Emergency cash for low-income families in North Carolina
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.)
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
Work First (WF) in North Carolina
WF — North Carolina's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash payments to families with children. A family of three can get up to $272 a month. The program also helps people find and stay at a suitable job.
If you need help buying a home in North Carolina, these programs can help:
NC Homeowner Assistance Fund
This program helps North Carolina homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments catch up and keep their homes. It also pays housing-related costs, like property taxes or homeowner’s insurance.
Homeowners can get up to $40,000 in aid.
Qualifications:
Primary residence in North Carolina
Past due mortgage or other housing bills
Income below $90,000/year
Experienced a financial hardship due to the pandemic
This mortgage program gives North Carolina residents affordable, fixed-rate loans to buy their homes. Homebuyers can also get down payment assistance of up to $8,000 that does not need to be repaid if they keep the home and do not refinance it before 15 years.
CPLP offers a loan up to $50,000 or 25% of the sales price of a home to use for down payment assistance. Homebuyers must combine the payment with an NC Home Advantage Mortgage or USDA loan. You have to repay the loan in full after 30 years, but it does not accrue interest.
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may be able to get help from the following program:
NC Emergency Solutions Grant
This grant program funds emergency shelters, rehousing services, and other North Carolina programs that prevent homelessness or help homeless people. A representative can connect you to resources in your area.
How to get help:
Call 919-855-4984
Email chris.battle@dhhs.nc.gov
Continuums of Care (CoC) in North Carolina
The North Carolina CoC brings together several organizations that assist homeless individuals and families. CoC assesses and addresses the needs of the homeless to give them quick help, like food, shelter, and affordable permanent housing.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in North Carolina, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in North Carolina
LIHEAP gives eligible North Carolina families a one-time payment of up to $500, depending on the type of heating they have. The payment goes to the family’s heating company to reduce their bill.
Qualifications:
North Carolina resident and U.S. citizen
Resources at or below $2,250
Responsible for the home’s heating costs
Income at or below 130% of FPL
How to get help:
Contact your local DSS agency to apply between January 1st and March 31st.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in North Carolina
WAP provides services to make homes more energy efficient and safe. North Carolina’s WAP services include:
Installing fire detectors
Providing roof repairs
Sealing areas with air leakage
Tuning and repairing heating equipment
Qualifications:
North Carolina resident
Own a home or have landlord permission for weatherization services
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in North Carolina
North Carolina single moms can get help paying for medical and dental care for themselves and their children through the following programs.
Safety Net Dental Clinics
Safety Net Dental Clinics provide low-fee dental services to adults and their children with no dental insurance. The fees are on a sliding scale based on income and service.
Qualifications:
Each dental clinic has its own eligibility criteria.
The North Carolina Missions of Mercy Foundation offers two-day dental clinics with free dental services like cleanings, fillings, and exams. Services are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for anyone needing treatment.
North Carolina Medicaid gives eligible parents and families affordable health insurance coverage for necessary services, like prescriptions, check-ups, and emergency visits.
Most families will need to pay co-pays based on the service, like $4 per prescription or $4 per doctor visit.
The program also has coverage specifically for pregnant and postpartum women that includes home visits, emotional support, and childbirth education.
NC Health Choice is Medicaid for children ages 6 to 18 whose families may be over the income limits for regular Medicaid. It covers the same services for children that Medicaid would.
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program in North Carolina
The federal VFC program gives free vaccines through participating providers.
Qualifications:
Children must meet at least one of the following requirements:
Eligible for Medicaid
No health insurance
Underinsured
American Indian or Alaska Native
How to get help:
Use the Vaccine Locator to find a participating provider in North Carolina.
See if your child’s doctor is a VFC provider
Visit your local health department
North Carolina MedAssist free statewide pharmacy
NC MedAssist bills itself as the only nonprofit pharmacy that serves the entire state of North Carolina. The pharmacy is able to dispense prescription and over-the-counter medication to residents who cannot afford it. All eligible patients will receive help for up to one year.
Qualifications:
North Carolina resident
Uninsured (exception Medicaid recipients with family planning and Medicare patients with a Part D coverage gap)
Household income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines
Food help for low-income families in North Carolina
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services
This program is North Carolina’s version of food assistance, better known as SNAP. A family of three can get up to $740 per month to pay for food, loaded onto an electronic benefits (EBT) card. See how much your family might be eligible for.
Your EBT card can be used like an ATM card in retail food stores to purchase food, including:
Apply in person or mail your application to your local DSS office
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in North Carolina
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 in North Carolina
The Office of School Nutrition helps carry out the federal school lunch and breakfast programs in North Carolina. These programs help students get free or reduced-price lunches and breakfasts while in school.
Some participating schools with after school programs may also participate in the Afterschool Snack Program to provide nutritious snacks to students in these programs and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to give children fresh produce with their meals.
Qualifications:
Students at participating schools
Income at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines for free meals or 185% for reduced meals
How to get help:
Contact your child’s school for more information
Call 984-236-2910
Summer food programs in North Carolina
North Carolina participates in both the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO). These programs help children access healthy lunches over summer vacation.
Qualifications:
Children 0 to 18
18+ with a disability
Income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines
Child care help for low-income families in North Carolina
North Carolina single moms can find financial help for child care from these programs:
Child Care Subsidy Program in North Carolina
Parents in North Carolina who need child care while they work or go to school can get most of their costs covered through this program. Most families pay only 10% of their child care costs.
The program has higher income limits for families with children 0 to 5 years old. For instance, a single parent with one child aged 0 to 5 can make $3,052 per month to qualify, while a single parent with a child aged 6 to 12 is eligible if they make $2,029 per month or less.
Qualifications:
Child 12 or under
Employed, attending school, or participating in job training
Income at or lower than 133% of the FPL for a child 6-12 or 200% of the FPL for a child 0-5 when applying
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:
Child under 3 for Early Head Start or 3 to 5 for Head Start
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education in North Carolina, here are some helpful resources:
High School Equivalency (HSE) in North Carolina
North Carolina single moms who have not earned their high school diploma can take the General Educational Development Test (GED) or HiSET exam to get an equivalent credential.
GED in North Carolina is a 4-subject test that costs:
$20 per subject at a test center (will increase to $26 July 1, 2023)
People under 18 can take the tests with approval from a parent or guardian.
Forgivable education loans for service
This loan program gives up to $7,000 for undergraduate degree programs and up to $14,000 for graduate degree programs. Borrowers who commit to entering an underemployed field in North Carolina will not have to pay back the loan.
Qualifications:
North Carolina resident
3.0 high school GPA or 2.80 undergraduate GPA
Register with Selective Service System
Enroll in college at least part-time
Maintain college grades
Work in North Carolina in a field with an employment shortage
Not be in default with another loan program
How to get help:
Complete a FELS application when open for the upcoming school year.
Grants and scholarships in North Carolina
The College Foundation of North Carolina hosts an online database of scholarships and grants for anyone seeking financial help for college. Use the Scholarship Search and filters to find help for your specific situation.
Workforce programs in North Carolina provide training and assist with employment:
North Carolina unemployment benefits
Single moms in North Carolina who are unemployed or laid off can get cash assistance while they look for work. The state pays up to $350 per week for 12 weeks.
NCWorks helps people in North Carolina find suitable work or job training centers with free or affordable programs. Using this site can also help fulfill work search requirements if you’re getting unemployment benefits.
“The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families
Not your state? Select yours here:
If you’re a single mom in North Dakota 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 North Dakota
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 North Dakota
North Dakota’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.
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Rental assistance in North Dakota
There are multiple programs in North Dakota to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
ND Rent Help
ND Rent Help aims to help people who have fallen behind or are struggling to pay rent. Payments are sent directly to the landlord or housing provider. The program can help with up to 12 months of past-due, current, and future rent and utilities.
Qualifications:
Household must earn less than 80% of AMI
Have received unemployment benefits or have experienced financial hardship since March 13, 2020 because of COVID-19
Household is at risk of housing instability or homelessness due to difficulty affording housing and housing-related costs
Households experiencing homelessness
Households at imminent risk of eviction
PRIORITY is being given to:
Household earning 50% AMI or less
Households that include a member who is currently unemployed and has been unemployed for 90 days or longer
This program stopped accepting applications on May 1, 2023, but will process all applications receives prior to that date.
If you need help buying a home in North Dakota, these programs can help:
North Dakota Homeowner Assistance Fund
North Dakota’s Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) aims to prevent mortgage delinquencies and defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities, or home energy services and homelessness.
HAF has three programs:
ND Homeowner Reinstatement Program (HRP)
Assists with past-due housing payments or other mortgage-related expenses, past-due utilities, past-due property taxes, homeowners insurance, and condo fees
Up to $40,000 of grant assistance is available
Qualifications:
Must have experienced a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic
Must own and occupy the property for which they seek assistance as their primary residence
Funds are paid directly to the existing mortgage servicer, tax authority, lien holder, applicable utility company or other debtors
NDHomeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (HAFHR)
Provides home repairs or home modifications to homeowners unable to obtain or maintain homeowners insurance due to the condition of core residential system
Provides assistance to homeowners who need to make modifications to address accessibility issues
Projects will be funded up to $30,000 per applicant
Qualifications:
Must have experienced a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic
The Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program provides low-income buyers with affordable mortgage loans that include down payment and closing cost assistance in the form of a second mortgage. The amount of assistance equals 3% of the first mortgage loan amount toward your out-of-pocket cash requirement.
The main goal of the Coalition of Homeless People is to prevent North Dakota residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. The office oversees designated Continuum of Care agencies across the state that offer services including:
Emergency shelters
Transitional housing
Permanent housing
Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing
Qualifications:
Requirements are set by individual Continuums of Care agencies.
Transportation help for low-income families in North Dakota
Get help from the following transportation resources if you’re in need of rides throughout North Dakota.
Free and low-cost transportation
These transportation services offer free and low-cost rides to North Dakota residents:
North Dakota Medicaid Transportation
If you receive Medicaid in North Dakota, you may qualify for free transportation to and from your doctor appointments, whether by bus or taxi, through the state’s Medicaid program.
Every county in North Dakota offers public transit at least three days a week. The following have low-cost or free transportation options:
Benson County Transportation
Covers: Benson County
Offers: All fares are free in 2024, while funding lasts
Bis-Man Transit
Covers: Cities of Bismarck, Mandan, and Lincoln
Offers: Regular fare is $1.50 each way, all-day passes are $6, 30-day passes are $36, and $0.75 fare for K-12 students, Medicare card holders, and veterans with photo ID
Grand Forks Cities Area Transit
Covers: Grand Forks
Offers: Reduced fares of $0.60 for seniors aged 62 and over, Medicare card holders, and people with disabilities or $0.75 for K-12 students, low regular one-way fares of $1.50, and unlimited ride summer youth passes for $18
MATBUS
Covers: Cities of Fargo and West Fargo
Offers: Regular one-way fares for $1.50, half-price fares ($0.75) for seniors 60 and over, disabled persons, Medicare card holders, and K-12 youth, and free rides for preschoolers with a fare paying adult, disabled veterans with a service connected VA card, personal care attendants riding with a disabled person, and college students with a students ID in the U-Pass program
Minot City Transit
Covers: Minot
Offers: Transportation throughout the city of Minot, $1.50 fares, and free rides for children under six
Souris Basin Transit
Covers: Bottineau County, Burke County, McHenry County, Mountrail County, Pierce County, Renville County, Ward County, and intercity (Minot and Bismarck)
Offers: Fares as low as $1 each way in participating counties, and round-trip fares for as low as $6
Wildrose Public Transportation
Covers: Northwest North Dakota, including Burke County, Divide County, Mountrail County, Williams County
Offers: Fares starting at $2 for a first ride and $1 for additional rides throughout covered cities
North Dakota transportation providers
The North Dakota Department of Transportation maintains a cumulative list of the state’s public transportation providers, which you can view here:
Vehicle donation and car repair help in North Dakota
Are you without safe and reliable transportation to get to work or bring the kids to school? Here’s a helpful resource in North Dakota:
Fix It Forward Auto Care
Fix It Forward Auto Care provides auto repair services in Fargo and West Fargo, North Dakota. Its charity, Fix It Forward Ministry, helps people in need of reliable transportation get their vehicles repaired for free and fixes and donates vehicles to needy families.
How to get help:
Call 855-65FIXIT (855-653-4948)
Matt’s Service Center
Matt’s Service Center has a strong presence within the communities of its service centers around North Dakota and surrounding states. The company has given away free vehicles to single parents in need and hosted events for free oil changes for single moms.
How to get help:
Visit Matt’s Service Center’s Facebook page for information on upcoming events or to contact the company for help
Free Charity Cars
Free Charity Cars awards free vehicles to selected applicants in all 50 states. The nonprofit charity group has been awarding free vehicles to low-income American families since 1996 and has gifted more than 9,000 cars. The charity group notes that they do not have an inventory of vehicles readily available as they award cars as soon as they get them, so there can be extensive waiting periods for those selected for the free car program.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in North Dakota, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in North Dakota
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 North Dakota Energy Share emergency grant program is offered through community action agencies in the state. It helps low-income families pay for energy bills if there are no other options available. Those who receive help may be required to provide a co-payment and are guided to create a payment plan with their energy supplier to get caught up.
ND Energy Share only offers payment assistance for service charges, reconnection fees, and security lights.
Qualifications:
Currently eligible for LIHEAP
Home is not heated by electricity
If renting, utilities are not included
Utility bills may not be more than three months old
You may also be required to have a disconnect or shut off notice from your utility company. If you live on a reservation, and receive an allowance for utilities, you might not be eligible.
How to get help:
Call 701-252-1821 or 701-232-2452
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
WAP helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:
Installing carbon monoxide detectors
Removing mold
Replacing inefficient or unsafe heating units
Insulating a single family home for energy efficiency
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in North Dakota
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:
North Dakota Dental Association
The North Dakota Dental Association (NDDA) provides information and resources to help ND residents find low-cost or free dental care. Here is a list of dental clinics in the state.
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in North Dakota
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 North Dakota by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
North Dakota Medicaid
Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In North Dakota, 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
You can find a list of covered services on the ND Department of Health and Human Services website.
Qualifications:
Resident of North Dakota
U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
North Dakota CHIP — part of the national Children's Health Insurance Program — matches each qualifying child to the state’s child health insurance program.
Most families pay nothing, and many pay as little as $15 or $20 a month for all children in the household. You can get more information on North Dakota medical services here.
CHIP provides both health and dental services with a choice of local doctors, dentists, hospitals, and pharmacies. Benefits include:
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
North Dakota 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
Qualifications:
North Dakota resident
Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001 or under $3,001 and share your household with one of the following:
Person or persons age 60 and over
Person with a disability (child, spouse, parent, yourself
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies.
Qualifications:
Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program
NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school.
An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students. Schools with at least 80% of the students eligible for free or reduced-price meals must provide breakfast at no cost to all students.
Apply online or contact your child’s school to enroll.
North Dakota’s Summer Food Service Program
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, l parks and libraries.
Child care help for low-income families in North Dakota
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in North Dakota:
North Dakota 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
Income at or below FPL
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
Family Voices of North Dakota, a nonprofit dedicated to serving families with special needs children, offers a peer support project called ND Parent to Parent. This project is staffed by trained parents with special needs children. It offers emotional support, resources, and other information to help parents navigate issues unique to families who have children with developmental delays, disabilities, or special health needs.
Qualifications:
Open to any parent in North Dakota who is raising a child with special needs
How to get help:
Call 888-522-9654
Email fvnd@drtel.net
North Dakota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
North Dakota CCAP provides financial support to help working or student parents pay for child care costs. This program covers a portion of care and requires a co-payment from most families. The co-payment is determined by a sliding fee scale based on household income.
Qualifications:
North Dakota resident
Self-employed or working at a business (you receive a W-2)
Student in training or education program
You have a child that is 12 or younger (up to 19 for special needs children)
Family assets are $1,000,000 or less
Monthly income is less that CCAP income limits which is 85% of North Dakota’s median income (For example, the income cap is $6,371 monthly for a family of three)
Child Care Aware of North Dakota is a free online resource for finding child care. You can use the tools to search for providers or get one-on-one help from a Child Care Aware Parent Services Specialist.
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in North Dakota
If you are at least 16 years old in North Dakota, you can take the GED test.
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 North Dakota:
Online at-home test – $36 per subject
In person at a test center – $30 per subject
Grants and scholarships in North Dakota
The Student Financial Assistance Program, also known as the State Grant, provides non-repayable need-based grants to North Dakota residents who are first-time undergraduate students.
The North Dakota State Grant awards up to $1,100 per semester or $733 per quarter, based on enrollment status.
Eligibility is limited to eight semesters or twelve quarters of full-time undergraduate enrollment, or the attainment of a baccalaureate degree, whichever comes first
How to get help:
Contact NDUS via email ndfinaid@ndus.edu or phone at 701-328-4156.
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 Fargo to offer grants and other support to low-income single mothers committed to earning a college degree.
North Dakota Job Service provides online tools for finding and landing a job. You can find out about job fairs, training, interview skills, and priority resources for veterans and current or surviving spouses. It’s also a portal to get help with and file unemployment claims.
Qualifications:
North Dakota residents across the state are eligible to use this free service
Southeastern North Dakota Community Action Agency (SENDCAA)
SENDCAA has a few housing-related programs that can assist single moms:
Helping HAND: Owners pay 25% of necessary home repairs to make a home safe and secure, while the program pays 75%.
HOME Rehab: This program helps homeowners with the cost of necessary repairs to their homes to bring them to code, including electrical and plumbing work. The assistance is in the form of an interest-deferred loan that gets forgiven if the owner remains in the home for at least five years.
Emergency Furnace and Water Heater Replacement: Low-income homeowners who are eligible for LIHEAP can get their furnace or water heater repaired or replaced for free through this program.
Qualifications:
Live in Southeastern ND
Own a home and live in that home
Qualify for LIHEAP or be considered a low-income household
Family HealthCare is a primary care clinic in Fargo with sliding-scale fees for low-income patients through Access Plan, a discount program the clinic offers. Services can be marked down by as much as 70%.
Qualifications:
Uninsured or underinsured
Meet income guidelines, which are determined by your application
How to get help:
Call 701-271-3344
Women’s Care Center Fargo
The Fargo location of Women’s Care Center offers free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds for women. You may walk in or make an appointment.
Qualifications:
This service is open to any pregnant woman in Fargo
How to get help:
Call 701-237-6530
Food help in Fargo
If your family needs food, reach out to these Fargo, N.D. programs:
Emergency Food Pantry
Emergency Food Pantry offers needy families a full week of groceries for free every other month, up to six times each year.
These food baskets contain pantry staples like:
Bread
Frozen meat
Eggs
Canned goods
Cereal
Sugar
Pasta
Peanut butter
Vegetables
Qualifications:
Resident of Cass or Clay County
Have a photo ID (if you do not have an ID, please call the pantry)
Open Doors 65 is a free community thrift shop in Fargo with clothing, shoes, and books available to the public. You can also get coffee, tea, and day-old bread products for free and enjoy drinks and snacks with a free will donation.
Qualifications:
Resident of Cass or Clay County
How to get help:
Call 701-799-7550
Email info@opendoors65.com
Child care help in Fargo
Get help paying for child care in Fargo with this low-cost program:
SENDCAA Child Care Center
The SENDCAA Child Care Center offers child care services for families with a child birth to age 5 who qualify for and are enrolled in Head Start. Tuition is a sliding-scale fee based on income. Priority spots are available for families with income lower than 200% of the state median income.
These Fargo resources can help you reach your college goals through financial assistance and supportive programs:
City of Fargo Tuition Reimbursement Program
If you’re an employee of the City of Fargo, you can receive up to $2,000 of tuition reimbursement annually to attend school or improve your job-related skills. The full amount is available to full-time workers, while part-time workers can get up to $800 a year.
Jeremiah Project helps single moms complete their postsecondary studies through educational coaching, affordable housing and child care, and educational workshops. Its Fargo-Moorhead campus has an on-site child care center moms can use while they complete their studies, plus low-cost housing that doesn’t exceed 30% of their income.
Qualifications:
Single mother of at least one child under age 5
High school diploma or GED
Enrolled in or plan to enroll in college within 6 months
Look to this Fargo, N.D. resource if you need help finding a job or improving your skills for employment.
Fargo Workforce Center
Fargo Workforce Center hosts job fairs throughout the year for Fargo residents to find local jobs, plus apprenticeships, workshops, and training opportunities.
How to get help:
Call 701-239-7300
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
Not your state? Select yours here:
If you’re a single mom in New Jersey 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 Jersey
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
WorkFirst NJ in New Jersey
WFNJ — New Jersey’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children. The program also helps adults find employment. The amount paid out varies depending on your family’s size, household income, and if you receive other forms of cash assistance.
New Jersey’s monthly WFNJ payments are $559/month for a family of three who makes less than $839/month. See all payout and income amounts.
Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 60 months for adults (benefits paid to children under 18 do not count toward the lifetime total). However, there are some exceptions related to permanent disability, unemployment, family violence, and being a sole caretaker that allow you to receive benefits for a longer amount of time.
Qualifications:
Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Permanent New Jersey resident
Household members must have social security number
Have children under 18 or under 19 if still enrolled in high school
Currently 6 or more months pregnant with other children
Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families (SAIF) in New Jersey
People who have met the 60-month WFNJ assistance limit can apply for the SAIF program for 24 months of cash benefits. SAIF also provides child care services and transportation to help New Jerseyans secure a job and stay employed.
Qualifications:
New Jersey resident
Already received 60 months of WFNJ benefits
Must attend work activities
Meet child support obligations
Attempted to get a job but are still unemployed
You are in one or more of the following situations:
Experienced family/domestic violence
Deferred from WFNJ work activities for 12 months or longer
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help.
Rental assistance in New Jersey
There are multiple programs in New Jersey to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)
SRAP is an initiative of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs that helps low-income renters pay for safe housing. The program selects 4,000 eligible households each year to receive rental assistance through a lottery system.
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) offers a homebuyer program with a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage loan, affordable mortgage insurance, and low down payments.
Qualifications:
Resident of New Jersey
Home must be occupied as primary residence 60 days after close
These loans are only available to first-time home buyers when combined with downpayment assistance. First-time homebuyers include those who have not owned a home for three years before purchasing a new home.
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency’s (NJHMFA) First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program
NJHMFA offers 30-year fixed rate mortgage loans for first-time homebuyers or non-first time homebuyers who purchase a home in target areas. These loans can be offered as FHA, VA, and USDA loans. The program can also be combined with the NJHMFA Down Payment Assistance Program.
Qualifications:
Resident of New Jersey
Home must be occupied as primary residence 60 days after close
NJHMFA also offers up to $15,000 to put toward down payment and closing costs in the form of a second mortgage loan. The loan must be combined with an HFA Advantage Mortgage or First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program.
The DPA includes no interest or monthly payments, and the loan is forgiven if the homeowner lives in the home for 5 years after the close date and does not refinance their first mortgage.
Qualifications:
Resident of New Jersey
First-time homebuyer
Home must be occupied as primary residence 60 days after close
If you are at risk for homelessness or homeless, the New Jersey SSH program offers emergency food, funds, and shelter. They can help with past due rent, mortgage, and utility payments.
The main goal of the Office of Homelessness Prevention (OHP) is to prevent New Jersey residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. The office oversees state and local homelessness prevention agencies that offer services including:
Emergency shelters
Transitional housing
Permanent housing
Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing
Qualifications:
Requirements are set by individual OHP agencies.
How to get help:
Call the Office of Homelessness Prevention at 866-889-6270
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in New Jersey, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in New Jersey
LIHEAP helps qualifying households with home heating and cooling costs, paid directly to utility companies or a two-party check made to the applicant and supplier.
Applying for LIHEAP also includes an application to the Universal Service Fund Program (USF), which helps pay natural gas and electric bills. The amount of LIHEAP assistance depends on your household size, income, type of fuel, and region.
Qualifications:
Resident of New Jersey
U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) in New Jersey
LIHWAP helps low-income New Jersey residents pay for water and wastewater bills to avoid utility disconnection. Payments are made directly to water and wastewater companies. You can also apply for LIHEAP at the same time.
Qualifications:
U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
New Jersey Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE)
The PAGE program helps low- and moderate-income families who are behind on their energy bills. Homeowners and renters can get financial help to get their service reconnected and bill paid.
Qualifications:
New Jersey resident
Renter or homeowner
Account is past due, at risk of disconnection, or disconnected
The USF offers monthly credits on energy bills to make payments more affordable. If you are a USF recipient more than $60 behind on paying your gas and electric bill, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the USF-Fresh Start program up until September 30, 2023.
Fresh Start which offers bill forgiveness when you pay your current monthly charges in full. With each month, 1/12 of your past due amount is forgiven with the total balance forgiven in one year.
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in New Jersey
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:
New Jersey Charity Care
New Jersey Charity Care offers free or affordable emergency care for uninsured and underinsured people. This service is not for routine check ups or primary care.
Qualifications:
New Jersey resident
No health coverage or existing coverage that doesn't completely cover emergent care
Ineligible for private or government insurance, including Medicaid
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 Jersey by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid and CHIP)
Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In New Jersey, Medicaid recipients are enrolled in the NJ FamilyCare Medicaid program, which includes coverage through managed care organizations like:
NJ FamilyCare also includes the national Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — which matches each qualifying child to a health insurance program.
NJ FamilyCare coverage and premiums depend on your household income, but typically include coverage for services like:
Doctor visits
Glasses
Hospitalizations
Lab tests and x-rays
Prescriptions
Check-ups
Dental
Mental health
Qualifications:
Resident of New Jersey
U.S. national citizen, refugee, or legal permanent resident for at least 5 years (children can qualify regardless of their immigration status)
Apply for coverage on the NJ FamilyCare website or call 800-701-0710.
New Jersey Healthy Women Healthy Families (HWHF) Initiative
New Jersey’s HWHF Initiative connects families with Community Health Workers (CHW) and Central Intake Hubs that provide support services to improve child and maternal health.
Services include:
Healthcare for mothers and children
Early education programs
Domestic violence support
Addiction treatment
Financial assistance
Home visits
Mental and behavioral health services
Qualifications:
Pregnant women and parents of children under 5 years old are typically eligible depending on the CHW and Central Intake Hub eligibility terms.
How to get help:
Search for services by county on the Connecting NJ website.
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
New Jersey 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:
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.
WIC also offers Farmers' Market Checks from June through November so participants can purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. These checks can only be used at approved Farmers Markets, and mothers and children 2-5 years old can receive $25 per month.
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
Apply online or contact your child’s school to enroll.
New Jersey’s Summer Food Service Program
New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) serves free, nutritious meals to children 18 or younger during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools in low-income areas.
Qualifications:
Meals are available to children 18 years old and younger.
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in New Jersey:
New Jersey 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
Income is at or below FPL
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 NJCK program helps eligible residents of Monmouth County pay for child care. This program helps families with children from birth up to 13 years old or those with special needs up to age 19.
Qualifications:
Monmouth County resident
Children must be U.S. citizens and have a valid SSN
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in New Jersey
If you are at least 18 years old in New Jersey, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 or 17 with special permission if you are not enrolled in school and a parent or legal guardian completes a consent 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 New Jersey:
Online at-home test – $30 per subject
In person at a test center – $36 per subject
New Jersey College Promise
The New Jersey College Promise was created to help college students gain higher education without going into debt. It offers two programs to achieve this goal for eligible recipients:
Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG): An income-based grant that offers tuition-free attendance at a New Jersey community college for an associate’s degree
Garden State Guarantee (GSG): A program that fully or partially funds a student’s third and fourth year in pursuit of a bachelor's degree at an in-state, public, four-year institution
Qualifications:
New Jersey resident
Adjusted gross income between $0 and $100,000
Completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Enroll for a minimum of six credit hours at a New Jersey community college (CCOG) or 12 credit hours at a public four-year college in New Jersey
Does not possess a bachelor’s degree
Must demonstrate satisfactory progress in school
How to get help:
Complete the FAFSA
Call 609-584-4480
Grants and scholarships in New Jersey
New Jersey’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in New Jersey. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, create a student profile on the New Jersey Financial Aid Management System (NJFAMS).
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.
Employment help for single moms in New Jersey
Workforce programs in New Jersey provide training and assist with employment:
New Jersey Displaced Homemaker Program (DHP)
The New Jersey DHP helps women who were previously married with a spouse that earned the primary income for the household. Through training and other employment services, the program helps women improve their employability and earning potential. This program serves all 21 New Jersey counties.
Qualifications:
Resident of New Jersey
Single woman who is divorced, widowed, separated, a survivor of domestic violence, or with a disabled spouse
The spouse was the primary financial provider in the home and now the woman carries the financial responsibility
The Jersey City Free Public Library offers free resources to help you find and get a job. Through JobNow, you can search for career opportunities, get live job coaching, learn and practice interview skills, receive resume help, and more. There are also resources to help you prepare for earning your GED
Qualifications:
Resident of Jersey City, N.J.
Registered member of the Jersey City Free Public Library
“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 Ohio 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:
Ohio Works First (OWF)
Ohio Works First (OWF) is Ohio’s version of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which provides cash benefits for qualifying families for up to 36 months (though extensions may be granted in cases of domestic violence and physical/mental incapacity).
The program is available to:
Families with children
Children living with non-parental guardians
Women who are six months pregnant
The amount paid out varies depending on household income. The average OWF payment in November 2021 was $221 per recipient (the most recent data available).
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Have children under 18 or under 19 if a full-time student
Children must be deprived due to:
Continued absence from the home from at least one parent
Physical/mental incapacity of at least one parent
Death of a parent
Mother must apply for and accept other benefits such as:
Unemployment compensation
Workman’s compensation
Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI)
Child support
Children and mother must have social security number
Children ages 6 to 17 who have not graduated high school or received equivalent certificate must attend school with satisfactory attendance
Preschool children must be immunized
Paternity of child must be established at application and when a child is added
Adult recipients are required to participate in work activities for at least 30 hours/week
Must cooperate with Office of Child Support Services
Meet certain income limits — $915/month for a family of three
How to get help:
Apply for OWF through the Ohio Benefits online portal
Locate the address of your county directory or call 866-635-3748
More emergency cash help in Ohio:
Single moms in Ohio can visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.
Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash:
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:
Meet income limits specified by HUD-less than 50% of median income for the county in which you live. You can find your county’s income limits on the HUD website.
To apply, you will need your social security number, third-party documentation of income, preliminary application form, and signed consent forms
Mortgage assistance in Ohio
This program helps low-income homeowners in Ohio:
Save The Dream Ohio Program
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) launched the Save The Dream Ohio program in April 2022 to assist homeowners whose income was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible Ohio homeowners may receive mortgage payments for up to six months and can receive up to $25,000 in assistance.
Qualifications:
Homeowner in Ohio
Have experienced loss of income from the pandemic
Have experienced increased expenses due to the pandemic
Homeless and special needs housing assistance in Ohio
The following programs are designed to help homeless individuals and families and those at risk of homelessness:
Ohio 811 Rental Assistance Program
This program provides extremely low-income households of one or more adults with disabilities access to subsidized housing and supportive services. This program is not open for public applications.
The Ohio Department of Medicaid, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services manage statewide waiting lists for eligible individuals.
Qualifications:
Household contains one or more adults with a disability
Valid State ID or Drivers License
Provide birth certificate, social security card or proof of citizenship
Most recent Social Security Administration (SSA) award letter for Social Security benefits
Six most recent, consecutive pay stubs
Copy of unemployment letter or benefits (if applicable)
How to get help:
Learn more about contacting Referral Agents with this link or by emailing 811Program@ohiohome.org.
SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) Ohio
SOAR Ohio utilizes the Social Security benefits application process to provide Ohio’s most vulnerable residents with safe housing. SOAR provides specialists and aids on behalf of individuals with disability, severe mental illness, or debilitating medical diagnosis.
Qualifications:
Individuals with severe mental illness or disability that inhibits their ability to work, who are:
Homeless
At risk of being homeless
Recently discharged from prison, nursing home, or other institution
Call the program director at 614-280-1984, ext.137
Single Parents Rock
Single Parents Rock is an Ohio-based nonprofit that helps single parents experiencing hardship due to domestic violence. To date, the organization has helped 50 families and has been operating since 2019.
The nonprofit offers:
Planning for overall safety at home and elsewhere
Advocacy in court
Transportation to and from court and services to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking
Rides to safe houses or shelters within a 250-mile radius
Qualifications:
Single parent living or near Dayton or Englewood, Ohio that needs help after fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking
How to get help:
Call 937-998-8012
Email info@singleparentsrock.org
Move to PROSPER
Move to PROSPER is a three-year program for low-income single moms in Ohio that empowers them to grow their income, improve the health of their family, and move to areas with good schools and quality housing.
The nonprofit provides three years of rental assistance at two-bedroom apartments in Bexley, Big Walnut, Blacklick, Columbus, Dublin, Gahanna, Grandview, Hilliard, Licking Heights, Lewis Center, New Albany, Olentangy Local, Reynoldsburg, Sunbury, Upper Arlington, Westerville, and Worthington, Ohio.
Qualifications:
Single female, head of household
Mother of up to three children, 13 and under
Very low income ($23,000 – $41,900 income limits based on family size)
Experiencing housing insecurity and not receiving housing assistance
Children eligible for Medicaid
Willing to participate in coaching and move to a community with more resources
Transportation help for low-income families in Ohio
Ohio 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 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 long wait periods for those awarded a free car.
Qualifications:
Must be a U.S. resident
Must be at least 18
Must have a valid driver’s license
Household income must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
HWAP helps eligible households with projects that improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce their energy costs, including:
Air and duct sealing
Wall, floor, attic insulation
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system improvements
Lighting efficiency
Hot water tank insulation
Water conservation devices
Home inspections are ordered to determine what services are needed.
Qualifications:
Priority is given to Ohio Residents ages 60+
Families who have received Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Home Energy Assistance (HEAP) during the last 12 months are automatically eligible
Household income at or below 200% of FPL — $46,060 for a family of three.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Development and The Breathing Association provide financial assistance to eligible Ohioans’ water and wastewater bills. The program will run through March 2024.
The maximum amount for bill payment assistance is up to $750 for water, up to $750 for wastewater/sewage or $1500 for water and wastewater combined.
Qualifications:
Income 175% or less of FPL
Utilities in disconnect status, shut off, or in need of payment
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan or PIPP is a program that helps Ohioans pay for energy bills throughout the year based on a percentage of their household income.
Through the plan, you’ll 5% of your gross income for gas heat and 5% for your electric bill. If your entire home is run by electric, you’ll pay 10% of your gross income. The state of Ohio pays for the remainder of your bill and you must make a minimum monthly payment of $10.
If you pay on time and in full for 24 months, any outstanding balance you may have is forgiven. You must verify your income and meet income requirements annually to remain in the program.
Qualifications:
Resident of Ohio
Household income at or below 175% of the FPL for household size
Use a utility that is regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Ohio
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Ohio
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families in the state of Ohio:
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Ohio
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 Ohio by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
Ohio Medicaid
Medicaid is a medical assistance program that helps low-income families pay for some or all of their medical bills.
Ohio requires most individuals who receive Medicaid to join a managed care plan to receive health care. Managed care plans are health insurance companies licensed by the Ohio Department of Insurance that have a provider agreement with the Ohio Department of Medicaid to provide coordinated health care to Medicaid beneficiaries.
Qualifications:
Resident of Ohio
U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
Have or get a Social Security number
Individuals with low-income
Pregnant women, infants, and children
Older adults
Individuals with disabilities
Meet income guidelines — $33,064/year for adults with three people in their household
How to get help:
Contact your county’s Medicaid agency via the state directory
Call the consumer hotline at 800-324-8680
OhioHealth Charity Care
OhioHealth is a healthcare outreach of the United Methodist Church providing health services in 47 Ohio counties. They serve Ohio residents, even if they are unable to pay through the charity care program.
Qualifications:
Free care if your household income is less than 200% of the FPL
Sliding scale fees offered to households between 200-400% of the FPL
Care provided for those who do not meet income guidelines but are experiencing a documented hardship impacting their ability to pay
If you do not qualify for care, OhioHealth also offers interest-free loans for up to 12 months to help you break up the payments and discounts for uninsured individuals who aren't eligible for charity care.
How to get help:
Call 614-566-1505
Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH)
The Ohio Department of Health administers the CMH program which provides resources to help parents get treatment for special needs children. The program also aids parents in finding sources of payment for these necessary health services.
CMH has three options for assistance:
Diagnostic program: Up to six months of service to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan through a CMH-approved medical provider
Treatment program: Up to one year of treatment for an eligible condition such as cerebral palsy, sickle cell disease, or scoliosis
Service coordination program: Offers help finding the right health services for your child
Healthchek is Ohio's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Program for babies, children, and young adults under age 21 who are already enrolled in Medicaid.
Healthchek covers 10 check-ups in the first two years of child’s life and annual check-ups thereafter, and provides comprehensive physical examinations including:
Medical history
Complete unclothed exam (with parent approval)
Developmental screening (to assess if child's physical and mental abilities are age appropriate)
Vision screening
Dental screening
Hearing assessment
Immunization assessment (making sure child receives them on time)
Lead screening
Qualifications:
Babies, children and young adults under age 21 who are already enrolled in Medicaid
Healthy Start-Healthy Families are programs through the Ohio Department of Medicaid. It helps children, families, and pregnant women get access to free or low-cost dental care medications, doctor visits, hospital care, and vaccinations.
Qualifications:
To qualify for Healthy Start, you must be approved for Medicaid or CHIP.
For Medicaid recipients, you must:
Be an insured or uninsured person up to age 19 in a household with income that does not exceed 156% of the FPL; or
Be pregnant in a family with an income level up to 200% of the FPL
For CHIP recipients, you must:
Be an insured or uninsured person up to age 19 in a household with income that does not exceed 206% of the FPL
To qualify for Healthy Families, you must:
Have a family with at least one child younger than 19 and an income that does not exceed 90% of the FPL
The Ohio Department of Health offers dental clinics for people on Medicaid that offer sliding-scale fees, reduced fees, or free care to patients who don't have dental insurance or can't afford to pay for dental visits. These clinics provide basic dental care like:
Exams
X-rays
Fillings
Extractions
Root canals
Dentures
Qualifications:
Elderly, racial and ethnic minorities, medically compromised, children or those living in remote geographical areas with unmet oral health needs
Ohio residents who do not already have a private dentist
Enrolled in Medicaid or don’t have adequate dental insurance
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
The Ohio Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households.
SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card to purchase food in retail food stores, including:
Breads
Cereals
Fruits
Vegetables
Meats
Fish
Poultry
Dairy
Plants and seeds to grow food
Qualifications:
Ohio resident
Person or persons age 60 and over
Person with a disability (child, spouse, parent, yourself)
Once your application is filed, a DFCS case manager will interview you
Contact your county agency by calling 1-866-635-3748
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Federal program that helps low-income Ohioans supplement their diet by providing emergency nutrition at no cost through local food banks and soup kitchens.
Ohio WIC helps eligible pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who recently had a baby, infants, and children up to 5 years of age by providing services such as:
Free infant formula
Highly nutritious foods
Nutrition education
Breastfeeding education and support
Qualifications:
Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP)
NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school. An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students.
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Ohio:
Ohio 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
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) provides financial assistance for child care to eligible parents. Depending on your household size and income, you may be required to pay a portion of your child care costs.
Qualifications:
Child has U.S. citizenship
Ohio resident who is working, in school, in job training, or homeless
Recipient of Ohio Works First
Required by a case services plan to have protective childcare
Your household income is 142% or less than the FPL or your family has a special needs child and your income is at or below 150% of the FPL
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in Ohio
If you are at least 18 years old in Ohio, 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 Ohio:
Online at-home test: $36 per module
In-person exams at a test center: $30 per module
Grants and scholarships in Ohio
The following educational grants and scholarships are available to single moms in Ohio:
Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
While Ohio offers limited student loan forgiveness programs, residents can still qualify for federal programs.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Ohio
FAFSA connects current and future college students with financial assistance to afford higher education. Federal and state grants are dependent upon individual income and determined by a college or university’s financial aid department. More information can be found on the OASFAA website.
Employment help for single moms in Ohio
Workforce programs in Ohio provide training and assist with employment:
OhioMeansJobs Centers
OhioMeansJobs helps Ohio residents with job search assistance, employee recruitment, job training, and more. Check out this directory of county centers.
Job Search Assistance at Ohio Public Libraries
Ohio is the first state in the nation to partner its job searching resources with its public library system. Library computers are equipped for OhioMeansJobs.com, librarians are trained on the website’s interface, and local job listings are posted in the library. Find your local library with this directory.
American Job Centers
The American Job Centers offer employment and training services, career counseling, and job search assistance.
Catholic Social Services Columbus, Columbus, OH 43215
Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, Dayton, OH 45402
Qualifications:
Each Catholic Charities branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs.
How to get help:
Apply for assistance on the Catholic Charities website or reach out to your nearest Catholic Charities branch
Call 352-460-0700
Motherful
Motherful is a community of single moms who support each other in every aspect of motherhood. The nonprofit organization, based in Gahanna, Ohio offers help to single moms in the state through clothing swaps, a food pantry, a community garden to grow food, game nights, hot dinner nights, advocacy, and more.
There is a waiting list to be accepted for membership, but non-members who are single mothers can visit the Motherful Pantry and Resource Center on Sundays from 10am-12pm at 254 Agler Road in Gahanna, Ohio.
The following resources serve residents of Cleveland, Ohio:
Emergency assistance in Cleveland
If you need emergency cash for expenses like utilities, rent, and groceries, here are some helpful resources to consider in the Cleveland area:
Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program
Cuyahoga County’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Program provides emergency cash assistance to Cleveland residents experiencing a one-time, short-term crisis. Eligible families can receive a maximum of $1,500 per year.
Qualifications:
Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen
Must live with at least one child, be pregnant, or be the non-custodial parent of a child
Family’s income must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
Must have limited liquid assets
Families applying for the PRC program must also meet one of the following categories:
Seeking assistance while job searching or currently studying at an accredited post-secondary education program
In need of housing cost assistance, such as rent, security deposits and utility bills
Lead poisoning found in the family’s home
Recently obtained custody of a child or are participating in a domestic violence or homeless program
Email the application to Cuy-PRC-Application@jfs.ohio.gov
Housing help in Cleveland
If you need housing help in Cleveland, here are some options:
Housing First
The Housing First program provides stable housing units to help end homelessness in Cuyahoga County. The program allows people who are experiencing or facing homelessness to move into permanent housing where residents are connected with the services they need. Participation in these on-site programs is encouraged, but not required.
Qualifications:
Homeless or facing homelessness
How to get help:
Call 216-881-5554
Visit the Office of Homeless Services at 310 West Lakeside Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113
YWCA Greater Cleveland
The YWCA Greater Cleveland helps families experiencing homelessness find a place to stay by operating shelters and private apartments for those in need, including:
Cogswell Hall offers permanent housing as private, fully furnished apartments for 41 adult residents
Independence Place offers permanent housing as 23 apartments for young adults experiencing homelessness
Norma Herr Women’s Center is an emergency shelter for women ages 18-80
Qualifications:
Homeless
At risk of becoming homeless
How to get help:
Call 216-881-6878
A Place 4 Me
A Place 4 Me in Cleveland offers one-time emergency assistance to people aged 18-24 who are experiencing a housing crisis and facing possible homelessness.
If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in Cleveland, check out these resources:
The Centers
The Centers, also known as the Free Clinic, offers various medical services from physicals to counseling. The Centers notes that it never turns patients away regardless of ability to pay. The cost of services varies based on a flexible sliding fee scale.
The Centers has multiple health and wellness locations throughout the Cleveland area, including:
East Office at 4400 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland
Southwest Office at 5955 Ridge Road in Parma
West Office at 3929 Rocky River Drive in Cleveland
Gordon Square Office at 5209 Detroit Avenue in Cleveland
Care Alliance Health Center offers medical, dental, and behavioral health care services at three clinics in Cleveland. Patients will not be turned away regardless of their ability to pay and the cost of services are based on a sliding fee scale that is determined by income and family size. Medical visits can cost as little as $4 and dental visits $20.
Qualifications:
This health resource is open to all Cleveland residents
Medworks offers free medical and dental services to those in need and holds between eight and ten clinics throughout Northeast Ohio every year. For those who need low-cost or free medical services and cannot wait until the next free clinic, call to schedule an appointment.
Qualifications:
This resource is available to Northeast Ohio residents who need care
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank (GCFB) works with more than 200 local food pantries to help people with emergency food assistance. The GCFB and its partners can provide eligible families with at least three days’ worth of food, once a month.
The Cleveland Public Library partners with Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University to offer free tutoring for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. Tutoring and homework help are available for all subjects, including math, science, history and language arts. One-hour tutoring and homework sessions are available Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Online tutoring is also available.
College Now offers two types of scholarships to people who meet eligibility requirements in the Cleveland area. College Now staff matches students to all the scholarships for which they could qualify. Students can only receive one College Now scholarship. The types of scholarships offered:
Traditional scholarships are for high school students enrolling in college for the first time
Adult Learner Program scholarships are for students age 19 and older who have discontinued their studies for more than one year and are interested in pursuing a first associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or trade certificate
Award amounts for each scholarship vary based on eligibility but are usually between 1,000 to $2,000 per academic year.
Have a cumulative weighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5
Have a minimum ACT composite score of 18 or a combined verbal and math SAT score of 960
File the 2023-2024 FAFSA
Qualify for the Federal Pell Grant
Qualifications for the Adult Learner Program scholarships:
Individuals who have already completed a bachelor's degree are not eligible
Age 19 or older as of March 30th, 2024
Must have graduated from high school or have earned a G.E.D.
Must have paused their education for at least two semesters since high school graduation or during college
Qualify or show eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant
Must be attending school in and a resident of one of the following counties: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, or Wayne County.
Pursuing a non-degree certificate or license in a vocational or technical program that is 3 months to 2 years in length, an associate's degree or first bachelor's degree
Must be attending a public or private not-for-profit Pell-eligible college or university.
Enroll at least six or more credit hours per term
Must maintain the minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA while receiving the scholarship
Special consideration will be given to applicants who have completed at least 25 credit hours
How to get help:
Call 216-241-5587
For information on the Adult Learning Program email ALPScholarships@collegenowgc.org
For information on the traditional scholarships email info@collegenowgc.org
Check out these employment resources in Cleveland:
Cleveland Job Corps offers free education and training for multiple career paths for young adults ages 16 to 24. Program participants receive a bi-weekly stipend and a transition allowance after graduation along with career placement help. The program offers residential options where students can live on campus as well as nonresidential options.
As a student, your child will receive:
Free housing
Free meals
Free medical care
Living allowance
Free books and supplies
Free uniforms and safety equipment
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or lawful resident
Aged 16-24
Must have proof of a low income such as SNAP or free/reduced-price lunch
Proof of barriers to education and employment such as dropping out of high school, homelessness, trafficking, or aging out of foster care
If you need help finding employment resources, The Cleveland Neighborhood Workforce Initiative offers services for young adults who are looking for a job, searching for scholarships or seeking credentialed training. The program also helps people who are job hunting connect with employers that have job openings. The initiative also offers special support and connections for people with a criminal background.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or lawful resident
Aged 16-24
Must have proof of a low income such as SNAP or free/reduced-price lunch
Proof of barriers to education and employment such as dropping out of high school, homelessness, trafficking, or aging out of foster care
How to get help:
Call 216-399-3550
Email info@towardsemployment.org
Charity organizations in Cleveland
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout the Cleveland area that offer support to single moms:
Zelie’s Home
Zelie’s Home welcomes pregnant women who are in need of support and a stable place to live. Two homes located in the Greater Cleveland area; one on the west side and the other on the east side, offer housing to pregnant women at any point in their pregnancy. Women can stay up to 9 months post-pregnancy.
Qualifications:
Pregnant
At least 18 years of age
Free from drugs and alcohol for at least 30 days
Free from immediate physical danger
Free from Severe Mental Health diagnoses
No other children in your immediate care (case by case)
Must bring ID and proof of pregnancy to the intake meeting
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland (BGCC) provides after-school, summer and weekend programs for kids in need. There are more than 10 locations in the Cleveland area. For only $10 a year, kids receive homework help, a daily hot meal, and access to a variety of programs.
These programs include:
Athletics, such as basketball, volleyball, flag football, and cheerleading
Band
Ballet
Creative writing
Graphic design
Torch & Keystone Leadership Clubs
Career readiness
Qualifications:
Children between the ages of 6 and 18 can become members
Laura’s Home offers women and children a place to stay, food and clothing. Availability varies at the home, which has roughly 160 beds and 61 rooms. A caseworker will complete an assessment of each person’s situations and needs, and assist in matching them with the care and resources available. Laura’s Home offers short-term emergency housing or stays for a year. Families interested in living at Laura’s Home need to reserve a spot on the waitlist.
Qualifications:
Single mothers or a single woman in need of need housing
The following resources serve residents of Columbus, Ohio:
Emergency assistance in Columbus
If you need emergency cash for expenses like utilities, rent, and groceries, here are some helpful resources to consider in the Columbus area:
Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program
Franklin County’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Program provides emergency cash help to Columbus residents experiencing a one-time crisis. Eligible families can receive a maximum of $2,500. The funds may be used towards expenses including:
Overdue rent or mortgage payments
Overdue utility bills
Auto repairs and maintenance for work transportation
Driver license reinstatement fees
Bus passes for purposes of work, education, or job training (limited to four months)
Qualifications:
Must be a US citizen or qualified nonresident
Must live with at least one child, be pregnant, or be the non-custodial parent of a child
Family’s income must be at or below 175% of the FPL
Email the application to franklin-cdjfs-agencyprc@jfs.ohio.gov
Housing help in Columbus
If you need housing help in Columbus, here are some options:
IMPACT
IMPACT provides emergency financial assistance to help families avoid homelessness and find stable housing in Columbus and Franklin County. This program is for people who have past due rent or who owe the first month’s rent due for a new home. The amount of assistance awarded varies per situation but the average amount given is usually around $3,000. As of January 2024, IMPACT was not accepting applications and only taking eviction court referrals for the program.
Qualifications:
Must be renting
Must be referred to the program through an eviction court hearing
Someone in your household must be at risk for housing instability or homelessness
Households or individuals who have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship during or due to the coronavirus pandemic
Must schedule an appointment in advance
How to get help:
Call 614-964-2906 to make an appointment
Email communications@impactca.org
Home for Families
Home for Families helps homeless families and children find stable housing by assisting those who are referred to their program. Families who are accepted into the program will work with a case manager to find housing that fits their families' needs. Once families move into their new homes, case managers help create individualized stability plans. Home for Families offers housing assistance through these programs:
Rapid Re-housing, which helps homeless families that are living in shelters move into stable housing
Homeless Prevention for Expectant Mothers, which provides housing as well as supportive services for pregnant women
Qualifications:
Homeless
At risk of becoming homeless
Have a referral from a local shelter or Housing Resource Specialist
Pregnant or have children
How to get help:
Call 614-461-9247
Community Development for All People
Community Development for All People provides rent assistance to qualifying Franklin County residents. The amount of cash awarded varies based on eligibility and need. The program also offers free food, clothing and household items.
Qualifications:
Applicants must make in-person appointments for an eligibility screening
Households must earn less than 50% AMI
How to get help:
Call 614-445-7342 ext. 131
Central Community House’s Strong Families Program
The Strong Families Program helps households experiencing a crisis by offering emergency housing. The Strong Families Programs can also help with a variety of services, including utilities, health care, skills training, employment assistance, financial education training and food nutrition programs.
Qualifications:
Applicants must make an appointment for an eligibility screening
Households must earn less than 50% AMI
How to get help:
Call 614-252-3157
Email dcooper@cchouse.org
Medical and dental care help in Columbus
If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in Columbus, check out these resources:
Physician's Free Clinic
The Physician's Free Clinic offers primary, specialty and vision care by appointment only on Monday nights from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Columbus Public Health Department. The clinic also provides dental care to people without dental insurance coverage. The dental clinic is held on the first and third Monday of the month. The clinic does not offer work or school physicals, TB tests or immunizations.
For pregnant women, the clinic offers a StepOne program to help expecting mothers find affordable prenatal care and resources.
Qualifications:
Patients must be 18 or older
How to get help:
Call 614-884-2441
For StepOne:
Call 614-271-0009
Columbus Free Clinic
The Columbus Free Clinic (CFC) offers both long-term and urgent care services, including primary care, pharmacy, lab and imaging, behavioral health and specialty clinics. For those who have more complex medical needs or require long-term care, the CFC also has a Longitudinal Patient Program. This program allows patients to get regular visits and follow-up appointments with a 4th-year medical student.
The CFC is open Thursdays from 5:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. by appointment only.
The CFC does not treat people under the age of 17 and does not offer these services:
See new COVID patients
Do an IUD / Nexplanon placement or removal
Provide obstetric or prenatal care
Provide STI screening for patients without symptoms
The Health and Wellness Center offers numerous healthcare services for adults. The Free Care Program is available on Tuesdays between 8 and 9 a.m. and Thursdays between 3 and 4:30 p.m. The Free Care Program is walk-in only and upcoming dates are listed on the homepage calendar. The Free Care Program does not offer immunizations or dental care.
Qualifications:
18 and older
Uninsured or underinsured
Income at or below 400% of the FPL
How to get help:
Call 614-262-5094
Email info@helpinghandsfreeclinic.org
Visit 5100 Karl Road in Columbus
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCH) in Columbus offers various programs to help with the cost of medical care for pregnant women and families with children under age 19. Applicants seeking assistance must use all other resources, including application to the local Department of Job and Family Services before financial assistance will be considered.
Programs include:
Alien Emergency Medical Assistance
Children with Medical Handicaps
Healthy Start and Healthy Families
Hospital Care Assurance Program
Medicaid for the Disabled and Aged
NCH Financial Assistance Program
Qualifications:
Each program has its own eligibility requirements, call for details or read about them here
How to get help:
Call 614-722-2000
Food assistance in Columbus
Here is a food resource local to Columbus, Ohio:
Neighborhood Services, Inc. Food Pantry
Neighborhood Services, Inc. Food Pantry (NSI) offers food, drinks and personal hygiene products to Franklin County residents in need. The food pantry is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and people can visit the pantry twice per month. No appointment is necessary.
Qualifications:
Must be a Franklin County resident and bring a form of identification
How to get help:
Visit the NSI Food Pantry at 1950 N 4th Street in Columbus
The All People's Fresh Market partners with Mid-Ohio Food Collective to distribute free food with a focus on fresh produce. The market is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Households can receive food once per day during market hours.
Qualifications:
Households must earn less than 200% of the FPL
Must have an ID
For those who need help obtaining an ID, learn more about the ID for All People program
How to get help:
Visit the All People’s Fresh Market at 945 Parsons Avenue in Columbus
Call 614-445-7342
Education help in Columbus
Here are some education resources in Columbus:
Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)
CML has 23 locations throughout Franklin County that provide free online resources, specialized programs, and community events. Education programs and services available include:
The School Help program offers assistance for kindergarten through 12th grade where students can get after-school homework help. Children in kindergarten through third grade can get extra reading practice in person or online. Some CML locations offer after-school snacks.
The Kindergarten Readiness program, for newborns to children age 5, offers storytime events and classes to help prepare young children for school.
CML offers numerous teen programs such as YouMedia Discord for ages 13 to 17 where participants work on music, podcasts, videos, and more with skilled mentors. Teen students can also get help with homework and preparing for tests.
The library system has numerous adult education programs, such as English as a Second Language, GED referrals, and free technology business and coding classes.
The Columbus Literacy Council (CLC) offers numerous free adult programs, including educational programs and classes, citizenship and GED test preparation. CLC also provides career coaching and skill building, life and wellness coaching, American Sign Language classes, and Spanish classes.
For children, CLC offers tutoring and homework help, summer camps for children, internships, and an employment program called Achieve More and Prosper (AMP) that provides job skills and work experience to youth and young adults between the ages of 16 to 18 in Franklin County.
The Columbus Promise Scholarship covers tuition and fees to Columbus State Community College after the Pell Grant and any tuition-based scholarship. Scholarship recipients are also given an additional $500 per semester for other educational expenses, for up to six semesters. Columbus Promise scholars also receive advice and support to develop skills and habits that lead to success beyond college.
Qualifications:
Must graduate from Columbus City Schools high school in the 2024-2025 academic year
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit all additional documents required by the financial aid process
Columbus Works’ JumpStart program is a free, five-day workshop that helps people who are searching for jobs build skills to stand out. The job readiness program offers resume building, one-on-one mock interviews and life coaching.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or lawful resident
Aged 16 to 24
Must have proof of a low income such as SNAP or free/reduced-price lunch
Proof of barriers to education and employment such as dropping out of high school, homelessness, trafficking, or aging out of foster care
The OhioMeansJobs Columbus-Franklin County (OMJCFC) provides free, individualized services to people who are job hunting. OMJCFC also has a free Resource Lab with 15 computers, printers, scanners and a fax machine. The lab is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments are encouraged.
Qualifications:
Any Columbus resident is welcome to use this service
How to get help:
Call 614-559-5052
Email info@omjcfc.org
Visit 1111 E. Broad Street in Columbus
Charity organizations in Columbus
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout the Columbus area that offer support to single moms:
Center of Hope
Center of Hope offers both free food and clothing items through its Choice Food Pantry and Clothing Boutique.
The Choice Food Pantry is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. People can receive food once per month, including fresh produce, dairy and frozen meat.
The Clothing Boutique provides clean, gently-used, seasonal clothing and shoes to help those in need. Sizes are available for infants through adults. Appointments to shop in our Clothing Boutique are available with a Choice Food Pantry appointment.
Qualifications:
Any Columbus resident in need may use these services but appointments are required
Action for Children offers child care scholarships of up to $9,000 each for children ages birth to kindergarten attending a licensed Franklin County child care program. Scholarships are available for families, including foster families, who are not currently receiving Publicly Funded Child Care and meet income eligibility requirements.
Qualifications:
Household income of 145% – 300% of the FPL
How to get help:
Call 614-224-0222
Email RISEHelp@actionforchildren.org
Help for single moms in Cincinnati, Ohio
The following resources serve residents of Cincinnati, Ohio:
Housing help in Cincinnati
If you need housing help in Cincinnati, here are some options:
Hamilton County Mortgage Relief Program
Hamilton County Mortgage Relief Program provides assistance for up to six months for homeowners. The funds awarded can be used for several housing expenses including past-due mortgages, property taxes and utility bills. Hamilton County homeowners must have established connections to the residence. Second homes, rental properties, and vacation rentals are not eligible for assistance.
Qualifications:
Must own the home
Must be the applicant’s primary residence
Must have a household income under 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Community Action Agency (CAA) offers an Emergency Rental Assistance grant, to households that have a disconnect notice, court date, or a notice to leave their property. The amount awarded depends on the household’s situation.
Qualifications:
Household income of 80% AMI
Direct or indirect COVID-19 hardship
One or more individuals at risk of homelessness or housing instability
Qualified for unemployment 2020/21 or reduction in household income
How to get help:
Call 513-569-1840
Email csdepartment@cincy-caa.org
Strategies to End Homelessness
Strategies to End Homelessness offers support and services to families experiencing housing insecurity.
Qualifications:
Must be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
How to get help:
Call 513-381-7233
Email info@end-homelessness.org
Medical and dental care help in Cincinnati
If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in Cincinnati, check out these resources:
University of Cincinnati Student-Run Free Clinic
The University of Cincinnati Student-Run Free Clinic (SRFC) provides free medical services for adults who do not have health insurance. Patients at the clinic are cared for by medical students overseen by a licensed physician. The clinic does not treat emergencies, care for long-term conditions or offer prenatal services. SRFC is open on Saturdays from 9 to 11 .a.m. on a walk-in, first-serve basis.
Qualifications:
Must 18 or older
Uninsured
Require care for a short-term, basic medical issue such as a rash
How to get help:
Call 513-558-7333
The clinic is located at 1345 Century Circle West in Cincinnati
Good Samaritan Free Health Center
The Good Samaritan Free Health Center offers eligible adults numerous medical services at no cost including primary care, specialties, eye exams, dental care and behavioral healthcare. A full list of all the available services can be found online.
Qualifications:
Hamilton County resident
Cannot have private insurance
No insurance available through the patient's employer
Must be ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare
Must have an income less than 200% of the FPL
Must be 18 or older
Cannot be pregnant
Those interested in medical services must come into the center between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.Monday through Friday, to fill out a new patient application. Patients must also bring proof of residency.
How to get help:
Call 513-569-1900
The HeathCare Connection
The HealthCare Connection (THCC) provides discounted primary healthcare services to adults and children, focusing on the medically underserved, underinsured and uninsured who live in northern Hamilton County and surrounding areas. In addition to medical services, THCC also offers dental care, including exams and cleanings, preventative care and fillings.
THCC offers OBGYN services, including prenatal, delivery, postpartum care, minor surgeries and procedures, family planning, and ultrasounds.
Qualifications:
To receive discounted services, all patients must file an agreement for discounted services and bring that form along with proof of income, which includes:
At least 2 pay stubs from anyone working in the household
W2
Previous year's tax documents
Notarized letters stating income from all sources
Notarized documents from anyone providing support such as employers, or family members
How to get help:
Call 513-588-3623
The clinic is located at 1401 Steffen Avenue in Cincinnati
Food assistance in Cincinnati
Here is a food resource local to Cincinnati, Ohio:
Freestore Foodbank’s Liberty Street Market
Liberty Street Market offers free food to those in need and allows shoppers to choose from available items, similar to a regular grocery store. The market opens at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday and shoppers can visit the market twice per month.
Freestore Foodbank also provides dozens of dates, times and locations for food distribution events in the Cincinnati area. You can view the current and upcoming month’s events online.
Qualifications:
Must bring a form of ID
How to get help:
Call 513-241-1064
Visit the market at 112 E. Liberty Street in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood
Education help in Cincinnati
Here are some education resources in Cincinnati:
Cincinnati Public Library (CPL)
CPL provides free in-person and online resources, specialized programs, and community events to Hamilton County residents. Each library branch offers different times for in-person service and classes, which can be found online. Education programs and services available include:
One-on-one homework help with reading and math for students in grades K-8
Students of any age can get live online homework help, skills building, writing assistance, test prep help, FAFSA application help, and more from expert tutors on Homework HelpNow
How to get help:
Call 513-369-6900
Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
The Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation awards multiple scholarships, each with its own qualifications. Only one application is needed to be considered for all of them.
Qualifications:
Must reside in the Greater Cincinnati area
Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree, post-baccalaureate degree or trade certification through an accredited program
Must submit a 500-word essay in addition to the application and required documents
Check out these employment resources in Cincinnati:
Cincinnati Works
Cincinnati Works offers programs and services that help people searching for jobs build the necessary skills to stand out. In addition to one-on-one coaching, Cincinnati Works provides employment connections, transportation assistance, behavioral health counseling, tax prep, debt management and legal coordination.
Qualifications:
This resource is available to any Cincinnati resident
How to get help:
Call 513-744-9675
Email info@cincinnatiworks.org
Hamilton County Youth Employment Program
The Hamilton County Youth Employment Program offers jobs and year-round employment readiness training for Hamilton County residents ages 14 to 21.
Those in the program can:
Earn $13 per hour
Earn incentives/bonuses
Get help creating a resume
Gain credentials and skills to improve their resume
Receive transportation and ID assistance
Access to training opportunities to prepare for a career
Qualifications:
Must be aged 14 to 21
Must be a Hamilton County resident
Household income at 200% of the federal poverty level and/or have a barrier to employment
How to get help:
Call 513-946-0400
Email hamil_yep@jfs.ohio.gov
Charity organizations in Cincinnati
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout the Cincinnati area that offer support to single moms:
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul offers numerous services to people in need, including free food, clothing, furniture, rent and utilities.
Other services or items provided include:
Ohio State ID vouchers (limit of 2 per household)
Diapers and feminine hygiene products (limit of 50 diapers per month)
Bus passes to and from work for newly employed people
St. Vincent de Paul provides services to people in Greater Cincinnati and has numerous locations in the area where assistance is offered.
Qualifications:
Any Cincinnati resident in need is welcome to request these services
Santa Maria is a nonprofit organization in Cincinnati Ohio’s Price Hill community. Santa Maria offers numerous services to people in need, such as food and clothing assistance, education and employment resources and more. Santa Maria also holds regular free health fairs in Price Hill.
The nonprofit helps families build self-sufficiency through the following programs and services:
Early Childhood Development programs help prepare children for preschool and kindergarten, offer resources for parents, and provide support such as free diapers, wipes, car seats and other necessities
Education Advancement programs provide help preparing for the GED and help cover the cost of test registration fees as well as tutoring for various subjects and English classes for speakers of other languages
Employment Assistance programs offer job seekers coaching, interview training, resume and job application tips and access to a clothing closet
Financial Stability programs offer tools to help households achieve financial stability, including education, assistance with public benefits eligibility and applications, housing/tenant stabilization and credit building and repair
Health and wellness programs provide health education, medication referrals, mental health support, and eye and hearing exams
Stable Families initiative helps families on the brink of homelessness find resources to work toward stabilization to help prevent future crises
Youth Development programs offer social-emotional and life skills development, tutoring, family support and more
Qualifications:
Each program has its own requirements, call or email for details
How to get help:
Email: info@santamaria-cincy.org
Call 513-557-2700
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
Not your state? Select yours here:
If you’re a single mom in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in Oklahoma
TANF offers financial assistance and services to low-income families with children to help them:
Meet basic needs
Train for employment
Find employment
Pay for child care
The maximum amount a family of three can receive is $292/month. Households can only receive TANF benefits for 60 months in a lifetime, unless the department determines the family qualifies for an exemption or temporary hardship extension.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or legal alien
Oklahoma resident
Responsible for minor child living in the home
All members of household must have Social Security numbers
Agree to cooperate with Child Support Services
Agree to cooperate with personalized TANF Work Plan
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Rental assistance in Oklahoma
There are multiple programs in Oklahoma to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
Performance Based Contract Administration
The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) offers a rental assistance program for low-income families struggling to pay their rent. Residents apply to live in low-cost apartments.
Overall Qualifications:
Each development has its own set of qualifications.
Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing and vouchers to help low-income households pay their rent. The voucher covers a portion of the rent. The tenant must pay 30-40% of their monthly adjusted gross income for rent and utilities.
Qualifications:
Oklahoma resident
Income cannot exceed 50% of median income for the county in which you live
If you need help with your mortgage in Oklahoma, these programs can help:
Oklahoma Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)
The Oklahoma Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) provides financial assistance of up to $35,000 to those who have suffered a significant financial hardship due to COVID-19.
The fund helps homeowners with:
Delinquent mortgage reinstatement
Mortgage payment assistance for reinstated homeowners
Mortgage deferral amount, partial claim amount, or principal reduction amount
Delinquent property taxes
Restoration of homeowner's insurance after delinquency
Delinquent Homeowners Association (HOA) dues
Qualifications:
U.S. Citizen or those who have a green card
Oklahoma resident with house as primary residence
Home cannot be listed for sale by homeowner
Homeowner must be able to sustain home after receiving HAF assistance
Financial hardship must have been experienced after January 21, 2020 and due to COVID-19
Mortgage must be 30 days delinquent, in a forbearance plan, or entering or completed a loan modification
Homeowners who are delinquent on eligible expenses including:
Reinstatement of delinquent mortgage
Mortgage payment assistance for reinstated homeowners
The OHFA offers mortgage loan products that include 3.5% of the total loan amount to be used for down payment and closing costs through these two programs:
Gold Loan Program (Government and Conventional)
Buyers applying for this program must be first-time homebuyers unless purchasing in a targeted area. The maximum purchase price in a non-targeted area is $349,525 and in a targeted area, $427,198.
Qualifications:
First-time homebuyer unless purchasing in targeted area
Teachers, First Responders, and State Employees may qualify for special rate
Dream Loan Program
Buyers in this program may own another property but must use the OHFA loan to purchase their primary residence. The maximum purchase price is $356,362 (Government Loan) or $453,100 (Freddie Conventional Loan)
Qualifications:
Both first time and repeat homebuyers
Buyers may choose to use 3.5% down payment assistance or bring their own funds to lower interest rates
Homeless and special needs housing assistance in Oklahoma
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may be able to get help from the following programs:
Continuum of Care (CoC) agencies
These agencies coordinate housing and services for the homeless using funds from the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), which was established to help homeless individuals move toward independent living.
Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
PATH programs are located in McAlester, Oklahoma City, Tahlequah, and Tulsa, and provide services for those who are homeless and suffer from mental illness.
This nonprofit has a mission to break the cycles of poverty and homelessness through transitional housing, children's education services, and safe affordable housing options.
Qualifications:
Applicant is homeless or facing eviction, foreclosure, or loss of residency
Applicant must have dependent children in custody or be in the process of reunification
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Oklahoma, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Oklahoma
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides a one-time annual benefit to help cover home energy bills if you are disconnected or about to be disconnected. EAP will not cover all energy costs.
Qualifications:
U.S. Citizen or legally admitted immigrant
Oklahoma resident
Applicants must be responsible for the household energy bill
WAP helps qualifying households lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Owners of eligible rental properties may be required to pay 50% of any improvements.
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Oklahoma
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families in the state of Oklahoma.
Low or No-Cost Dental Care in Oklahoma
These local clinics provide low or no-cost dental services in Oklahoma
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Oklahoma
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 eligibility criteria for free or reduced-cost care.
How to get help:
Find an HRSA health center in Oklahoma by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
Oklahoma SoonerCare (Medicaid)
Medicaid helps pay some or all medical bills for families with children who can't afford them. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospitalizations, and prescriptions, among other benefits.
There is no cost for those who meet the income guidelines, though co-pays may apply to some services.
Qualifications:
U.S. Citizen or qualified non-citizen
Adults with children under 19
Children under 19 years old and pregnant women
Individuals 65 years old and older
Individuals who are blind or who have disabilities
Women under 65 in need of breast/cervical cancer treatments
SoonerPlan: men and women 19 and older with family planning needs
Individuals who were enrolled in Medicaid and who aged out of foster care
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households.
SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card to purchase food in retail food stores, including:
WIC provides checks to buy healthy foods, information about nutrition and health, support and information about breastfeeding, and help finding other community services.
Qualifications:
Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP)
NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school. An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students.
CACFP provides food to low-income children in child care and adults who receive care in nonresidential adult day care centers. It also provides food to children residing in emergency shelters and eligible afterschool programs.
Qualifications:
Infants and children through age 12 in child care centers or day care homes
Children through age 18 are eligible in afterschool care centers
Adults enrolled in daycare center and are at 60 years or older or have a mental/physical disability
SFSP provides nutritious meals/snacks to children in low-income areas during summer months and long vacation periods during the school year.
The program provides up to two meals or one meal and one snack per day per child. Meal sites are typically at schools, churches, recreation centers, camps, playgrounds, parks, etc.
Qualifications:
Children 18 years old and younger
Children 19 years and over who have a mental/physical disability
Child care help for low-income families in Oklahoma
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma 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
Once you create an account, choose a testing day, and use available resources to prepare
Grants and scholarships in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma CareerTech site has a list of scholarships and grants available for students pursuing a secondary education. The Oklahoma City Community Foundation also has a comprehensive list of possible scholarships.
Qualifications:
Each scholarship has its own list of qualifications.
“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 Oregon struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with:
Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.
Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached.
Qualifications are simple:
1. You're a single mom.
2. You need the money right now.
Fill out this form to apply:
(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)
Number of people in family/household
Annual income
1
$15,960
2
$21,640
3
$27,320
4
$33,000
5
$38,680
6
$44,360
7
$50,040
8
$55,720
For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
Temporary Cash Assistance in Oregon
TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) provides cash benefits to low-income families with children. These benefits help cover a family’s basic needs — like food, clothing, rent and utilities — while they work toward self-sufficiency.
You’ll receive benefits deposited onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card (also called an Oregon Trail Card) that can be used like a debit card to buy non-food items (SNAP benefits are for food). The maximum monthly benefit a family of three can receive is $506.
Most people who get cash benefits are also in the JOBS program, which helps people receive employment training and connect with job opportunities.
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Rental assistance in Oregon
There are multiple programs in Oregon to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
ACCESS Rental Program
The ACCESS Rental Program is provided by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). If you need help paying your rent or utilities, ACCESS may be able to help. Qualifying households can also receive eviction prevention services.
A Housing Counselor (from various agencies and recommended by the state of Oregon) can help you learn about housing stability programs and which ones might be right for you, including:
If you need help buying a home in Oregon, these programs can help:
Oregon Homeowner Assistance Program
The Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) Homeowner Assistance Fund helps homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments because of COVID-19. Homeowners cannot receive more than $60,000 in total assistance. The majority of assistance is given to low-income or socially disadvantaged households.
The Homeowner Assistance Fund has multiple programs available. Homeowners who apply for relief through the fund will be evaluated for all of its programs, including:
Past-Due Payment Relief Program. This program helps eligible low- and medium-income homeowners with up to $50,000 to pay off past-due balances for eligible housing costs.
Ongoing Payment Relief Program. This program helps eligible low-income homeowners by giving them money to cover all or some of their monthly mortgage payments and housing costs. Homeowners can receive help for up to six months and up to $10,000 per household.
Qualifications:
Must be a homeowner and meet these general eligibility requirements:
Living at the property as your primary residence
Property is a 1- to 4-unit residential property, condominium, manufactured home, or floating home
Listed as a borrower on the mortgage or are the owner of the property
Experienced financial hardship (either a reduction in income or increase in living expenses) due to the coronavirus pandemic after Jan. 21, 2020
The Oregon Foreclosure Avoidance Program helps homeowners avoid foreclosure. Before foreclosure occurs, you can request a resolution conference with a lender. This program gives you and the lender a neutral environment to discuss your options. You’ll receive free foreclosure counseling from a state-approved housing counselor; a direct, face-to-face meeting with your lender; and neutral oversight from a trained mediator or facilitator.
Qualifications:
Your lender has not commenced foreclosure
A housing counselor certifies that you are either more than 30 days behind on your mortgage, or experiencing a financial hardship that may qualify you for a foreclosure avoidance measure
How to get help:
Contact Mediation Case Manager toll free at 855-658-6733 or locally at 503-451-6774
Veterans’ funding is also available for people who have served on active duty or received a ribbon or medal for service and been discharged or released under honorable conditions
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Oregon, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Oregon
The Oregon Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that helps low-income households with home heating and cooling costs.
Qualifications:
Resident of Oregon
Need financial assistance with home energy costs
If you participate or have family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI, or TANF, you automatically meet the eligibility requirement
Families with one or more members with a disability
Families with children (in most states)
You are automatically eligible to receive weatherization assistance if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Oregon
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:
Advantage Dental Services (OHP)
Advantage Dental Oral Health Centers are closely affiliated with Advantage Dental Services, a Medicaid (OHP) plan. You can receive coverage for the following:
Preventive dental care (yearly cleaning, X-rays, fluoride varnish)
Treatment for problems (fillings, extractions, dentures, crowns, root canals)
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Oregon
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 Oregon by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
Oregon Medicaid
The Oregon Health Plan (a Medicaid expansion program) provides health care services delivered through managed care and based on a prioritized list of medical conditions and treatments.
Qualifications:
Resident of the state of Oregon
U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
Responsible for a child 17 years of age or younger
Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability
How to get help:
To apply for OHP online, apply for medical benefits at ONE.Oregon.gov
Call 800-359-9517
Oregon State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
CHIP provides low-cost comprehensive health coverage to children (and sometimes pregnant women) of families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. SCHIP allows Oregon to offer health insurance for eligible children, up to age 19, who are not already insured.
Qualifications:
You must be a resident of Oregon and meet all of the following:
Either 18 years of age and under, or a primary caregiver with a child(ren) 18 years of age and under
A U.S. Citizen, National, or a Non-Citizen legally admitted into the U.S.
Uninsured (and ineligible for Medicaid)
Meet household income guidelines — $74,580/year for a family of three
How to get help:
To receive an Oregon Health Plan application packet for SCHIP, call 800-359-9517 or visit the Apply for OHP page.
Healthy Start of Southern Oregon
Healthy Start provides women with support, education, and community referrals for:
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:
To apply for WIC, contact the WIC agency nearest you to schedule an appointment. Or call 800-735-2900.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program
NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school.
An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students. Schools with at least 80% of the students eligible for free or reduced-price meals must provide breakfast at no cost to all students.
Apply online or contact your child’s school to enroll.
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
SFSP provides nutritious meals/snacks to children in low-income areas during summer months and long vacation periods during the school year.
The program provides up to two meals or one meal and one snack per day per child. They are typically available at schools, churches, recreation centers, camps, playgrounds, parks, etc.
Qualifications:
Children 18 years old and younger
Children 19 years and over who have a mental/physical disability
The Oregon Food Bank Network helps communities and organizations across Oregon and southwest Washington get access to food. It includes 21 regional food banks that manage logistics and distribute food and services and more than 1,400 sites where anyone can get free food.
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 Oregon Food Banks website
Call 503-282-0555 to speak to the Chief Executive, Susannah Morgan
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Oregon:
Oregon 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
Preschool Promise (PSP) offers free, high-quality preschool to Oregon families who are living at or below 200% of the FPL in Oregon. Serving children ages three and four, PSP is a publicly funded program and complements other early learning programs such as Oregon Pre-Kindergarten.
Qualifications:
Oregon families who are living at or below 200% of the FPL qualify.
How to get help:
Families enroll in Preschool Promise by working with their regional Early Learning Hub.
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in Oregon
You must be 18 years of age to take the GED test independently. If you’re under 18, you need to be:
At least 16 years old
Enrolled in an Oregon Option Program for in-school youth
Exempted by your local school district
Legally emancipated or pursuing the GED® with a parent or guardian’s permission
16-year-olds may need a court order, and no one under 16 may take the test.
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 Oregon:
Online at-home test – $44 per subject
In person at a test center – $38 per subject
Grants and scholarships in Oregon
The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in Florida. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, create a student profile on the OSFA website.
Individual schools also offer need-based and academic scholarships for their students. If you’ve been accepted to a higher education institution, contact their office of financial aid to learn how to apply.
“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
