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If you’re a single mom in Nevada struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.

Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached. 

Qualifications are simple:

1. You’re a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)

Number of people in family/householdAnnual 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.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Nevada

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

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in Nevada

The Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS) in Nevada offers five different TANF programs, which provide financial assistance and services to people in need. 

If a family qualifies for more than one program, the family has the final say in which one they choose. A family of three can get up to $383 a month. 

TANF Neon

  • For families with work-eligible adults
  • Head of household must enter into a Personal Responsibility Plan for reducing their dependency on public assistance
  • Adults must work a defined number of hours to remain eligible for the program
  • Households may receive 24 months of assistance after which they are unable to receive cash assistance for 12 months

TANF Child-Only

  • Cash assistance program for families with no work-eligible adults
  • Monthly cash benefit may be given if a child is living with a relative or caregiver because their parent is not in the home or ineligible to work due to citizenship requirements
  • If you accept TANF-Child Only, you must cooperate with child services

Self Sufficiency Grant (SSG)

  • One-time lump sum payment for families who may be eligible for another program but have an immediate financial need
  • If you receive SSG, you are not eligible to receive TANF benefits for a period of time afterward, determined by dividing the SSG benefit amount by the maximum TANF benefit for your household size

Temporary (TEMP) Program

  • Provides monthly cash payments to help with immediate financial needs 
  • Limited to no more than four months per episode (an unforeseen circumstance such as a fire, earthquake, etc.)

TANF Loan

  • Monthly cash payment to meet immediate financial needs with the expectation that an adult member has a future source of income and will be able to pay the money back 
  • Households may receive 24 months of assistance, after which they cannot receive cash benefits for 12 months

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Nevada resident
  • Children aged 7 to 12 years old must attend school
  • Child 18 years old in school full time and expected to graduate before or in the month of their 19th birthday is eligible for TANF through their graduation month
  • Minor parents must be enrolled and attending high school or participating in GED program
  • Adults must sign Agreement of Cooperation
  • Assessment is required for each household member to evaluate existing skills, prior work experience, employment potential, and other issues that may be a barrier to self-sufficiency (TANF-NEON, TANF CHILD ONLY, and TANF-LOAN)
  • Parent/caregiver must cooperate in establishing paternity or seeking child support from non-custodial parent
  • Children must be living with individual applying for assistance
  • Each TANF member must apply for Social Security Number unless you are a non-qualified citizen
  • All children in household must be immunized properly
  • Create a Personal Responsibility Plan (PRP) (TANF-NEON only)
  • Countable resources cannot exceed $6,000 per TANF household
  • Families must meet income guidelines — $2,116 for a family of three 

How to get help:

  • Contact your local DWSS office 
  • Apply online
  • Complete an application and fax to your local DWSS office
  • An eligibility decision is made within 45 days from the application date
  • Visit the Department of Health and Human Services Division of Welfare and Supportive Services website for more information

More emergency cash help in Nevada: 

Single moms in Nevada can visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.

Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash: 

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Nevada

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

Rental assistance in Nevada

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

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing and vouchers to help low-income households pay their rent. The voucher covers a portion of the rent. The tenant pays 30% to 40% of their monthly adjusted gross income for rent and utilities. 

Qualifications:

  • Nevada resident
  • Income cannot exceed 50% of AMI for the county in which you live

How to get help: 

Clark County CARES

Clark County CARES Housing Assistance Program (CHAP) was initially established to help residents of Clark County who had been impacted by COVID-19 with rent.

The program has now been updated to help those facing eviction due to non-payment of rent.

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Clark County
  • At least one member of a household living on a fixed income
  • Have experienced a rent increase within a 12-month period prior to the date of application
  • Received an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent
  • Have filed an Answer to the eviction notice in Justice Court

How to get help:

Mortgage assistance in Nevada

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

Unemployment Mortgage Assistance Program (UMA)

This program provides temporary financial help to Nevada homeowners who have suffered a loss of income due to under- or unemployment, up to $3,000 per month for 12 months. 

Qualifications:

  • Experienced involuntary job loss due to COVID-19 pandemic on or after January 21, 2020
  • At least one homeowner must be currently unemployed and receiving Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) or have received UIB any time on or after January 21, 2020
  • Household income must be equal to or less than 150% of AMI or 100% of the median income of the U.S., whichever is greater
  • Homeowner must own and occupy a single family Nevada home as a primary residence
  • 3-year lien will be required
  • Eligible financial hardship must have occurred after the purchase of the home
  • Homeowner cannot be in active bankruptcy
  • No Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) properties

How to get help:

Mortgage Reinstatement Assistance Program (MRAP)

This program helps income-qualified Nevada homeowners in default who have experienced COVID-19-related financial hardships. 

Households can receive up to $50,000 in assistance.

Qualifications:

  • Experienced involuntary job loss due to COVID-19 pandemic on or after January 21, 2020
  • Mortgage and/or housing related expenses (property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and/or HOA dues), must be two or more payments past due at the time of the application
  • Must be able to sustain monthly mortgage payment after reinstatement
  • Household income must be equal to or less than 150% of AMI or 100% of the median income of the U.S., whichever is greater
  • Homeowner must own and occupy a single family Nevada home as a primary residence
  • A 3 year or 5 year lien will be required
  • Eligible financial hardship must have occurred after the purchase of the home
  • Homeowner cannot be in active bankruptcy
  • No Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) properties

How to get help:

Home is Possible Down Payment Assistance Programs

These programs help low- and moderate-income homebuyers get a fixed interest rate 30-year mortgage with assistance for down payment and/or closing costs. 

Qualifications:

How to get help:

Home First Down Payment Assistance

This new program from the Nevada Housing Division helps homebuyers qualify for 30-year fixed rate mortgages with up to $15,000 in down payment assistance, which may be forgivable if you stay in the home for at least three years. Home purchase price limits vary by county. 

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer
  • Nevada resident for at least 6 months prior to applying
  • Minimum credit score of 640
  • Must complete homebuyer education course
  • Income must fall within household income limits — $74,580 for a family of three

How to get help:

Home Again

This program helps determine which state or federal assistance may be available to you, as a “one-stop” free resource. Call 855-457-4638 for assistance. 

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Homeless and special needs housing assistance in Nevada

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

Emergency Solutions Grant Program

The Nevada Housing Division receives funds from the federal government to provide services to individuals at risk of homelessness or who are currently homeless. They help with:

  • Shelter
  • Rapid rehousing
  • Homeless prevention
  • Homeless management information systems

How to get help:

Emergency Shelter

Find emergency shelters close to you through this search engine or call 866-535-5654.

Help Hope Home

The Homeless Resource Guide has numerous names and contact information to help with: 

  • Shelter
  • Food
  • Veteran resources
  • Youth services

Coordinated Entry Assessment

If you are at risk of homelessness or are currently homeless, Nevada’s Coordinated Entry System may help you find housing. You can go to any Clark County Social Service office for help. 

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in Nevada

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

Energy Assistance Program (EAP) in Nevada

EAP provides a one-time annual benefit to help cover home energy bills if you are disconnected or about to be disconnected. The benefit amount varies based on household size, income, and energy usage.

Qualifications:       

  • U.S. Citizen or legally admitted immigrant
  • Nevada resident
  • Applicants must be partly responsible for the household energy bill
  • Applicant must have an active heating/cooling utility account
  • Household’s total monthly gross income may not exceed 150% of FPL — $2,878.75/month for a household of three

How to get help:

  • Print and fill out an application
  • Call EAP to have application mailed to you
  • Pick up an application at local DWSS office
  • One application is completed submit it through fax, DWSS office drop off boxes, or email to energyassistance@dwss.nv.gov

Water and Sewer Assistance Program (WSAP)

The WSAP provides assistance to qualifying low-income Nevadans with the help of water and wastewater bill costs. Applications will be accepted through September 30th, 2023, or until funds run out. Eligible households receive a one-time benefit of at least $240.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Nevada resident
  • Household must be responsible for water and sewer costs
  • Household’s total monthly gross income may not exceed 150% of FPL — $2,878.75/month for a household of three

How to get help:

  • Print and fill out an application
  • Call EAP to have application mailed to you
  • Pick up an application at local DWSS office
  • One application is completed submit it through fax, DWSS office drop off boxes, or email to energyassistance@dwss.nv.gov
  • Visit WSAP for more information

Weatherization Assistance Program

WAP helps qualifying households lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Owners of eligible rental properties may be required to pay 50% of any improvements.

Weatherization projects may include: 

  • Air sealing
  • Energy efficient light bulbs
  • Insulation
  • Low-flow shower heads
  • Pipe raps
  • Solar screens
  • Weather-stripping

Qualifications:

  • Nevada resident
  • U.S. Citizen or non-eligible citizen
  • Meet income guidelines — $34,545/year for a family of three

How to get help:

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Nevada

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

Low or no-cost dental care in Nevada

These local clinics provide low or no-cost dental services in Nevada. Each clinic sets its own eligibility criteria. 

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Nevada

HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.

HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.

Qualifications: 

Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced-cost care. 

How to get help:

Find an HRSA health center in Nevada by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

Nevada Medicaid

Medicaid provides medical benefits to eligible low-income families. The Division of Welfare and Support Services (DWSS) determines eligibility. 

Qualifications:

  • Adults between 19-64 years old
  • Income is at or below 138% of FPL
  • Children under the age of 19 whose income is at or below 205% of FPL
  • Pregnant women whose household income level is less than 165% of the FPL
  • Parents or caretakers with income at or below 138% FPL
  • Supplemental Security Income recipients
  • Certain Medicare beneficiaries 

How to get help:

  • Apply online
  • See if you qualify with this quiz
  • View brochure for more information
  • For Northern Nevada assistance, call 775-684-7200
  • For Southern Nevada assistance, call 702-486-1646

Nevada Check Up

Nevada Check Up provides low-cost health coverage to uninsured children who are not covered by private insurance or Medicaid. This is the state of Nevada’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 

Qualifications:

  • Nevada resident
  • U.S. Citizen or qualified Non-Citizen
  • Children aged up through 18 years old
  • Household income with an annual income of up to 200% of FPL — maximum income per year is $49,720 for a family of three
  • Children must be currently uninsured

How to get help:

The Nevada Health link website was created to help people find affordable health insurance that fits within their budget. Nevadans can browse, compare, and purchase qualifying health insurance plans. 

Community Health Alliance

Community Health Alliance offers seven locations that are able to provide care regardless of income or insurance status. They are able to provide services for: 

  • Primary care
  • Pediatric care
  • Women’s/reproductive health
  • Chronic disease management
  • Dental care
  • Behavioral health
  • Low-cost pharmacies

How to get help:

Northern Nevada Hopes

Northern Nevada Hopes provides comprehensive medical, behavioral, and wellness care to those in the Northern Nevada region. 

How to get help:

  • Visit Northern Nevada Hopes for more information
  • Call 775-786-4673 for more information
  • Visit Northern Nevada Hopes:
    • 580 West 5th Street
      Reno, NV 89512

If you’re a parent caring for a child with autism or developmental delays, these Nevada sources may help you access therapy and support:

Autism and ABA Therapy in Las Vegas (Nevada Autism Center)

Nevada Autism Center provides ABA therapy for children with autism in Las Vegas, with services like functional assessments, 1:1 ABA therapy, social skills support, family guidance, and school readiness. They offer center-based services and can also support kids in community settings. 

How to get help:

  • Visit Nevada Autism Center for more information
  • Call (702) 660-2005 for more information
  • Visit Nevada Autism Center
    • 7730 West Sahara Avenue #115, Las Vegas, NV 89117.

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Nevada

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

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households. 

SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card to purchase food in retail food stores, including:

  • Breads
  • Cereals
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meats
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Dairy
  • Plants and seeds to grow food 

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

Qualifications:

  • Nevada resident
  • U.S. citizen or legal immigrant
  • Show proof of identity
  • Households must provide or apply for Social Security numbers for each member
  • All able-bodied adults must register for work and accept suitable employment
  • Asset/resource limit of $5,000
  • Meet income limits and allotments — $1,984/month for a family of three

How to get help: 

Nevada’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

WIC provides checks to buy healthy foods, information about nutrition and health, support and information about breastfeeding, and help finding other community services.

Qualifications:

  • Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
  • Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
  • Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
  • Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
  • If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC 

How to get help:

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

NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school. An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students. 

Qualifications: 

Household income must fall at or below the limits of the federal income eligibility guidelines

How to get help: 

Contact your child’s school to enroll.

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

SFSP provides nutritious meals/snacks to children in low-income areas during summer months and long vacation periods during the school year. The program provides up to two meals or one meal and one snack per day per child. These are typically available at schools, churches, recreation centers, camps, playgrounds, parks, etc. 

Qualifications:

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

How to get help:

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Nevada

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

Nevada Head Start and Early Head Start 

Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school. 

Qualifications: 

  • Children from birth to 5 
  • Meet federal poverty guidelines 
  • Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
  • Some programs accept kids with incomes above the Poverty Guidelines
  • Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start

How to apply: 

Nevada Child Care Fund

This program provides financial assistance to eligible parents for child care services. You can use their child care portal below to find licensed care in Nevada.  

Qualifications: 

To determine if you are eligible, you need to contact the child care resource agency in your area

How to get help:

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Nevada

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

Nevada High School Equivalency Test or GED

Nevada residents may take either the GED or the HiSET to earn their high school equivalency.  

Nevada GED:

The Nevada GED is made up of four subjects, including: 

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Reasoning through language arts
  • Social studies
  • Science

You do not have to take all four tests at once and can space them out how you choose. 

Costs:

  • $25 per module at a test center
  • $36 per subject if taken online

Qualifications:

  • Must be 18 years old or 16/17 if you are granted permission
  • Must be a Nevada resident
  • If you are testing in person, you are required to take the GED Ready practice test only if you are 16 years old
  • If you are taking the test online, regardless of age, you are required to take the GED Ready practice test

How to get help:

Nevada High School Equivalency Test (HiSET)

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

Costs:

  • Paper-based test: $15
  • Computer-based test: $10.75
  • Test-at-home fee: $17.50

Qualifications:

  • You do not have to be enrolled in high school
  • Must be without a high school diploma
  • 18 years and older if you have not already passed a state-approved high school equivalency exam
  • 16-17 years old under certain conditions
  • Must present written permission of withdrawal from compulsory attendance from the board of trustees of a school district along with signed parental permission
  • Must take the exam at a test center
  • Nevada resident
  • Local testing center may require a practice exam
  • Must present valid photo identification

How to get help:

Grants and scholarships in Nevada

The Nevada State’s Treasurer’s Office has a comprehensive list of available grants and scholarships for Nevada students pursuing post-secondary education. 

Qualifications:

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

How to get help:

Nevada Promise Scholarship

This state-supported program helps high school graduates attend community college, covering up to three years of tuition and other mandatory fees. 

Qualifications:

  • Nevada resident
  • Must be a high school graduate or Nevada Promise Scholarship recipient from the previous year
  • By June 15th, must have earned one of the following:
    • High school diploma from Nevadan school
    • High school diploma from the county of another state that borders Nevada and accepts Nevada residence
    • Have GED or equivalent exam
  • Less than 20 years old by June 30 of their high school senior year
  • Not have earned a prior associate’s or bachelor’s degree
  • Not in default on any federal student loan
  • Not owe a refund to any federal student aid program
  • Meet program application deadlines

How to get help:

Jeremiah Program

Jeremiah Program operates in several states including out of Las Vegas to offer grants and other support to low-income single mothers committed to earning a college degree.

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Nevada

Workforce programs in Nevada provide training and assist with employment:

Unemployment Insurance

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

Qualifications: 

  • Nevada resident
  • Unemployed through no fault of your own
  • Must have earned at least a minimum amount in wages before you were unemployed
  • Must have earned at least $400 during the highest paid quarter of your base period (earliest four of the five complete calendar quarters before you file) and one of the following:
    • Your total earnings during base period must be at least one-and-a half times your earnings during the highest paid quarter
    • You must have earned some wages in at least three of the four quarters of the base period
  • Able to work, available to work, actively seeking work 

How to get help: 

American Job Centers

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

How to get help: 

More employment help:

Charity organizations in Nevada

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

The Salvation Army of Nevada

The Salvation Army wears many hats. Chapters assist with:

  • Food, shelter, and clothing
  • Medication costs
  • Education and job training
  • Christmas presents
  • Rent and utility bills
  • Substance abuse rehabilitation
  • Youth services
  • Emergency disaster response

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs.

How to get help: 

Catholic Charities of Nevada

Catholic Charities assist with:

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

United Way of Nevada

The United Way of Nevada connects people in need with local resources: 

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Child care services
  • Housing
  • Health care
  • Support groups

How to get help: 

SOURCES

  1. “The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families




Not your state? Select yours here:

If you’re a single mom in New Hampshire struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.

Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached. 

Qualifications are simple:

1. You’re a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)

Number of people in family/householdAnnual 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.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in New Hampshire

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

Financial Assistance to Needy Families in New Hampshire

Financial Assistance to Needy Families Program (FANF) — New Hampshire’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children or to relatives who have court-ordered custody of a child placed in their home. 

The amount paid out varies depending on household income and size. 

FANF cash assistance is provided through the following programs:

  • New Hampshire Employment Program (NHEP)
  • Family Assistance Program (FAP)
  • Interim Disabled Parent (IDP) program
  • Families With Older Children (FWOC) program

All FANF programs have the same cash eligibility requirements — you can find out if you qualify using this online eligibility tool. Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 60 months for adults.                       

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • New Hampshire resident
  • Have children under 18 or under 19 if still enrolled in high school
  • Pregnant women in third trimester if unable to work or in 9th month of pregnancy
  • Children and mother must have social security number
  • Gross income must be less than 185% of the federal poverty level
  • A child must be living in the home maintained by a parent or a relative who is a blood relative of the child.
  • Must complete an eligibility interview with a Family Services Specialist

How to get help:

  • Apply online on the NH Easy  website
  • Contact the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human services at 844-275-3447
  • In-person at your local DHHS office 

More emergency cash help in New Hampshire: 

Single moms in New Hampshire can visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.

Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash: 

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in New Hampshire

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

Rental assistance in New Hampshire

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

Emergency Rent Assistance 

If you are behind on your rent and facing eviction, your local Community Action agency might be able to help. Emergency Rent Assistance is available to income-eligible households.  

Qualifications:

Eligibility is determined by each individual Community Action agency.

How to get help: 

Contact your local Community Agency. 

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing and vouchers to help low-income households pay their rent.

Search for available housing here. 

Qualifications:

Vouchers and housing are based on household income and family size. You can find your county’s income limits on the HUD website. 

How to get help: 

Mortgage assistance in New Hampshire 

If you need help buying a home in New Hampshire, these programs can help:

New Hampshire Homeowner Assistance Fund

If you are facing foreclosure or struggling to pay your mortgage and other important home expenses like property tax, the New Hampshire Homeowner Assistance Fund may be able to help.

The fund offers three options:

  • Mortgage loan reinstatement with a maximum benefit of $20,000
  • Default resolution of property charges of up to $20,000
  • Payment assistance for utilities or internet up to $3,000

Qualified properties are eligible for up to $20,000 in assistance.

Qualifications:

  • New Hampshire resident
  • Proof of COVID-related impact on income or household expenses after January 21,2020
  • Owner and primary resident of home
  • Income is less than 125% of the area median income

How to get help:

New Hampshire Housing programs 

New Hampshire Housing offers a number of different homeownership programs to help make home ownership more affordable. While each specific program has different income limits, in general, most programs assist households with incomes up to $151,200:

New Hampshire Home First and Home First Plus

The Home First and Home First Plus program provides a low-rate mortgage and the option to add up to $10,000 in cash down payment assistance.The down payment assistance is a second mortgage and is fully forgivable after four years. 

See a list of interest rates on New Hampshire Housing’s website. 

Qualifications:

  • Work with an approved, participating lender
  • First-time homebuyer (no ownership in the past 3 years) or buying in a targeted area
  • Meet income and purchase price limits for location 
  • Purchase a single family, owner-occupied primary residence      
  • Must have an annual income of less than $151,200

How to get help: 

New Hampshire Housing down payment assistance

New Hampshire Housing also helps with down payment and closing costs. The Home Flex Plus and Home Preferred Plus programs provide cash assistance to help with down payments and closing costs in the form of a second mortgage that is forgiven after four years. If the home is sold prior to four years, the money needs to be repaid in full. 

Qualifications:

  • Work with an approved, participating lender
  • Must use one of NH Housing’s first mortgages
  • Go through an education program 
  • Income less than $151,200 for Home Flex Plus applicants 
  • Income up to 80% of AMI for Home Preferred Plus applicants             

How to get help: 

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Homeless assistance in New Hampshire 

The main goal of the Bureau of Housing Supports is to prevent New Hampshire residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. The office oversees designated Continuum of Care agencies across the state that offer services including:

  • Emergency shelters
  • Transitional housing
  • Permanent housing
  • Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing

Qualifications: 

Requirements are set by individual Continuums of Care agencies. 

How to get help: 

The Front Door of Greater Nashua, New Hampshire

If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Greater Nashua, The Front Door has programs to help you get back on track, including:

  • Transformational Housing: This program helps single moms 18 to 35 years old and their children (or expectant mothers) chart a path toward self-sufficiency
  • Housing Stability: A financial help program that assists people who are at risk of homelessness, offering resources like back rent, utility bill help, and mortgage loans
  • Affordable Housing: You can apply for The Front Door affordable housing units

Qualifications:

  • Each program has its own eligibility requirements. Contact The Front Door to ask about a specific program.

How to get help:

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in New Hampshire

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

Electric Assistance Program 

New Hampshire’s Electric Assistance Program (EAP) provides eligible customers with a discount on their monthly electric bills. The discounts range from 8% to 76%, depending on the customer’s gross household income and household size. EAP provides a maximum of 12 months of assistance.

Qualifications:       

  • Meet income eligibility guidelines 
  • Must receive an electric bill from a regulated electric utility (Eversource, Unitil, Liberty or NHEC)
  • New Hampshire resident 
  • U.S. Citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S.

How to get help:

Contact your local Community Action Agency. 

New Hampshire Electric Co-op (NHEC) Financial Assistance

NHEC can assist with payment arrangements if you are behind on your NHEC electric bill. They also offer Project Care, a program that issues grants to stop service disconnection or restart service after a shutoff.  Grants are issued once within a 12-month period.

Qualifications:

  • NHEC member
  • Electric service at risk of being disconnected or already disconnected
  • You are eligible for Project Care if you have already applied to other agencies and exhausted all other resources such as EAP.

How to get help:

Gas Assistance Program 

The Gas Assistance Program can help eligible heating customers with their natural gas winter heating bills. Income-eligible customers of Liberty Utilities and Unitil-Gas may be able to receive a 45% discount on heating bills.

Qualifications: 

  • New Hampshire resident 
  • Must be heating customers of either Liberty Utilities or Unitil-Gas 
  • Must receive or qualify for benefits from one of the following programs:
    • Fuel Assistance Program
    • Electric Assistance Program
    • Supplemental Security Income Program
    • Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
    • Commodity Surplus Foods Program (for women, infants and children)
    • Elderly Commodity Surplus Foods Program
    • Temporary Aid to Needy Families Program (TANF)
    • Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
    • Head Start Program
    • Aid to Permanently and Totally Disabled (APTD)
    • Aid to the Needy Blind
    • Old Age Assistance
    • Food Stamps

How to get help:

Contact your gas company directly at 800-833-4200 for Liberty Utilities and 888-301-7700 for Unitil-Gas. 

Fuel Assistance Program 

For households having trouble paying for heat during the winter season, the Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) helps households during a heating emergency by: 

  • Securing an emergency delivery of fuel
  • Delaying a shut-off notice
  • Referring clients to another source of assistance

Fuel Assistance benefits range from $304 to $3,024 per household, taking into account household income, energy costs, number of heating degree days within a region, and housing type.

Qualifications:       

How to get help:

Contact your local Community Action Agency. 

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

Qualifications:

  • Meet income eligibility guidelines — $62,950/year max for a family of three
  • U.S citizen or a qualified alien
  • New Hampshire resident 
  • Automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI, TANF or Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits

How to get help:

Contact your local Community Action Agency. 

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in New Hampshire

The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:        

New Hampshire Dental Society 

The New Hampshire Dental Society (NHDS) provides community resources to help residents find free or low-cost dental care. 

Find a list of dental clinics at the NHDS website. 

You can use this website to find an affordable dentist near you.

Qualifications: 

Each individual clinic or program sets its own eligibility requirements. 

How to get help: 

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in New Hampshire

HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.

HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.

Qualifications: 

Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced cost care. 

How to get help:

Find an HRSA health center in New Hampshire by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

New Hampshire Medicaid

Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In New Hampshire, most Medicaid recipients can receive the following benefits:

  • Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) – Covers medical services like doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health care, and transportation for medical needs
  • Long-term Care (LTC) – Covers care in a nursing facility, assisted living, or at home (must be at least 18 years old and require nursing home-level care or hospital-level care if you have cystic fibrosis)
  • Dental – Covers all dental services for children and adults

Get information on fees and covered services online. 

Qualifications:

  • Resident of New Hampshire
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • Meet income requirements

Plus, you must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Pregnant
  • Caretaker for a child 18 or younger
  • Member of the household has a disability, including blindness
  • 65 or older

How to get help:

  • Apply for coverage on the NH Easy website
  • Call 844-275-3447 

New Hampshire Medicaid for Children  

New Hampshire Medicaid for Children  — part of the national Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — is for children of families who don’t qualify for Medicaid.  

Most families pay nothing, and many pay as little as $15 or $20 a month for all children in the household. 

Medicaid for Children provides both health and dental services with a choice of local doctors, dentists, hospitals, and pharmacies. Benefits include:

  • Doctor visits
  • Surgeries
  • Vaccines
  • Vision and hearing 
  • Hospital stays

Qualifications: 

  • Must be age 19 or younger 
  • Net income no higher than 196% of the FPL
  • New Hampshire resident
  • U.S. citizen or legal non-citizen 
  • Must provide child’s social security number 

How to get help: 

Volunteers in Medicine of New Hampshire

This nonprofit runs a mobile clinic that provides free healthcare to people in New Hampshire who are uninsured or underinsured. In addition, medical volunteers can show you how to find other healthcare resources.

Qualifications:

  • You do not have a primary care doctor
  • You are uninsured or underinsured
  • You have insurance but are struggling with affording co-pays or medication

How to get help:

New Hampshire Smiles Program

The New Hampshire Smiles program offers dental benefits such as exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings, and oral surgery. These services are for children and adults who receive full Medicaid benefits.

Qualifications:

  • New Hampshire resident
  • Medicaid recipient

How to get help:

  • Call 844-ASK-DHHS (844-275-3447)

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in New Hampshire

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

New Hampshire Food Assistance Program (SNAP)

USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households. 

SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card in retail food stores to purchase food, including:

  • Breads
  • Cereals
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meats
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Dairy
  • Plants and seeds to grow food 

With every SNAP dollar spent at participating Farmers’ Markets, you will get an additional dollar to spend on fresh fruits and veggies. 

Qualifications:

  • New Hampshire resident
  • Net income no higher than 200% of FPL

How to get help: 

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies. 

Qualifications:

  • Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
  • Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
  • Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
  • Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
  • If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC 

How to get help: 

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program

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. 

Qualifications: 

Household income must fall at or below the limits of the income eligibility guidelines.

How to get help: 

Apply online or contact your child’s school to enroll. 

New Hampshire’s Summer Food Service Program

The New Hampshire Department of Education serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, parks and libraries. 

Qualifications: 

You must be 18 or younger to receive free summer meals. 

How to get help: 

New Hampshire food banks

Food banks in New Hampshire provide meals for individuals and families who are struggling to put food on the table. 

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

To find a food bank near you and for additional information, visit the Feeding New Hampshire website.

Southern New Hampshire Services (SNHS) Community Gardens

SNHS Community Gardens serves residents of Hillsborough County who wish to grow food for their families. Every year, 50 land plots are set aside for families to grow food with 75% of all space offered free to low-income families. If you exceed income guidelines, the cost is $20. Applications are due every April and the gardening plot is open through September. 

Qualifications:

  • Must be a resident of Hillsborough County, N.H.
  • Anyone is welcome to apply, regardless of income

How to get help:

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in New Hampshire

There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in New Hampshire:

New Hampshire Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school. 

Learn more about the programs on the Department of Health and Human Services website. 

Qualifications: 

  • Children from birth to 5 
  • Income at or below FPL
  • Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
  • Some programs accept kids with incomes above the Poverty Guidelines
  • Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start

How to apply: 

New Hampshire’s Child Care Scholarship 

New Hampshire’s Child Care Scholarship helps parents cover the cost of child care for children under age 13. This is a cost-share program, so families are required to contribute a portion of the cost. 

Eligibility is for a maximum of 12 months. Here is a list of estimated weekly rates. 

Qualifications: 

  • New Hampshire resident
  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen 
  • Child must be age 13 or younger unless the child has  qualifying disability 

How to get help: 

Child Care Aware of New Hampshire

Child Care Aware is a free resource for parents seeking quality child care in New Hampshire.

The service offers:

  • Child care search tool and referrals
  • Education on how to pick the right child care provider
  • Assistance to find child care to help working family members remain employed
  • Referrals to community agencies to get resources for children’s matters
  • Access to a community of child care help and tools 

Qualifications:

  • Available to all New Hampshire residents

How to get help:

More child care help

Education help for single moms in New Hampshire

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

Get a GED in New Hampshire

If you are at least 18 years old in New Hampshire, you can take the HiSET test (which replaced the GED in New Hampshire). Students who are 16 and 17 can take the test with an approved waiver. 

The NH Department of Education Bureau of Adult Education administers the NH HiSET at testing centers and issues the NH high school equivalency certificate.

  • In-person testing: $25 per subject
  • Proctored, at-home testing: $42.50 per subject

The test is broken into five subjects:

  • Language Arts – Reading
  • Language Arts – Writing
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies

There are three testing centers in New Hampshire. 

Before taking your HiSET, some testing centers require test takers to first pass the Official HiSET Practice Test. Local test centers may impose additional requirements concerning age waivers, initial testing, and retesting through local school board policies. 

Grants and scholarships in New Hampshire

The following grants and scholarships may be available to students in New Hampshire: 

New Hampshire Charitable Foundation 

The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is the largest provider of publicly available scholarships in the state, awarding nearly 1,800 students each year. Through the NHCF, there are 451 scholarship funds.  

How to get help: 

Governor’s Scholarship Program 

The Governor’s Scholarship Program provides scholarships of up to $2,000 a year to eligible New Hampshire students toward the cost of a postsecondary educational or training program. 

The program is for high school graduates who enroll full-time and attend a participating postsecondary education institution of their choice within New Hampshire. 

Qualifications: 

How to get 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. 

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in New Hampshire

Workforce programs in New Hampshire provide training and assist with employment:

New Hampshire Reemployment Assistance (Insurance) Program

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

Qualifications: 

  • New Hampshire resident 
  • Unemployed
  • Previously employed for the past 12 months
  • Earned a certain amount of wages
  • Actively looking for another job
  • Must conduct a weekly work search

How to get help: 

WorkNowNH

WorkNowNH, a free job search and readiness program from the New Hampshire Department of Employment Security (NHES) helps eligible applicants find employment. As a WorkNowNH recipient you can get the following benefits:

  • Up to $6,500 toward tuition
  • Up to $500 to purchase books and supplies for school
  • Up to $160 per month for travel reimbursement
  • Up to $100 for child care registration fees

WorkNowNH also helps with job placement, training, and referrals to programs and community resources. There is even a reentry program for  those soon to be released from correctional facilities.

Qualifications:

  • New Hampshire resident
  • Medicaid or Expanded Medicaid recipient
  • Other eligibility requirements set by NHES

How to get help:

  • Call 833-658-4760
  • Fill out and submit the intake form to WorkNowNH@nhes.nh.gov

American Job Centers

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

How to get help: 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in New Hampshire

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

The Salvation Army of New England 

The Salvation Army wears many hats. Chapters assist with:

  • Food, shelter and clothing
  • Medication costs
  • Education and job training
  • Christmas presents
  • Rent and utility bills
  • Substance abuse rehabilitation
  • Youth services
  • Emergency disaster response

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs. 

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

Catholic Charities of New Hampshire

Catholic Charities of New Hampshire provides numerous services to those in need. Catholic Charities assists with:

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

United Way of New Hampshire

The United Way of New Hampshire connects people in need with local resources like: 

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Child care services
  • Housing
  • Health care
  • Support groups

How to get help: 

SOURCES

  1. “The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families




Not your state? Select yours here:

If you’re a single mom in California struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

We also put together resources specifically for:

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/householdAnnual 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.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in California

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

Temporary Cash Assistance in California 

In California, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is called CalWORKS. This welfare program offers cash aid and services for qualifying families with children, or to relatives who have court-ordered custody of a child.

CalWORKS serves all 58 counties in California. Eligible families can receive immediate short-term help for: 

  • Housing
  • Food
  • Utilities
  • Clothing
  • Medical care

Those who qualify for ongoing assistance can receive money every month for up to 48 months as long as they enroll in the Welfare-to-Work program for a designated number of hours each week. 

Welfare-to-Work assesses participants based on their education and employment history to determine if they should: 

  • Be placed immediately into a job
  • Begin an education or training program
  • Combination of both 

Participants may also be eligible for child care and transportation services.

These are the maximum benefits per family size: 

Family sizeMinimum Basic Standard of Adequate Care (MBSAC) Limit
1$757
2$1,242
3$1,539
4$1,826
5$2,083
6$2,343
7$2,575
8$2,802
9$3,041
10$3,300

Qualifications:

  • Live in California and plan to stay
  • U.S. citizen, or immigrant who has been given permission to live in the United States
  • Have an eligible child(ren) and/or are pregnant, and:
    • One or both parents do not live in the home, are no longer living, or are disabled
    • Both parents are living in the home, but the person who makes the most money is either not working or working less than 100 hours per month at the time of application 
    • Have a Social Security Number or have applied for one
    • Show that take-home wages are less than the maximum aid payment for each family size (MBSAC in the table above)
  • Have less than $10,888 in cash, the bank, all accounts, and other resources
  • Give proof of vaccinations for children under the age of six
  • Follow child support rules
  • Participate in Welfare-to-Work activities, completing a certain number of hours each week

How to get help:

  • Apply online on the Benefits Cal website
  • Contact the California Department of Children and Families at 800-540-4000
  • In person at your local Social Security Office

Free lawyer advice after an accident or injury

More emergency cash help in California

Single moms in California can visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.

Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash: 

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in California

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

Rental assistance in California

This California program can help renters find housing and pay their rent:

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing and vouchers to help low-income households pay their rent.

Qualifications:

  • Citizen of the United States or equivalent
  • Combined household income needs to be below 80% of the median income in the area
  • More than 75% of all housing vouchers go to applicants in the extremely low-income bracket (less than 30% of AMI)
  • You can find your county’s income limits on the HUD website

How to get help: 

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Mortgage assistance in California

If you need help buying a home in California, these programs can help: 

California Mortgage Relief 

The California Mortgage Relief Program is a free program that uses federal Homeowner Assistance Funds (a federal program that helps homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments due to COVID-19) to help homeowners catch up on their past-due housing payments and property taxes. Homeowners do not have to repay these funds.

Even if a household has previously received funding, they can still apply again. Each household is eligible to receive a maximum of $80,000 in total assistance. 

Qualifications for mortgage relief:

  • Must have experienced financial hardship because of COVID-19
  • Mortgage/loan servicer must be participating in the California Mortgage Relief Program (see participating loan officers)
  • Combined income of all household members over the age of 18 is at or below 150% of AMI 
  • Homeowners cannot have cash or assets on hand (excluding savings in a retirement account) that is equal to or greater than the relief funds needed + $20,000
  • The original balance of the homeowner’s main loan can’t be larger than the conforming loan limit
  • Own and live in a single family home, condo, permanently affixed manufactured home, or property with up to four units
  • Must currently own and occupy the property in California as their only residence
  • Past-due amount must be $80,000 or less at the time of application submission                     

How to get help: 

MyHome Assistance Program 

MyHome Assistance Program is a loan program with two down payment assistance options: 

  • CalHFA Government Loans (FHA): MyHome offers a deferred-payment second mortgage of an amount up to the lesser of 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value to assist with down payment and/or closing costs
  • CalHFA Conventional Loans: MyHome offers a deferred-payment second mortgage of an amount up to the lesser of 3% of the purchase price or appraised value to assist with down payment and/or closing costs

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Qualifications: 

  • Be a first-time homebuyer
  • Occupy the property (which must be a single-family, one-unit residence, including approved condominium/PUDs) as a primary residence
  • Complete homebuyer education counseling 
  • Meet CalHFA income limits (below) for this program:
CountyLimit
Alameda$282,000
Alpine$188,000
Amador$171,000
Butte$168,000
Calaveras$178,000
Colusa$159,000
Contra Costa$282,000
Del Norte$159,000
El Dorado$202,000
Fresno$159,000
Glenn$159,000
Humboldt$159,000
Imperial$159,000
Inyo$163,000
Kern$159,000
Kings$159,000
Lake$159,000
Lassen$159,000
Los Angeles$180,000
Madera$159,000
Marin$300,000
Mariposa$159,000
Mendocino$159,000
Merced$159,000
Modoc$159,000
Mono$161,000
Monterey$178,000
Napa$236,000
Nevada$194,000
Orange$235,000
Placer$202,000
Plumas$163,000
Riverside$173,000
Sacramento$202,000
San Benito$208,000
San Bernardino$173,000
San Diego$211,000
San Francisco$300,000
San Joaquin$168,000
San Luis Obispo$216,000
San Mateo$300,000
Santa Barbara$198,000
Santa Clara$300,000
Santa Cruz$236,000
Shasta$177,000
Sierra$178,000
Siskiyou$159,000
Solano$215,000
Sonoma$223,000
Stanislaus$159,000
Sutter$159,000
Tehama$159,000
Trinity$159,000
Tulare$159,000
Tuolumne$166,000
Ventura$228,000
Yolo$211,000
Yuba$159,000

How to get help: 

  • Find a loan officer in your area on the CalHFA website

California Dream For All

The California Dream For All program offers down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers in the form of an interest-free, second mortgage shared appreciation loan. With an appreciation loan, a homebuyer repays the loan and a percentage of the appreciation value if the home is sold or transferred to a new owner. 

The percentage varies based on the terms of the first mortgage. For example, if the loan provides 20% of the cost of the home, the homebuyer would pay 20% of the appreciated home value when sold or transferred.

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer
  • Household income is between 80% of the median income for your area and 150% of CalHFA income limits

How to get help:

  • Call 877-922-5432

Homeless assistance in California

If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, these programs can help: 

CalWORKS Homeless Assistance 

The CalWORKs Homeless Assistance (HA) Program is for families in the CalWORKS program (including eligible CalWORKS applicants). 

HA helps pay for permanent housing with a security deposit and 1-2 months of rent, and can also provide emergency shelter ($85 per day for up to 16 days) for families experiencing homelessness. 

Qualifications: 

Must be a current CalWORKs recipient or currently applying to CalWORKs. 

How to get help: 

Contact your local county welfare office to apply.

More California housing help: 

More housing help: 





Transportation help for low-income families in California

If you need help with a car repair, getting reliable transportation or are looking for discounts on transportation, there are many resources available to low-income families.

Discounts on public transportation in California

California has over 100 public transit agencies that cover ground and water transportation.  To find out what is available in your area, contact your local transit agency.

While we can’t cover each of them, we’ve listed money-saving options for some of the largest transit agencies in the state:

Golden Empire TD

  • Covers: Bakersfield
  • Offers: Free rides through May 2024 if you attend school in the Bakersfield metro area (kindergarten through college) and reduced fares for disabled persons and riders 65 and over

Metrolink

  • Covers: LA County and Orange County
  • Offers: Free rides for children 5 and under, youth 6-18 with a Student Adventure Pass, and law enforcement officers with ID and in proper uniform, reduced fares for seniors 65 and over disabled persons, veterans, and Medicare card holders

Santa Cruz Metro

  • Covers: Monterey and Santa Cruz
  • Offers: Free rides for legally blind passengers, K-12 students, and to COVID-19 vaccination appointments, discount fares for seniors 62 and over and disabled persons

Riverside Transit Agency

  • Covers: Riverside
  • Offers: Free rides for active duty military, first responders, jurors, and children 46 inches tall and under, and reduced fares for seniors 60 and over, disabled persons, Medicare card holders, and veterans

Sacramento Regional Transit

  • Covers: Sacramento
  • Offers: Free fares for Los Rios Community College district students and for children in TK(transitional kindergarten)-12, reduced fares for seniors and disabled persons 

More reduced fare transit in California

Here are some options in different areas of the state to check out:

Golden Empire Transit District

This transit service covers Bakersfield and offers reduced or free fares for eligible riders.

Qualifications:

  • Reduced fares for riders 65 and over or with a certified disability
  • Free rides through May 2024 if you attend school in the Bakersfield metro area (kindergarten through college) if your school participates, but you will need to get a pass form your school

How to get help:

  • Call 661-869-2438

Mobility-4-All

Metrolink provides a 50% fare reduction to any rider who has a valid California EBT card. This pilot program, which launched in August 2023, will be available until all funding is exhausted.

Metrolink service is available in the following areas:

  • Antelope Valley
  • Inland Empire-Orange County
  • Orange County
  • Riverside
  • San Bernardino
  • Ventura County
  • Perris Valley

Please note that there are other Metrolink fare discount options if you don’t have an EBT card.

Qualifications:

  • California resident with a current California EBT card

How to get help:

  • Call 800-371-5465

Nonmedical transportation (NMT) and nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) in California

If you are a Medi-Cal recipient, you may have access to free transportation to medical, dental, mental health, and substance abuse disorder appointments.

NMT is when you are transported by a private or public transit vehicle because you have no other way to travel to your appointment. NEMT is for individuals who need transport by an ambulance, wheelchair van, or litter van because you are unable to use public transit.

Qualifications:

  • For NMT, you must have full-scope Medi-Cal or be a pregnant Medi-Cal recipient
  • For NEMT, you must contact your plan’s membership department if you are under a managed care plan, and if you have FFS Medi-Cal, you must request transport from your medical provider

How to get help:

  • If you cannot find a provider for either service, you may email dhcsnmt@dhcs.ca.gov for assistance

Free cars in California

This nationwide nonprofit may be helpful if you need a car and cannot afford to buy one:

Free Charity Cars 

Free Charity Cars awards free vehicles to selected applicants in all 50 states. The nonprofit charity group has been awarding free vehicles to low-income American families since 1996 and has gifted more than 9,000 cars. The charity group notes that they do not have an inventory of vehicles readily available as they award cars as soon as they get them, so there can be extensive waiting periods for those selected for the free car program. 

Qualifications:

  • Be a resident of the U.S.
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
  • Have a genuine need for a vehicle 
  • Have access to a Computer and Internet Service
  • Sign up for an online account 
  • Complete an online application for a vehicle
  • Have the financial means to pay for the fees, including the tag, title, emissions, insurance, etc.,
  • Take financial responsibility for maintaining insurance and upkeep on the vehicle if awarded 

How to get help:

Car repair help in California

Need help getting your car back on the road? Check out the following resources:

Nonprofit garages

Nonprofit garages offer free or reduced cost help for minor car repairs. For example, the Give Back Garage in Brentwood offers free or low-cost car repairs to qualified applicants based on need and the nature of the repair. Search “nonprofit garages near me” to see what is in your county.

Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) Repair Assistance

If you fail a smog check, CAP provides up to $1,200 for emissions related repairs if your vehicle year is 1996 or newer and up to $900 if your vehicle year is 1975-1995.

Qualifications:

  • Household is at or less than 225% of the FPL for household size
  • Registered owner of vehicle
  • Must be the first time request for repair assistance with the vehicle
  • Able to make a 20% co-pay of the total cost of repair or pay the difference if the repair cost exceeds the maximum benefit
  • Able to pay additional fees or the cost of non-CAP approved repairs 

You must be able to make a co-payment of 20% of the repair cost up to the maximum amount of assistance. If the repair exceeds the maximum benefit you will subtract the maximum from the total cost and the remainder will be your co-pay. 

How to get help:

Clean transportation incentive in California

If you want to purchase a vehicle that runs on clean energy, such as an electric, fuel cell, or plug-in hybrid model, you can get an income-qualified grant or loan to help you make the purchase with the following program: 

Clean Cars 4 All

If you are willing to scrap your gas-powered car and buy a new or used clean, fuel-efficient vehicle, you can get up to $9,500 to help you make the purchase.

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Contact a participating district

California car-free tax credit

If you meet income requirements, you can get a $1,000 refundable tax credit if you do not own a car in California. This program is focused on improving air quality by reducing pollution from vehicle emissions. Even if you do not owe money on your taxes, you can get the money as a refund.

Qualifications:

  • Resident of California
  • Household income does not exceed $40,000 for single filers and $60,000 for joint filers

How to get help:

If you’re ready to buy a car, but you have low or no credit, Auto Credit Express is a quality lender:

  • Better Business Bureau rating of A+
  • In business since 1999
  • For new or used cars
  • Auto loans and refi for buyers who have low or no credit, or who have gone through bankruptcy or had a vehicle repossessed
  • Pre-approval within 30 seconds

24 hours to a car loan with Auto Credit Express >>

Electric bill assistance in California

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

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in California

LIHEAP pays for home heating and cooling for households who qualify. The payments from the program are paid directly to utility companies. 

Qualifications:       

  • Total income is no more than 60% of the California State Median Income (see table below)
  • Responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills
  • California resident
  • U.S. citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S.
Persons In Household​​Monthly Income
​1$2,700.17
​2$3,531.00
​3$4,361.83​
​4$5,192.75
​5$6,023.59
​6$6,854.43
7$7,010.21 
8$7,166.00
9$7,321.78
10$7,477.56

How to get help:

Contact your local LIHEAP office.

More car help:

How to get a free car
Where to get free car repairs?
Free car insurance? What you need to know
Free tires for low-income families
Free car seats
Free car inspections

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

The WAP program provides services to make homes more energy efficient, such as installing carbon monoxide detectors, removing mold, or replacing inefficient heating units. This helps families lower their monthly energy bills. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S citizen or a qualified alien
  • California resident
  • Meet annual household income guidelines based on the number of people in the household: 
Persons In Household​​​Monthly​​​​ Income
​1​​$2,146.67
​2​$2,903.33
​3​​$3,660.00
​4​$4,416.67
​5$5,173.33
​6​$5,930.00
​7$6,686.67
​8​$7,443.33
9​$8,200.00
​10​$8,956.67​

Families receiving SSI, TANF or Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits are automatically eligible.

How to get help:

Contact your county’s Weatherization provider.

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

LIHWAP can help you pay down past due water or wastewater bills if you meet income requirements. The program offers one-time support to help you keep your water service on and works with local water bill assistance service providers.

Qualifications:

  • Household income is at or below 60% of the state median income for household size
  • Currently receiving benefits from CalFresh, CalWORKS, or LIHEAP
  • Your water provider (or landlord if it’s included in your rent) is enrolled in LIHWAP 

How to get help:

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

More housing help: 





Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in California

The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:        

California Medicaid

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families:

  • Outpatient (ambulatory) services
  • Emergency services
  • Hospice and palliative care
  • Hospitalization
  • Maternity and newborn care
  • Mental health services
  • Prescription drugs
  • Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
  • Laboratory and radiology services, such as X-rays
  • Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
  • Substance use disorder treatment services
  • Pediatric services
  • Vision services
  • Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)
  • Non-medical transportation (NMT)
  • Long-term services and supports (LTSS)
  • Telehealth services

Qualifications:

  • California resident
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • In need of health care/insurance assistance with low income or very low income:
Household sizeMaximum income level per year
1$18,075
2$24,353
3$30,630
4$36,908
5$43,186
6$49,463
7$55,741
8$62,018

Must meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Pregnant
  • Caretaker for a child 21 or younger
  • Member of the household has a disability, including blindness
  • 65 or older

How to get help:

Apply for coverage on the Medi-Cal website or call (916) 558-1784.

Medi-Cal Dental Program 

The Medi-Cal Dental Program covers or helps with dental services for most Medi-Cal members (Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program). 

  • Diagnostic and preventive dental hygiene
  • Emergency services for pain control
  • Tooth extractions
  • Fillings
  • Root canal treatments 
  • Crowns 
  • Scaling and root planing
  • Periodontal maintenance
  • Complete and partial dentures
  • Orthodontics for children who qualify

Qualifications: 

If you are eligible for Medi-Cal, you are eligible to get dental services. You do not need to apply separately. 

How to get help: 

To contact Medi-Cal Dental, call the Telephone Service Center at 800-322-6384 or call your local County Social Services office.

Covered California Dental 

Family dental plans (DHMO and DPPO) are available to single and married adults, with or without children, who have a health plan through Covered California (sponsored by the Department of Health Care Services). 

  • DHMO plan has no deductible; no annual benefit limit; and a $350 individual out-of-pocket maximum (child only)
  • DPPO plan has a $50 deductible for adults and $75 for children; no annual benefit limit for children and a $1,500 limit for adults; and a $350 individual out-of-pocket maximum (child only)

Services covered include:

  • Diagnostic and preventive
  • Amalgam filling
  • Root canal
  • Gingivectomy
  • Extraction
  • Crown
  • Medically necessary orthodontia

Qualifications: 

At least one adult must be enrolled in a family dental plan for a child in the family to enroll.

How to get help: 

Call (800) 300-1506 or visit Covered California’s website.

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in California

HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, provides free or low-cost health and dental care to low-income people, including: 

  • General primary medical care
  • Diagnostic laboratory
  • Diagnostic radiology
  • Screenings
  • Coverage for emergencies
  • Voluntary family planning
  • Immunizations
  • Well child services
  • Gynecological care
  • Obstetrical care
  • Preventive dental
  • Pharmaceutical services
  • Substance use disorder services
  • Health education

HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS).

Qualifications: 

Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced-cost care. 

How to get help:

Find an HRSA health center in California by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

California Healthy Start

The Healthy Start Program is designed to help women with Medi-Cal coverage during and after pregnancy through services including: 

  • Nutrition
  • Dental education
  • Behavioral health services

Education services cover:

  • Prenatal care and parenting 
  • Conception 
  • Stress management
  • Local resources and assistance

Qualifications: 

Must be covered by Medi-Cal.

How to get help: 

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in California

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

California Food Assistance Program: Cal-Fresh (SNAP)

Cal-Fresh provides free money for food on an EBT card, which can be used at qualifying food retailers to purchase:

  • Breads
  • Cereals
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meats
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Dairy
  • Plants and seeds to grow food 

Recipients can also take advantage of a program called Fresh Access Bucks (FAB). With this program, SNAP benefits can also be used for fresh fruits and vegetables at designated farmer’s markets, produce stands, CSAs, mobile markets, and community grocery outlets. 

Check out this list of food banks.

Qualifications:

  • California resident
  • Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,500 or under $3,750 and share your household with one of the following:
    • Person or persons age 60 and over
    • Person with a disability

Recipients must also have an annual household income below these amounts: 

Household sizeGross income
1$2,148
2$2,904
3$3,660
4$4,418
5$5,174
6$5,930
7$6,688
8$7,444

*Each additional member +$758

How to get help: 

Apply for benefits on the Cal-Fresh website or call 877-847-3663.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies. 

Qualifications:

  • Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
  • Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
  • Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
  • Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
  • If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC

How to get help: 

Call your local WIC office or 888-WIC-WORKS (888-942-9675) and say you want to apply for WIC. 

Free school meals

California became the first state to mandate free meals to all students, starting with the 2022-23 school year. All K-12 public schools must provide free breakfast and lunch to students requesting a meal, even if they didn’t previously qualify for free or reduced price meals.

California’s Summer Food Service Program

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services serves nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, parks and libraries. 

Qualifications: 

These are the current income guidelines for the Summer Food Service Program: 

Annual Household Income Limits (before taxes)

Household SizeMaximum Income Level (per year)
1$25,142
2$33,874
3$42,606
4$51,338
5$60,070
6$68,802
7$77,534
8$86,266

How to get help: 

Find a location near you at the USDA Summer Food Service Program website.

California Food Banks

Food banks in California provide meals for individuals and families who are struggling to put food on the table. 

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

To find a food bank near you and for additional information, visit the CA Food Banks website.

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in California

There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in California:

California Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school. 

Qualifications: 

  • Children from birth to 5 
  • Meet federal poverty guidelines 
  • Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
  • Some programs accept kids with incomes above the Poverty Guidelines
  • Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start

How to apply: 

First 5 California

First 5 California/Proposition 10 helps children’s health and education in the early years of their development. Each county provides services for families with children ages 0-5.

For City of Orange residents, coordinating CalEITC, Young Child Tax Credit, and dependent-care credits through strategic tax filing for Orange, CA can help maximize refunds and avoid leaving money on the table; experienced local preparers can also advise on head‑of‑household status and year‑round planning.

Qualifications: 

Number of qualifying childrenCalifornia maximum incomeCalEITC (up to)Federal EITC (up to)Young child tax credit
None$30,000$275$560$0
1$30,000$1,843$3,733$1,083
2$30,000$3,037$6,164$1,083
3 or more$30,000$3,417$6,935$1,083
  • Recipient, spouse, and any qualifying children each have a Social Security number 
  • Do not use the “married/RDP filing separate” filing status
  • Live in California for more than half the tax year
  • Be 18 or older at the end of the tax year

How to get help: 

More child care help

Education help for single moms in California

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

Get a GED in California

If you are at least 18 years old in California, you can take the GED test. If not, you must meet the following qualifications:

  • Within 60 days of your 18th birthday (regardless of school enrollment status)
  • Within 60 days of when you would have graduated from high school had you remained in school
  • 17 years of age; have been out of school for at least 60 consecutive days and provide a letter of request for the test from the military, a postsecondary educational institution, or a prospective employer

The GED test is broken into four exams on different subjects, which can be spaced out and taken at your own pace (though each individual exam has a time limit): 

  • Mathematical reasoning – 115 minutes
  • Reasoning through language arts – 150 minutes
  • Social studies – 70 minutes
  • Science – 90 minutes

You have two options for taking the test in California: 

  • In person — $35 per subject 
  • Online — $41 per subject 

Grants and scholarships in California

The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in California. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, create a student profile on the OSFA website. 

Individual schools also offer need-based and academic scholarships for their students. If you’ve been accepted to a higher education institution, contact their office of financial aid to learn how to apply.

California Student Loan Forgiveness

Employment help for single moms in California

Workforce programs in California provide training and assist with employment:

CalWORKS Welfare-to-Work

The CalWORKs Program helps single moms in California prepare for employment. Transportation, child care, and covering work or training-related expenses are some of the services offered. 

Qualifications: 

  • The CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work Program is open to anyone receiving CalWORKs cash aid
  • Anyone receiving CalWORKs cash aid must participate in the Welfare-to-Work program unless that person is exempt due to being ill or incapacitated

How to get help: 

  • Call 916-657-2128

WorkSource Centers

WorkSource centers are government-funded locations that help unemployed single moms or people looking to gain new skills. These centers act as your personal employment agency, and all services are free. Employment support services include:

  • Job training, resume building, and interview skills
  • Phone and computer access; skills workshops
  • Employment referrals
  • Customized job matching
  • Career guidance and placement assistance

How to get help: 

Search for a location on the WorkSource website.

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in California

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

The Salvation Army of California

The Salvation Army can help with:

  • Food, shelter and clothing
  • Medication costs
  • Education and job training
  • Christmas presents
  • Rent and utility bills
  • Substance abuse rehabilitation
  • Youth services
  • Emergency disaster response

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs. 

How to get help: 

Catholic Charities of California

Catholic Charities assists with:

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

Catholic Charities operate in 30 counties across California. Check out that information here. 

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

  • Apply for assistance by reaching out to your nearest Catholic Charities branch in California 
  • Call 916-706-1539 

United Ways of California

The United Ways of California connects people in need with local resources like: 

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Child care services
  • Housing
  • Health care
  • Support groups

How to get help: 

Help for single moms in Los Angeles, California

The following resources serve residents of Los Angeles, Ca.:

Housing help in Los Angeles

If you need housing help in Los Angeles, here are some options:

Downtown Women’s Center

The Downtown Women’s Center helps women with children find permanent housing after going through hardship or having trouble finding ideal housing resources. They offer rapid re-housing to survivors of domestic violence, support to veterans to navigate benefits, and help for women dealing with complex mental or physical health conditions.

The center also provides:

  • Daily meals
  • Health clinic access
  • Showers and bathrooms
  • Computer access
  • Employment services

Qualifications:

  • Los Angeles resident
  • Single woman with or without children

How to get help:

  • Call 213-223-2900

Safe Parking LA

If you are currently living in your vehicle, Safe Parking LA can make sure you have safe overnight parking, provide access to running water, and help you chart a pathway to stable housing.

This program is available in:

  • San Fernando Valley
  • Hollywood
  • Downtown Los Angeles
  • West Los Angeles

Qualifications:

  • Currently living in your car and have a valid driver’s license
  • Vehicle is operational and you are the registered driver

How to get help:

Transportation help in Los Angeles

Here is a discount travel option in Los Angeles:

Low Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program

The LIFE program, offered by LA Metro, helps income-eligible LA County residents save money by capping fares, offering discounted passes, and earning free rides. New applicants will get a free 90-day pass to ride LA Metro fixed routes. 

This program works on the following LA transit routes:

  • Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA)
  • Culver City Bus Foothill Transit
  • Glendale Beeline
  • GTrans
  • LADOT
  • Long Beach Transit
  • Montebello Bus Lines
  • Norwalk Transit
  • Pasadena Transit
  • Santa Clarita Transit
  • Santa Monica Big Blue Bus
  • Transit Torrance

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Apply online
  • Call 818-244-2550 if you travel in the Gateway Cities or San Gabriel Valley or 323-870-8567 for all other LA Metro areas

Medical and dental care help in Los Angeles

If you are looking for medical or dental care in Los Angeles, check out these resources:

QueensCare

QueensCare is a faith-based organization that helps provide healthcare access to low-income households in Los Angeles. The organization administers direct care to patients and also contracts with hospitals and nonprofits to deliver healthcare services to families in need.

QueensCare provides:

  • Health screenings 
  • Primary care
  • Medical treatment
  • Health education
  • Dental treatment
  • Pastoral care

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Call 323-669-4339
  • Email info@queenscare.org

St. John’s Community Health Clinics

St. John’s Community Health runs multiple clinics throughout Central and South Los Angeles and Compton. The clinics offer medical, dental, vision, pediatric, and behavioral health services. St. John’s offers these services to low-income residents and those who are uninsured or underinsured.

In addition, they provide:

  • Vaccinations
  • Access to a food pantry
  • A program especially for new and expecting Black mothers
  • Homeless health services
  • Substance abuse services 
  • Transgender health programs
  • HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and PrEP care

Qualifications:

  • Anyone, regardless of age, is welcome to make an appointment if they need care

How to get help:

Help Me Grow LA

Help Me Grow LA helps parents find free or low-cost programs to support children experiencing developmental delays and education or behavioral challenges.

Qualifications:

  • All families with children in Los Angeles County looking for development, learning, or behavioral resources

How to get help:

  • Call 833-903-3972

Food help in Los Angeles

Here is a food resource local to Los Angeles:

Los Angeles Mission food boxes

Los Angeles Mission runs a weekly food box program. The boxes contain perishable food items and toiletries.

Qualifications:

  • Families who are in need of food in Los Angeles

How to get help:

  • Call 213-629-1227
  • Email sbrewster@lamission.net

Child care help in Los Angeles

Check out this child care resource available to parents in Los Angeles: 

Connections for Children

Connections for Children helps parents who work or attend school find financial help to pay for child care. Depending on income, child care programs are either free or offered at a reduced cost.

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Call 310-452-3325
  • Email admin@connectionsforchildren.org

Education help in Los Angeles

Here are some education resources in Los Angeles:

College Match LA

College Match LA helps high school students from low-income households pursue college. The organization has a 100% success rate of students being accepted at four-year colleges and helps students with the following:

  • Tutoring
  • College visits
  • Help with completing college and financial aid applications
  • Help with pursuing scholarships
  • Financial help with college expenses when needed

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Contact your child’s guidance counselor at a participating school
  • Email contact@collegematchla.org

LA Cash for College

LA Cash for College helps parents support their students who are planning to attend college. They offer help with completing college applications, run financial aid workshops, and provide opportunities for students to earn scholarships. 

Qualifications:

  • Any Los Angeles family with a high school student planning to attend college 

How to get help:

Employment help in Los Angeles

Check out these employment resources in Los Angeles, Ca.:

WorkSource Centers

The Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department provides centers where job seekers can get support to find a job, apply for unemployment. All career services are free and you’ll have access to phones, computers, printers, copiers, and fax machines.

Qualifications:

  • Anyone in Los Angeles who needs employment service support

How to get help:

LA Local Hire

If you are considering a civil service career, LA Local Hire offers two programs to help you get started:

  • Targeted Local Hire Program: Helps you gain access to entry-level civil service position in the City of Los Angeles
  • Bridge to Jobs: Helps individuals get hired to semi-skilled positions (greater responsibility than entry level)

Qualifications:

  • Anyone may apply but preference is given to:
    • Veterans
    • Disabled persons
    • Transgender individuals
    • Seniors
    • Foster, transition age, and disconnected youth
    • Former gang members
    • Homeless and former homeless persons
    • Residents of underserved zip codes
    • Former incarcerated persons

How to get help:

  • Email lalocalhire@lacity.org

Charity organizations in Los Angeles

Here is a local Los Angeles charity that helps single moms:

She Is Hope LA

She Is Hope LA helps single mothers find answers to challenges they encounter every day. They offer food support and other basic needs, but single moms must meet with an advisor to receive targeted services to help them thrive.

Qualifications:

  • Single mothers in Los Angeles are encouraged to apply

How to get help:

Help for single moms in San Diego, California

The following resources serve residents of San Diego, Ca.:

Housing help in San Diego

If you need housing help in San Diego, here is an option:

One Month Away

City Heights Community Development’s One Month Away program focuses on keeping San Diego residents in their homes. The program offers a one-time payment of $1,000 to avoid eviction for low-income renters who are impacted by a COVID-29 job loss or personal hardship.

Qualifications:

  • San Diego County residents facing an eviction

How to get help:

  • Call 619-961-1054

Transportation help in San Diego

Here are some options to save money on transportation in San Diego:

San Diego Metro Transit System (MTS) free and reduced fares

Children 5 and under can ride free on any MTS route with an adult, but San Diego MTS also offers multiple programs to help further reduce costs on public transit:

  • Youth Opportunity Pass (YPO): Free fares through June 2024 on PRONTO (trolley service) and North County Transit District (NCTD) routes for youth 18 and under through the YPO pilot program
  • Silver Line Education Program: If you are a third-grade teacher in San Diego County, you can get free fares for yourself and your students to take a 25-minutes trip in the Silver Line Vintage Trolley
  • Discounted College Pass Program: Unlimited rides for one price for students at participating colleges
  • Employee fare discounts: Ask your employer if they participate in MTS reduced fare programs
  • PRONTO Extend: If you are 18-24 and have exited the foster care system or are in the Extended Foster Care Program, you can ride free on MTS and NCTD routes

Qualifications:

  • Each program has its own requirements and application process

How to get help:

  • Call 619-557-4555

Electric bill help in San Diego

This resource in San Diego helps with utility assistance:

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) bill assistance

If SDG&E provides your power and you are behind on your bill, they offer multiple programs to help you get caught up or save money, including:

  • CARE: Save 30% or more on your monthly energy bill
  • FERA: Get an 18% discount on your bill if you have at least three people in your home
  • Neighbor-to-Neighbor: Get up to $600 toward your bill
  • Debt forgiveness: Reduce your outstanding balance through a payment plan

Qualifications:

  • Each program has specific eligibility requirements

How to get help:

  • Call 800-411-7343

Child care help in San Diego

Check out this child care resource available to parents in San Diego: 

Child Care San Diego

If you need help paying for child care, Child Care San Diego may be able to help you get a child care subsidy. You will have to meet certain qualifications to apply.

Qualifications:

You or your family member that needs care must meet one of the following:

  • Current CalWORKS recipient
  • At risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation
  • In Child Protective Services (CPS)
  • Homeless
  • Recipient of Medi-Cal, CalFRESH, CFAP, WIC, Head Start or Early Head Start benefits
  • Recipient of the Federal Food Distribution Program in Indian Reservations

You may also be eligible if you meet income guidelines. You must use the income calculator to determine if you are a fit for assistance.

How to get help:

Employment help in San Diego

Check out this employment resource in San Diego, Ca.:

San Diego Workforce Partnership

The San Diego Workforce partnership helps people find careers, connecting businesses with job seekers. This partnership also finds ways to empower people to increase their opportunities through career guidance and grants to pay for education.

Qualifications:

  • Any San Diego resident looking for work is welcome to connect

How to get help:

Charity organizations in San Diego

Here are some local San Diego charities that help single moms:

Bridge of Hope

If you are transitioning for any reason, such as former homelessness or surviving domestic violence, Bridge of Hope provides a safe space to make a plan for your future.

Survivors who have experienced sexual assault may also need legal guidance to understand their rights and explore their options. San Diego Sexual Assault Attorneys can help survivors understand potential legal avenues and the steps they may take to seek justice.

Bridge of Hope provides furniture, clothing, food and household goods to help you get back on your feet.

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Talk to your caseworker
  • Call 858-380-7993
  • Email info@bridgeofhope.org

San Diego Nice Guys

San Diego Nice Guys gives back to the community by helping neighbors in need. They raise money to help people with medical bills, car repairs, clothing, wheelchairs, or anything else families need when they fall on hard times.

Qualifications:

  • Anyone in San Diego with a need due to hardship is welcome to apply for financial help

How to get help:

Bella’s House of Hope

Bella’s House of Hope supports single parents of special needs children.

They help with:

  • Finding housing stability
  • Navigating social services applications
  • Providing support groups
  • Financial assistance as needed
  • Connecting with community partners to meet your family’s needs
  • Legal aid
  • Employment services

Qualifications:

  • Each applicant is screened on a case-by-case basis, all San Diego-based single parents with special needs children are encouraged to apply

How to get help:

Help for single moms in San Jose, California

The following resources serve residents of San Jose, Ca.:

Transportation help in San Jose

If you live in San Jose, this resource may help you reduce costs on local travel:

Caltrain

Caltrain offers several reduced fare programs to help riders save money on public transit:

  • Promotional fares: Caltrain offers seasonal discounts or rides and parking
  • Discount fares: If you are a senior 65 and over, disabled, under 18 or a Medicare card holder, you can get half-price fares
  • $1 youth rides: Children up to age 18 pay $1 each way on Captrain transit
  • Day passes: Family and group day passes allow you to pay one price for unlimited travel
  • Go Pass: Pay one annual fee and get unlimited travel at just $275 a year ($99 for college students)

Qualifications:

  • Each discount fare program has its own requirements and application process

How to get help:

  • Call 800-660-4287

Electric bill help in San Jose

This resource in San Jose can help with utility assistance:

San Jose Water Customer Assistance Program 

The San Jose Water customer assistance program offers a 15% discount for eligible low-income customers.

Qualifications:

  • You must be responsible for the water bill 
  • You are not a dependent on another person’s tax return 

How to get help:

  • Call 408-279-7900
  • Email customer.service@sjwater.com

Child care help in San Jose

Check out this child care resource available to parents in San Jose: 

Choices for Children

Choices for Children helps parents pay for child care and identify services to help children learn and grow in safe spaces. It’s a great resource for working or student parents who need child care but are struggling with the cost. 

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Call 408-297-3295

Employment help in San Jose

Check out these employment resources in San Jose, Ca.:

JobTrain San Jose Career Center

The JobTrain San Jose Career Center helps job seekers look for employment, practice interview techniques, build resumes, and explore career paths. You can also use laptops, printers and other technologies to help with your job search. 

Qualifications:

  • All San Jose residents over 18 are welcome to use the free career services

How to get help:

  • Call 650-330-6429
  • Email info@jobtrainworks.org

Charity organizations in San Jose

Here are some local San Jose charities that help single moms:

WANDA

WANDA helps low-income single moms save money and increase their educational opportunities through a three-year program. Women in the program have been able to buy homes, pay for college and fund retirement accounts. It’s a nonprofit dedicated to financial self-sufficiency and career advancement for single moms.

Qualifications:

  • Single moms in the San Mateo County or Santa Clara County
  • Meet household income limits
  • Head of household on your tax return
  • Has at least one dependent 18 years old or younger
  • Employed or has work study income
  • Less than $30,000 in personal assets

How to get help:

Maintenance for Moms 

Maintenance for Moms provides one-time car repair help for single moms in Santa Clara County.

Qualifications:

  • Single mom residing in Santa Clara County 
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Current car registration and insurance
  • Current residential address
  • Proof of financial hardship 

How to get help:

Help for single moms in San Francisco, California

The following resources serve residents of San Francisco, Ca.:

Housing help in San Francisco

If you need housing help in San Francisco, here is an option:

Season of Sharing (SOS) Program

The SOS program offers emergency financial assistance to pay for housing or other critical family needs. This is one-time help for San Francisco residents facing an urgent hardship. However, you may reapply if five years have passed since you received help.

The SOS program offers the following assistance:

  • Overdue rent or mortgage
  • Future rent payments
  • Move-in assistance (security deposit or first month’s rent)
  • Furniture assistance
  • Paying for medical bills or equipment
  • Paying past due utility bills 

Qualifications:

  • Current resident of San Francisco
  • 18 or older
  • Income at or below 50% of the area median income for household size
  • Applied for San Francisco Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
  • Proof of financial hardship within the past six months 

How to get help:

Transportation help in San Francisco

Looking for discounts on transit in San Francisco? Check out this resource:

Clipper START

This transportation option helps people who live in the Bay area. If you are a low-income rider you can get a reduced fare through 2025. Your discount ranges between 20-50% off of regular fares.

Qualifications:

  • Live in the San Francisco Bay area
  • Be 19-64 years of age
  • Earn up to 200% of the FPL
  • Not be eligible for the RTC Clipper Card for people with disabilities

How to get help:

  • Apply online
  • Call 855-614-9149
  • Email help@clipperstartcard.com

Medical and dental care help in San Francisco

If you are looking for medical or dental care in San Francisco, check out these resources:

Clinic by the Bay 

If you are uninsured living in the San Francisco Bay Area, and you work, you can get free healthcare at Clinic by the Bay if you meet eligibility guidelines. All services are provided on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Call 415-405-0207
  • Email info@clinicbythebay.org

Smiles For All

South San Francisco Dental Care offers a day of free dental care called Smiles For All. This event is offered periodically in the Bay area.

Qualifications:

  • 18 years or older 

How to get help:

Food help in San Francisco

Here is a food resource local to San Francisco:

Eat SF Fruit and Vegetable Voucher Program 

The Eat SF Vouchers for Veggies program provides low-income households with free vouchers to buy fresh or frozen produce at participating Eat SF stores.

Qualifications:

You cannot apply to the program directly. You must obtain vouchers through health clinics, supportive housing agencies, senior centers, and other Eat SF partners. Ask your case worker or community action group for assistance or dial 211 from your landline or cell phone.

How to get help:

  • Call 833-834-4968
  • Email eatsf@ucsf.edu

Child care help in San Francisco

Check out this child care resource available to parents in San Francisco: 

Children’s Council San Francisco 

If you need help paying for child care, Children’s Council San Francisco offers financial assistance for qualified low-income families. Depending on your income, you may receive a full or partial subsidy for child care.  

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Call 415-343-3300
  • Email rr@childrenscouncil.org

Employment help in San Francisco

Check out these employment resources in San Francisco, Ca.:

JobsNOW!

San Francisco Human Service Agency’s JobsNOW! is a free program that helps eligible job seekers land a new position or get training to pursue a career. The program will either match you with the right employer or give you a voucher to help you find a job on your own. Upon being hired, the City of San Francisco will subsidize your salary for up to six months.

Qualifications:

  • Current San Francisco resident
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.
  • 18 years or older
  • CalWORKS, CalFresh, or Medi-Cal recipient or a formerly in foster care
  • Household income less than 300% of the FPL or receiving unemployment benefits

How to get help:

  • Complete the online form
  • Call 877-562-1669
  • Email applyforjobsnow@sfgov.org

Charity organizations in San Francisco

Here are some local San Francisco charities that help single moms:

Help a Mother Out

Help a Mother Out provides free diapers to mothers in need through partner organizations and diaper banks, including the San Francisco Diaper Bank.

Qualifications:

  • Partner organizations and diaper banks have their own eligibility requirements

How to get help:

SOURCES

  1. “The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families




Not your state? Select yours here:

If you’re a single mom in Arizona struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.

Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached. 

Qualifications are simple:

1. You’re a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)

Number of people in family/householdAnnual 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.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Arizona

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

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in Arizona

Cash Assistance (CA), Arizona’s version of the TANF program, helps single mothers and low-income families with emergency funds to help cover the cost of: 

  • Food
  • Rent
  • Clothing
  • Bills

You can receive CA for up to 60 months throughout your lifetime. The amount of money you receive depends on the number of people in your household, as well as your household income. For example, a family of three can receive a maximum of $278/month. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Arizona resident
  • Unemployed or underemployed
  • Very low or low income, under 130% of FPL
  • One of the following:
    • Have a child (or children) 18 years or younger
    • 18 years or younger and the head of your household

How to get help:

Find a Department of Human Services office near you:

google-maps-usa-image

More emergency cash help in Arizona: 

Single moms in Arizona can visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.

Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash: 

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Arizona

Arizona offers housing programs and services that help individuals and families with low incomes, older adults and people with disabilities, or those at-risk of or experiencing homelessness secure housing, pay their rent, or qualify for a mortgage.

Rental assistance in Arizona

If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent, this program can help: 

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing (rental apartments) and vouchers in most states to help single mothers and low-income households pay their rent.

In Arizona, there are two Section 8 programs through the Arizona Public Housing Authority (APHA) that offer housing assistance:

  1. Housing Choice Voucher Program: To view public housing availability in your area, reach out to your county/jurisdiction’s designated housing authority.
  1. Project-Based Rental Assistance

APHA is Arizona’s contract administrator for about 8,000 affordable project-based Section 8 properties around Arizona. Each property is owned and managed by private agents and has a Housing Assistance Payments Contract with HUD, administered by APHA. For information on housing availability, contact each property individually.

Qualifications:

  • Meet income limits specified by HUD — less than 50% of the median income for the county in which you live
  • Citizen or eligible immigrant
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Resident of Arizona

How to get help: 

Mortgage assistance in Arizona

If you need help getting or paying for a mortgage in Arizona, these programs can help: 

HOME+PLUS Arizona

Arizona Housing Finance Authority’s HOME+PLUS program consists of a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage combined with down payment assistance ranging from 0% to 5%, depending on the terms of the mortgage. 

Down payment assistance is available as a three-year, no interest, no payment, deferred second mortgage, fully forgiven after three years. If you refinance or sell your home before that time, the remaining second mortgage would need to be repaid (minus the number of forgiven months from the closing date). . 

Assistance can be used directly toward the down payment, closing costs, or a combination of both.

Qualifications:

  • Borrower’s annual income cannot exceed $122,100
  • One borrower per household must complete a homebuyer education course before closing
  • Borrowers on mortgage must have minimum credit score of 640 or higher

How to get help:

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Habitat for Humanity 

Habitat for Humanity builds and rehabilitates houses for needy families and offers homeownership assistance through volunteer labor. 

How to get help:

Contact Habitat for Humanity for more information.

USDA Rural Housing

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing program in Arizona is a homebuyer program for rural communities. 

How to get help:

Contact USDA AZ Rural Housing for more information in Arizona.

Homeless housing assistance in Arizona

If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, check out these programs: 

Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV)

The EHV program helps families and individuals experiencing homelessness by helping them find affordable housing in the short term and establishing housing stability in the long term.

Qualifications:

EHVs are limited to individuals and families who are:

  • Homeless or at risk of homelessness
  • Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking
  • Recently homeless and for whom providing rental assistance will prevent the family’s homelessness 
  • High risk of housing instability

How to get help: 

Arizona Department of Economic Security Homeless Service

The DES Homeless Coordination Office (HCO) uses federal and state funding to partner with nonprofit and local governments to provide the following services in Arizona:

  • Rapid rehousing
  • Emergency shelter
  • Homelessness prevention
  • Street outreach

How to get help:

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in Arizona

If you’re struggling to pay your utility bills in Arizona, check out the following programs:

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Arizona

LIHEAP helps eligible households with their home heating and cooling bills through energy bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, and long-term weatherization assistance. 

Eligible households can receive up to $1,200 per year, plus an additional $1,000 in the event of an energy crisis.

Qualifications:     

  • U.S. citizen or legally admitted immigrant
  • Total gross household income at or below 60% of state median income — $3,615/month for a family of three
  • Responsible for paying cost of energy bills
  • Resident of Arizona

How to get help:

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps qualifying households lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes safer, healthier, and more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:

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

The average expenditure per household is $7,669 depending on the home audit results.

Qualifications:     

Low-income individuals (at or below 200% of FPL), with priority given to higher-risk residents such as: 

  • Elderly
  • Disabled individuals
  • Families with children
  • High energy users

How to get help:

Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) in Arizona

LIHWAP was created in response to COVID-19 and helps eligible households pay for drinking and wastewater. Funds are paid directly to the vendor. 

Households may receive up to $3,000 in assistance. 

Qualifications:

  • Receive water through public pipelines from participating vendor
  • Total gross income at or below 60% of state median income — $3,615/month for a family of three
  • Responsible for paying the cost of water
  • U.S. citizen or legal immigrant
  • Resident of Arizona

How to get help:

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance & dental help for single moms in Arizona

The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families in Arizona:        

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Arizona

HRSA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.

HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.

Qualifications: 

Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced-cost care. 

How to get help:

Find an HRSA health center in Arizona by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

Arizona Medicaid

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona’s version of Medicaid, an assistance program that helps lower-income families pay for some or all of their medical bills. 

Qualifications:

  • Arizona resident
  • United States citizen or a qualified immigrant
  • Has a Social Security number or applying for one
  • Under the income limits (examples below are for a family of three):
    • Adults 19 to 64 – $2,756/month
    • Pregnant women – $3,232/month
    • Children 6-18 – $2,756/month
    • Children 1-5 – $2,922/month
    • Children less than 1 – $3,046/month

How to get help:

Arizona KidsCare

KidsCare, Arizona’s version of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), provides health coverage for children under 19 who aren’t eligible for other AHCCCS health insurance programs. 

Unlike Medicaid coverage, families with children enrolled in KidsCare must pay a monthly premium of $10-$70 a month based on income and the number of children per household. 

Qualifications:

  • Arizona resident
  • Under age 19
  • United States citizen or a qualified immigrant
  • Has a Social Security number or applying for one
  • Not currently covered by other health insurance
  • Under the income limits — $4,174/month for a family of three

How to get help:

Arizona Dental Services

Arizona residents enrolled in Medicaid (AHCCCS) are eligible to receive emergency dental care. Medicaid in Arizona does not cover exams, x-rays, cleanings, or other preventative dentistry. The annual limit for emergency dental care is $1,000. 

Qualifications for emergency dental care:

  • Resident of Arizona
  • Enrolled in Medicaid

How to get help:

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Arizona

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

Nutrition Assistance in Arizona

Nutrition Assistance is Arizona’s version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a federally funded program that provides emergency and monthly food-related benefits to eligible low-income households. Funds are loaded on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to buy food items like: 

  • Breads
  • Cereals
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meats
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Dairy
  • Plants and seeds to grow food 

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

Qualifications:

You must be a resident of Arizona and meet one of the following requirements:

  • Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, OR
  • Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 and share your household with one of the following:
    • Person or persons age 60 and over, or
    • Person with a disability (child, spouse, parent, or yourself)

How to get help: 

The Emergency Food Assistance Program

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that provides emergency nutrition at no cost through local food banks.

Qualifications: 

  • Each food bank sets its own eligibility and proof of need requirements
  • Persons receiving Nutrition Assistance automatically qualify for TEFAP

How to get help: 

Arizona’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies. 

Qualifications:

  • Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
  • Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
  • Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
  • Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
  • If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC

How to get help:

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

Arizona recently allocated $6.75 million to school lunch programs to waive fees for all children who qualify for reduced-price meals. This change went into effect in January 2023.

How to get help: 

Contact your child’s school directly to enroll.

Arizona’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)

Arizona’s SFSP, funded by the USDA, serves healthy meals to youth ages 18 and under at no cost during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, parks, and libraries. 

Qualifications: 

Must meet current income guidelines for the federal SFSP — $42,606/year for a family of three

How to get help: 

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Arizona 

There are several federally funded education programs and resources in Arizona:

Arizona Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school. 

Qualifications: 

  • Have children from birth to age 5 
  • Meet federal poverty guidelines 
  • Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) are eligible, regardless of income
  • Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services

How to get help:

DES Child Care Assistance (CCA)

DES provides CCA through its Division of Child Care (DCC), helping eligible families afford child care so parents can work and/or attend school/training. 

If you’re eligible for CCA, you will still have to pay a portion of child care costs, based on income. 

Qualifications:

  • Working families who meet these income guidelines
  • Teen parents enrolled in high school, GED, ESOL, or remedial education programs
  • Residents of homeless or domestic violence shelters
  • Individuals unable to care for their children due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition
  • Individuals unavailable to care for their children due to participation in court-ordered community service or participation in a drug treatment program
  • Individuals currently receiving full-time DES CCA who enroll in a full-time education or employment training program, and submit a work requirement waiver to DES

How to get help:

More child care help:

Education help for single moms in Arizona

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

Get a GED in Arizona

In Arizona, students looking to earn their GED can take four separate GED subtests at one of Arizona’s testing centers or online in English or Spanish:

  • Literacy (Reasoning through Language Arts)
  • Math (Mathematical Reasoning)
  • Science
  • Social Studies

These are the GED testing fees in Arizona: 

  • Test center: $140 for the complete test or $35 per module
  • Online testing: $164 overall or $41 per subtest

Qualifications:

  • Minimum age to qualify for GED testing is 16; however, underage applicants must provide verification that they have formally withdrawn from high school and include a notarized, dated, and signed consent statement from a parent/guardian
  • No residency requirement
  • No preparation program requirement
  • Must also pass the state’s Civics Test
  • Not be in enrolled in any other education program and have not graduated from secondary school

How to get help:

Visit GED in Arizona for requirements, classes, and testing centers

Helping Hands for Single Moms Phoenix

Helping Hands for Single Moms Phoenix helps single moms achieve their higher education goals through scholarships, emergency funds, technology assistance, and cleaning services while they attend school. The charity also has holiday gift programs for families in need.

Qualifications: 

  • Be a United States citizen
  • Live in Phoenix Metro Valley / Maricopa County
  • Have at least one child under 11 living with them most of the time
  • Be a single parent
  • Have at least one college semester completed
  • Have an income at or below 150% of FPL

How to get help: 

Apply on the Helping Hands for Single Moms website or fill out the online form.

Grants and scholarships in Arizona

If you are a single mom currently enrolled in or going to school, check out these options for financial aid: 

Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE)

The Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education (ACPE) provides access to state and federal grants through the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs. 

ACPE currently offers two main programs:

  1. Arizona Teacher Student Loan Program: This program is a need-based forgivable loan to financially support Arizona college students to study education and teach at a public school in Arizona. The maximum forgivable loan is $7,000 per academic year for up to three years. 
  2. Arizona Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP): AzLEAP provides need-based grants to low-income, undergraduate, Arizona-resident students. The maximum AzLEAP award for the academic year is $2,500; the average is $1,000.

How to get help:

Arizona Community Foundation scholarships

The Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) offers more than 150 scholarships to post-secondary Arizona students. You can apply for all applicable scholarships online through one general application.

How to get help:

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Arizona

Workforce programs in Arizona provide training and assist with employment and education:

ARIZONA@WORK

ARIZONA@WORK is a statewide network of career centers that offer employment-related services for job seekers, including: 

  • Access to current job listings 
  • Career counseling services
  • Resume assistance
  • Interview techniques
  • Job fairs

How to get help:

American Job Centers

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

How to get help: 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Arizona

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

The Salvation Army of Arizona

The Salvation Army assists with:

  • Food, shelter, and clothing
  • Medication costs
  • Education and job training
  • Rent and utility bills
  • Emergency disaster response
  • Substance abuse rehabilitation
  • Youth services
  • Christmas gifts

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs.

How to get help: 

Visit The Salvation Army in Arizona website to find your nearest location.

Catholic Charities of Arizona

There are 10 chapters of Catholic Charities across Arizona, serving both Central and Northern Arizona. They assist with:

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

United Way of Arizona

The United Way of Arizona connects people in need with local resources like: 

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Child care services
  • Housing
  • Health care
  • Support groups

How to get help: 

SOURCES

  1. “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 Colorado 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/householdAnnual 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.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Colorado

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

Temporary Cash Assistance in Colorado

Colorado Works — Colorado’s name for its Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children or to relatives who have court-ordered custody of a child placed in their home. Recipients must be committed to finding employment.

The amount paid out varies depending on household income and number of household members. The maximum grant amount is $439 for a household of three.

Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 60 months for adults. This may be extended if you are caring for someone with a disability or you ask for a hardship extension.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen, naturalized citizen, or a qualified non-citizen
  • Permanent Colorado resident
  • Pregnant or have children 18 or younger
  • Must meet income guidelines 
  • Partnered with child support

How to get help:

  • Apply online on the Colorado PEAK website
  • Contact the Colorado Department of Human Services (DHS) at 303-866-5700
  • In-person at your local DHS office

More emergency cash help in Colorado: 

Single moms in Colorado can visit 211colorado.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.

Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash: 

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Colorado

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

Rental assistance in Colorado

There are multiple programs in Colorado to help renters find housing and pay their rent. In many cases, they are specific to the county you live in. Check with your local DHS office for county-specific programs.

Here are some statewide rental assistance resources:

Colorado Housing Connects

Supported by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), Colorado Housing Connects helps Coloradans who are: 

  • Looking for affordable housing
  • Facing eviction
  • Dealing with rent/landlord issues or discriminatory rental practices

Qualifications:

Any resident of Colorado with rental concerns can get help. This is a referral service that prepares you to reach out to local programs, educating you on paperwork and eligibility requirements.

How to get help: 

Contact Colorado Housing Connects at 844-926-6632.

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing and vouchers to help low-income households pay their rent.

Qualifications:

Vouchers and housing are based on household income and family size. You can find your county’s income limits on the HUD website. 

How to get help: 

Mortgage assistance in Colorado 

If you need help buying or keeping a home in Colorado, check out these programs: 

Colorado Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program

If you have missed mortgage payments or you’re behind on property taxes, insurance, or utility payments, the Colorado Emergency Mortgage Assistance program provides help through federal funding from the Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF).

You can get up to $40,000 for help with qualified expenses, if approved. You can only apply once for this benefit.

Qualified expenses include:

  • Mortgage payments (on-time or delinquent)
  • Cost of mortgage reinstatement
  • Homeowner or condo association fees or liens
  • Utility payments (electric, gas, energy, etc.)
  • Late or delinquent property tax payments
  • Homeowner’s insurance payments

Qualifications:

  • COVID-19 impacted your income and ability to provide financially for your home on or after January 2020
  • Own your home and live in a single family home, condo, or a 2-, 3-, or 4-family home in Colorado as a primary residence
  • Income does not exceed 100% of the AMI for your county or city
  • Loan limit meets program guidelines

How to get help:

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority Programs

The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) provides downpayment assistance through grants or second mortgage loans, affordable home loans, homebuyer education, and guidance throughout the home-buying process.

Qualifications:

  • 620 credit score or higher
  • Attend CHFA-approved homebuyer education class before closing 
  • Income must fall within CHFA income limits
  • Pay at least $1,000 toward the home purchase

These are general qualifications across all CHFA programs. Depending on the program, there may be additional eligibility requirements.

Programs include:

  • CHFA Downpayment Assistance Grant – Get up to 3% of your home’s cost as a downpayment with no repayment required
  • CHFA Downpayment Loan – A second mortgage loan where you can borrow up to 4% of the home’s purchase price as a downpayment with deferred payments
  • CHFA FirstStep and FirstStep Plus – 30-year fixed FHA loan for first-time homebuyers and qualified veterans for homes in specific areas, downpayment assistance available
  • CHFA HomeAccess – 30-year fixed FHA, USDA-RD, or VA loan with downpayment second loan assistance up to $25,000, open to borrower who have or care for a dependent with a permanent disability
  • CHFA Preferred and Preferred Plus – 30-year fixed conventional loan (Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac) not restricted to first-time homebuyers, downpayment assistance option
  • CHFA Preferred Very Low Income Program (VLIP) – 30-year fixed Freddie Mac conventional loan, downpayment assistance available, open to first-time and experienced homebuyers, subject to VLIP income limits
  • CHFA SmartStep and SmartStep Plus – 30-year fixed FHA, FHA 203(k), VA, and USDA-RD loan, option for grant up to 3% of first mortgage or 4% of second mortgage for downpayment help, not restricted to first-time homebuyers
  • CHFA SectionEight and SectionEight Plus – 30-year fixed FHA or USDA-RD loan, must be a first-time homebuyer or qualified veteran, downpayment assistance available, must be receiving Section 8 assistance

How to get help:

Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation

The Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) provides low-interest loans to low to moderate-income first-time homebuyers for downpayment and closing cost assistance. Payments may be deferred, but the loans must be paid in full, over monthly installments.

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer, owning no other residential properties
  • The home must be your primary residence
  • Must contribute a minimum of $1,500 ($750 for disabled borrowers) toward the loan
  • Attend a CHFA/CHAC-approved first-time homebuyer class
  • Meet limits for home price and assets set by county

How to get help:

  • Call CHAC at 303-572-9445
  • Email frontdesk@chaconline.org

Section 502 Direct Loan Program

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Section 502 Direct Loan Program helps low to very low-income borrowers buy a home in a qualified rural area. The loan interest rate is 4% as of February 1 and there is an up to 33-year payback period (extends to 38 years for very low income applicants).

Qualifications:

  • Meet income and loan limit requirements for the area
  • Provide proof of citizenship or qualified non-citizen status
  • Must be without decent, sanitary, and safe housing
  • Must not qualify for any other type of loan
  • Must be your primary residence
  • Must be able to make payments on the loan
  • Must be in good standing to apply for a federal program

How to get help:

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Homeless assistance in Colorado 

If you are homeless or facing homelessness, these resources can help you find shelter:

Colorado DOLA Office of Homeless Initiatives

The main goal of the Colorado DOLA’s Office of Homeless Initiatives (OHI) is to prevent Colorado residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. The office oversees multiple initiatives including:

It also connects people to programs that provide the following services:

  • Emergency shelters
  • Transitional housing
  • Permanent housing
  • Family unification
  • State housing vouchers
  • Housing help for persons with AIDS
  • Rapid re-housing
  • Homelessness prevention

Qualifications: 

Requirements are set by individual programs. 

How to get help: 

  • Call the Office of Homeless Initiatives at 303-864-7852.
  • Cal 211 or visit 211colorado.org.

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in Colorado

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

Energy Outreach Colorado

Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) is a statewide nonprofit focused on making energy costs affordable for Coloradans. It offers multiple programs to make homes healthier, safer, and more energy-efficient, including bill payment assistance.

Qualifications:

  • You are behind on paying your heating and/or electric bill to an energy supplier
  • You have not received bill payment help from EOC during the current program year, which runs from October 1 to September 30.
  • Your income is at or below 80% of the area median income.

How to get help:

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) in Colorado

LEAP helps qualifying households with winter home heating costs, paid directly to utility companies like Xcel Energy or to a landlord. Applications are accepted between November 1 and April 30. The LEAP benefit can only be used once during this time period. This program also provides repairs or replacement of heating systems. 

Qualifications:       

  • Responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills
  • Resident of Colorado
  • U.S. Citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S.
  • Total household income is no more than 60% of the Colorado state median income:
    • For a family of three, that means you cannot exceed an income of $4,652 per month

How to get help:

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

If you need help reconnecting your water or waste/sewer services because of a past due bill, you may be eligible for help from LIHWAP.

Qualifications:

  • An approved LEAP recipient between November 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023
  • You pay a water vendor directly and not through a landlord (if you pay through a landlord, you can get help if your rent is past due or you are facing an eviction)
  • You have disconnected service, are about to get a shut off notice, or have a past due bill
  • Complete the LIHWAP addendum on the LEAP application

How to get help:

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient and ensuring proper heating. This program does not help with cooling issues.

Types of assistance include:

  • Energy audits and energy conservation education
  • Sealing areas to reduce drafts
  • Replacing or repairing inefficient or unsafe heating units 
  • Insulating a single family home for energy efficiency
  • Installing efficient appliances and LED light bulbs
  • Connecting your home to a solar program

Qualifications:

You are automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI, TANF, SNAP, or LEAP.

If you are not eligible for these programs, you’ll need to meet certain criteria:

  • U.S citizen or a qualified alien
  • Resident of state of Colorado
  • Meet annual household income guidelines — $49,720 for a family of three

How to get help:

Applications are not available online, so you have to visit your county’s weatherization provider.

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Colorado

The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:   

Connect for Health Colorado

Connect for Health Colorado is the state’s health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment is between November 1 and January 15. If you have a qualifying life change event, such as starting a new job or recently moving to the state, you can enroll outside of this period.

Qualifications: 

  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • Resident of Colorado
  • Not incarcerated

If you have a low income, you may be eligible for a subsidy to lessen the cost of your health insurance premium. You can use the Quick Cost and Plan Finder to see your estimated savings (actual costs may vary, the tool only provides an estimate based on your income).

How to get help: 

Health First Colorado (Colorado Medicaid)

Health First Colorado is Colorado’s Medicaid plan, providing medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. Coverage includes physical, dental and behavioral health benefits such as:

  • Healthcare provider visits
  • Dental services
  • Emergency services and transport
  • Maternity and newborn care
  • Behavioral health
  • Pharmacy and durable medical equipment
  • Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
  • Lab services
  • Preventative and wellness services
  • Family planning

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Colorado
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • Meet income requirements:
    • For a family of three with adults aged 19 to 65, you must make up to $2,553
    • For a family of three with children aged 0 to 18, up to $2,726
    • For a family of three with a pregnant woman, up to $3,743

How to get help:

  • Apply for coverage on Colorado PEAK
  • Call your local Colorado DHS.
  • Call 800-221-3943 if you are already a member.

Colorado Child Health Plan Plus 

Colorado Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) — part of the national Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — is for children of families who don’t qualify for Medicaid. The following services are covered: 

  • Primary care
  • Emergency care
  • Urgent care
  • Hospital services
  • Dental care (for children and for pregnant women)
  • Prescriptions
  • Immunizations
  • Maternity care (prenatal, delivery and postpartum care)
  • Mental/behavioral health care

Costs are based on your annual income for your household size. There are no copays for preventive care. You might pay small copays on other services.

Qualifications: 

  • Lawful resident of Colorado (children or pregnant women with no five-year waiting period)
  • Children age 18 and under
  • Pregnant women age 19 and older
  • Annual household income under 260% of the federal poverty level
  • Not eligible for Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
  • Has no other health insurance

How to get help: 

  • Apply through Colorado PEAK
  • Visit your local Colorado DHS
  • Call 800-359-1991 

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)

HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.

HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.

Qualifications: 

Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced cost care. 

How to get help:

Find an HRSA health center in Colorado by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Colorado

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

Colorado Food Assistance Program (SNAP)

USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households. 

SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card in retail food stores to purchase food, including:

  • Breads
  • Cereals
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meats
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Dairy
  • Plants and seeds to grow food 

As a SNAP recipient, you also have access to discounted admission at museums and cultural centers around the state. 

A program called Double Up Food Bucks doubles your SNAP benefits at participating markets and food retail locations. For a current list of markets, go to Double Up Food Bucks Colorado.

Qualifications:

You may be eligible if you’re a Colorado resident and  meet one of the following conditions:

  • Unemployed or work part-time
  • TANF, SSI or other public assistance recipient
  • Elderly or disabled and live on a small income
  • Children under 18
  • Adults ages 18 to 49 who have no children in their home

You must also have an annual household income less than 200% of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, the maximum income is $3,840 per month for a maximum monthly benefit of $740 from SNAP. 

How to get help: 

  • Apply through Colorado PEAK
  • Contact your local Colorado DHS
  • Call 303-866-5700.  

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies. 

Qualifications:

  • Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
  • Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
  • Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
  • Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
  • If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC

How to get help: 

Call your local WIC office and say you want to apply for WIC. 

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program

The NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school. 

An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students at participating schools. Schools with at least 80% of the students eligible for free or reduced-price meals must provide breakfast at no cost to all students. 

For the 2023-24 school year, all Colorado students will be able to get free school meals, as long as their school district opts into the Healthy Meals for All Program, which will reimburse participating school districts for the meals they provide.

Qualifications: 

Household income must fall at or below the limits of the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.

How to get help: 

Contact your child’s school to enroll. 

Colorado’s Summer Food Service Program

The Colorado Department of Education, in partnership with sponsoring organizations, serves nutritious meals at no cost to children up to age 18 during summer break. Food is distributed at community sites, such as schools, churches, rec centers, and parks.  

Qualifications: 

Anyone 18 years of age and younger is welcome to eat a meal at participating sites throughout the summer.

How to get help: 

  • Use the KidsFoodFinder
  • Text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877-877
  • Call 866-348-6479 to find a location

Colorado food banks

Food banks in Colorado provide meals for individuals and families who are struggling to put food on the table. 

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

To find a food bank near you and for additional information, visit the Hunger Free Colorado website.

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families

There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Colorado:

Colorado Child Care Assistance Program

The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) connects low-income families to free or affordable child care help. These services are available through CCAP child care providers to those enrolled in Colorado Works (the state’s TANF program) or families that meet eligibility guidelines.

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Colorado
  • Employed, in training for a job, or actively looking for work
  • Have at least one child under 13 (or 19 if the child has a disability that requires special needs care)
  • Income is less than 85% of the state median income and less than the maximum income for household size set by each Colorado county.

How to get help:

  • Apply online through Colorado PEAK or contact your local Colorado DHS office
  • Find a CCAP child care provider through Colorado Shines

Colorado Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school. 

Qualifications: 

  • Children from birth to 5 
  • Meet federal poverty guidelines 
  • Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
  • Some programs accept kids with incomes above the Poverty Guidelines
  • Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start

How to get help: 

Universal Preschool Colorado

The state of Colorado will launch free Universal Preschool (UPK) in the 2023-2024 school year (August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024). It provides up to 15 hours per week of educational care for 3- to 4-year-olds. 

If your child meets one of the qualifying factors, they may be eligible for up to 30 hours of care per week when combined with other benefits such as Head Start, CCAP, or other preschool funding.

Qualifications:

  • Child will be 3 or 4 when the 2023-2024 school year begins
  • Family income is below 270% of the federal poverty guidelines, based on your household size.

How to get help:

More education help

Education help for single moms in Colorado

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

Get a GED in Colorado

If you are at least 17 years old in Colorado and not enrolled in high school, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 with approval from the Colorado High School Equivalency office. 

The GED test is broken into four exams on different subjects, which can be spaced out and taken at your own pace (though each individual exam has a time limit): 

  • Mathematical reasoning – 115 minutes
  • Reasoning through language arts – 150 minutes
  • Social studies – 70 minutes
  • Science – 90 minutes

You have two options for taking the test in Colorado: 

  • Online at-home test – $43.50 per subject
  • In person at a test center – $37.50 per subject

Grants and scholarships in Colorado

The Colorado Department of Higher Education connects students and prospective students with financial aid resources like grants and scholarships available in Colorado and nationwide.

You can start by applying for:

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. 

Other places to find financial aid:

Student loan forgiveness in Colorado

If you are having trouble paying back your student loans, look into these options for student loan forgiveness:

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you have a Direct Loan or loans that have been consolidated into a Direct Loan, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness if you meet certain requirements.

Qualifications:

  • Full-time employee of a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization (use the PSLF Help Tool if you are uncertain you work for a qualified employer)
  • Direct loan holder
  • In an income-driven repayment plan
  • Must complete 120 qualifying payments 

New qualifications will be announced July 1, 2023 (we will update them when they are released).

How to get help:

  • Call 855-265-4038

Employment help for single moms in Colorado

Workforce programs in Colorado provide training and assist with employment:

Colorado Workforce Development Council

The Colorado Workforce Development Council is an organization that connects workers to helpful career and education resources, including:

  • Workforce centers – Virtual or in-person centers to help you find work, career-related training, educational opportunities, grants, apprenticeships, and other job services
  • TalentFOUND – A portal to look for jobs, explore careers, and develop employable skills
  • My Colorado Journey – A platform to help you plan your career and look for opportunities that suit your skills

Qualifications:

Any Colorado resident can use these resources.

How to get help:

Call 720-377-8624 or email cwdc@state.co.us

Colorado Department of Labor and Unemployment

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

Qualifications: 

  • Colorado resident 
  • Unemployed or working less than 32 hours per week and earning less than the weekly unemployment benefit
  • A traditional employee with a W-2
  • Earned at least $2,500 within 18 months
  • Able and available to work

How to get help: 

American Job Centers

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

How to get help: 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Colorado

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

The Salvation Army of Colorado

The Salvation Army wears many hats. Chapters assist with:

  • Food, shelter and clothing
  • Medication costs
  • Education and job training
  • Christmas presents
  • Rent and utility bills
  • Substance abuse rehabilitation
  • Youth services
  • Emergency disaster response

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

Catholic Charities of Colorado

Catholic Charities assists with:

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

There are three chapters in Colorado:

How to get help: 

United Way of Colorado

The United Way of Colorado connects people in need with local resources like: 

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Child care services
  • Housing
  • Health care
  • Support groups

How to get help: 

SOURCES

  1. “The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families




Not your state? Select yours here:

If you’re a single mom in Connecticut struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with: 

Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.

Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached. 

Qualifications are simple:

1. You’re a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)

Number of people in family/householdAnnual 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.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Connecticut

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

Temporary Family Assistance in Connecticut

TFA — Connecticut’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children or pregnant women.

The amount paid out varies depending on family size and the region you live in. For example, payouts for a family of three in the most populated Connecticut region is $543 per month, or $500 per month if you live in subsidized housing. Use the “Am I Eligible?” tool on the Department of Social Services website to determine if you qualify.

Cash assistance is available for 21 months, with a lifetime limit of 60 months. Families can qualify for 6-month extensions if they are unemployed or still make less than the TFA payouts.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Permanent Connecticut resident
  • Have children under 18  
  • Children 18 and older must be full-time high school or vocational school students
  • Children must live with a related adult or an adult who has filed for guardianship through probate court
  • Pregnant women who have no other means of support 
  • Gross income must be less than 100% of the FPL
  • Family assets of $3,000 or less*

*$9,500 of a family’s car value and any earnings of dependent students are not counted toward assets.

How to get help:

Find a Department of Human Services office near you:

google-maps-usa-image

More emergency cash help in Connecticut: 

Single moms in Connecticut can also visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.

Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash: 

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Connecticut

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

Rental assistance in Connecticut

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

Rental Assistance Program (RAP)

RAP is an initiative of the Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) that helps low-income renters afford safe and sanitary housing by paying for a portion of their rent. Payments are made directly to landlords.

The amount of rental assistance varies depending on your family size, location, and income. DOH works with Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) to manage and calculate the amount of rental assistance a family can receive. Typically, renters who qualify for RAP must put 40% of their income toward rent and utilities.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Resident of Connecticut
  • Household’s annual income must not exceed 50% of AMI
  • Family must find their own housing if moving
  • Housing must meet quality and safety levels set by DOH
  • Monthly rent must not exceed the maximum allowable rent for bedroom size and area

How to get help: 

Contact your local Public Housing Authorities (PHA) and ask how to apply.  

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing and vouchers to help low-income households pay their rent.

Qualifications:

Vouchers and housing are based on household income and family size. You can find your county’s income limits on the HUD website. 

How to get help: 

Mortgage assistance in Connecticut

If you need help paying your mortgage or buying a home in Connecticut, these programs can help: 

MyHomeCT 

MyHomeCT is a federally-funded program that offers up to $50,000 in mortgage and housing cost assistance. Assistance can be a one-time payment to cover mortgage reinstatement costs or ongoing monthly mortgage assistance for up to 12 months. 

MyHomeCT can also help pay for overdue home-related expenses like:

  • Real estate taxes
  • Homeowner’s insurance and/or flood insurance
  • Homeowner/condominium/co-op association fees
  • Ground lease or lot payments
  • Water and sewer liens
  • Loan servicer/mortgage company fees related to a reverse mortgage

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Connecticut
  • Proof of financial hardship related to COVID-19 pandemic 
  • Household income is less than 150% of AMI
  • Own and occupy the property as primary residence
  • Initial mortgage principal balance was at or below the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (for mortgage assistance)

How to get help: 

Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (EMAP) 

EMAP is a 30-year, fixed loan issued by the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to help homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage. As a loan, Connecticut residents receive monthly assistance for up to 60 months to help pay current or past-due mortgage payments. 

The loan amount varies depending on your income and area, and interest will not accrue until CHFA determines you’re ready to pay the loan.

Qualifications:

  • Behind on mortgage, expect to fall behind on mortgage, or facing foreclosure
  • Facing foreclosure from delinquent taxes, housing fees, or water and sewer payments
  • Proof of financial hardship out of your control
  • Already attempted to negotiate a repayment plan with your lender 
  • Must participate in the Judicial Mediation Program if you receive a Summons and Complaint
  • Must have a favorable mortgage credit history during home ownership or past two years
  • Must have less than three 30-day late payments 12 months prior to financial hardship
  • Must be fully released from bankruptcy debts

How to get help: 

Call the CHFA Customer Call Center at 860-571-3500 and ask how to apply. 

Connecticut Homebuyer Mortgage Programs

CHFA offers four mortgage loan programs to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers purchasing homes in targeted areas: 

  • Homebuyer Mortgage Program: Loan with a below-market interest rate that can be combined with a CHFA down payment assistance program.
  • HFA Advantage and HFA Preferred Programs: Loans with below-market interest rates, plus lower mortgage insurance premiums, to help reduce monthly payments. Premiums end when you have 20% home equity. 
  • CHFA Conventional Area Median Income Loan Program (CALP):  Loan with a below-market interest rate, plus lower mortgage insurance premiums, that is available to homebuyers who exceed 80% of AMI and do not qualify for HFA Advantage or HFA Preferred programs.

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer or have not owned a home in the past three years
  • Non-first-time homebuyer trying to buy a home in a targeted area
  • Home will be primary residence
  • Home sales price must meet CHFA sales price limits 
  • Applicant’s gross income must not exceed 80% of the AMI* 
  • Household income must meet CHFA income limits  
  • Must attend free Homebuyer Education class before close

*Connecticut residents who have an income greater than 80% of the AMI can qualify for the CHFA Conventional AMI Loan Program.

How to get help: 

Contact a local CHFA Participating Lender. 

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Mobile Manufactured Home Loan Program

Connecticut residents who want to purchase a mobile home can apply for CFHA’s Mobile Manufactured Home mortgage for below-market interest rates, low closing costs, and low monthly payments. CHFA will lend up to 80% of the appraised value or purchase price of the mobile home. 

This program can not be combined with CHFA down payment assistance programs.

Qualifications: 

  • Current resident of Connecticut
  • First-time homebuyer or prior homeowner without a second property
  • Mobile home must be primary, year-round residence
  • Mobile home must be located in a state-licensed mobile home park
  • Mobile home sales price must meet CHFA sales price limits 
  • Household income must meet CHFA income limits 
  • Mobile home must be on a permanent foundation
  • Must enter a yearly, renewable lot lease agreement 
  • Must attend free Homebuyer Education class before close

How to get help: 

Complete a prequalifying application and contact the CHFA participating lender Capital For Change Inc. at 855-656-5500 or lending@capitalforchange.org.

Connecticut down payment assistance

CHFA also helps with down payment and closing costs in the form of a second mortgage loan. These must be combined with a CHFA home mortgage.

There are two down payment assistance options available: 

Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) Loan:

  • Up to $20,000 in financing to cover down payments and closing costs
  • Low-interest rate at 1% (1.10% -1.50% APR)
  • Loan must be at least $3,000 but less than the minimum down payment (3% to 3.50% of home price)

Time To Own – Forgivable Down Payment Assistance Loan:

  • Up to $50,000 in financing to cover down payments and closing costs
  • Up to $25,000 in financing for homes in high or very high opportunity areas 
  • Financing covers up to 20% of down payment and up to 5% of closing costs
  • 0% interest rate and no monthly payment
  • Loan must be at least $3,000  
  • 10% of the principal balance forgiven annually until the loan is fully forgiven (on the tenth anniversary of closing)

Qualifications: 

  • Current resident of Connecticut
  • Proof of residency for past three years
  • Must be first-time homebuyer or purchasing home in a targeted area
  • Must apply and qualify for a CHFA first mortgage
  • Must show ability to repay the CHFA first and second mortgage 
  • Must attend free Homebuyer Education class before close

How to get help: 

Homeless assistance in Connecticut

Housing and Homeless Services

The main goal of the Housing and Homeless Services is to prevent Connecticut residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. Coordinated Access Networks (CAN) across the state offer services including:

  • Emergency shelters
  • Transitional housing
  • Permanent housing
  • Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing

Qualifications: 

Requirements are set by individual Coordinated Access Networks.

How to get help: 

  • Call 2-1-1 and press #3 and #1 if you are homeless or in a housing emergency
  • Call 800-203-1234 

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in Connecticut

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

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) 

CEAP helps Connecticut residents with home heating costs, usually paid directly to utility companies. Heating bill assistance ranges from $250 to $600 depending on income level, household, and vulnerable family members (elderly, people with disabilities, and children). 

Assistance can also include: 

  • Payment plans
  • Shut-off protection
  • Heating equipment and water heater replacements or repairs
  • Fuel deliveries, like propane 

Qualifications:    

  • Resident of Connecticut
  • Each household member has a social security number (or meet exception)
  • Eligible if already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (State Supp), Refugee Cash Assistance
  • Your annual household income is at or below 60% of the state’s median income — $64,230 for a family of three

How to get help:

Connecticut’s Weatherization Assistance Program (CTWAP)

CTWAP  — Connecticut’s name for their Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) — helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:

  • Replacing inefficient or unsafe heating units 
  • Insulating a home for energy efficiency
  • HVAC repair or replacement
  • Water heater repair or replacement
  • Lighting replacement
  • Ventilation and moisture control measures  

CTWAP applications are submitted with CEAP applications. 

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Connecticut
  • Each household member has a social security number (or meet exception)
  • Eligible if already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (State Supp), Refugee Cash Assistance
  • Home has not been weatherized by WAP, LIHEAP, HUD, or USDA activities in last 15 years
  • Home cannot be listed for sale or sold within six months of CTWAP weatherization 
  • Home cannot be in foreclosure or loan mediation
  • If renting, landlord may need to contribute 20% of material costs, up to $500
  • Your annual household income is at or below 60% of the state’s median income — $64,230 for a family of three

How to get help:

  • Call or visit your local Community Action Agency and ask for help applying for CTWAP
  • Call 2-1-1 to find you local Energy Assistance intake site
  • Apply online at the Heating Help website

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) in Connecticut

LIHWAP helps low-income Connecticut residents pay for water and wastewater bills to avoid utility disconnection or reconnect their service. Households can receive up to $1,000 in assistance to pay bills, and LIHWAP can also help reduce the cost of overdue water bills. 

Qualifications:       

  • Resident of Connecticut
  • Immediate danger of water or wastewater disconnection
  • Already disconnected from water or wastewater
  • Automatically eligible if already receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Family Assistance (TFA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (State Supp), Refugee Cash Assistance, or Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Your annual household income is at or below 60% of the state’s median income  — $64,230 for a family of three

How to get help:

  • Call or visit your local Community Action Agency and ask how to apply
  • Call 2-1-1 to find you local Energy Assistance intake site

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Connecticut

The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:   

Connecticut Dental Health Partnership (CTDHP) 

CTDHP connects Connecticut residents who are already enrolled in a HUSKY Health program  with in-network dentists and specialists. The program also helps schedule appointments and arrange transportation.

Qualifications: 

Individuals and families must qualify for Connecticut’s HUSKY Health medical benefits program.

How to get help: 

Contact a CTDHP Customer Service Representative at 855-283-3682 or visit the HUSKY Dental website.

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Connecticut

HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.

HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.

Qualifications: 

Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced cost care. 

How to get help:

Find an HRSA health center in Connecticut by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

HUSKY A (Connecticut Medicaid)

HUSKY A — Connecticut’s Medicaid program — provides free or low-cost medical coverage for low-income individuals, pregnant women, and families. Coverage includes services like:

  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital visits
  • Prenatal care
  • Prescriptions
  • Vision

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Connecticut
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien*
  • Pregnant and/or caretaker for a child 18 or younger
  • Children over 18 must graduate highschool at 19
  • Meet income requirements

*Families who do not qualify for Husky A because of their immigration status may qualify for State Husky A, a state-funded program that covers uninsured children up to age 12 with a household income between 0-323% of the FPL.

How to get help:

Apply for coverage on the Access Health CT website or call 855-805-4325.

HUSKY B

HUSKY B — part of the national Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — provides health insurance to children under 19 in higher-income households who don’t qualify for Medicaid. 

Families who do not qualify for Husky B because of their immigration status may qualify for State Husky B, a state funded program that covers uninsured children up to age 12 with a household income under 323% of the FPL.

Husky B health insurance programs include: 

  • HUSKY B (Band 1) or State HUSKY B (Band 1) – Covers children 0-12 (through 18 if enrolled before 13) and includes no monthly premiums, with some co-payments. 
  • HUSKY B (Band 2) or State HUSKY B (Band 2) – Covers children 0-12 (through 18 if enrolled before 13) and includes a $30 monthly premium for one child, $50 monthly premium for more than one child, and some co-payments.
  • HUSKY B Prenatal – Covers non-citizen pregnant people and their unborn child. Offers no monthly premiums, but some co-payments for non-pregnancy services.

These placements are based on the age of the child, household size, and family income. 

Qualifications: 

  • Resident of Connecticut
  • Non-citizen pregnant person
  • Children are age 0-12 
  • Meet income limit requirements for household size — up to $80,298 for a family of three

How to get help: 

Apply for coverage on the Access Health CT website or call 855-805-4325.

Connecticut Family Wellness Healthy Start Program (FWHS)

FWHS provides home education and coordinated care for low-income pregnant women in Hartford and New Britain. Services are provided by eight contracted Community Partners and include: 

  • Health assessment
  • Health education
  • Provider referrals
  • Follow-up services and support

Qualifications: 

Pregnant women and parents of children under 18 months are eligible for FWHS services.

How to get help: 

Call 860-509-8092 and ask how to apply.

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Connecticut

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

Connecticut Food Assistance Program (SNAP)

USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households. 

SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card to purchase food in retail food stores, including:

  • Breads
  • Cereals
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meats
  • Fish
  • Poultry
  • Dairy
  • Plants and seeds to grow food 

Connecticut’s maximum SNAP benefit is $740/month for a family of three.

Qualifications:

  • Connecticut resident
  • Gross household income is at or below 200% of FPL
  • If income is more than 200% of FPL, total assets (savings, checking, cash, stock, and bonds) can not exceed $4,250
  • Meet income guidelines — $3,838 for a family of three 

How to get help: 

Apply for benefits on the ConneCT website or call 855-626-6632.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies. 

Qualifications:

  • Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
  • Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
  • Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
  • Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
  • If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC

How to get help: 

Free school meals

Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation in February to extend free meals to all students at least through the end of the 2022-23 school year.

Connecticut Summer Food Service Program

Connecticut schools may also offer the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) that offers free or low-cost lunch and breakfast during school vacation periods for eligible students. This service is part of the Seamless Summer program, where a school offers NSLP, SBP, and SFSP.

Qualifications: 

Household income must fall at or below the limits of the federal income eligibility guidelines.

How to get help: 

Find your local CT Summer Meals Program.

Connecticut food banks


Food banks in Connecticut provide meals for individuals and families who are struggling to put food on the table. 

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

To find a food bank near you and for additional information, visit the Connecticut Foodshare website.

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Connecticut

There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Connecticut:

Connecticut  Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school. 

Qualifications: 

  • Children from birth to 5 
  • Meet federal poverty guidelines 
  • Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TFA, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
  • Some programs accept kids with incomes above the poverty guidelines
  • Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start

How to get help: 

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

Connecticut Care 4 Kids

Care 4 Kids partners with the state of Connecticut to help low- to moderate-income Connecticut families afford child care.

Qualifications:

  • Parent and children live in Connecticut
  • Children must be under 13 or under 19 if they have special needs
  • Parent is working or attending Jobs First approved education or training activity
  • Household meets income requirements 

How to get help: 

Apply on the Care 4 Kids website.

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Connecticut

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

Get a GED in Connecticut

If you are at least 18 years old in Connecticut, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 17 if you have been withdrawn from school for at least 6 months.

The GED test is broken into four exams on different subjects, which can be spaced out and taken at your own pace (though each individual exam has a time limit): 

  • Mathematical reasoning – 115 minutes
  • Reasoning through language arts – 150 minutes
  • Social studies – 70 minutes
  • Science – 90 minutes

You have two options for taking the test in Connecticut: 

  • Online at-home test – $0 per subject + $13 registration fee
  • In person at a test center – $0 per subject + $13 registration fee

Grants and scholarships in Connecticut

The Office of Higher Education (OHE) connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in Connecticut. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, visit the OHE website. 

Individual schools also offer need-based and academic scholarships for their students. If you’ve been accepted to a higher education institution, contact their office of financial aid to learn how to apply. 

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Connecticut

Workforce programs in Connecticut provide training and assist with employment:

Connecticut Unemployment Insurance

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

Qualifications: 

  • Connecticut resident 
  • Unemployed
  • Earned significant wages in the last 12-18 months
  • Actively looking for another job

How to get help: 

Apply online through ReEmployment CT.

American Job Centers

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

How to get help: 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Connecticut

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

The Salvation Army of Southern New England

The Salvation Army wears many hats. Chapters assist with:

  • Food, shelter, and clothing
  • Medication costs
  • Education and job training
  • Christmas presents
  • Rent and utility bills
  • Substance abuse rehabilitation
  • Youth services
  • Emergency disaster response

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs. 

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

Catholic Charities of Connecticut

Catholic Charities assists with:

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

There are three chapters across Connecticut:

  • Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford
  • Catholic Charities Diocese or Norwich
  • Catholic Charities of Fairfield County

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

Find your nearest Catholic Charities branch on the Catholic Charities website.

United Way of Connecticut

The United Way of Connecticut connects people in need with local resources like: 

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Child care services
  • Housing
  • Health care
  • Support groups

How to get help: 

More charities for single moms: 

Charities that help single moms

SOURCES

  1. “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




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