Assistance Program helps families with funding to cover the cost of emergency home repairs, which include:
A leaking and deteriorated roof
Sewer line breaks
Main water line breaks
Broken heating system
Inoperable hot water tank
Electrical panel issues
Water meter connection problems
Gas line hazards
For households in need of emergency repairs, the city’s program can only address one problem. This program offers applicants funding in the form of full or partial conditional and no-interest loans to address one emergency condition.
Qualifications:
Household income limit of 80 percent of AMI
Household assets of less than $35,000
Must own and have lived in the home for at least 12 months
The home must be single or double-family and not built with Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency funding
Must not have previously received home buyer assistance from the City of Buffalo
Must be up to date on all taxes and other housing fees
How to get help:
Call 716-882-7661
Email info@hocn.org
Medical and dental care help in Buffalo
If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in Buffalo, check out these resources:
Good Neighbors Health Care
Good Neighbors Health Care operates a free clinic where adults can receive medical and dental care. The clinic is operated by volunteer medical staff and is funded by donations. All services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The clinic opens on Wednesdays at 8 a.m. and Thursdays at 5 p.m.
Services offered:
Primary Medical Care
Treatment for common illnesses, physicals, prescriptions and referrals to free or low-fee specialty services
Dental Care
Exams, cleanings, extractions, and fillings
Counseling
Social workers, mental health professionals and religious leaders offer spiritual and emotional support services
Qualifications:
Must be 18 or older
How to get help:
Call 716-856-2400 x 220
Email goodneighbors@harvesthousebuffalo.org
For medical and dental care, visit 175 Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo
Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic
The Lighthouse Free Medical Clinic, located at 34 Benwood Avenue in Buffalo, provides medical services at no cost to adults and children. The free clinic, which is open on Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m., is operated by medical students from the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine who are overseen by licensed local physicians. The clinic does not provide dental care or offer any vaccinations.
Services offered by the clinic include:
Physicals
Sick visits
Referrals to specialists
Dermatology
Gynecological services, including PAP smears and birth control education
Screenings for chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension
Counseling
Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
Nutrition advice
Qualifications:
The clinic’s numerous services are free and available to everyone, regardless of insurance status
How to get help:
Call 716-222-0805
Email lighthouse.buffalo@gmail.com
Food assistance in Buffalo
Here is a food resource local to Buffalo, N.Y.:
Food Bank of Western New York
The Food Bank of Western New York collects and distributes free food to hundreds of locations across Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. The Food Bank’s online pantry locator helps you find all the free food sites.
The Food Bank also offers a Mobile Food Pantry Program that delivers fresh food items such as produce and dairy products directly to families in need throughout Western New York. A list of all the mobile pantry upcoming locations can be found online.
Qualifications:
Household income below 225% of the federal income poverty level
Automatically eligible if receiving assistance from the following programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Resident of Western New York
How to get help:
Call 716-822-2002
Email hello@feedmorewny.org
Buffalo City Mission
The Buffalo City Mission offers three free hot meals to anyone in need every day of the week at 100 East Tupper Street in Buffalo. Free breakfast is available from 8:30 to 9 a.m., lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and dinner is from 4 to 4:30 p.m.
The City Mission also operates a food pantry where people can pick from a variety of free groceries and clothing items. The pantry is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon.
Qualifications:
All who are in need may visit the mission
How to get help:
Call 716-854-8181
Education help in Buffalo
Here are some education resources in Buffalo:
New Hope Education Center
The New Hope Education Center offers free education and training programs for adults to help lead to good-paying careers. The adult education center provides a path to employment as well as support for people looking to participate in their certificate-based training programs.
The Buffalo Public School Adult Education program offers GED test preparation, English as a Second Language courses as well as multiple career-focused classes, including:
Allied Health Office Technology
Residential Electric
Intro to Automation/PLC
Hands-on Home Improvement
Construction Skills
Steam Engineering
Customer Service
Nursing
How to get help:
Call 716-855-0654
Email newhope@harvesthousebuffalo.org
The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) has a central library and eight branches in Buffalo plus 28 facilities outside of the city operated by member libraries. The public library system offers dozens of services for adults and children, including homework assistance, job training programs, education classes, GED preparation and more.
Say Yes Buffalo awards multiple scholarships and grants to eligible graduates of Buffalo Public School. The scholarships available include:
A tuition scholarship to SUNY and CUNY schools that covers tuition expenses and fees after state and federal aid are applied. The amount awarded is determined by the number of consecutive years a student has attended a public or charter school in Buffalo
An opportunity grant of up to $2,000 for students at SUNY and CUNY schools that can be used to help cover the cost of some non-tuition expenses, such as books, fees and room and board.
A tuition scholarship to one of the more than 75 partner schools covers the full cost of tuition to students who live in households that have incomes of less than $75,000. A list of the partner schools can be found online.
The Choice Grant is available to students whose household incomes are more than $75,000. The grant offers up to $5,000 per year toward tuition at one of the numerous partner schools.
Qualifications:
Must be a Buffalo resident
Must have completed grades 9 through 12 in consecutive years at a Buffalo public or charter school. With documentation, the following students are automatically deemed eligible regardless of years of completion:
Legally designated as having McKinney-Vento status
Have refugee status or be an eligible noncitizen
Have documented Foster Care placement or are a ward of the court
Complete the Buffalo Public School Adult Education College Career Institute
Must enroll full-time at a partner college within one year of high school graduation
Must apply for all federal and state financial aid programs available
How to get help:
Call 716-247-5310
Email info@sayyesbuffalo.org
Employment help in Buffalo
Check out this employment resource in Buffalo:
Workforce Buffalo
Workforce Buffalo’s Career Centers provide resources and services for people currently looking for employment. Priority service is given to low-income Buffalo residents and to those who are deficient in basic skills. At the centers, people can get individualized career advice and training, which includes help with creating resumes as well as networking and interviewing tips.
For teens and young adults ages 14 to 25, Workforce Buffalo offers multiple services to help with education and professional advancement. Services available include tutoring, High School Equivalency/GED prep, paid and unpaid work experience, mentoring and support services, counseling and more.
There are several charitable organizations throughout Buffalo that offer support to single moms:
Baby & Children's Ministry
Harvest House’s Baby & Children's Ministry allows mothers to browse through a selection of free baby and child items, including clothing, cribs, car seats, strollers, educational toys and books. The free shop is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only.
Qualifications:
Those wanting to visit the free shop must make an appointment
How to get help:
To make an appointment, call 716-824-7818
The shop is located at 175 Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo
Hearts for the Homeless
Hearts for the Homeless operates numerous free food programs as well as a thrift store where shoppers can find low-cost clothing. For Buffalo residents in need of food, Hearts for Homeless offers:
Feedmore Mobile Food Pantry is held from 1 to 3 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month, except in November and December, and offers a variety of items from fresh food to toiletries. The pop-up pantry is available to anyone and is located at the Hearts Campus on Tonawanda Street in Buffalo
The Mobile Soup Kitchen serves meals five nights a week where people in need can get hot meals, sandwiches, drinks and desserts. Depending on availability, clothing items may also be offered. The Mobile Soup Kitchen is located outside the Buffalo library on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m., Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 6 p.m.
Hearts Harvest Food Pantry, located at 870 Tonawanda Street in Buffalo, is a food pantry that operates like a “client choice” grocery store. Hearts Harvest Food Pantry allows families to pick out foods that they want and need and offers fresh products from local farms and community gardens when possible. The pantry is open Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hearts for the Homeless operates two thrift stores where families can shop for low-cost clothing, shoes, accessories and household items such as decor, toys and games. The Hearts for the Homeless Thrift Store location at 2217 Sheridan Drive in Buffalo is open Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the Thrift Store at 890 Tonawanda Street is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The following resources serve residents of Rochester, N.Y.:
Emergency assistance in Rochester
If you need emergency cash for expenses like utilities, rent, and groceries, here are some helpful resources to consider in Rochester:
Catholic Charities Family and Community Services
Catholic Charities Family and Community Services offers support with finding emergency food and rent programs as well as financial assistance. Catholic Charities also provides short-term crisis intervention, job training, clothing and other necessities and shelter.
Services are available by appointment only. Eligibility and the amount of assistance awarded are determined on a case-by-case basis.
How to get help:
Call 585-232-2050
Email ccfcs@fcscharities.org
Housing help in Rochester
If you need housing help in Rochester, here are some options:
YWCA’s Emergency Housing program
The Emergency Housing program provides mothers and children with a safe place to stay to help homeless families move toward housing and financial stability. Families can stay in individual rooms or apartments and have access to a shared kitchen, lounge, and children’s playroom.
Women entering the housing program can meet with a case manager to create a personalized plan. Families also have access to on-site health screenings and mental health services. Mothers participating in the program can use the YWCA’s drop-in childcare while searching for permanent housing, attending classes or work.
Qualifications:
Single moms in need of assistance must apply before receiving services. In-person applications for the Emergency Assistance program are done at the Department of Human Services located at 691 St. Paul Street in Rochester.
How to get help:
Call 585-368-2220
Email ywinfo@ywcarochester.org
House of Mercy
The House of Mercy helps Rochester residents in need by providing food, shelter and clothing. For families who are experiencing homelessness and in need of a place to stay, the House of Mercy operates a 76-bed shelter. A Food Pantry, which offers a range of essential food and household items, is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How to get help:
Call 585-546-2580
Email info@houseofmercyrochester.org
Home Purchase Assistance Program
The City of Rochester's Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) offers grants of up to $6,000 to help first-time homebuyers with down payment and closing costs.
Qualifications:
Must be a first-time homebuyer
Homes must be in Rochester
Buyers must contribute $1,500 of their own money
Buyers must live in the property for at least five years
Buyers must qualify for a mortgage loan for at least $25,000
Buyers must attend homebuyer training and education
Buyers must have a median family income below 120%
How to get help:
Call 585-428-6888
Email homebuyer@cityofrochester.gov
Medical and dental care help in Rochester
If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in Rochester check out these resources:
UR Well
University of Rochester medical students run three UR Well clinics in the Rochester area that offer free medical services for adults.
The three UR Wll clinics are located at:
Asbury First United Methodist Church on East Avenue
St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center on South Avenue
Maplewood YMCA on Driving Park Avenue
Services include:
Physicals
Screening services for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes
Ongoing care for chronic conditions
Referrals to specialists
Health education and preventative medicine
Social evaluations to determine patient eligibility for programs like Medicaid
Trillium Health’s Mobile Clinic brings free medical services to Rochester residents in need through its 39-foot-long vehicle equipped with exam rooms and a waiting area. The Mobile Clinic sees patients seeking treatment for acute and common conditions, wellness check-ups, STD testing and treatment and COVID-19 testing.
How to get help:
Call 585-545-7200
Food assistance in Rochester
Here is a food resource local to Rochester, New York:
Foodlink
Foodlink offers a comprehensive searchable online list of all the locations offering free food in the Rochester area. Foodlink allows people to search for local food pantries, community meal programs and food distribution sites throughout 10 counties.
The Rochester-based nonprofit also operates the Foodlink Community Kitchen, which provides meals and snacks to students under age 18 during after-school and summer programs.
How to get help:
Call 585-328-3380
Email info@foodlinkny.org
Use the online database to find a nearby food distribution location
The Community Food Cupboard of Rochester
The Community Food Cupboard of Rochester offers two programs to ensure Rochester residents have food in times of crisis. Through the Emergency Program, families in need can receive three days worth of food. The nonprofit also has a Delivery Program for people with qualifying medical situations to receive deliveries of six days worth of food once per month. The Delivery Program includes foods for special diets if needed.
How to get help:
Call 585-325-4990
Email foodcupboard@frontier.com
Education help in Rochester
Here are some education resources in Rochester:
Rochester Education Foundation scholarships
The Rochester Education Foundation (REF) offers four scholarships to students of the Rochester City School District and charter schools to help high school seniors who are planning to attend a two or four-year school after graduation. REF reviews the applications in April and the awards are given in May.
The four scholarships offered include:
The Pat Braus Founder’s Community Service Award Scholarship ($500)
The Edward Wilson Sr. Memorial Scholarship ($500)
The Vincent N. Fazio Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)
Applicants must be Edison Tech seniors
The Shashi Gholkar Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)
Keep an eye on the scholarship page to know when the application window opens.
Qualifications:
Each of the four scholarships has its own set of eligibility requirements. Students must include a counselor or teacher nomination with their application.
The Rochester Public Library (RPL) has 11 branches across the city of Rochester where adults and children can find a variety of free events, services, and classes. The public library system offers educational resources to help adults and children, including homework assistance, job training programs, education classes, GED preparation and more.
Check out these employment resources in Rochester:
RochesterWorks
RochesterWorks offers free services to Rochester residents who are looking for employment. The nonprofit provides numerous programs, events and classes at four career centers throughout the city. RochesterWorks does not offer employment to job seekers but assists with the job searching process by providing workshops, e-learning courses, one-on-one advising and recruitment events.
The nonprofit also offers a grant of up to $6,000 for Rochester residents to return to school or attend training programs for certain occupations. Job seekers can find the list of eligible jobs that qualify for the training grant online.
Qualifications:
Job seekers interested in RochesterWorks services must make an appointment. The career centers do not have walk-in availability.
There are several charitable organizations throughout Rochester that offer support to single moms:
Mothers In Need of Others
Mothers In Need of Others (MINO) helps moms find necessary items for their babies, including diapers, wipes, formula, baby wash, lotion, bottles, and receiving blankets. MINO also collects and distributes cleaning products, breastfeeding supplies and feminine and personal hygiene products.
Qualifications:
Mothers in need of assistance must work with a case manager or church staff member as MINO does not supply the items directly to individuals
How to get help:
To make an appointment, call 585-348-8596
Email MothersInNeedofOthers@gmail.com
The Margaret Home
The Margaret Home provides a safe place to live for pregnant women and single mothers and their children. The free residential program gives women and children a place to stay for up to two years and offers numerous programs and services at no cost.
Some of the free services, in addition to housing, include:
An education coach to help you complete high school requirements or pursue higher education
An employment coach to help you look for jobs with applications, prepare for interviews and offer career advice
Provide support services, such as babysitting, parenting classes and transportation
Qualifications:
Pregnant or parenting mothers
Age 18 or older
Free from drugs or active in a recovery program
Not diagnosed with severe mental illness
How to get help:
Call 585-673-8008
Email Nancy_Colburn@themargarethome.com
SOURCES
“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
