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:
Family Employment Program in Utah
The Family Employment Program includes Utah’s cash assistance program for families with children. Single parents can get financial help and tools to help them train for a job or get better employment. They work closely with employment counselors throughout the program.
A qualifying single mom with two children can get up to $662 in cash assistance each month for up to 36 months.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen
Utah resident
Meet income guidelines — no more than $1,050/month for a family of three
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Utah Community Action Rent and Deposit Assistance
Utah Community Action offers cash assistance for people who can’t afford to pay their rent or who need affordable housing. The program can pay for rent or a deposit on a rental. Applicants may qualify for multiple months of assistance depending on the situation and funding available.
If you need help buying a home in Utah, these programs can help:
Utah Homeowners Assistance
Utah Homeowners Assistance gives money to families in need who own a home and are having trouble paying their mortgages. Homeowners can receive up to $50,000 in aid and do not need to repay the money.
Qualifications:
Owns primary residence in Utah
Financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic
Behind on mortgage payments
Income at or below 150% AMI or 100% of the U.S. median income (whichever is greater)
Utah offers the following programs for single moms who need an affordable mortgage loan to buy a home:
FirstHome: This mortgage loan is for first-time homebuyers with credit scores of at least 660 buying a home within purchasing limits.
HomeAgain: Single moms who don’t qualify for FirstHome may qualify for this program without purchasing limits. It also requires a 660 minimum credit score.
Down Payment Assistance: Homebuyers using one of these loan programs can also apply for down payment assistance to get up to the minimum down payment amount for their home purchase.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Utah, check out the following programs:
Home Energy Assistance Target Program (HEAT) in Utah
HEAT gives families money toward their water and energy bills. The program includes both regular assistance and crisis assistance for families in an emergency financial hardship. Single moms with a child age 6 or under can apply early each year starting October 1, while other households can begin applying on November 1.
HEAT participants who are customers of Rocky Mountain Power can also qualify for an extra discount on their bill through the Home Electric Lifeline Program (HELP). Dominion Energy also gives a one-time bill credit to HEAT participants.
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Utah
Single moms in Utah can get help paying for their dental and medical bills with these programs.
Salt Lake Donated Dental Services
This program offers free and discounted dental services to needy families in Utah every weekday. People with income at or below 100% of the FPL can receive free dental care. People can get discounted services if their income is at or below 200% of the FPL.
How to get help:
Call 801-972-2747
Email treatment@donateddental.org
University of Utah Dental Services
The University of Utah’s participating offices offer up to 30% off the price of dental services when you get them through a resident or up to 50% off when using a student dentist. The school provides a full range of services, including oral health screenings, denture fittings, and surgeries.
Medicaid provides affordable health coverage to families in Utah. The program also offers transitional assistance with up to 12 extra months of coverage if your income increases and exceeds the income limits.
Pregnant women can also qualify for a separate Medicaid program if their income is at or below 139% of the FPL.
Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Utah
CHIP in Utah is a Medicaid program for children of families that do not qualify for traditional Medicaid because of their income. The program pays for:
Well visits
Prescriptions
Emergency room visits
Most other health care needs
The program has different income limits based on the child’s age. Children with household incomes higher than the limits may still qualify for the Child Medically Needy program, but the family may have spend-down requirements.
The Maliheh Free Clinic in Salt Lake City provides free medical services to people in need, including pediatric care, dental services, and diagnostics.
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Utah Food Assistance Program (SNAP)
USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households.
SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card in retail food stores to purchase food, including:
WIC helps moms feed themselves and their children nutritious food. The program gives electronic benefits for moms to pay for eligible food and infant formula. Moms can also get help with breastfeeding, nutrition support, and developmental resources for their children.
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
Utah helps schools across the state provide healthy and nourishing meals to children through several programs. Utah participates in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, which provide free or reduced-price meals to eligible children.
Utah students in after-school programs can also get snacks or small meals through the Afterschool Snack Program. Utah schools can also participate in the Special Milk Program and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to help students access these necessary foods.
Qualifications:
Attend a participating school
Income at or below 185% of FPL for most programs
How to get help:
Contact your child’s school for more information
Call the director of Child Nutrition Programs at 801-538-7755
Text FOOD to 877-877
Summer Food Service Program in Utah
SFSP gives eligible school children meals during their school’s summer break.
Qualifications:
Children must be 18 or younger. Participating sites can determine their own requirements for meals.
How to get help:
Contact your child’s school for more information
Call the director of Child Nutrition Programs at 801-538-7755
Utah Food Bank helps people across the state of Utah feed their families, whether they need temporary assistance or are experiencing a food emergency. The organization also sponsors mobile food pantries and programs that help children access food.
Single moms can get help from these Utah programs for child care while they go to work or school.
Child Care Assistance in Utah
Utah’s child care subsidy helps families pay for child care. Single moms can get assistance if they work or go to a training program intended to help with employment.
Families can also receive the subsidy if they need to put their child in a child care program while they actively search for work. Some households will have a co-payment each month, depending on their income.
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
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education in Utah, here are some helpful resources:
Live Your Dream Scholarship in Utah
Live Your Dream is a Utah-based charity that provides scholarships for single moms who wish to pursue a college degree, bootcamp, or technical school. Scholarships are awarded in the spring and fall for:
Tuition (up to $3,000)
Class fees (up to $1,000)
Books (up to $500)
The application deadline for the 2024 winter/spring semester scholarship is Nov. 1, 2023.
Qualifications:
Utah resident who is a single mom, widowed, divorced, or separated (divorce is almost final)
Custodial parent or guardian with physical custody of at least one dependant child (18 and under or over 18 and still in high school)
You are the only adult in your home unless you live with relatives
You have a high school diploma or GED
You are enrolled in a degree program at a college or university, attending technical school, bootcamp, or any other educational program to increase your earning potential
You have completed or are completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and can demonstrate financial need
Utah Promise Scholarship: This scholarship goes to students at Utah’s public colleges and universities and some private institutions, paying up to the total cost of tuition for two years
Technical College Scholarship: Utah technical college scholarship students can get up to the full cost of their tuition paid
Higher Education Success Stipend Program: This grant is for students with financial need who are attending a Utah school
Workforce programs in Utah provide training and assist with employment:
Utah Unemployment Benefits
Utah single moms who have lost a job or had their hours reduced can apply for unemployment benefits. Utah pays unemployment benefits each week you’re without a job or suitable employment.
Anyone in Utah who wants to find a job or train for a better job can use the resources offered by the Utah Department of Workforce Services. The website has free help to find a job, redo a resume, find an apprenticeship program, or learn new skills.
How to get help:
Visit the Utah Department of Workforce Services website.
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout Utah that offer support to single moms:
Utah Girls Love You
Utah Girls Love You helps single moms and their children get clothing, food, and other necessities. The charity also helps moms learn life skills, find shelter, and get the services and items they need to support their families.
How to get help:
Call 801-899-2692
Email jazmine@utahgirlsloveyou.org
Open Doors
Open Doors offers families domestic violence support, counseling, respite care, and case management.
How to get help:
Call 801-773-0712 for the Clearfield office or 801-771-4642 for the Layton office.
The Salvation Army of Utah
Utah residents can find Salvation Army locations in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Vernal, and St. George. The Salvation Army helps families with:
Food
Clothing
Housing assistance
Spiritual guidance
Disaster programs
Education
Employment help
Emergency financial assistance
Qualifications:
Each Salvation Army location has its own requirements for its programs and services.
“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 Vermont 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 Vermont
Reach Up — Vermont’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children or to relatives who have court-ordered custody of a child placed in their home.
The amount paid out varies depending on household income. A Benefits Program Specialist (BPS) will determine the amount of your benefit. Generally, an eligible family of three can receive up to $1,384 a month in cash assistance. However, exact amounts depend on location and specific family circumstances. See full income guidelines.
For those who only need help for up to four months, Vermont also offers the Reach First program. Reach First is aimed at helping families get through short-term financial issues by providing cash assistance.
Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 60 months for adults. Children being taken care of by a relative may qualify for longer coverage.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Permanent Vermont resident
Pregnant and/or have children under 18
Children and mother must have social security number
Vermont has several programs to help parents gain access to better opportunities:
Reach Up: Monthly cash help for basic necessities and support to help you define and reach goals for education, career, housing, finances, and more
Reach Ahead Pilot: Helps former Reach Up or Post-Secondary Education (PSE) recipients transition to the workforce and offers help to pay for child care, food, and fix any barriers to work (such as providing car repairs or work clothes)
Reach First: Short-term financial help and support (four months or less)
Vermont MOMS: Virtual stress management classes for moms that offer gift cards for class attendance
Qualifications:
Each program has its own eligibility requirements, call the number below for more details
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Rental assistance in Vermont
There are multiple programs in Vermont to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
Emergency Housing
Those who have lost their housing due to a catastrophic situation may be eligible for emergency housing in a hotel for 28 to 84 days. Length of stay is determined by your situation.
Catastrophic events include:
Natural disasters, such as fire or flood
Fleeing domestic violence
Constructive or court-ordered eviction that is not your fault
Qualifications:
One of the following must be true:
Age 65 or older
Pregnant in third trimester
Child/children age 6 or younger
Qualify with at least 4 points
Disabled veteran (1 point)
Active Family Services case (1 point)
SSI or SSDI applicant (1 point)
Child/children between the ages of 7-17 (2 points)
Discharged from a 48-hour inpatient hospital stay within the last 30 days (2 points)
Over 18 years old and discharged from DCF custody within the last 3 years (1 point)
The Department for Children and Families provides up to 18 months in a hotel for qualifying Vermont residents who experienced financial hardship or job loss because of COVID-19.
The Vermont Housing Finance Agency offers a variety of mortgage programs for homebuyers in the state. The programs are offered through local VHFA Participating Lenders:
MOVE
This mortgage program has VHFA’s lowest interest rate and a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage loan. Other benefits include:
Down payments 0% to 5% (determined by lender)
Down payment and closing cost assistance available
First-time homebuyers in Vermont may be eligible for a $15,000 grant for down payment and closing costs. Eligible borrowers can also combine this grant with VHFA ASSIST to receive up to $30,000 in assistance. Funding for the grant is available on a first-come, first-served basis while funds last.
Qualifications:
All borrowers and non-borrowing spouses must be true-first time homebuyers and at least one borrower must have:
Parents or legal guardians who do not currently own a home
Been placed in foster care at any time in their life
Home must be in Vermont and serve as the primary residence
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may be able to get help from the following program:
Agency of Human Services
The main goal of the Agency of Human Services is to prevent Vermont residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. AHS and community partners help provide housing stability and reduce homelessness though:
Emergency shelters
Transitional housing
Permanent housing
Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing
Qualifications:
Requirements are set by individual agencies and programs.
Transportation help for low-income families in Vermont
Single moms in Vermont can take advantage of multiple resources offering free or affordable transportation.
Free and low-cost transportation
The following programs offer free or low-cost rides to eligible families in Vermont.
Guaranteed Ride Home
If you carpool to work and your ride falls through or you need to leave early, the Guaranteed Ride Home program can help. Use any public transportation you need to get home, and the program will reimburse your travel fees up to $70. Claims usually take up to six weeks to process.
Qualifications:
Carpool to or from work
Have an unexpected change of plans affecting your carpool
How to get help:
Call 800-685-7433
Email GoVermont@vermont.gov
Commuter Co-Op
Commuter Co-Op allows you to organize a carpool for work or school transportation using a vehicle provided by the state of Vermont. You can keep the vehicle at home or a shared space for all carpool participants to share. Each participant pays a share of the monthly fee, which is usually about $100 split among each rider.
Qualifications:
Have a commuter group organized
How to get help:
Call 201-320-8300
Email joseph.a.traina@ehi.com
Free Wheelin’
Free Wheelin’ is a free transportation program for rural travelers in the Waitsfield, Fayston,
Moretown, and Warren areas. Contact the company to get a free ride to shopping areas, medical appointments, and social services. Rides are available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. Rides are available to anyone who needs transportation and calls ahead to reserve a ride.
How to get help:
Call 802-249-3427
Vermont Medicaid transportation
Vermont offers non-emergency medical transportation to households who have Medicaid. These free rides can bring you back and forth to medical appointments, whether they’re for yourself or your children. Some of Vermont’s public transit systems, including Tri-Valley Transit and Rural Community Transit, provide a service known as Dial-A-Ride, which includes transportation for Medicaid recipients.
Rides should be scheduled ahead of time, and your medical provider or caseworker can help you with scheduling.
Qualifications:
Medicaid recipient
In need of reliable transportation
How to get help:
Call 802-728-3773
Contact your Medicaid caseworker
Vermont public transit
Vermont has eight public transit systems. Those offering free or affordable rides are listed below.
Advance Transit
Covers: Upper Valley area
Offers: Free rides for all with Monday through Friday service
Green Mountain Transit
Covers: Burlington, Essex, South Burlington, Shelburne, Williston, Winooski, Milton, Hinesburg, and some areas of Colchester
Offers: Free rides on the 116 Commuter, free rides for children under 6, fares as low as $1 for children 6-17
Marble Valley Regional Transit District
Covers: Rutland and surrounding areas
Offers: Free rides for children 6 and under, fares as low as $0.50 for adults
MOOver!
Covers: Windham and Southern Windsor counties
Offers: Free rides for all riders
Rural Community Transit (RTA)
Covers: Northeast Kingdom and Lamoille County
Offers: A few free shuttle routes operating throughout the day in areas like Lyndonville, Newport, and East Burke, Dial-A-Ride for Medicaid recipients
The Green Mountain Express
Covers: Bennington County area
Offers: Free rides for Medicaid recipients
Tri-Valley Transit
Covers: Addison, Orange, and Northern Windsor counties
Offers: Free fares for all riders, Dial-A-Ride for Medicaid recipients
Vermont transportation providers
The Vermont Public Transportation Association has an interactive map allowing you to see what public transportation provider services your area. Visit the map and click on the city or town you live in to find your public transportation provider.
Vehicle donation and car repair help in Vermont
The following organizations can help you get a free vehicle in Vermont:
Good News Garage
Good News Garage is a charity with programs for Vermont families in need of reliable transportation.
The Wheels to Work program gifts vehicles to families participating in Vermont’s Reach Up program, which helps families become more financially independent. A Reach Up caseworker must identify an individual as having a need for a vehicle donation and send their request to Good News Garage.
The Ready to Go program offers free minivans to families in need so that they can work, go to school, or bring their children to school or daycare. Recipients typically come from referrals through the Vermont Department for Children and Families, Economic Services Division.
How to get help:
Contact your caseworker
Call 2-1-1
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.
Mail your application and supporting documents to: ADPC – Economic Services Division, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-1500
Green Mountain Power Customers
The Department for Families and Children offers a 25% discount off monthly electric bills for qualifying families. You may be forgiven a past-due bill if you are new to the program.
Qualifications:
Residential Green Mountain Power customers only
Have gross monthly household income at or below 185% of FPL
Mail your application and supporting documents to: ADPC – Economic Services Division, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671-1500
Fuel Assistance Program
This program helps pay a portion of your home heating bills — whether you own your home or rent, pay for heat directly or as part of rent. Get a list of fuel dealers.
Qualifications:
Must have gross monthly household income at or below 185% of FPL.
If you are running out of heating fuel and cannot afford to buy more, reach out to Vermont Crisis Fuel Assistance for help. Eligible families can get financial help to purchase fuel or pay for electricity if your heating system uses it. You can also get support with payment plan negotiations payment plans and working with your energy provider to avoid gas or electric shutoff.
Applications are accepted starting November 27, 2023.
Call 800-479-6151 (if you are elderly, disabled, or have a child younger than 6)
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
On average, the program in Vermont makes about $10,000 worth of improvements per home, adds about 1,500 square feet of insulation and reduces drafts by 40%.
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Vermont
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:
Children’s Integrated Service
Children’s Integrated Service (CIS) provides early intervention, family support, and prevention services that help ensure the healthy development and well-being of children, from before birth up to age 5.
Support services include:
Health and well-being throughout pregnancy and postpartum
Growth progress — including speech, language, movement, vision, and hearing — from birth to age 3
Positive social and emotional development for children up to age 5
Help finding quality child care
Qualifications:
Parents with children under the age of 5 can contact your local CIS Coordinator to see if your family is eligible.
Vermont Health Connect, the state’s health insurance marketplace, offers medical, prescription and dental coverage. Dental benefits are included for both adults and children with Medicaid or Dr. Dynasaur coverage. Learn more about the Vermont Health Connect plans below, or use this plan comparison tool.
Vermont Medicaid
Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In Vermont, the program’s benefits include:
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
Fill out a paper application and mail it to: Vermont Health Connect, Application and Document Processing Center, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT, 05671-8100
Dr. Dynasaur
Dr. Dynasaur — Vermont’s version of the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — is for children who don’t qualify for Medicaid based on household income. Dr. Dynasaur provides low-cost or free health coverage for children, teenagers under age 19, and pregnant women.
The program covers numerous services, including:
Outpatient hospital care you get without being admitted to a hospital
Fill out a paper application and mail it to: Vermont Health Connect, Application and Document Processing Center, 280 State Drive, Waterbury, VT, 05671-8100
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Vermont
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 Vermont by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Farm to Family
Farm to Family helps Vermont families buy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. Those eligible may get $30 in coupons that can be used at participating farmers markets and farm stands.
Qualifications:
You may be eligible one of two ways:
Enrolled in the Department of Health’s WIC Program
Apply at special Farm to Family sessions in your area by calling your local health office.
3SquaresVT
3SquaresVT offers money every month to eligible Vermont families to buy food at stores and farmers markets. The money is deposited on the Vermont EBT Card if you are under 65. If over 65 or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), funds are deposited into your bank account.
Qualifications:
Gross household income is 185% or less of the FPL or you have children and receive the VT Earned Income tax credit
If your household income exceeds 185% of the FPL but you have a person living with you that is over 60 or has a disability, you should still apply. Your application may be approved based on your household’s level of need.
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.
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.
The Vermont Agency of Education serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, l parks and libraries.
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
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in Vermont
If you are at least 18 years old in Vermont, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 or 17 with written consent from a parent or guardian.
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 Vermont:
Online at-home test – $36 per subject
In person at a test center – $30 per subject
Vermont Post-Secondary Education (PSE)
The PSE program can give you monthly cash payments, mentorship, and help with child care, school supplies, and transportation to pursue an undergraduate college degree.
Qualifications:
Vermont resident with college acceptance
Parent of minor dependent children who live with you
Vermont Job Link is a free service to help you find a job or educational programs to start a new career. Once you create a free account online, you can access:
Vermont Works for Women offers free personal career support to help you choose a career, prepare for the job you want through activities like resume building, interviewing skills, and networking. If you are already working, this program can help you set career goals, advocate for yourself, and embrace professional development.
There are multiple educational opportunities for women and children such as community events, technology programs, and afterschool care.
Qualifications:
Available to women in Vermont (must be at least 16)
How to get help:
Call 802-655-8900, extension 118
Email pruffner@vtworksforwomen.org
Grants and scholarships in Vermont
The Vermont Student Assistance Corp. helps people save, plan, and pay for education or career training. Here is a list of grants for Vermont residents.
How to get help:
Call 800-642-3177
Email info@vsac.org
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.
Single moms in Burlington, Vermont, can get housing, medical, food, and other types of assistance from these programs, resources, and charities:
Housing help in Burlington
These programs are specific to Burlington or Chittenden County residents to help with rent and homeownership:
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program helps families who are enrolled in the Section 8 program and is a client of the Burlington Housing Authority. Eligible households can get financial assistance from the program sent to an escrow account if their rent increases due to an income increase.
At the end of the program, the recipient can receive all funds stored in the escrow account to use for whatever they need it for, like paying off debt or using it toward a home’s down payment.
Qualifications:
Participate in Section 8 program
Burlington Housing Authority client
How to get help:
Call 802-864-0538, ext. 269
Email scouture@burlingtonhousing.org
The City of Burlington Homeownership Assistance
You can receive down payment assistance for a duplex you buy in Burlington, Vermont, if you meet the program’s criteria. Awards are usually $10,000 in the form of a no-interest, deferred loan. Although it’s not required to be a first-time homebuyer, the program gives preference to people buying their first homes.
Owners can’t increase the rent for the duplex within one year of closing on the loan and may not increase the rent by more than 3% each year for the next four years.
Qualifications:
Duplex in Old North End, Lakeside, or King Street neighborhoods
The Burlington Housing Authority (BHA) gives recipients of Section 8 housing vouchers the opportunity to buy a home with a subsidy they can use toward their mortgage rather than rent. The amount of the subsidy depends on the household income.
Qualifications:
Eligible for Section 8
Buy a home within the BHA’s jurisdiction
Employed full-time for at least a year
Not own a home within the last three years
How to get help:
Call 802-864-0538
Electric bill assistance in Burlington
The following programs can help you pay for your electric bill in Burlington, Vt.:
Warmth Support Program
The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity created the Warmth Support Program to help residents in Chittenden County and surrounding areas pay for their fuel or heating bills. The program can help you pay your utility bill or purchase bulk fuel for you if you experience a financial emergency affecting your ability to keep heat in your home.
Qualifications:
Running out of bulk fuel within 5-7 days
Financial emergency putting you in danger of having your utilities disconnected
How to get help:
Call 802-863-6248
Burlington Electric Department’s Energy Assistance Program
Burlington Electric Department gives eligible customers a 12.5% credit on their electric bill to make their bills more affordable.
Health Assistance Program (HAP) at University of Vermont Medical Center
HAP provides prescriptions to needy families for free and medically necessary procedures for low costs. Participants can also get help with some medical equipment and glasses.
Those who qualify for financial assistance for medically necessary procedures will be placed on a budget payment plan. Those with incomes below 200% of the FPL may receive services for free.
Qualifications:
Live in Vermont
Apply for Medicaid to determine eligibility
Income below 400% of FPL
Assets below $50,000
How to get help:
Call 802-847-6984
Email HealthAssistanceProgram@UVMHealth.org
Community Health Centers Burlington
The Burlington Community Health Centers branch provides affordable medical and dental services to needy families, including telehealth, prescriptions, mental health, primary care, lab services, and pediatrics. The center offers a sliding fee scale to patients with incomes at or below 200% of the FPL.
Qualifications:
Income at or below 200% of the FPL
How to get help:
Call 802-264-8124
Email patientsupport@chcb.org
Food assistance in Burlington
These programs can provide you and your family with food in Burlington, Vt.:
Burlington Little Free Pantry Network
Burlington has several Little Free Pantry locations that offer free food and toiletries to anyone who needs them.
SHCC hosts a food and essentials pantry during its office hours, Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Residents can stop in to pick up produce, shelf-stable items, refrigerated items, and essentials, like bathing and grooming supplies. All Burlington families are welcome.
How to get help:
Call 802-862-6342
Email foodpantry@saraholbrookcc.org
Feeding Chittenden
Feeding Chittenden provides a food pantry, grocery deliveries, a packaged meal program, a culinary training program, and a mobile food truck to help those in need of food throughout Chittenden County. Most programs are available to any residents in need, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How to get help:
Call 802-658-7939
Email eabaneto@cvoeo.org
Child care help in Burlington
Get assistance with child care in Burlington with this program:
Early Learning Initiative Burlington
Burlington’s Early Learning Initiative manages a program called First Steps Scholarship, which gives financial assistance to families using a child care center or at-home daycare for their child or children. The scholarship amount ranges from $2,000-$6,000 and is made available to about 20 families each year.
Qualifications:
Burlington resident
Child not already enrolled in a high-quality daycare
These education-focused programs offer financial assistance to help you begin or complete a degree in Burlington:
truED Tuition Discount at Champlain College
Employees of the City of Burlington can take advantage of the TruED Tuition Discount at Champlain College. This program provides 17% off undergraduate tuition and 50% off graduate tuition for employees, their spouses or partners, or their dependents.
Qualifications:
City of Burlington employee
How to get help:
Call 888-269-6523
Email champlainonline@champlain.edu
Champlain College Single Parents Program
Located in Burlington, Vermont, Champlain College’s Single Parents Program aids students who are single parents by providing the resources they need to continue their education and reach their goals. Assistance may include free educational workshops, social activities, and financial assistance for emergencies.
Qualifications:
Champlain College student
Single parent
How to get help:
Call 800-359-0728
Transportation help in Burlington
This transit company offers affordable and free transportation in Burlington:
Green Mountain Transit (GMT)
Green Mountain Transit operates a free-fare bus in Chittenden County known as the 116 Commuter. Children under 6 also ride any form of GMT’s transportation for free, and children 6-17 ride for just $1.
How to get help:
Call 802-864-2282
Charity organizations in Burlington
Burlington, Vermont is home to these charity organizations that can help single moms:
Lund
Lund works with low-income families in the Burlington area to support them in their parenting and financial needs. Services for needy families include job training, child development education, and connections to community resources, like financial assistance and stable housing.
Qualifications:
Low-income household
Parent
How to get help:
Call 802-864-7467
Joint Urban Ministry Project (JUMP)
JUMP is a Burlington organization providing emergency help to needy families. Those in need can get financial assistance, food, essentials, and gift cards to local thrift stores to buy clothing and other items they need for their families. JUMP also offers financial assistance for families falling behind on their utility bills.
Qualifications:
Have not received JUMP assistance within the last three months
Valid ID
How to get help:
Call 802-862-4501
Email jump@jumpvt.org
Help for single moms in Essex, Vermont
If you’re a single mom living in Essex, Vermont, browse the following resources and assistance programs. Note that, because of the proximity between Essex and Burlington, Vermont, many of the resources covering Burlington residents may also be available to those in Essex, and vice versa, like medical clinics and food pantries.
Medical and dental care help in Essex
Contact the following health center for low-cost medical care in Essex, Vermont:
Community Health Centers Essex
The Essex branch of Community Health Centers allows eligible patients to pay for their medical services on a sliding fee scale. This branch provides basic medical, mental health, and psychiatry services Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Qualifications:
Income at or below 200% of the FPL
How to get help:
Call 802-404-1350
Food help in Essex
These food assistance programs can help you and your family find nutritious food for free in Essex:
Aunt Dot’s Place
Aunt Dot’s Place is a community food pantry for Essex and its surrounding areas. Families in need can visit Aunt Dot’s Place for food, pet supplies, and personal care items.
How to get help:
Call 802-662-5614
Email auntdotsplace@gmail.com
First Congregational Church of Essex Junction’s Heavenly Food Pantry
The First Congregational Church of Essex Junction operates the Heavenly Food Pantry the second Monday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and the third Thursday of each month from 3 pm to 6 pm. Families in need can visit each time the food pantry is open to get pantry items and personal care items for free.
Heavenly Food Pantry can make deliveries in some cases for people who are unable to drive.
Qualifications:
Essex area resident
Proof of address
How to get help:
Call 802-878-5745
Essex CHIPS
Essex CHIPS has a free food pantry with 24/7 access for families in need. The pantry houses clothing, school supplies, and personal care items in addition to shelf-stable food and is open to people in Essex and surrounding areas.
How to get help:
Call 802-878-6982
Email office@essexchips.org
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 Virginia 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 Virginia
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 Virginia
Virginia’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children or to relatives who have court-ordered custody of a child placed in their home.
The amount paid out varies depending on household income. For example, the maximum monthly TANF benefit for a family of three is $482, according to the Virginia Department of Social Services.
Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 48 months for adults. Children living with a relative may be able to receive assistance for a longer period of time.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Virginia resident
Have children under 18 or under 19 if still enrolled in high school
Children and mother must have social security number
If you need help buying a home in Virginia, these programs can help:
Virginia Housing Homebuyer Program
Virginia Housing offers a homebuyer program with 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loans for first-time homebuyers. These loans can be offered as FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans. Find a list of all the loans, grants, and programs on the Virginia Housing website.
Must meet IRS definition of a first-time homebuyer, which means you can not have owned any other principal residence for three years prior to the date of purchase of the new principal residence
Virginia Housing offers down payment assistance in the form of a grant — meaning it doesn’t have to be repaid — of 2% to 2.5% of the purchase price of the home.
The Closing Cost Assistance Grant provides money for closing costs — up to 2% of the purchase price — that never has to be repaid. Homebuyers can pair it with a Mortgage Credit Certificate to make homeownership more affordable.
Qualifications:
First-time homebuyer or repeat buyer purchasing in Areas of Economic Opportunity
Have a Rural Housing Service (RHS) or Veterans Affairs (VA) loan from Virginia Housing
Household income within Virginia Housing’s income limits
This loan pairs a Virginia Housing mortgage with a second mortgage to cover the cost of a down payment. The second mortgage is a 30-year, fixed-rate loan with no prepayment penalty.
The amount of the second mortgage will depend on the homebuyer’s credit score and the type of first mortgage they receive. Buyers with credit scores of 680 and above can also borrow an additional 1.5% above the purchase price to cover closing costs.
Qualifications:
First-time homebuyer or repeat buyer purchasing in Areas of Economic Opportunity
Have an FHA or Conventional / Conventional No MI loan from Virginia Housing
Have a household income within Virginia Housing’s income limits
Be within Virginia Housing’s sales price / loan limits
Have a minimum of 1% of the sales price documented and available to be used toward closing costs/prepaid items or to be held in reserves (or a combination of the two)
HOMEownership Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance program (DPA)
Various nonprofits fund DPA, which provides down payment assistance grants with a requirement to occupy the house as their primary residence for a set number of years, based on the amount received:
$1,000 to $14,999 – 5 years
$15,000 to $40,000 – 10 years
Amounts over $40,000 – 15 years
If the homebuyer sells or refinances the property before the occupancy period ends, DPA assistance must be repaid in full.
Eligible homebuyers can receive up to 10% of the sales price in down payment assistance (within the established approved areas by DHCD), plus up to $2,500 toward closing costs. In high-cost or chronically economically-distressed localities, buyers can receive up to 20% in assistance.
Qualifications:
First-time homebuyer
Household income cannot exceed 80% of AMI
Must provide 1% of the sales price personal income or a contribution of $500 if the annual household income is below 50% of AMI
Receive homeownership counseling from a HUD-certified agency and HUDcertified Housing Counselor
Complete a HUD-certified homebuyer education course
Good credit history with at least 3 trade lines open and a median credit score of 620 or higher
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may be able to get help from the following program:
The Virginia Homeless Solutions Program
The main goal of the program is to prevent Virginia residents from becoming homeless — or from returning to homelessness. The program offers services including:
Emergency shelters
Transitional housing
Permanent housing
Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing
Qualifications:
Household income 30% below AMI
Household lacks the financial resources and support needed to remain in existing housing without assistance
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Virginia
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 Virginia by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
Virginia Medicaid
Cardinal Care, Virginia’s Medicaid program, provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In Virginia, Medicaid benefits include:
Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) – Covers medical services like doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health care, and transportation for medical needs for adults and children
Long-term Care (LTC) – Covers care in a nursing facility, assisted living, or at home (must be at least 18 years old and require nursing home-level care or hospital-level care if you have cystic fibrosis)
Dental – Covers all dental services for children and adults
Qualifications:
Virginia resident
U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) is Virginia's health insurance program for children, meant to cover children of families who don’t qualify for Medicaid. FAMIS covers these services:
Dental care
Well visits for babies and kids
Other doctor visits
Emergency care
Hospital visits
Mental health care
Prescription medicine
Tests and x-rays
Vaccinations
Vision care
There are no enrollment costs or monthly premiums for FAMIS. At this time, there are no co-pays for any FAMIS covered services.
Qualifications:
Virginia resident
Uninsured
Under age 19
U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
Healthy Start Loving Steps provides home visits to educate parents and coordinate care for people who need it. Healthy Start Loving Steps services include:
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Virginia 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.
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.
The Virginia Department of Education serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, parks and libraries.
Child care help for low-income families in Virginia
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Virginia:
Virginia 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 under 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 FPL
Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in Virginia
If you are at least 18 years old in Virginia, 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 Virginia:
Online at-home test – $36 per subject
In person at a test center – $30 per subject
Grants and scholarships in Virginia
The Virginia Commonwealth Award Program awards need-based grants to undergraduates and graduate-level students.
Eligible undergraduate students are required to attend approved Virginia colleges and universities. Graduate participants are permitted to attend in and out-of-state institutions. The actual awards will vary by institution and are subject to available funding.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen
Virginia resident
Two- or four-year college or university student
Half-time student (minimum)
Working toward a degree or technical certificate
Display financial need paying for college
How to get help:
This program does not have a separate application; students must complete the FAFSA or VASA. Call 804-225-2600 for additional help.
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.
Virginia ServiceSource Employment Supports for Parents
The Employment Supports for Parents program helps unemployed parents transition back into a career, change careers, and increase earnings. Parents get personalized support to explore career options and learn skills to make them excellent job candidates and employees.
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout Virginia that offer support to single moms:
Women Giving Back
Women Giving Back is a nonprofit in Sterling, Va. that provides a free clothing boutique for women and children, diapers, school supplies, holiday gifts, and other essentials. The organization serves low-income women-led families and women who have survived traumatic experiences such as domestic violence.
Qualifications:
You must be referred to use these free programs and services by a Women Giving Back referral partner
If you need diapers, you can use the online application to request them as long as you are able to pick up the diapers and meet one of the following conditions:
Your child is under 3
You have a baby due next month
You can show proof of need and have experienced a financial hardship
Giving Words is a nonprofit in Louisa, Va. that helps single mothers who cannot afford car repairs and connects them to resources to assist them in overcoming financial hardships, especially in emergency situations. Giving Words partners with local churches, car repair shops, consignment shops and other community organizations.
Qualifications:
Single mothers in Virginia are encouraged to contact the organization for help
The United Way of Virginia connects people in need with local resources like:
Food
Shelter
Child care services
Housing
Health care
Support groups
The United Way that serves Richmond and Peteresburg sponsors the WomanRise scholarship grant program for moms who are students and earn less than $60,000.
“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 Washington 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 Washington
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 Washington
TANF gives Washington low-income families money to pay for necessities like food, clothing, and shelter for up to 60 months. A family of three with no income can qualify for up to $654 per month.
Families participating in TANF may also qualify for emergency cash assistance with a one-time payment of up to $750. This payment is available to families who have an urgent utility or housing need and have not received an emergency payment in the past year.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or eligible resident
Washington resident
Participate in work readiness program
Resources $6,000 or less
Cooperate with child support enforcement, if applicable
Meet income requirements — no more than $654 per month for a family of three
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Eviction Rent Assistance in Washington
The state of Washington helps families who are facing eviction pay their rent. Each county outlines its own requirements and eligibility terms for applicants.
Washington also offers a sub-program for residents who are 25 or younger and are facing eviction.
Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) in Washington
Washington families seeking affordable housing can apply for the Section 8 program. It gives vouchers for eligible apartments and homes to help qualifying families pay rent.
If you need help buying a home in Washington, these programs can help:
Washington Homeowners Assistance Fund
The Washington HAF helps homeowners get cash assistance or resources to avoid foreclosure. The program pays up to $60,000 per household.
Qualifications:
Own primary residence in Washington
Financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic
Behind on mortgage payments
Meet income requirements, as detailed by a housing counselor
How to get help:
Call 877‐894‐4663.
Washington Housing Finance Commission Home Buying Assistance
Washington can help single moms buy a home affordably with these programs:
Home Advantage Program: Homebuyers in Washington can get a low-interest mortgage through this program.
House Key Opportunity Program: Single moms who are first-time homebuyers may qualify for a mortgage with low interest rates. This program has lower income limits than Home Advantage.
EnergySpark Home Loan: Homebuyers purchasing an energy-efficient home or making energy-efficient improvements to a home they buy can qualify for this loan with a lower-than-average interest rate.
Down Payment Assistance: This program pays $10,000, on average, as a second mortgage for homebuyers to make a down payment on a new home.
Qualifications:
Buy a home in Washington within purchase limits (varies by program)
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Washington, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Washington
LIHEAP helps low-income families pay their energy bills. The program pays your energy company a one-time payment for the season, which gets deducted from your bills until you’ve used the full payment.
Puget Sound Energy’s HELP provides financial assistance for energy bills. Qualified applicants can get up to $1,000 in credit for their electric or natural gas bill. Your account doesn’t need to be past due to apply.
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Washington
The following Washington programs help single moms access affordable medical and dental care for themselves and their children.
Access to Baby & Child Dentistry
The ABCD program is for children up to age 6 who are enrolled in Washington’s Medicaid program. It gives eligible children access to necessary dental care, like exams and cleanings.
The University of Washington Pediatric Dental Care
The University of Washington gives children aged 0 to 18 dental care for affordable rates. Children can get routine and specialized dental care. Parents can apply for financial aid for services.
Washington’s Medicaid program is called Apple Health. The state offers Apple Health to adults and children through separate programs. The income limits for children are higher than those for adults.
Children enrolled in Apple Health can also qualify for different tiers if their families have higher incomes. Tier one requires a maximum monthly premium of $40, while tier two has a maximum monthly premium of $60.
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Basic Food in Washington
Basic Food is Washington’s version of the federal SNAP program, more commonly known as food stamps. A family of three can qualify for up to $740 a month to pay for eligible food and drinks.
SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card in retail food stores to purchase food, including:
People who do not qualify for Basic Food based on their citizenship status may still be eligible for the State Food Assistance Program. This program works the same as Basic Food and has the same income and eligibility requirements.
Qualifications:
Washington resident
U.S. citizen or qualified resident for the State Food Assistance Program
WIC in Washington provides nutritious food, nutrition support, and breastfeeding resources for pregnant or postpartum moms and their children. Children can also get regular screenings to ensure that they’re on the right track with nutrition and development. WIC participants also receive extra money to buy fresh fruits and vegetables each 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
Washington state participates in federal school lunch and breakfast programs, which allow eligible school-aged children to receive free or reduced-price school meals.
Schools can also participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program, and Afterschool Snack Program to receive money for produce, milk, and healthy snacks for students.
Qualifications:
Attend a participating school
Income at or below 185% of FPL for most programs
How to get help:
Contact your child’s school for more information
Call 360-725-6200
Seamless Summer Option in Washington
The Seamless Summer Option program gives Washington children free meals during summer breaks.
Qualifications:
Children must be 18 or younger. Participating sites can determine their own requirements for meals but must be in low-income communities.
How to get help:
Contact your child’s school for more information
Call 866-328-6325
Email elizabeth.beechler@k12.wa.us
WSDA Food Assistance Programs
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) provides funding to food banks and food assistance programs across the state to help residents get the food they need.
Child care help for low-income families in Washington
Single moms can get help from these Washington programs for child care while they go to work or school.
Child Care Subsidy Programs in Washington
The Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) program in Washington pays a portion of child care costs for low-income families. Some families have no co-pays, while others pay a co-pay of up to $215 each month, depending on income. For example, a mom with two children making $3,000 per month has a co-pay of $90.
Homeless families may also get approved for up to 12 months of assistance. The Seasonal Child Care program helps seasonal workers also access child care assistance.
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
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education in Washington, here are some helpful resources:
Washington College Grant
The Washington College Grant program pays up to the full cost of tuition for a degree program, apprenticeship, or training program. For example, a single mom with two kids can earn up to $90,000 and still qualify for assistance. You can estimate your award amount using this online calculator.
Applicants must complete the FAFSA and the WASFA to determine eligibility.
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
People attending school for a STEM, trade, or health career may be eligible for this scholarship. The scholarship program has separate funds for trade programs, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate degrees paying up to $25,000 over the course of the programs.
Qualifications:
Washington resident
Income at or below 125% of the state median income
Pursue an eligible program
High school diploma or GED from a Washington school
How to get help:
Applicants must complete the FAFSA and the WASFA to determine eligibility before applying online for the scholarship.
Opportunity Grant
The Opportunity Grant pays for up to one year of college for students pursuing an in-demand career. Books and supplies may also be covered up to $1,000. Some recipients can also qualify for child care expenses, tutoring, and career services.
Qualifications:
Washington resident
Income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
Maintain 2.0 GPA
How to get help:
Complete the FAFSA and the WASFA to determine eligibility
Single moms who have not yet completed high school can get a GED in Washington. The GED test includes four subject areas with a passing score of 145 each. GED test-takers must be at least 19, or 16-18 if they have approval from the last school district they attended.
Each test section is $36, whether at a test center or online, beginning July 1, 2023.
Workforce programs in Washington provide training and assist with employment:
Washington Unemployment Benefits
Washington’s unemployment benefits help single moms who have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced at work. Eligible workers can get money weekly based on how much they’ve made over the past several months at their jobs.
The WorkFirst Program helps Washington residents find suitable employment. The program provides resume, career, and training programs to help people prepare for a job.
WorkFirst participants can use WorkSourceWA to locate work and access online career tools.
WorkSource Washington is a free online resource to find work. You can search for jobs, create and store resumes and cover letters, and find virtual career workshops.
Qualifications:
Any Washington state resident is eligible for this service
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout Washington that offer support to single moms:
Open House Ministries
Open House Ministries is a Christian shelter that helps families in Washington meet their basic needs. Families work with a coordinator to outline the terms of their stay and goals to help them get back on their feet.
How to get help:
Call 360-737-0300
Email jon.nichols@sheltered.org
The Salvation Army of Washington
Washington Salvation Army locations help their communities with necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. Some locations also help with:
Job seeking or career training
Disaster relief
Spiritual guidance
Education
After-school care and youth programs
Emergency financial assistance
Qualifications:
Each Salvation Army location has its own requirements for its programs and services.
“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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia
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 West Virginia
West Virginia WORKS — West Virginia’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance to eligible families with resident children or to parents of emancipated minors for up to 60 months. Recipients must work after 24 months of receiving benefits to continue to receive assistance.
The benefits are placed on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card or issued via direct deposit to the recipient’s bank account by request.
The benefit amount is based on family size, earned and unearned income, and housing expenses. For example, a family of three can receive up to $542 per month. However, the initial benefit and ongoing amount can change based on fluctuations in income or eligibility.
Qualifications:
Must be a U.S. citizen
Permanent West Virginia resident
Complete a drug screening
Have children under 18
Pregnant women
A child must be living in the home maintained by a parent or a relative who is a blood relative of the child
Willing to sign a Personal Responsibility Contract and a Self-Sufficiency Plan, which offer guidance and a plan for not needing the WV Works benefit
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Rental assistance in West Virginia
There are multiple programs in West Virginia to help single moms find housing and pay their rent:
Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program
This program, offered through the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF), helps renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of November 2023, the program is not currently accepting new rental assistance claims, but this could change if it receives funding.
When active, it offers up to 15 months of help with rent payments (past due and current rent).
Qualifications:
Permanent resident of West Virginia
18 years of age or older
Rental is your primary residence
Proof of economic hardship related to COVID-19 or household member is entitled to unemployment benefits as of March 13, 2020
One person in your home is at risk of homelessness after March 13, 2020
Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing, subsidized apartments, and vouchers to help single moms with low-income pay their rent.
Qualifications:
Vouchers and housing are based on household income and family size. You can find your county’s income limits on the HUD website.
If you need help buying a home in West Virginia, these programs can help:
West Virginia Homeowners Rescue
The West Virginia Homeowners Rescue program, funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, helps homeowners who have struggled with mortgage payments before or after January 21, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If eligible, you can get financial help for past-due:
Mortgage payments
Utility payments (electric, gas, energy, water sewer)
Internet bills
Home insurance premiums
Property taxes
Ground rent
Fees (condo, HOA, etc.)
Other necessary housing costs
Qualifications:
Home must be in West Virginia
Must own and live in the home as your primary residence
The WVHDF Homeownership Program helps individuals, single moms, and families buy a new home. This first-time homebuyer program offers single-family home loans at affordable rates. It’s a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, and you can finance up to 100% of the home’s purchase price.
You must take an approved homebuyer education class and receive counseling.
Qualifications:
Gross income and the home price must not exceed the county limits for your household size
First-time homebuyer
Can’t own a home as your primary residence within three years of loan closing if you wish to purchase in the following counties:
Barbour
Cabell
Jefferson
Mason Mercer
Putnam
Berkeley
Greenbrier
Kanawha
Monongalia
Raleigh
Boone
Hancock
Marion
Morgan
Wood
Brooke
Harrison
Marshall
Ohio
* This does not apply to any other West Virginia county or eligible veterans who receive benefits from the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008.
The WVHDF Low Down Home Loan helps with down payment and closing costs in the form of a 15-year, fixed-rate, low-interest loan (currently 2% but subject to change). Works with the Homeownership Program and the Movin’ Up Program.
If you are approved for the WVHDF Homeownership Program, you can get:
Up to $7,500 in down payment/closing costs assistance when your loan-to-value ratio is 90% or greater than the purchase price
Up to $10,000 when the loan-to-value ratio is less than 90% of the purchase price
With approval from the Movin’ Up Program, you can get:
Up to $5,000 when your loan-to-value ratio is 90% or greater than the purchase price
Up to $8,000 when the loan-to-value ratio is less than 90% of the purchase price
Qualifications:
Approved borrower for the WVHDF Homeownership Program or Movin’ Up Program
If you’re a single mom looking to refinance your mortgage, the Secondary Market Loan Program offers 10- to 30-year fixed mortgages and up to 95% financing.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers the Section 502 Direct Loan Program to low- and very low-income borrowers to help with temporary mortgage payments. The loan can help single moms with reduced mortgage payments.
This program offers a 33-year fixed-rate loan. If you qualify for very low income, it can be extended to 38 years. As of October 1, 2023, the interest rate is 4.125% for qualified borrowers in West Virginia. Typically, you don’t need a down payment.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
Not currently in sanitary, safe, and decent housing
Must live in the home as your primary residence
Can’t get a loan from another source
Able to repay the loan
Able to participate in a federal program
Choose a home with a value at or under the area loan limit
Agree not to use the property as a means of creating income (such as renting rooms)
Transportation help for low-income families in West Virginia
West Virginia offers multiple transportation resources for single moms, low-income families, and residents who are struggling with addiction.
Free and low-cost transportation
You may be eligible for these free and low-cost transportation options if you meet eligibility criteria:
Free rides through Jobs & Hope
The Jobs & Hope program helps West Virginia residents going through substance abuse recovery to get free education in a technical career to enter or reenter the workforce. This program offers on-demand rides for program members until they can get reliable transportation.
Qualifications:
Must be a Jobs & Hope program member
How to get help:
Call 833-784-1385
WV opioid response transportation
The West Virginia Public Transit Authority (WVPTA) provides free rides for urgent and non-urgent needs to people with an opioid use disorder (OUD) to get to treatment and recovery centers. Transportation is provided within 24-72 hours of request.
Qualifications:
Must have an OUD and seeking treatment and recovery services, including proven medication assisted treatment
How to get help:
Call 888-696-6195 for non-urgent trips
Call 844-435-7498 for urgent trips
Medicaid transportation
If you receive Medicaid benefits, you may be eligible for free, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to get to WV Medicaid-covered appointments or services.
Qualifications:
WV Medicaid recipient
How to get help:
Call 844-549-8353
Free cars in West Virginia
This nationwide charity offers free cars for those in West Virginia who qualify:
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.
Covers: Bluefield, Princeton, Mercer County, Welcome County, McDowell County
Offers: Free rides for non-emergency medical services with a pickup from your home, regardless of income or age
Buckwheat Express
Covers: Preston County
Offers: Free rides for seniors aged 60+ including a free weekly trip to the grocery store and a weekday daily trip to the nearest senior center for lunch at noon
Central West Virginia Transit Authority
Covers: Harrison County
Offers: Low fares ($0.50 per ride) and free door to door paratransit service for passengers with verified disabilities (you must register to use the service)
Country Roads Transit
Covers: Randolph County and Upshur County
Offers: Children under 6 ride free and you can buy a monthly pass for $30 for unlimited rides on the Elkins route (fare is regularly $1.25 for one way)
Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority
Covers: Berkeley County and Jefferson County
Offers: Half fares for disabled persons and seniors 60 and over, 25% off fares for students in high school, college or technical school, a free month of transit if you are in the Get a Job, Get a Ride! program, and a $5 day pass with unlimited rides on any route (standard one-way fare can be as much as $3.50)
Fairmont-Marion County Transit Authority
Covers: Marion County
Offers: Discount fares for seniors and free rides for Pierpont University and Fairmont University students during spring and fall semesters
Here and There Transit
Covers: Barbour County
Offers: Free non-emergency medical transport for Medicaid members
Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority
Covers: Kanawha County
Offers: Half fares for seniors 65+, free rides for children under 40 inches tall that are riding with an adult, and unlimited ride passes
Little Kanawha Transit Authority
Covers: Calhoun County, Jackson County, Gilmer County, and Roane County
Offers: Free non-emergency medical transport for Medicaid members
Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority
Covers: Parkersburg and Vienna
Offers: Free rides for veterans and children under 5 with an adult and discount fares for students (K-12 and college), seniors, and disabled persons
Mountain Line Transit Authority
Covers: Monongalia County
Offers: Reduced fares for seniors 62+ and free rides for children 5 and under traveling with an adult, high school students, and West Virginia University students, staff, and faculty
Mountain Transit Authority
Covers: Greenbrier County, Nicholas County, Webster County, and rural Fayette County
Offers: Free rides for children 5 and under, half fares for children 6-12 and free non-emergency medical transport for Medicaid members in Nicholas County
New River Transit Authority
Covers: Fayette County and Raleigh County
Offers: Free rides for children under 12 traveling with a paying adult and for personal care attendants with prior approval
Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority
Covers: Wheeling and Bethlehem in Ohio County, Benwood and McMechen in Marshall County, and the Highlands
Offers: Discounted fares for students (K-12 and college), seniors 65+, and disabled persons
Potomac Valley Transit Authority
Covers: Grant County, Hardy County, Hampshire County, Mineral County, and Pendleton County
Offers: Free non-emergency medical transport for Medicaid members, children under 6 ride free and children 6-12, disabled riders, and seniors 62+ all get half off of regular fares
TriRiver Transit
Covers: Boone County, Lincoln County, Logan County, and Wayne County
Offers: Free non-emergency medical transport for some medical card holders, one way fares for $1, and income-based fares for paratransit services
Tri-State Transit Authority
Covers: Greater Huntington, Milton, Barboursville, Cabell County, Cerdeo, Kenova, Wayne County
Offers: Half fares for seniors and disabled person with a Medicare card
Weirton Transit Corporation
Covers: City of Weirton
Offers: On-demand service for $4 per ride
West Virginia transportation providers
The West Virginia Department of Transportation maintains a transportation providers directory for all 55 counties in the state. Each county lists information about public transit, special transportation providers to community programs, taxi companies (if available), and Head Start providers.
Vehicle donation and car repair help in West Virginia
If you need a vehicle or car repairs, this resource offers help:
Good News Mountaineer Garage
The Good News Mountaineer Garage provides reliable vehicles to families in need. These vehicles are provided at no cost to members of the following programs:
WV Works: Vehicles are provided so that recipients can get to work or job training and eventually exit public assistance programs
Jobs & Hope West Virginia: Reliable vehicles are provided for recovering drug users to get to and from work
Qualifications:
Each program has its own eligibility requirements
How to get help:
Call 304-344-8445
Email gnmg@goodnewsmountaineergarage.com
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.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) in West Virginia
During the winter, LIEAP helps qualifying households with home heating costs through cash payments to the person responsible for the bill or paid directly to utility companies like Mon Power. The agency does not assist with water, sewer, or telephone services.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
Resident of West Virginia
Responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:
Installing insulation around the home
Sealing and repairing air ducts
Replacing or repairing inefficient or unsafe heating units
This program, funded by the Department of Energy, is administered by community action agencies at the state level:
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in West Virginia
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:
West Virginia Oral Health Program
The West Virginia DHHR Oral Health Program provides information to families to help prevent dental issues, improves access for residents to get proper oral care, and looks for ways to improve the oral health of all West Virginians, through five programs:
Children’s Dentistry – Works with schools, Head Start, and community health centers and agencies to offer oral hygiene supplies and promote good oral health for children
The Denture Project – Provides dentures and partials to eligible low-income individuals as young as 21 years old
Pre-Employment – Provides dental and vision care to West Virginia Works (TANF) recipients such as: eye/vision exams, eye glasses, teeth cleaning, and fillings
Oral Health Workforce – A project with a goal of creating more dentists who serve West Virginia, especially in underserved areas
Jobs and Hope – Provides dental and vision services to West Virginians who are recovering
Dental care at West Virginia colleges and universities
Colleges and universities with a school of dentistry offer discounted dental services to the public. Services are performed by dental students overseen by licensed dentists, and often include:
Exams
Cleanings
Fillings
Tooth repairs
Root canals
Crowns
Qualifications:
Each school sets its own eligibility requirements.
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in West Virginia
HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.
HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.
Qualifications:
Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced cost care.
How to get help:
Find an HRSA health center in Florida by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
West Virginia Medicaid
Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In West Virginia, the Medicaid program is run by the WV DHHR Bureau for Medical Services. About 87% of Medicaid recipients in West Virginia are enrolled in the statewide Mountain Health Trust (MHT) Managed Care program, which includes access to three managed care organizations (MCOs):
Through these MCOs, eligible families receive medical services like:
Doctor visits
Hospital care
Long-term care
Prescription drugs
Mental health care
Emergency room care and transportation
Maternity care (inpatient and outpatient)
Hospice care
Therapy (physical, occupational, speech)
Home health
Dental care
If you are pregnant or up to 60 days postpartum under 21, a Native American or Alaska native, no co-payments are required. If you have a co-payment, it may not be greater than 5% of your household income.
If your income is below 100% of the FPL for your household size, you can’t be refused treatment, even if you cannot afford the co-payment.
Qualifications:
Resident of West Virginia
U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
Food help for low-income families in West Virginia
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
West Virginia 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.
In West Virginia, SNAP recipients are issued a Mountain State card. This is the electronics benefit transfer (EBT) card for the state. You can use the Mountain State card like an ATM card in retail food stores to purchase food, including:
Breads
Cereals
Fruits
Vegetables
Meats
Fish
Poultry
Dairy
Plants and seeds to grow food
A program called SNAP Stretch allows you to increase the spending power of your SNAP benefits on fresh fruits and vegetables at designated farmer's markets and farm stands, community supported agriculture (CSA) programs, mobile markets, and local grocery stores.
If you have a child with you when you shop at a SNAP Stretch market, you’ll get $1 for every dollar you spend. If you are over 60, you’ll get $2 for every dollar you spend. For a current list of markets, go to SnapStretch.com.
Qualifications:
West Virginia resident
Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) limit is $2,750 or $4,250 if you share your household with one of the following:
Person or persons age 60 and over
Person with a disability (child, spouse, parent, yourself
The West Virginia WIC program provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies. It also offers counseling and guidance on breastfeeding and making healthy food choices.
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
West Virginia Summer Food Service Program
The West Virginia Department of Education works with organizations to make sure children have free, nutritious meals during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, churches, community centers, nonprofits, pools, and libraries.
Qualifications:
Anyone 18 or younger and living in a low-income area is able to get free meals through the Summer Food Service Program.
Child care help for low-income families in West Virginia
There are multiple programs and resources in West Virginia to help single moms find child care and education assistance for their children:
Choices Child Care
The Choices Child Care program provides financial assistance to eligible West Virginia families to pay for child care. Qualified individuals pay a child care fee on a sliding fee scale based on gross income.
In West Virginia, free preschool is available in all 55 counties.
Qualifications:
Any 3- or 4-year-old child living in West Virginia can enroll on Universal Pre-K regardless of income. This program also serves students with special needs.
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
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
West Virginia Invests
West Virginia Invests is a state-funded grant program providing free tuition and fees for specific certificate and associate degree programs at any West Virginia community and technical college.
You must live in West Virginia for at least two years after graduation or half-time enrollment at school. If you fail to meet this requirement, the grant turns into a loan that must be paid back to the state.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen
West Virginia resident (must be a resident for at least one year before applying)
Financial aid offices at colleges, universities, and technical schools
Individual schools 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. You can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Get a high school equivalency diploma in West Virginia
In West Virginia, Workforce West Virginia can help you get your high school equivalency diploma. You must be at least 16 years old to take the test.
West Virginia uses the HiSET exam to test five subject areas within the following time limits:
Reading – 65 minutes
Writing – 120 minutes
Mathematics – 90 minutes
Science – 80 minutes
Social Studies – 70 minutes
You can space out these exams, taking them on different days but must meet the time limit for each test.
There is no cost to take the HiSET. You have two options for taking the test in West Virginia:
Online with an approved program (limited availability):
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Community and Technical College System created the College for West Virginia (CFWV) hub to connect students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in West Virginia.
Workforce programs in West Virginia provide training and assist with employment:
Jobs & Hope West Virginia
Jobs & Hope West Virginia is a statewide effort to address substance abuse and help those in recovery prepare to enter or reenter the workforce with proper training and support.
Qualifications:
West Virginia resident
U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
18 years or older
Facing a barrier to employment
Wants to be employed and is willing to enroll in a training or educational program
Workforce West Virginia is a state agency funded by the U.S. Department of Labor to provide unemployment benefits and workforce development services for:
Job Seekers – Get referrals for job opportunities, help with your resume, career counseling, and opportunities to learn new skills
Veterans – Gives preferred treatment to veterans for jobs that match their skills
Dislocated Workers – Helps dislocated workers get the support they need to find a new position
West Virginia Women Work helps women learn about, train for, and start a career in skilled trades such as carpentry and machining, which teaches you how to operate machine tools like drills, grinders, and lathes. The nonprofit offers free pre-apprenticeship programs, educational support, and help with job placement after graduation.
Qualifications:
West Virginia resident
At least 18 years of age
Possess a valid driver’s license or able to get one during training
Access to reliable transportation
High school diploma or GED is preferred
Basic math and reading skills
Able to work on feet for long periods and capable of lifting 40 pounds
The following resources serve residents of Charleston, W. Va.:
Emergency cash assistance in Charleston
If you need emergency cash for expenses like utilities, rent, and groceries, here are some helpful resources to consider in the Charleston area:
Covenant House
Covenant House provides emergency financial help to Charleston residents at risk for utility shutoff or eviction. They offer help starting on the first day of each month and do so until funding runs out. The nonprofit also runs a food pantry from 9 a.m. to noon on weekdays where you can get free food, diapers, and hygiene products twice a month.
Qualifications:
Must have an eviction or termination of utilities notice
How to get help:
Call 304-344-8053
Email jparsons@wvcovenanthouse.org
Mountain Mission
Mountain Mission offers multiple programs to residents of the Kanawha Valley help with emergency financial assistance, including:
Paying eviction notices
Providing short-term housing
Paying utility bills
Providing food and clothing
Mountain Mission works to help as many people as possible but priority is given to no-income and low-income residents.
Qualifications:
Qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, or other assistance programs
If you need housing help in Charleston, here are some options:
Charleston Homebuyer Assistance Program
The Homebuyer Assistance Program, also known as the Home Blend Loan is a 10-year forgivable loan with a 0% interest rate. This loan is for first-time home buyers and is secondary to a traditional loan. You can borrow up to a maximum of $128,000, and 80% of the loan must be from a participating lender. The remaining 20% comes from the secondary Home Blend Loan.
Qualifications:
First-time home buyer with intent to buy an existing single family home
Able to qualify for a mortgage and get a loan from a participating lender
Can pay a minimum of $500 toward closing costs
Must complete an approved homebuyer education class
There is no requirement for a specific credit score.
How to get help:
Call 304-348-8035
Email moecd@cityofcharleston.org
Charleston-Kanawha Emergency Housing Voucher program (EHV)
The EHV offers emergency rental assistance to eligible applicants who meet one of the qualifications below.
Qualifications:
Homeless
At risk of becoming homeless
Fleeing or planning to leave a violent living arrangement
Recently homeless and experience housing instability
Must be referred by a partner organization
How to get help:
Call 304-348-6451
Call 211
Medical and dental care in Charleston
If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in Charleston, check out these resources:
WV Health Right
WV Health Right is a free health clinic providing comprehensive care in 35 counties of West Virginia. There are four clinics based in Charleston but also two mobile clinics that provide services in other counties across the state. WV Health Right offers an array of healthcare services such as primary care, dental care, and vision care.
Qualifications:
Uninsured or receives Medicaid or Medicare coverage
If your child has special needs but you have no insurance or inadequate coverage, the Children’s Therapy Clinic offers comprehensive care to children from infancy to age 18. Each child gets an individualized treatment plan. The clinic offers free and sliding scale fee services, based on household income.
The clinic provides:
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Music therapy
Autism socialization program
Qualifications:
Free services for households with income below 200% of the FPL
Sliding scale fee of $5-$50 per session for households with income over 200% of the FPL
How to get help:
Call 304-342-9515
Food help in Charleston
Here is a food resource local to Charleston, W. Va.:
Manna Meal
Manna Meal, located inside St. John’s Episcopal Church, operates community-run pantries in Charleston. They provide the following services in the community:
In-person dining: Manna Meal serves two hot meals a day and anyone is welcome to come, sit down and eat
Food truck: Manna Meal travels to different areas in Charleston to deliver meals to anyone in need
Emergency food pantry: This pantry is open 365 days a year from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at the church
Mobile food pantry: If you can’t get to the church, the mobile food pantry sets up on the west side of Charleston in the old Save A Lot parking lot from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. every third Thursday of each month
Qualifications:
Anyone in Charleston and vicinity in need of food is welcome to use Manna Meal’s services
How to get help:
Call 304-345-7121
Email info@mannameal.org
Visit Manna Meal at 1105 Quarrier Street in Charleston, W. Va.
Education help in Charleston
Here are some education resources in Charleston:
University of Charleston
The University of Charleston (UC) boasts that 100% of its students receive some kind of financial support to attend the institution. This college offers multiple scholarships to undergraduate students who excel academically, creatively, and are community-minded. For example, if you have a GPA of 4.0 or greater, you can receive a $20,000 scholarship from UC.
Qualifications:
Must apply for acceptance at UC
Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
How to get help:
Call 304-357-4750
Kanawha County Public Library free tutoring
If you live in Kanawha County, you can get free homework help and test prep for your child. As a parent, you can get help from Tutor.com with creating a resume and learning job skills to find better work opportunities. This service is available online daily from noon until midnight.
Qualifications:
You must be a card-carrying member of the Kanawha County Public Library (the membership is free)
Check out these employment resources in Charleston:
Charleston Job Corps
If your child needs help entering the workforce, Charleston Job Corps offers free education and training for multiple career paths. If accepted, your child will receive a bi-weekly stipend and a transition allowance after graduation with career placement help. There are residential (live on campus) and 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
Workforce Development Board of Kanawha County employment help
The Workforce Development Board of Kanawha County (WDBKC) offers free job seeker tools and career help in partnership with the Kanawha County American Job Center.
Here’s a resource if you want to learn something new, earn a high school diploma or equivalent, or start a different career:
Cabell County Career Technology Center
The Cabell County Career Technology Center offers adult education classes in skilled trades such as:
Automotive technology
Electrical
HVAC
Medical assistance
Nursing
Welding
In some cases, free tuition is available.
Qualifications:
Resident of Cabell County
How to get help:
Call 304-528-5108
Employment help in Huntington
Need clothing for work or help with finding a job? Check out this resource that serves women in Huntington:
Dress for Success River Cities
Dress for Success provides professional attire for women who have an interview scheduled for a new job. The charity also provides a career center where you can get help with job searches, professional development, interviewing skills, and career guidance.
Qualifications:
Women in need who do not have professional attire for an interview
How to get help:
Call 304-522-3011
Email rivercities@dressforsuccess.org
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
Wisconsin Works (W-2)
W-2 is Wisconsin’s version of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which provides cash assistance to qualifying families with children or to relatives who have court-ordered custody of a child placed in their home.
The amount paid out varies depending on your household income and family size. You can find a detailed payout list in the W-2 manual.
Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 48 months for adults. Children living with a relative may be able to receive money for a longer period.
W-2 also offers the following programs:
Trial Employment Match Program (TEMP): If you need help finding a job, you may be eligible for a TEMP job. If you are eligible for TEMP, you will get on-the-job training with an employer who may hire you permanently. Employers will pay at least minimum wage.
Community Service Jobs (CSJ): If you need work experience to help you prepare for work, you may get a CSJ. CSJs receive a monthly payment of up to $653.
W-2 Transitions (W-2T): If you are not ready to look for work because you or an immediate family member is disabled, you may be eligible to participate as a W-2T and receive a monthly payment of up to $608.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Wisconsin resident
Age 18 or older
Must be a custodial parent or relative
Pregnant women in third trimester if unable to work or in 9th month of pregnancy
Children and mother must have social security number
If you need help buying a home in Wisconsin, these programs can help:
Wisconsin Help for Homeowners (WHH)
This Wisconsin program can help with overdue bills such as mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and more.
The maximum award for eligible households is $40,000. Assistance below $10,000 will be provided as a grant. Assistance over $10,000 will be structured as a 1-year, non-interest bearing, forgivable loan. The loan is due in full upon sale, refinance, or transfer of ownership. If no resale, transfer, or refinance occurs within one year and the homeowner remains in the home, the loan will be fully forgiven.
Qualifications:
Wisconsin homeowner living in a:
Single-family home
Duplex
Condo
Factory-built home
Have been financially impacted since January 21, 2020
Wisconsin Department of Children and Family Homeless Services provides resources to help prevent Wisconsin residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. The office has information on:
Emergency shelters
Youth programs
Transitional housing
Permanent housing
Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing
Qualifications:
Requirements are set by individual agencies and programs.
The Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund (KWW/CF) helps people who need additional help after exhausting other energy bill resources, such as WHEAP. This fund is focused on helping residents keep heat and power on, despite a household’s financial challenges.
Automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI, TANF or Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits
How to get help:
Applications are not available online, so you have to visit your county’s Weatherization provider.
HE+ Furnace and Water Conservation programs
The HE+ Furnace Program helps eligible low-income Wisconsin households when their primary heating system no longer provides heat, is inoperable or becomes unsafe.
The HE+ Water Conservation Program helps households with the repair or replacement of leaky or non-working water heaters, leaky fixtures, toilets and/or piping.
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid)
BadgerCare Plus is Wisconsin’s version of Medicaid, which provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. Benefits include:
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
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Wisconsin FoodShare (SNAP)
USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households.
FoodShare, Wisconsin’s version of SNAP, issues recipients an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card in retail food stores to purchase food, 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.
Through the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, Wisconsin WIC recipients also get monthly checks to spend at local farmers markets.
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.
Wisconsin’s Summer Food Service Program
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, parks, and libraries.
Qualifications:
Age 18 or younger
Disabled individuals over age 18 who are enrolled in public or private school programs
Child care help for low-income families in Wisconsin
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Wisconsin:
Wisconsin Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school.
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in Wisconsin
If you are at least 18.5 years old in Wisconsin, 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):
Individual schools also offer need-based and academic scholarships for their students. If you’ve been accepted to a higher education institution, contact their office of financial aid to learn how to apply.
Workforce programs in Wisconsin provide training and assist with employment:
Wisconsin Reemployment Assistance (Insurance) Program
The Reemployment Services program provides unemployment compensation to eligible Wisconsin workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.
Qualifications:
Wisconsin resident
Unemployed
Previously employed for the past 12 months
Earned a certain amount of wages
Actively looking for another job, including:
Full registration on Job Center of Wisconsin website, plus development of a current resume
Completion of an online Reemployment Services orientation and assessment
Additional job search activities as required, which may include self-scheduling and participation in virtual or in-person activities at the Job Center with Job Service staff
“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
