Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.
Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached.
Qualifications are simple:
1. You’re a single mom.
2. You need the money right now.
Fill out this form to apply:
(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)
Number of people in family/household
Annual income
1
$15,960
2
$21,640
3
$27,320
4
$33,000
5
$38,680
6
$44,360
7
$50,040
8
$55,720
For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.
Emergency cash for low-income families in New Jersey
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
WorkFirst NJ in New Jersey
WFNJ — New Jersey’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children. The program also helps adults find employment. The amount paid out varies depending on your family’s size, household income, and if you receive other forms of cash assistance.
New Jersey’s monthly WFNJ payments are $559/month for a family of three who makes less than $839/month. See all payout and income amounts.
Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 60 months for adults (benefits paid to children under 18 do not count toward the lifetime total). However, there are some exceptions related to permanent disability, unemployment, family violence, and being a sole caretaker that allow you to receive benefits for a longer amount of time.
Qualifications:
Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Permanent New Jersey resident
Household members must have social security number
Have children under 18 or under 19 if still enrolled in high school
Currently 6 or more months pregnant with other children
Supportive Assistance to Individuals and Families (SAIF) in New Jersey
People who have met the 60-month WFNJ assistance limit can apply for the SAIF program for 24 months of cash benefits. SAIF also provides child care services and transportation to help New Jerseyans secure a job and stay employed.
Qualifications:
New Jersey resident
Already received 60 months of WFNJ benefits
Must attend work activities
Meet child support obligations
Attempted to get a job but are still unemployed
You are in one or more of the following situations:
Experienced family/domestic violence
Deferred from WFNJ work activities for 12 months or longer
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help.
Rental assistance in New Jersey
There are multiple programs in New Jersey to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)
SRAP is an initiative of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs that helps low-income renters pay for safe housing. The program selects 4,000 eligible households each year to receive rental assistance through a lottery system.
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) offers a homebuyer program with a 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage loan, affordable mortgage insurance, and low down payments.
Qualifications:
Resident of New Jersey
Home must be occupied as primary residence 60 days after close
These loans are only available to first-time home buyers when combined with downpayment assistance. First-time homebuyers include those who have not owned a home for three years before purchasing a new home.
New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency’s (NJHMFA) First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program
NJHMFA offers 30-year fixed rate mortgage loans for first-time homebuyers or non-first time homebuyers who purchase a home in target areas. These loans can be offered as FHA, VA, and USDA loans. The program can also be combined with the NJHMFA Down Payment Assistance Program.
Qualifications:
Resident of New Jersey
Home must be occupied as primary residence 60 days after close
NJHMFA also offers up to $15,000 to put toward down payment and closing costs in the form of a second mortgage loan. The loan must be combined with an HFA Advantage Mortgage or First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program.
The DPA includes no interest or monthly payments, and the loan is forgiven if the homeowner lives in the home for 5 years after the close date and does not refinance their first mortgage.
Qualifications:
Resident of New Jersey
First-time homebuyer
Home must be occupied as primary residence 60 days after close
If you are at risk for homelessness or homeless, the New Jersey SSH program offers emergency food, funds, and shelter. They can help with past due rent, mortgage, and utility payments.
The main goal of the Office of Homelessness Prevention (OHP) is to prevent New Jersey residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. The office oversees state and local homelessness prevention agencies that offer services including:
Emergency shelters
Transitional housing
Permanent housing
Counseling to acquire the necessary life skills to maintain permanent housing
Qualifications:
Requirements are set by individual OHP agencies.
How to get help:
Call the Office of Homelessness Prevention at 866-889-6270
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in New Jersey, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in New Jersey
LIHEAP helps qualifying households with home heating and cooling costs, paid directly to utility companies or a two-party check made to the applicant and supplier.
Applying for LIHEAP also includes an application to the Universal Service Fund Program (USF), which helps pay natural gas and electric bills. The amount of LIHEAP assistance depends on your household size, income, type of fuel, and region.
Qualifications:
Resident of New Jersey
U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) in New Jersey
LIHWAP helps low-income New Jersey residents pay for water and wastewater bills to avoid utility disconnection. Payments are made directly to water and wastewater companies. You can also apply for LIHEAP at the same time.
Qualifications:
U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
New Jersey Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE)
The PAGE program helps low- and moderate-income families who are behind on their energy bills. Homeowners and renters can get financial help to get their service reconnected and bill paid.
Qualifications:
New Jersey resident
Renter or homeowner
Account is past due, at risk of disconnection, or disconnected
The USF offers monthly credits on energy bills to make payments more affordable. If you are a USF recipient more than $60 behind on paying your gas and electric bill, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the USF-Fresh Start program up until September 30, 2023.
Fresh Start which offers bill forgiveness when you pay your current monthly charges in full. With each month, 1/12 of your past due amount is forgiven with the total balance forgiven in one year.
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in New Jersey
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:
New Jersey Charity Care
New Jersey Charity Care offers free or affordable emergency care for uninsured and underinsured people. This service is not for routine check ups or primary care.
Qualifications:
New Jersey resident
No health coverage or existing coverage that doesn’t completely cover emergent care
Ineligible for private or government insurance, including Medicaid
HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.
HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.
Qualifications:
Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced cost care.
How to get help:
Find an HRSA health center in New Jersey by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid and CHIP)
Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In New Jersey, Medicaid recipients are enrolled in the NJ FamilyCare Medicaid program, which includes coverage through managed care organizations like:
NJ FamilyCare also includes the national Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — which matches each qualifying child to a health insurance program.
NJ FamilyCare coverage and premiums depend on your household income, but typically include coverage for services like:
Doctor visits
Glasses
Hospitalizations
Lab tests and x-rays
Prescriptions
Check-ups
Dental
Mental health
Qualifications:
Resident of New Jersey
U.S. national citizen, refugee, or legal permanent resident for at least 5 years (children can qualify regardless of their immigration status)
Apply for coverage on the NJ FamilyCare website or call 800-701-0710.
New Jersey Healthy Women Healthy Families (HWHF) Initiative
New Jersey’s HWHF Initiative connects families with Community Health Workers (CHW) and Central Intake Hubs that provide support services to improve child and maternal health.
Services include:
Healthcare for mothers and children
Early education programs
Domestic violence support
Addiction treatment
Financial assistance
Home visits
Mental and behavioral health services
Qualifications:
Pregnant women and parents of children under 5 years old are typically eligible depending on the CHW and Central Intake Hub eligibility terms.
How to get help:
Search for services by county on the Connecting NJ website.
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
New Jersey Food Assistance Program (SNAP)
USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households.
SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card to purchase food in retail food stores, including:
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies.
WIC also offers Farmers’ Market Checks from June through November so participants can purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. These checks can only be used at approved Farmers Markets, and mothers and children 2-5 years old can receive $25 per month.
Qualifications:
Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC
Apply online or contact your child’s school to enroll.
New Jersey’s Summer Food Service Program
New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) serves free, nutritious meals to children 18 or younger during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools in low-income areas.
Qualifications:
Meals are available to children 18 years old and younger.
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in New Jersey:
New Jersey Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school.
Qualifications:
Children from birth to 5
Income is at or below FPL
Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
Some programs accept kids with incomes above the poverty guidelines
Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start
The NJCK program helps eligible residents of Monmouth County pay for child care. This program helps families with children from birth up to 13 years old or those with special needs up to age 19.
Qualifications:
Monmouth County resident
Children must be U.S. citizens and have a valid SSN
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in New Jersey
If you are at least 18 years old in New Jersey, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 or 17 with special permission if you are not enrolled in school and a parent or legal guardian completes a consent form.
The GED test is broken into four exams on different subjects, which can be spaced out and taken at your own pace (though each individual exam has a time limit):
Mathematical reasoning – 115 minutes
Reasoning through language arts – 150 minutes
Social studies – 70 minutes
Science – 90 minutes
You have two options for taking the test in New Jersey:
Online at-home test – $30 per subject
In person at a test center – $36 per subject
New Jersey College Promise
The New Jersey College Promise was created to help college students gain higher education without going into debt. It offers two programs to achieve this goal for eligible recipients:
Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG): An income-based grant that offers tuition-free attendance at a New Jersey community college for an associate’s degree
Garden State Guarantee (GSG): A program that fully or partially funds a student’s third and fourth year in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree at an in-state, public, four-year institution
Qualifications:
New Jersey resident
Adjusted gross income between $0 and $100,000
Completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Enroll for a minimum of six credit hours at a New Jersey community college (CCOG) or 12 credit hours at a public four-year college in New Jersey
Does not possess a bachelor’s degree
Must demonstrate satisfactory progress in school
How to get help:
Complete the FAFSA
Call 609-584-4480
Grants and scholarships in New Jersey
New Jersey’s Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in New Jersey. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, create a student profile on the New Jersey Financial Aid Management System (NJFAMS).
Individual schools also offer need-based and academic scholarships for their students. If you’ve been accepted to a higher education institution, contact their office of financial aid to learn how to apply.
Employment help for single moms in New Jersey
Workforce programs in New Jersey provide training and assist with employment:
New Jersey Displaced Homemaker Program (DHP)
The New Jersey DHP helps women who were previously married with a spouse that earned the primary income for the household. Through training and other employment services, the program helps women improve their employability and earning potential. This program serves all 21 New Jersey counties.
Qualifications:
Resident of New Jersey
Single woman who is divorced, widowed, separated, a survivor of domestic violence, or with a disabled spouse
The spouse was the primary financial provider in the home and now the woman carries the financial responsibility
The Jersey City Free Public Library offers free resources to help you find and get a job. Through JobNow, you can search for career opportunities, get live job coaching, learn and practice interview skills, receive resume help, and more. There are also resources to help you prepare for earning your GED
Qualifications:
Resident of Jersey City, N.J.
Registered member of the Jersey City Free Public Library
“The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families
Not your state? Select yours here:
If you’re a single mom in Ohio struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with:
Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.
Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached.
Qualifications are simple:
1. You’re a single mom.
2. You need the money right now.
Fill out this form to apply:
(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)
Number of people in family/household
Annual income
1
$15,960
2
$21,640
3
$27,320
4
$33,000
5
$38,680
6
$44,360
7
$50,040
8
$55,720
For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
Ohio Works First (OWF)
Ohio Works First (OWF) is Ohio’s version of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which provides cash benefits for qualifying families for up to 36 months (though extensions may be granted in cases of domestic violence and physical/mental incapacity).
The program is available to:
Families with children
Children living with non-parental guardians
Women who are six months pregnant
The amount paid out varies depending on household income. The average OWF payment in November 2021 was $221 per recipient (the most recent data available).
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Have children under 18 or under 19 if a full-time student
Children must be deprived due to:
Continued absence from the home from at least one parent
Physical/mental incapacity of at least one parent
Death of a parent
Mother must apply for and accept other benefits such as:
Unemployment compensation
Workman’s compensation
Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI)
Child support
Children and mother must have social security number
Children ages 6 to 17 who have not graduated high school or received equivalent certificate must attend school with satisfactory attendance
Preschool children must be immunized
Paternity of child must be established at application and when a child is added
Adult recipients are required to participate in work activities for at least 30 hours/week
Must cooperate with Office of Child Support Services
Meet certain income limits — $915/month for a family of three
How to get help:
Apply for OWF through the Ohio Benefits online portal
Locate the address of your county directory or call 866-635-3748
More emergency cash help in Ohio:
Single moms in Ohio can visit 211.org or dial 2-1-1 to ask for assistance.
Check out these posts for more ways to get emergency cash:
Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)**
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing and vouchers to help low-income households pay their rent.
Qualifications:
Meet income limits specified by HUD-less than 50% of median income for the county in which you live. You can find your county’s income limits on the HUD website.
To apply, you will need your social security number, third-party documentation of income, preliminary application form, and signed consent forms
Mortgage assistance in Ohio
This program helps low-income homeowners in Ohio:
Save The Dream Ohio Program
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) launched the Save The Dream Ohio program in April 2022 to assist homeowners whose income was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible Ohio homeowners may receive mortgage payments for up to six months and can receive up to $25,000 in assistance.
Qualifications:
Homeowner in Ohio
Have experienced loss of income from the pandemic
Have experienced increased expenses due to the pandemic
Homeless and special needs housing assistance in Ohio
The following programs are designed to help homeless individuals and families and those at risk of homelessness:
Ohio 811 Rental Assistance Program
This program provides extremely low-income households of one or more adults with disabilities access to subsidized housing and supportive services. This program is not open for public applications.
The Ohio Department of Medicaid, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services manage statewide waiting lists for eligible individuals.
Qualifications:
Household contains one or more adults with a disability
Valid State ID or Drivers License
Provide birth certificate, social security card or proof of citizenship
Most recent Social Security Administration (SSA) award letter for Social Security benefits
Six most recent, consecutive pay stubs
Copy of unemployment letter or benefits (if applicable)
How to get help:
Learn more about contacting Referral Agents with this link or by emailing 811Program@ohiohome.org.
SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) Ohio
SOAR Ohio utilizes the Social Security benefits application process to provide Ohio’s most vulnerable residents with safe housing. SOAR provides specialists and aids on behalf of individuals with disability, severe mental illness, or debilitating medical diagnosis.
Qualifications:
Individuals with severe mental illness or disability that inhibits their ability to work, who are:
Homeless
At risk of being homeless
Recently discharged from prison, nursing home, or other institution
Call the program director at 614-280-1984, ext.137
Single Parents Rock
Single Parents Rock is an Ohio-based nonprofit that helps single parents experiencing hardship due to domestic violence. To date, the organization has helped 50 families and has been operating since 2019.
The nonprofit offers:
Planning for overall safety at home and elsewhere
Advocacy in court
Transportation to and from court and services to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking
Rides to safe houses or shelters within a 250-mile radius
Qualifications:
Single parent living or near Dayton or Englewood, Ohio that needs help after fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking
How to get help:
Call 937-998-8012
Email info@singleparentsrock.org
Move to PROSPER
Move to PROSPER is a three-year program for low-income single moms in Ohio that empowers them to grow their income, improve the health of their family, and move to areas with good schools and quality housing.
The nonprofit provides three years of rental assistance at two-bedroom apartments in Bexley, Big Walnut, Blacklick, Columbus, Dublin, Gahanna, Grandview, Hilliard, Licking Heights, Lewis Center, New Albany, Olentangy Local, Reynoldsburg, Sunbury, Upper Arlington, Westerville, and Worthington, Ohio.
Qualifications:
Single female, head of household
Mother of up to three children, 13 and under
Very low income ($23,000 – $41,900 income limits based on family size)
Experiencing housing insecurity and not receiving housing assistance
Children eligible for Medicaid
Willing to participate in coaching and move to a community with more resources
Transportation help for low-income families in Ohio
Ohio offers multiple transportation resources for single moms and low-income families:
Free and low-cost transportation
You may be eligible for these free and low-cost transportation options if you meet the eligibility criteria:
Ride United
Ride United Transportation Access program provides free rides to help people in need access essential medical services, complete education programs, get to job interviews, and more. Through Ride United Last Mile Delivery program, people in need who don’t have transportation access can have charitable food, essential items, pet food and supplies delivered.
While Ride United notes that free transportation and deliveries of food and essential items are not available in every community, the organization said that 211 specialists will connect you with the best available services to meet your family’s needs.
Free Charity Cars awards free vehicles to selected applicants in all 50 states. The nonprofit charity group has been awarding free vehicles to low-income families since 1996 and has gifted more than 9,000 cars. The charity group notes that they do not have an inventory of vehicles readily available as they award cars as soon as they get them, so there can be long wait periods for those awarded a free car.
Qualifications:
Must be a U.S. resident
Must be at least 18
Must have a valid driver’s license
Household income must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
HWAP helps eligible households with projects that improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce their energy costs, including:
Air and duct sealing
Wall, floor, attic insulation
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system improvements
Lighting efficiency
Hot water tank insulation
Water conservation devices
Home inspections are ordered to determine what services are needed.
Qualifications:
Priority is given to Ohio Residents ages 60+
Families who have received Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Home Energy Assistance (HEAP) during the last 12 months are automatically eligible
Household income at or below 200% of FPL — $46,060 for a family of three.
Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Development and The Breathing Association provide financial assistance to eligible Ohioans’ water and wastewater bills. The program will run through March 2024.
The maximum amount for bill payment assistance is up to $750 for water, up to $750 for wastewater/sewage or $1500 for water and wastewater combined.
Qualifications:
Income 175% or less of FPL
Utilities in disconnect status, shut off, or in need of payment
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan or PIPP is a program that helps Ohioans pay for energy bills throughout the year based on a percentage of their household income.
Through the plan, you’ll 5% of your gross income for gas heat and 5% for your electric bill. If your entire home is run by electric, you’ll pay 10% of your gross income. The state of Ohio pays for the remainder of your bill and you must make a minimum monthly payment of $10.
If you pay on time and in full for 24 months, any outstanding balance you may have is forgiven. You must verify your income and meet income requirements annually to remain in the program.
Qualifications:
Resident of Ohio
Household income at or below 175% of the FPL for household size
Use a utility that is regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Ohio
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Ohio
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families in the state of Ohio:
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Ohio
HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.
HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.
Qualifications:
Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced cost care.
How to get help:
Find an HRSA health center in Ohio by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
Ohio Medicaid
Medicaid is a medical assistance program that helps low-income families pay for some or all of their medical bills.
Ohio requires most individuals who receive Medicaid to join a managed care plan to receive health care. Managed care plans are health insurance companies licensed by the Ohio Department of Insurance that have a provider agreement with the Ohio Department of Medicaid to provide coordinated health care to Medicaid beneficiaries.
Qualifications:
Resident of Ohio
U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
Have or get a Social Security number
Individuals with low-income
Pregnant women, infants, and children
Older adults
Individuals with disabilities
Meet income guidelines — $33,064/year for adults with three people in their household
How to get help:
Contact your county’s Medicaid agency via the state directory
Call the consumer hotline at 800-324-8680
OhioHealth Charity Care
OhioHealth is a healthcare outreach of the United Methodist Church providing health services in 47 Ohio counties. They serve Ohio residents, even if they are unable to pay through the charity care program.
Qualifications:
Free care if your household income is less than 200% of the FPL
Sliding scale fees offered to households between 200-400% of the FPL
Care provided for those who do not meet income guidelines but are experiencing a documented hardship impacting their ability to pay
If you do not qualify for care, OhioHealth also offers interest-free loans for up to 12 months to help you break up the payments and discounts for uninsured individuals who aren’t eligible for charity care.
How to get help:
Call 614-566-1505
Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH)
The Ohio Department of Health administers the CMH program which provides resources to help parents get treatment for special needs children. The program also aids parents in finding sources of payment for these necessary health services.
CMH has three options for assistance:
Diagnostic program: Up to six months of service to establish a diagnosis and treatment plan through a CMH-approved medical provider
Treatment program: Up to one year of treatment for an eligible condition such as cerebral palsy, sickle cell disease, or scoliosis
Service coordination program: Offers help finding the right health services for your child
Healthchek is Ohio’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Program for babies, children, and young adults under age 21 who are already enrolled in Medicaid.
Healthchek covers 10 check-ups in the first two years of child’s life and annual check-ups thereafter, and provides comprehensive physical examinations including:
Medical history
Complete unclothed exam (with parent approval)
Developmental screening (to assess if child’s physical and mental abilities are age appropriate)
Vision screening
Dental screening
Hearing assessment
Immunization assessment (making sure child receives them on time)
Lead screening
Qualifications:
Babies, children and young adults under age 21 who are already enrolled in Medicaid
Healthy Start-Healthy Families are programs through the Ohio Department of Medicaid. It helps children, families, and pregnant women get access to free or low-cost dental care medications, doctor visits, hospital care, and vaccinations.
Qualifications:
To qualify for Healthy Start, you must be approved for Medicaid or CHIP.
For Medicaid recipients, you must:
Be an insured or uninsured person up to age 19 in a household with income that does not exceed 156% of the FPL; or
Be pregnant in a family with an income level up to 200% of the FPL
For CHIP recipients, you must:
Be an insured or uninsured person up to age 19 in a household with income that does not exceed 206% of the FPL
To qualify for Healthy Families, you must:
Have a family with at least one child younger than 19 and an income that does not exceed 90% of the FPL
The Ohio Department of Health offers dental clinics for people on Medicaid that offer sliding-scale fees, reduced fees, or free care to patients who don’t have dental insurance or can’t afford to pay for dental visits. These clinics provide basic dental care like:
Exams
X-rays
Fillings
Extractions
Root canals
Dentures
Qualifications:
Elderly, racial and ethnic minorities, medically compromised, children or those living in remote geographical areas with unmet oral health needs
Ohio residents who do not already have a private dentist
Enrolled in Medicaid or don’t have adequate dental insurance
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
The Ohio Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households.
SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card to purchase food in retail food stores, including:
Breads
Cereals
Fruits
Vegetables
Meats
Fish
Poultry
Dairy
Plants and seeds to grow food
Qualifications:
Ohio resident
Person or persons age 60 and over
Person with a disability (child, spouse, parent, yourself)
Once your application is filed, a DFCS case manager will interview you
Contact your county agency by calling 1-866-635-3748
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Federal program that helps low-income Ohioans supplement their diet by providing emergency nutrition at no cost through local food banks and soup kitchens.
Ohio WIC helps eligible pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who recently had a baby, infants, and children up to 5 years of age by providing services such as:
Free infant formula
Highly nutritious foods
Nutrition education
Breastfeeding education and support
Qualifications:
Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP)
NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school. An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students.
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Ohio:
Ohio Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school.
Qualifications:
Children from birth to 5
Meet federal poverty guidelines
Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
Some programs accept kids with incomes above the Poverty Guidelines
Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) provides financial assistance for child care to eligible parents. Depending on your household size and income, you may be required to pay a portion of your child care costs.
Qualifications:
Child has U.S. citizenship
Ohio resident who is working, in school, in job training, or homeless
Recipient of Ohio Works First
Required by a case services plan to have protective childcare
Your household income is 142% or less than the FPL or your family has a special needs child and your income is at or below 150% of the FPL
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in Ohio
If you are at least 18 years old in Ohio, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 or 17 with special permission from the school district where you live.
The GED test is broken into four exams on different subjects, which can be spaced out and taken at your own pace (though each individual exam has a time limit):
Mathematical reasoning: 115 minutes
Reasoning through language arts: 150 minutes
Social studies: 70 minutes
Science: 90 minutes
You have two options for taking the test in Ohio:
Online at-home test: $36 per module
In-person exams at a test center: $30 per module
Grants and scholarships in Ohio
The following educational grants and scholarships are available to single moms in Ohio:
Student Loan Forgiveness Programs
While Ohio offers limited student loan forgiveness programs, residents can still qualify for federal programs.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Ohio
FAFSA connects current and future college students with financial assistance to afford higher education. Federal and state grants are dependent upon individual income and determined by a college or university’s financial aid department. More information can be found on the OASFAA website.
Employment help for single moms in Ohio
Workforce programs in Ohio provide training and assist with employment:
OhioMeansJobs Centers
OhioMeansJobs helps Ohio residents with job search assistance, employee recruitment, job training, and more. Check out this directory of county centers.
Job Search Assistance at Ohio Public Libraries
Ohio is the first state in the nation to partner its job searching resources with its public library system. Library computers are equipped for OhioMeansJobs.com, librarians are trained on the website’s interface, and local job listings are posted in the library. Find your local library with this directory.
American Job Centers
The American Job Centers offer employment and training services, career counseling, and job search assistance.
Catholic Social Services Columbus, Columbus, OH 43215
Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, Dayton, OH 45402
Qualifications:
Each Catholic Charities branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs.
How to get help:
Apply for assistance on the Catholic Charities website or reach out to your nearest Catholic Charities branch
Call 352-460-0700
Motherful
Motherful is a community of single moms who support each other in every aspect of motherhood. The nonprofit organization, based in Gahanna, Ohio offers help to single moms in the state through clothing swaps, a food pantry, a community garden to grow food, game nights, hot dinner nights, advocacy, and more.
There is a waiting list to be accepted for membership, but non-members who are single mothers can visit the Motherful Pantry and Resource Center on Sundays from 10am-12pm at 254 Agler Road in Gahanna, Ohio.
The following resources serve residents of Cleveland, Ohio:
Emergency assistance in Cleveland
If you need emergency cash for expenses like utilities, rent, and groceries, here are some helpful resources to consider in the Cleveland area:
Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program
Cuyahoga County’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Program provides emergency cash assistance to Cleveland residents experiencing a one-time, short-term crisis. Eligible families can receive a maximum of $1,500 per year.
Qualifications:
Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified noncitizen
Must live with at least one child, be pregnant, or be the non-custodial parent of a child
Family’s income must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
Must have limited liquid assets
Families applying for the PRC program must also meet one of the following categories:
Seeking assistance while job searching or currently studying at an accredited post-secondary education program
In need of housing cost assistance, such as rent, security deposits and utility bills
Lead poisoning found in the family’s home
Recently obtained custody of a child or are participating in a domestic violence or homeless program
Email the application to Cuy-PRC-Application@jfs.ohio.gov
Housing help in Cleveland
If you need housing help in Cleveland, here are some options:
Housing First
The Housing First program provides stable housing units to help end homelessness in Cuyahoga County. The program allows people who are experiencing or facing homelessness to move into permanent housing where residents are connected with the services they need. Participation in these on-site programs is encouraged, but not required.
Qualifications:
Homeless or facing homelessness
How to get help:
Call 216-881-5554
Visit the Office of Homeless Services at 310 West Lakeside Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113
YWCA Greater Cleveland
The YWCA Greater Cleveland helps families experiencing homelessness find a place to stay by operating shelters and private apartments for those in need, including:
Cogswell Hall offers permanent housing as private, fully furnished apartments for 41 adult residents
Independence Place offers permanent housing as 23 apartments for young adults experiencing homelessness
Norma Herr Women’s Center is an emergency shelter for women ages 18-80
Qualifications:
Homeless
At risk of becoming homeless
How to get help:
Call 216-881-6878
A Place 4 Me
A Place 4 Me in Cleveland offers one-time emergency assistance to people aged 18-24 who are experiencing a housing crisis and facing possible homelessness.
If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in Cleveland, check out these resources:
The Centers
The Centers, also known as the Free Clinic, offers various medical services from physicals to counseling. The Centers notes that it never turns patients away regardless of ability to pay. The cost of services varies based on a flexible sliding fee scale.
The Centers has multiple health and wellness locations throughout the Cleveland area, including:
East Office at 4400 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland
Southwest Office at 5955 Ridge Road in Parma
West Office at 3929 Rocky River Drive in Cleveland
Gordon Square Office at 5209 Detroit Avenue in Cleveland
Care Alliance Health Center offers medical, dental, and behavioral health care services at three clinics in Cleveland. Patients will not be turned away regardless of their ability to pay and the cost of services are based on a sliding fee scale that is determined by income and family size. Medical visits can cost as little as $4 and dental visits $20.
Qualifications:
This health resource is open to all Cleveland residents
Medworks offers free medical and dental services to those in need and holds between eight and ten clinics throughout Northeast Ohio every year. For those who need low-cost or free medical services and cannot wait until the next free clinic, call to schedule an appointment.
Qualifications:
This resource is available to Northeast Ohio residents who need care
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank (GCFB) works with more than 200 local food pantries to help people with emergency food assistance. The GCFB and its partners can provide eligible families with at least three days’ worth of food, once a month.
The Cleveland Public Library partners with Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University to offer free tutoring for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. Tutoring and homework help are available for all subjects, including math, science, history and language arts. One-hour tutoring and homework sessions are available Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Online tutoring is also available.
College Now offers two types of scholarships to people who meet eligibility requirements in the Cleveland area. College Now staff matches students to all the scholarships for which they could qualify. Students can only receive one College Now scholarship. The types of scholarships offered:
Traditional scholarships are for high school students enrolling in college for the first time
Adult Learner Program scholarships are for students age 19 and older who have discontinued their studies for more than one year and are interested in pursuing a first associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or trade certificate
Award amounts for each scholarship vary based on eligibility but are usually between 1,000 to $2,000 per academic year.
Have a cumulative weighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.5
Have a minimum ACT composite score of 18 or a combined verbal and math SAT score of 960
File the 2023-2024 FAFSA
Qualify for the Federal Pell Grant
Qualifications for the Adult Learner Program scholarships:
Individuals who have already completed a bachelor’s degree are not eligible
Age 19 or older as of March 30th, 2024
Must have graduated from high school or have earned a G.E.D.
Must have paused their education for at least two semesters since high school graduation or during college
Qualify or show eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant
Must be attending school in and a resident of one of the following counties: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, or Wayne County.
Pursuing a non-degree certificate or license in a vocational or technical program that is 3 months to 2 years in length, an associate’s degree or first bachelor’s degree
Must be attending a public or private not-for-profit Pell-eligible college or university.
Enroll at least six or more credit hours per term
Must maintain the minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA while receiving the scholarship
Special consideration will be given to applicants who have completed at least 25 credit hours
How to get help:
Call 216-241-5587
For information on the Adult Learning Program email ALPScholarships@collegenowgc.org
For information on the traditional scholarships email info@collegenowgc.org
Check out these employment resources in Cleveland:
Cleveland Job Corps offers free education and training for multiple career paths for young adults ages 16 to 24. Program participants receive a bi-weekly stipend and a transition allowance after graduation along with career placement help. The program offers residential options where students can live on campus as well as nonresidential options.
As a student, your child will receive:
Free housing
Free meals
Free medical care
Living allowance
Free books and supplies
Free uniforms and safety equipment
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or lawful resident
Aged 16-24
Must have proof of a low income such as SNAP or free/reduced-price lunch
Proof of barriers to education and employment such as dropping out of high school, homelessness, trafficking, or aging out of foster care
If you need help finding employment resources, The Cleveland Neighborhood Workforce Initiative offers services for young adults who are looking for a job, searching for scholarships or seeking credentialed training. The program also helps people who are job hunting connect with employers that have job openings. The initiative also offers special support and connections for people with a criminal background.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or lawful resident
Aged 16-24
Must have proof of a low income such as SNAP or free/reduced-price lunch
Proof of barriers to education and employment such as dropping out of high school, homelessness, trafficking, or aging out of foster care
How to get help:
Call 216-399-3550
Email info@towardsemployment.org
Charity organizations in Cleveland
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout the Cleveland area that offer support to single moms:
Zelie’s Home
Zelie’s Home welcomes pregnant women who are in need of support and a stable place to live. Two homes located in the Greater Cleveland area; one on the west side and the other on the east side, offer housing to pregnant women at any point in their pregnancy. Women can stay up to 9 months post-pregnancy.
Qualifications:
Pregnant
At least 18 years of age
Free from drugs and alcohol for at least 30 days
Free from immediate physical danger
Free from Severe Mental Health diagnoses
No other children in your immediate care (case by case)
Must bring ID and proof of pregnancy to the intake meeting
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland (BGCC) provides after-school, summer and weekend programs for kids in need. There are more than 10 locations in the Cleveland area. For only $10 a year, kids receive homework help, a daily hot meal, and access to a variety of programs.
These programs include:
Athletics, such as basketball, volleyball, flag football, and cheerleading
Band
Ballet
Creative writing
Graphic design
Torch & Keystone Leadership Clubs
Career readiness
Qualifications:
Children between the ages of 6 and 18 can become members
Laura’s Home offers women and children a place to stay, food and clothing. Availability varies at the home, which has roughly 160 beds and 61 rooms. A caseworker will complete an assessment of each person’s situations and needs, and assist in matching them with the care and resources available. Laura’s Home offers short-term emergency housing or stays for a year. Families interested in living at Laura’s Home need to reserve a spot on the waitlist.
Qualifications:
Single mothers or a single woman in need of need housing
The following resources serve residents of Columbus, Ohio:
Emergency assistance in Columbus
If you need emergency cash for expenses like utilities, rent, and groceries, here are some helpful resources to consider in the Columbus area:
Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program
Franklin County’s Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) Program provides emergency cash help to Columbus residents experiencing a one-time crisis. Eligible families can receive a maximum of $2,500. The funds may be used towards expenses including:
Overdue rent or mortgage payments
Overdue utility bills
Auto repairs and maintenance for work transportation
Driver license reinstatement fees
Bus passes for purposes of work, education, or job training (limited to four months)
Qualifications:
Must be a US citizen or qualified nonresident
Must live with at least one child, be pregnant, or be the non-custodial parent of a child
Family’s income must be at or below 175% of the FPL
Email the application to franklin-cdjfs-agencyprc@jfs.ohio.gov
Housing help in Columbus
If you need housing help in Columbus, here are some options:
IMPACT
IMPACT provides emergency financial assistance to help families avoid homelessness and find stable housing in Columbus and Franklin County. This program is for people who have past due rent or who owe the first month’s rent due for a new home. The amount of assistance awarded varies per situation but the average amount given is usually around $3,000. As of January 2024, IMPACT was not accepting applications and only taking eviction court referrals for the program.
Qualifications:
Must be renting
Must be referred to the program through an eviction court hearing
Someone in your household must be at risk for housing instability or homelessness
Households or individuals who have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship during or due to the coronavirus pandemic
Must schedule an appointment in advance
How to get help:
Call 614-964-2906 to make an appointment
Email communications@impactca.org
Home for Families
Home for Families helps homeless families and children find stable housing by assisting those who are referred to their program. Families who are accepted into the program will work with a case manager to find housing that fits their families’ needs. Once families move into their new homes, case managers help create individualized stability plans. Home for Families offers housing assistance through these programs:
Rapid Re-housing, which helps homeless families that are living in shelters move into stable housing
Homeless Prevention for Expectant Mothers, which provides housing as well as supportive services for pregnant women
Qualifications:
Homeless
At risk of becoming homeless
Have a referral from a local shelter or Housing Resource Specialist
Pregnant or have children
How to get help:
Call 614-461-9247
Community Development for All People
Community Development for All People provides rent assistance to qualifying Franklin County residents. The amount of cash awarded varies based on eligibility and need. The program also offers free food, clothing and household items.
Qualifications:
Applicants must make in-person appointments for an eligibility screening
Households must earn less than 50% AMI
How to get help:
Call 614-445-7342 ext. 131
Central Community House’s Strong Families Program
The Strong Families Program helps households experiencing a crisis by offering emergency housing. The Strong Families Programs can also help with a variety of services, including utilities, health care, skills training, employment assistance, financial education training and food nutrition programs.
Qualifications:
Applicants must make an appointment for an eligibility screening
Households must earn less than 50% AMI
How to get help:
Call 614-252-3157
Email dcooper@cchouse.org
Medical and dental care help in Columbus
If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in Columbus, check out these resources:
Physician’s Free Clinic
The Physician’s Free Clinic offers primary, specialty and vision care by appointment only on Monday nights from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Columbus Public Health Department. The clinic also provides dental care to people without dental insurance coverage. The dental clinic is held on the first and third Monday of the month. The clinic does not offer work or school physicals, TB tests or immunizations.
For pregnant women, the clinic offers a StepOne program to help expecting mothers find affordable prenatal care and resources.
Qualifications:
Patients must be 18 or older
How to get help:
Call 614-884-2441
For StepOne:
Call 614-271-0009
Columbus Free Clinic
The Columbus Free Clinic (CFC) offers both long-term and urgent care services, including primary care, pharmacy, lab and imaging, behavioral health and specialty clinics. For those who have more complex medical needs or require long-term care, the CFC also has a Longitudinal Patient Program. This program allows patients to get regular visits and follow-up appointments with a 4th-year medical student.
The CFC is open Thursdays from 5:45 p.m. to 10 p.m. by appointment only.
The CFC does not treat people under the age of 17 and does not offer these services:
See new COVID patients
Do an IUD / Nexplanon placement or removal
Provide obstetric or prenatal care
Provide STI screening for patients without symptoms
The Health and Wellness Center offers numerous healthcare services for adults. The Free Care Program is available on Tuesdays between 8 and 9 a.m. and Thursdays between 3 and 4:30 p.m. The Free Care Program is walk-in only and upcoming dates are listed on the homepage calendar. The Free Care Program does not offer immunizations or dental care.
Qualifications:
18 and older
Uninsured or underinsured
Income at or below 400% of the FPL
How to get help:
Call 614-262-5094
Email info@helpinghandsfreeclinic.org
Visit 5100 Karl Road in Columbus
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) in Columbus offers various programs to help with the cost of medical care for pregnant women and families with children under age 19. Applicants seeking assistance must use all other resources, including application to the local Department of Job and Family Services before financial assistance will be considered.
Programs include:
Alien Emergency Medical Assistance
Children with Medical Handicaps
Healthy Start and Healthy Families
Hospital Care Assurance Program
Medicaid for the Disabled and Aged
NCH Financial Assistance Program
Qualifications:
Each program has its own eligibility requirements, call for details or read about them here
How to get help:
Call 614-722-2000
Food assistance in Columbus
Here is a food resource local to Columbus, Ohio:
Neighborhood Services, Inc. Food Pantry
Neighborhood Services, Inc. Food Pantry (NSI) offers food, drinks and personal hygiene products to Franklin County residents in need. The food pantry is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and people can visit the pantry twice per month. No appointment is necessary.
Qualifications:
Must be a Franklin County resident and bring a form of identification
How to get help:
Visit the NSI Food Pantry at 1950 N 4th Street in Columbus
The All People’s Fresh Market partners with Mid-Ohio Food Collective to distribute free food with a focus on fresh produce. The market is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Households can receive food once per day during market hours.
Qualifications:
Households must earn less than 200% of the FPL
Must have an ID
For those who need help obtaining an ID, learn more about the ID for All People program
How to get help:
Visit the All People’s Fresh Market at 945 Parsons Avenue in Columbus
Call 614-445-7342
Education help in Columbus
Here are some education resources in Columbus:
Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)
CML has 23 locations throughout Franklin County that provide free online resources, specialized programs, and community events. Education programs and services available include:
The School Help program offers assistance for kindergarten through 12th grade where students can get after-school homework help. Children in kindergarten through third grade can get extra reading practice in person or online. Some CML locations offer after-school snacks.
The Kindergarten Readiness program, for newborns to children age 5, offers storytime events and classes to help prepare young children for school.
CML offers numerous teen programs such as YouMedia Discord for ages 13 to 17 where participants work on music, podcasts, videos, and more with skilled mentors. Teen students can also get help with homework and preparing for tests.
The library system has numerous adult education programs, such as English as a Second Language, GED referrals, and free technology business and coding classes.
The Columbus Literacy Council (CLC) offers numerous free adult programs, including educational programs and classes, citizenship and GED test preparation. CLC also provides career coaching and skill building, life and wellness coaching, American Sign Language classes, and Spanish classes.
For children, CLC offers tutoring and homework help, summer camps for children, internships, and an employment program called Achieve More and Prosper (AMP) that provides job skills and work experience to youth and young adults between the ages of 16 to 18 in Franklin County.
The Columbus Promise Scholarship covers tuition and fees to Columbus State Community College after the Pell Grant and any tuition-based scholarship. Scholarship recipients are also given an additional $500 per semester for other educational expenses, for up to six semesters. Columbus Promise scholars also receive advice and support to develop skills and habits that lead to success beyond college.
Qualifications:
Must graduate from Columbus City Schools high school in the 2024-2025 academic year
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit all additional documents required by the financial aid process
Columbus Works’ JumpStart program is a free, five-day workshop that helps people who are searching for jobs build skills to stand out. The job readiness program offers resume building, one-on-one mock interviews and life coaching.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or lawful resident
Aged 16 to 24
Must have proof of a low income such as SNAP or free/reduced-price lunch
Proof of barriers to education and employment such as dropping out of high school, homelessness, trafficking, or aging out of foster care
The OhioMeansJobs Columbus-Franklin County (OMJCFC) provides free, individualized services to people who are job hunting. OMJCFC also has a free Resource Lab with 15 computers, printers, scanners and a fax machine. The lab is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments are encouraged.
Qualifications:
Any Columbus resident is welcome to use this service
How to get help:
Call 614-559-5052
Email info@omjcfc.org
Visit 1111 E. Broad Street in Columbus
Charity organizations in Columbus
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout the Columbus area that offer support to single moms:
Center of Hope
Center of Hope offers both free food and clothing items through its Choice Food Pantry and Clothing Boutique.
The Choice Food Pantry is open Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment only. People can receive food once per month, including fresh produce, dairy and frozen meat.
The Clothing Boutique provides clean, gently-used, seasonal clothing and shoes to help those in need. Sizes are available for infants through adults. Appointments to shop in our Clothing Boutique are available with a Choice Food Pantry appointment.
Qualifications:
Any Columbus resident in need may use these services but appointments are required
Action for Children offers child care scholarships of up to $9,000 each for children ages birth to kindergarten attending a licensed Franklin County child care program. Scholarships are available for families, including foster families, who are not currently receiving Publicly Funded Child Care and meet income eligibility requirements.
Qualifications:
Household income of 145% – 300% of the FPL
How to get help:
Call 614-224-0222
Email RISEHelp@actionforchildren.org
Help for single moms in Cincinnati, Ohio
The following resources serve residents of Cincinnati, Ohio:
Housing help in Cincinnati
If you need housing help in Cincinnati, here are some options:
Hamilton County Mortgage Relief Program
Hamilton County Mortgage Relief Program provides assistance for up to six months for homeowners. The funds awarded can be used for several housing expenses including past-due mortgages, property taxes and utility bills. Hamilton County homeowners must have established connections to the residence. Second homes, rental properties, and vacation rentals are not eligible for assistance.
Qualifications:
Must own the home
Must be the applicant’s primary residence
Must have a household income under 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Community Action Agency (CAA) offers an Emergency Rental Assistance grant, to households that have a disconnect notice, court date, or a notice to leave their property. The amount awarded depends on the household’s situation.
Qualifications:
Household income of 80% AMI
Direct or indirect COVID-19 hardship
One or more individuals at risk of homelessness or housing instability
Qualified for unemployment 2020/21 or reduction in household income
How to get help:
Call 513-569-1840
Email csdepartment@cincy-caa.org
Strategies to End Homelessness
Strategies to End Homelessness offers support and services to families experiencing housing insecurity.
Qualifications:
Must be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
How to get help:
Call 513-381-7233
Email info@end-homelessness.org
Medical and dental care help in Cincinnati
If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in Cincinnati, check out these resources:
University of Cincinnati Student-Run Free Clinic
The University of Cincinnati Student-Run Free Clinic (SRFC) provides free medical services for adults who do not have health insurance. Patients at the clinic are cared for by medical students overseen by a licensed physician. The clinic does not treat emergencies, care for long-term conditions or offer prenatal services. SRFC is open on Saturdays from 9 to 11 .a.m. on a walk-in, first-serve basis.
Qualifications:
Must 18 or older
Uninsured
Require care for a short-term, basic medical issue such as a rash
How to get help:
Call 513-558-7333
The clinic is located at 1345 Century Circle West in Cincinnati
Good Samaritan Free Health Center
The Good Samaritan Free Health Center offers eligible adults numerous medical services at no cost including primary care, specialties, eye exams, dental care and behavioral healthcare. A full list of all the available services can be found online.
Qualifications:
Hamilton County resident
Cannot have private insurance
No insurance available through the patient’s employer
Must be ineligible for Medicaid or Medicare
Must have an income less than 200% of the FPL
Must be 18 or older
Cannot be pregnant
Those interested in medical services must come into the center between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.Monday through Friday, to fill out a new patient application. Patients must also bring proof of residency.
How to get help:
Call 513-569-1900
The HeathCare Connection
The HealthCare Connection (THCC) provides discounted primary healthcare services to adults and children, focusing on the medically underserved, underinsured and uninsured who live in northern Hamilton County and surrounding areas. In addition to medical services, THCC also offers dental care, including exams and cleanings, preventative care and fillings.
THCC offers OBGYN services, including prenatal, delivery, postpartum care, minor surgeries and procedures, family planning, and ultrasounds.
Qualifications:
To receive discounted services, all patients must file an agreement for discounted services and bring that form along with proof of income, which includes:
At least 2 pay stubs from anyone working in the household
W2
Previous year’s tax documents
Notarized letters stating income from all sources
Notarized documents from anyone providing support such as employers, or family members
How to get help:
Call 513-588-3623
The clinic is located at 1401 Steffen Avenue in Cincinnati
Food assistance in Cincinnati
Here is a food resource local to Cincinnati, Ohio:
Freestore Foodbank’s Liberty Street Market
Liberty Street Market offers free food to those in need and allows shoppers to choose from available items, similar to a regular grocery store. The market opens at 8 a.m. Monday through Friday and shoppers can visit the market twice per month.
Freestore Foodbank also provides dozens of dates, times and locations for food distribution events in the Cincinnati area. You can view the current and upcoming month’s events online.
Qualifications:
Must bring a form of ID
How to get help:
Call 513-241-1064
Visit the market at 112 E. Liberty Street in Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood
Education help in Cincinnati
Here are some education resources in Cincinnati:
Cincinnati Public Library (CPL)
CPL provides free in-person and online resources, specialized programs, and community events to Hamilton County residents. Each library branch offers different times for in-person service and classes, which can be found online. Education programs and services available include:
One-on-one homework help with reading and math for students in grades K-8
Students of any age can get live online homework help, skills building, writing assistance, test prep help, FAFSA application help, and more from expert tutors on Homework HelpNow
How to get help:
Call 513-369-6900
Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
The Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation awards multiple scholarships, each with its own qualifications. Only one application is needed to be considered for all of them.
Qualifications:
Must reside in the Greater Cincinnati area
Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree, post-baccalaureate degree or trade certification through an accredited program
Must submit a 500-word essay in addition to the application and required documents
Check out these employment resources in Cincinnati:
Cincinnati Works
Cincinnati Works offers programs and services that help people searching for jobs build the necessary skills to stand out. In addition to one-on-one coaching, Cincinnati Works provides employment connections, transportation assistance, behavioral health counseling, tax prep, debt management and legal coordination.
Qualifications:
This resource is available to any Cincinnati resident
How to get help:
Call 513-744-9675
Email info@cincinnatiworks.org
Hamilton County Youth Employment Program
The Hamilton County Youth Employment Program offers jobs and year-round employment readiness training for Hamilton County residents ages 14 to 21.
Those in the program can:
Earn $13 per hour
Earn incentives/bonuses
Get help creating a resume
Gain credentials and skills to improve their resume
Receive transportation and ID assistance
Access to training opportunities to prepare for a career
Qualifications:
Must be aged 14 to 21
Must be a Hamilton County resident
Household income at 200% of the federal poverty level and/or have a barrier to employment
How to get help:
Call 513-946-0400
Email hamil_yep@jfs.ohio.gov
Charity organizations in Cincinnati
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout the Cincinnati area that offer support to single moms:
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul offers numerous services to people in need, including free food, clothing, furniture, rent and utilities.
Other services or items provided include:
Ohio State ID vouchers (limit of 2 per household)
Diapers and feminine hygiene products (limit of 50 diapers per month)
Bus passes to and from work for newly employed people
St. Vincent de Paul provides services to people in Greater Cincinnati and has numerous locations in the area where assistance is offered.
Qualifications:
Any Cincinnati resident in need is welcome to request these services
Santa Maria is a nonprofit organization in Cincinnati Ohio’s Price Hill community. Santa Maria offers numerous services to people in need, such as food and clothing assistance, education and employment resources and more. Santa Maria also holds regular free health fairs in Price Hill.
The nonprofit helps families build self-sufficiency through the following programs and services:
Early Childhood Development programs help prepare children for preschool and kindergarten, offer resources for parents, and provide support such as free diapers, wipes, car seats and other necessities
Education Advancement programs provide help preparing for the GED and help cover the cost of test registration fees as well as tutoring for various subjects and English classes for speakers of other languages
Employment Assistance programs offer job seekers coaching, interview training, resume and job application tips and access to a clothing closet
Financial Stability programs offer tools to help households achieve financial stability, including education, assistance with public benefits eligibility and applications, housing/tenant stabilization and credit building and repair
Health and wellness programs provide health education, medication referrals, mental health support, and eye and hearing exams
Stable Families initiative helps families on the brink of homelessness find resources to work toward stabilization to help prevent future crises
Youth Development programs offer social-emotional and life skills development, tutoring, family support and more
Qualifications:
Each program has its own requirements, call or email for details
How to get help:
Email: info@santamaria-cincy.org
Call 513-557-2700
SOURCES
“The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families
Not your state? Select yours here:
If you’re a single mom in Oklahoma struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with:
Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.
Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached.
Qualifications are simple:
1. You’re a single mom.
2. You need the money right now.
Fill out this form to apply:
(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)
Number of people in family/household
Annual income
1
$15,960
2
$21,640
3
$27,320
4
$33,000
5
$38,680
6
$44,360
7
$50,040
8
$55,720
For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.
Emergency cash for low-income families in Oklahoma
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in Oklahoma
TANF offers financial assistance and services to low-income families with children to help them:
Meet basic needs
Train for employment
Find employment
Pay for child care
The maximum amount a family of three can receive is $292/month. Households can only receive TANF benefits for 60 months in a lifetime, unless the department determines the family qualifies for an exemption or temporary hardship extension.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen or legal alien
Oklahoma resident
Responsible for minor child living in the home
All members of household must have Social Security numbers
Agree to cooperate with Child Support Services
Agree to cooperate with personalized TANF Work Plan
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Rental assistance in Oklahoma
There are multiple programs in Oklahoma to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
Performance Based Contract Administration
The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) offers a rental assistance program for low-income families struggling to pay their rent. Residents apply to live in low-cost apartments.
Overall Qualifications:
Each development has its own set of qualifications.
Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing and vouchers to help low-income households pay their rent. The voucher covers a portion of the rent. The tenant must pay 30-40% of their monthly adjusted gross income for rent and utilities.
Qualifications:
Oklahoma resident
Income cannot exceed 50% of median income for the county in which you live
If you need help with your mortgage in Oklahoma, these programs can help:
Oklahoma Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)
The Oklahoma Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) provides financial assistance of up to $35,000 to those who have suffered a significant financial hardship due to COVID-19.
The fund helps homeowners with:
Delinquent mortgage reinstatement
Mortgage payment assistance for reinstated homeowners
Mortgage deferral amount, partial claim amount, or principal reduction amount
Delinquent property taxes
Restoration of homeowner’s insurance after delinquency
Delinquent Homeowners Association (HOA) dues
Qualifications:
U.S. Citizen or those who have a green card
Oklahoma resident with house as primary residence
Home cannot be listed for sale by homeowner
Homeowner must be able to sustain home after receiving HAF assistance
Financial hardship must have been experienced after January 21, 2020 and due to COVID-19
Mortgage must be 30 days delinquent, in a forbearance plan, or entering or completed a loan modification
Homeowners who are delinquent on eligible expenses including:
Reinstatement of delinquent mortgage
Mortgage payment assistance for reinstated homeowners
The OHFA offers mortgage loan products that include 3.5% of the total loan amount to be used for down payment and closing costs through these two programs:
Gold Loan Program (Government and Conventional)
Buyers applying for this program must be first-time homebuyers unless purchasing in a targeted area. The maximum purchase price in a non-targeted area is $349,525 and in a targeted area, $427,198.
Qualifications:
First-time homebuyer unless purchasing in targeted area
Teachers, First Responders, and State Employees may qualify for special rate
Dream Loan Program
Buyers in this program may own another property but must use the OHFA loan to purchase their primary residence. The maximum purchase price is $356,362 (Government Loan) or $453,100 (Freddie Conventional Loan)
Qualifications:
Both first time and repeat homebuyers
Buyers may choose to use 3.5% down payment assistance or bring their own funds to lower interest rates
Homeless and special needs housing assistance in Oklahoma
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may be able to get help from the following programs:
Continuum of Care (CoC) agencies
These agencies coordinate housing and services for the homeless using funds from the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), which was established to help homeless individuals move toward independent living.
Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH)
PATH programs are located in McAlester, Oklahoma City, Tahlequah, and Tulsa, and provide services for those who are homeless and suffer from mental illness.
This nonprofit has a mission to break the cycles of poverty and homelessness through transitional housing, children’s education services, and safe affordable housing options.
Qualifications:
Applicant is homeless or facing eviction, foreclosure, or loss of residency
Applicant must have dependent children in custody or be in the process of reunification
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Oklahoma, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Oklahoma
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) provides a one-time annual benefit to help cover home energy bills if you are disconnected or about to be disconnected. EAP will not cover all energy costs.
Qualifications:
U.S. Citizen or legally admitted immigrant
Oklahoma resident
Applicants must be responsible for the household energy bill
WAP helps qualifying households lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Owners of eligible rental properties may be required to pay 50% of any improvements.
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Oklahoma
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families in the state of Oklahoma.
Low or No-Cost Dental Care in Oklahoma
These local clinics provide low or no-cost dental services in Oklahoma
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Oklahoma
HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.
HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.
Qualifications:
Each health center sets its eligibility criteria for free or reduced-cost care.
How to get help:
Find an HRSA health center in Oklahoma by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
Oklahoma SoonerCare (Medicaid)
Medicaid helps pay some or all medical bills for families with children who can’t afford them. Coverage includes doctor visits, hospitalizations, and prescriptions, among other benefits.
There is no cost for those who meet the income guidelines, though co-pays may apply to some services.
Qualifications:
U.S. Citizen or qualified non-citizen
Adults with children under 19
Children under 19 years old and pregnant women
Individuals 65 years old and older
Individuals who are blind or who have disabilities
Women under 65 in need of breast/cervical cancer treatments
SoonerPlan: men and women 19 and older with family planning needs
Individuals who were enrolled in Medicaid and who aged out of foster care
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households.
SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card to purchase food in retail food stores, including:
WIC provides checks to buy healthy foods, information about nutrition and health, support and information about breastfeeding, and help finding other community services.
Qualifications:
Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP)
NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school. An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students.
CACFP provides food to low-income children in child care and adults who receive care in nonresidential adult day care centers. It also provides food to children residing in emergency shelters and eligible afterschool programs.
Qualifications:
Infants and children through age 12 in child care centers or day care homes
Children through age 18 are eligible in afterschool care centers
Adults enrolled in daycare center and are at 60 years or older or have a mental/physical disability
SFSP provides nutritious meals/snacks to children in low-income areas during summer months and long vacation periods during the school year.
The program provides up to two meals or one meal and one snack per day per child. Meal sites are typically at schools, churches, recreation centers, camps, playgrounds, parks, etc.
Qualifications:
Children 18 years old and younger
Children 19 years and over who have a mental/physical disability
Child care help for low-income families in Oklahoma
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school.
Qualifications:
Children from birth to 5
Meet federal poverty guidelines
Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
Some programs accept kids with incomes above the Poverty Guidelines
Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start
Once you create an account, choose a testing day, and use available resources to prepare
Grants and scholarships in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma CareerTech site has a list of scholarships and grants available for students pursuing a secondary education. The Oklahoma City Community Foundation also has a comprehensive list of possible scholarships.
Qualifications:
Each scholarship has its own list of qualifications.
“The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families
Not your state? Select yours here:
If you’re a single mom in Oregon struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with:
Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.
Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached.
Qualifications are simple:
1. You’re a single mom.
2. You need the money right now.
Fill out this form to apply:
(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)
Number of people in family/household
Annual income
1
$15,960
2
$21,640
3
$27,320
4
$33,000
5
$38,680
6
$44,360
7
$50,040
8
$55,720
For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
Temporary Cash Assistance in Oregon
TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) provides cash benefits to low-income families with children. These benefits help cover a family’s basic needs — like food, clothing, rent and utilities — while they work toward self-sufficiency.
You’ll receive benefits deposited onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card (also called an Oregon Trail Card) that can be used like a debit card to buy non-food items (SNAP benefits are for food). The maximum monthly benefit a family of three can receive is $506.
Most people who get cash benefits are also in the JOBS program, which helps people receive employment training and connect with job opportunities.
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Rental assistance in Oregon
There are multiple programs in Oregon to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
ACCESS Rental Program
The ACCESS Rental Program is provided by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). If you need help paying your rent or utilities, ACCESS may be able to help. Qualifying households can also receive eviction prevention services.
A Housing Counselor (from various agencies and recommended by the state of Oregon) can help you learn about housing stability programs and which ones might be right for you, including:
If you need help buying a home in Oregon, these programs can help:
Oregon Homeowner Assistance Program
The Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) Homeowner Assistance Fund helps homeowners who are behind on mortgage payments because of COVID-19. Homeowners cannot receive more than $60,000 in total assistance. The majority of assistance is given to low-income or socially disadvantaged households.
The Homeowner Assistance Fund has multiple programs available. Homeowners who apply for relief through the fund will be evaluated for all of its programs, including:
Past-Due Payment Relief Program. This program helps eligible low- and medium-income homeowners with up to $50,000 to pay off past-due balances for eligible housing costs.
Ongoing Payment Relief Program. This program helps eligible low-income homeowners by giving them money to cover all or some of their monthly mortgage payments and housing costs. Homeowners can receive help for up to six months and up to $10,000 per household.
Qualifications:
Must be a homeowner and meet these general eligibility requirements:
Living at the property as your primary residence
Property is a 1- to 4-unit residential property, condominium, manufactured home, or floating home
Listed as a borrower on the mortgage or are the owner of the property
Experienced financial hardship (either a reduction in income or increase in living expenses) due to the coronavirus pandemic after Jan. 21, 2020
The Oregon Foreclosure Avoidance Program helps homeowners avoid foreclosure. Before foreclosure occurs, you can request a resolution conference with a lender. This program gives you and the lender a neutral environment to discuss your options. You’ll receive free foreclosure counseling from a state-approved housing counselor; a direct, face-to-face meeting with your lender; and neutral oversight from a trained mediator or facilitator.
Qualifications:
Your lender has not commenced foreclosure
A housing counselor certifies that you are either more than 30 days behind on your mortgage, or experiencing a financial hardship that may qualify you for a foreclosure avoidance measure
How to get help:
Contact Mediation Case Manager toll free at 855-658-6733 or locally at 503-451-6774
Veterans’ funding is also available for people who have served on active duty or received a ribbon or medal for service and been discharged or released under honorable conditions
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Oregon, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Oregon
The Oregon Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that helps low-income households with home heating and cooling costs.
Qualifications:
Resident of Oregon
Need financial assistance with home energy costs
If you participate or have family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as SNAP, SSI, or TANF, you automatically meet the eligibility requirement
Families with one or more members with a disability
Families with children (in most states)
You are automatically eligible to receive weatherization assistance if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Oregon
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:
Advantage Dental Services (OHP)
Advantage Dental Oral Health Centers are closely affiliated with Advantage Dental Services, a Medicaid (OHP) plan. You can receive coverage for the following:
Preventive dental care (yearly cleaning, X-rays, fluoride varnish)
Treatment for problems (fillings, extractions, dentures, crowns, root canals)
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Oregon
HRSA, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, funds health centers that provide free or subsidized health and dental care to low-income people and those otherwise unable to access quality health care, like people living in rural areas.
HRSA also offers a 24/7 free and confidential mental health hotline for pregnant and new moms. Dial 833-943-5746 (833-9-HELP4MOMS) if you are struggling.
Qualifications:
Each health center sets its own eligibility criteria for free or reduced cost care.
How to get help:
Find an HRSA health center in Oregon by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
Oregon Medicaid
The Oregon Health Plan (a Medicaid expansion program) provides health care services delivered through managed care and based on a prioritized list of medical conditions and treatments.
Qualifications:
Resident of the state of Oregon
U.S. national, citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
Responsible for a child 17 years of age or younger
Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability
How to get help:
To apply for OHP online, apply for medical benefits at ONE.Oregon.gov
Call 800-359-9517
Oregon State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
CHIP provides low-cost comprehensive health coverage to children (and sometimes pregnant women) of families that earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid. SCHIP allows Oregon to offer health insurance for eligible children, up to age 19, who are not already insured.
Qualifications:
You must be a resident of Oregon and meet all of the following:
Either 18 years of age and under, or a primary caregiver with a child(ren) 18 years of age and under
A U.S. Citizen, National, or a Non-Citizen legally admitted into the U.S.
Uninsured (and ineligible for Medicaid)
Meet household income guidelines — $74,580/year for a family of three
How to get help:
To receive an Oregon Health Plan application packet for SCHIP, call 800-359-9517 or visit the Apply for OHP page.
Healthy Start of Southern Oregon
Healthy Start provides women with support, education, and community referrals for:
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies.
Qualifications:
Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC
How to get help:
To apply for WIC, contact the WIC agency nearest you to schedule an appointment. Or call 800-735-2900.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program
NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school.
An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students. Schools with at least 80% of the students eligible for free or reduced-price meals must provide breakfast at no cost to all students.
Apply online or contact your child’s school to enroll.
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
SFSP provides nutritious meals/snacks to children in low-income areas during summer months and long vacation periods during the school year.
The program provides up to two meals or one meal and one snack per day per child. They are typically available at schools, churches, recreation centers, camps, playgrounds, parks, etc.
Qualifications:
Children 18 years old and younger
Children 19 years and over who have a mental/physical disability
The Oregon Food Bank Network helps communities and organizations across Oregon and southwest Washington get access to food. It includes 21 regional food banks that manage logistics and distribute food and services and more than 1,400 sites where anyone can get free food.
Qualifications:
Each food bank sets its own eligibility and proof of need requirements.
How to get help:
To find a food bank near you and for additional information, visit the Oregon Food Banks website
Call 503-282-0555 to speak to the Chief Executive, Susannah Morgan
There are multiple federally funded education programs and resources in Oregon:
Oregon Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school.
Qualifications:
Children from birth to 5
Meet federal poverty guidelines
Children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) are eligible regardless of income
Some programs accept kids with incomes above the Poverty Guidelines
Pregnant women can also receive prenatal and postpartum information, education, and services through Early Head Start
Preschool Promise (PSP) offers free, high-quality preschool to Oregon families who are living at or below 200% of the FPL in Oregon. Serving children ages three and four, PSP is a publicly funded program and complements other early learning programs such as Oregon Pre-Kindergarten.
Qualifications:
Oregon families who are living at or below 200% of the FPL qualify.
How to get help:
Families enroll in Preschool Promise by working with their regional Early Learning Hub.
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in Oregon
You must be 18 years of age to take the GED test independently. If you’re under 18, you need to be:
At least 16 years old
Enrolled in an Oregon Option Program for in-school youth
Exempted by your local school district
Legally emancipated or pursuing the GED® with a parent or guardian’s permission
16-year-olds may need a court order, and no one under 16 may take the test.
The GED test is broken into four exams on different subjects, which can be spaced out and taken at your own pace (though each individual exam has a time limit):
Mathematical reasoning – 115 minutes
Reasoning through language arts – 150 minutes
Social studies – 70 minutes
Science – 90 minutes
You have two options for taking the test in Oregon:
Online at-home test – $44 per subject
In person at a test center – $38 per subject
Grants and scholarships in Oregon
The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in Florida. To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, create a student profile on the OSFA website.
Individual schools also offer need-based and academic scholarships for their students. If you’ve been accepted to a higher education institution, contact their office of financial aid to learn how to apply.
“The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families
Not your state? Select yours here:
If you’re a single mom in South Carolina struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with:
Emergency cash for low-income families in South Carolina
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 South Carolina
South Carolina’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance for qualifying families with children or to relatives who have court-ordered custody of a child placed in their home. Benefits are limited to 24 months in a 10-year time period.
The amount paid out varies depending on household income, size and location. Contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office to find how much your family can get per month.
In addition to the cash aid, benefits can also include child care and transportation assistance, job training and more.
Qualifications:
Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
Permanent South Carolina resident
Have children under 18
Low-income South Carolina families with a dependent child, to whom they are related, living in the household
Individuals that agree to pursue child support from parent(s) absent from the home
Children and mother must have social security number
Gross income must be less than 50% of the federal poverty level — you can check your eligibility here
$2,000 or less and licensed vehicles needed for individuals subject to the work requirement may not exceed $8,500.
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help.
Rental assistance in South Carolina
There are multiple programs in South Carolina to help renters find housing and pay their rent:
SC Stay Plus
South Carolina’s Rent and Utility Assistance Program is accepting applications for its waitlist. The SC Stay Plus program is a rental and utility assistance program for those who are experiencing financial hardships and housing challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Qualifications:
Household must be obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling
One or more members of the household must demonstrate risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
Total household income at or below 80% of the AMI as defined by the federal government
One or more members of the household must meet one of the following:
Qualified for unemployment benefits
Experienced a reduction in household income
Incurred significant costs
Experienced other financial hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak
If you need help buying a home in South Carolina, these programs can help:
South Carolina Homebuyer Program
South Carolina Housing offers a home buyer program with 30-year fixed rate mortgage loans for home buyers. These loans can be offered as FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.
County First is a rural initiative designed to provide potential homebuyers with additional resources. The program includes up to $8,500 in forgivable down payment assistance and special fixed-rate financing. Borrowers can choose FHA, Conventional, USDA, or VA financing.
Qualifications:
The program requirements are the same as the SC Homebuyer Program for income and home price limits. Properties that can be financed include:
Single-family residences
Condominiums
Townhomes
Modular homes
County First funding is available to homebuyers in the following counties:
Palmetto Home Advantage offers Conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loan options for first-time and repeat buyers with no first-time home buyer requirements in South Carolina.
Qualifications:
All program options require a minimum 640 credit score, have no sales price limits, and have a borrower income limit of $115,000.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in South Carolina, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in South Carolina
LIHEAP helps qualifying households with home heating and cooling costs, paid directly to utility companies. The agency does not assist with water, sewer, or telephone services.
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in South Carolina
The following medical and dental services are available to qualifying individuals and families:
Dental Access Carolina
Dental Access Carolina is a mobile clinic that travels to businesses and schools to offer dental treatment. It’s a helpful option if you’re struggling to take off work or adjust your schedule to seek dental treatment for yourself or your child. Dental Access Carolina works with schools and businesses throughout the state.
The mobile clinic works with the following insurance plans:
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 South Carolina by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.
Food help for low-income families in South Carolina
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
South Carolina Food Assistance Program (SNAP)
USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program) provides food benefits and nutrition education to low-income households.
SNAP recipients are issued an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card to purchase food in retail food stores, including:
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is a nutrition program that provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies.
Qualifications:
Low-income, pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, for up to one year postpartum
Women up to six months postpartum who are not breastfeeding
Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children
Low-income sole provider parents of children under age of 5 who are at nutritional risk and who are below 185% of FPL
If you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Assistance, or Food Assistance help, you are also eligible for WIC
How to get help:
Call your local WIC office or 855-472-3432 and say you want to apply for WIC.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program
NSLP serves healthy, well-balanced, reduced-price or free meals to children in school.
An extension of the NSLP, the School Breakfast Program provides free or low-cost breakfast to eligible students. Schools with at least 80% of the students eligible for free or reduced-price meals must provide breakfast at no cost to all students.
This program provides nutritious meals at no cost to children during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, nonprofits, parks and libraries.
There are multiple federal and state-funded education programs and resources in South Carolina:
South Carolina K-12 scholarship program
South Carolina will launch the Education Scholarship Trust Fund program in the 2024-2025 school year. The program will offer a $6,000 scholarship to give underserved children from low-income families affordable access to private school, tutoring, learning technology, and other paid educational services.
Applications will begin between January 15 and March 15, 2024. The first phase of the program will accept 5,000 students growing to 15,000 students by the 2026-2027 school year.
Qualifications:
South Carolina resident
First-time kindergartner or attended public school in 2023-2024 school year
Household income does not exceed 200% of the FPL based on size
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
South Carolina Department of Social Services COVID-300 scholarship
DSS’s Covid-300 scholarship helps S.C. families with the costs of child care. The scholarship amount your household is eligible for will be determined by factors including your provider’s tuition rate and your child’s age. A scholarship may cover all or some of your child care costs.
Qualifications:
Have a child or children between birth and 12 years of age
Work at least 15 hours per week or attend school or a training program
Child care scholarships are also available to support children ages 13 to 18 in certain circumstances: those who have disabilities, developmental delays, or who are in foster care
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education, here are some helpful resources:
Get a GED in South Carolina
If you are at least 19 years old in S.C., you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16, 17, or 18 with special permission from the school district where you live.
The GED test is broken into four exams on different subjects, which can be spaced out and taken at your own pace (though each individual exam has a time limit):
Mathematical reasoning – 115 minutes
Reasoning through language arts – 150 minutes
Social studies – 70 minutes
Science – 90 minutes
You have two options for taking the test in South Carolina:
Online at-home test – $43.50 per subject
In person at a test center – $37.50 per subject
Grants and scholarships in South Carolina
The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education provides direct support to students pursuing higher education through a number of need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants. You must be a South Carolina resident to apply.
Employment help for single moms in South Carolina
Workforce programs in South Carolina provide training and assist with employment:
S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce
The Department of Employment and Workforce exists to help people who are unemployed find employment. The department matches job seekers with employers and provides unemployment insurance benefits, among other services.
Qualifications:
South Carolina resident
Unemployed
Not your fault you lost your job from your most recent employer
Able to work
Available for work and willing to take any suitable offer
Report to your local comprehensive SC Works center as required
Must actively search for suitable work each week that you file a weekly certification for unemployment insurance benefits.
Suitable work includes any trade, occupation, or business in which you are qualified based on your training or experience and which pays at least 90% of your previous salary during your first eight paid weeks of unemployment and 75% of your previous salary after eight paid weeks of unemployment.
Must complete at least two work searches through SC Works Online Services each week that you file a certification
To be financially eligible for UI benefits, you must:
Have at least $1,092 in covered employment (with an employer who paid UI taxes) during the base period’s* highest quarter
Have earned at least $4,455 from covered employment during the base period*
Have total base period* wages that are equal to, or exceed, 1.5 times the amount you earned during your highest-earning quarter of the year
*The base period is defined as wages earned doing one year of insured work
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout South Carolina that offer support to single moms:
Raising Up the Lowcountry Foundation
This charity helps single moms in the Charleston, S.C. area with emotional, educational, and short-term financial support. There are several coaching programs that teach skills to improve health, money management, parenting, career advancement, and more.
Qualifications:
Single moms in the Charleston area are encouraged to apply for help
“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 Rhode Island struggling to make ends meet, keep reading for resources that help with:
Statistically, families benefit most with cash assistance (vs through benefits programs).1 Here is our guide to single mom grant programs, including our own.
Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness or loneliness — no strings attached.
Qualifications are simple:
1. You’re a single mom.
2. You need the money right now.
Fill out this form to apply:
(Note that the figures and information in this post are current as of publication date.)
Number of people in family/household
Annual income
1
$15,960
2
$21,640
3
$27,320
4
$33,000
5
$38,680
6
$44,360
7
$50,040
8
$55,720
For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.
Emergency cash for low-income families in Rhode Island
If you need cash to pay bills, buy gas, feed your family, or for any other reason, these resources can help:
Rhode Island Works
RIW helps families with children with cash assistance while they look for work. Families can receive up to 48 months of assistance. A family of three can get up to $721 per month.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen
Rhode Island resident
Have a dependent child or be pregnant
Willing to look for jobs giving at least 20-30 hours per week
If you need help finding a place to live or paying your rent/mortgage, these programs can help:
Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) in Rhode Island
The Housing Choice Voucher Program gives Rhode Islanders cash vouchers to help them pay rent. The program generally subtracts 30% of a family’s adjusted gross income from the rent amount or standard rent rate for the area to calculate how much assistance they receive.
If you need help buying a home in Rhode Island, these programs can help:
Homeowner Assistance Fund Rhode Island (HAF-RI)
HAF-RI helps Rhode Island homeowners pay mortgages that they can’t afford due to a pandemic-related financial hardship. The program can also help with homeowner’s association fees, utility payments, and property taxes. Homeowners can get up to $50,000 in aid.
Qualifications:
Rhode Island homeowner
Primary residence only
Financial hardship affecting your ability to pay your housing-related costs
Homebuyers in Rhode Island can get the lower amount of up to 6% of their purchase price or $15,000 as a second-lien loan to help pay a down payment. The loan’s interest rate will be the same as the interest rate on your first mortgage in most cases.
Qualifications:
First-time homebuyer buying a primary residence
Minimum 620 credit score
Take a homebuyer education course
Eligible for and participate in the First-Time Homebuyer Loan program
The RI Statewide DPA Grant pays up to $17,500 for first-time homebuyers to use toward down payment assistance or closing costs. Homebuyers do not need to repay the grant money.
Qualifications:
First-time homebuyer buying a primary residence
Minimum 660 credit score
Take a homebuyer education course
Eligible for and participate in the First-Time Homebuyer Loan program
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, you may be able to get help from the following programs:
Rhode Island Coalition to End Homelessness
This organization oversees Rhode Island’s homelessness call center and other programs to help people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. The Coordinated Entry System (CES) and Continuum of Care program connect families to housing resources.
IHSP helps families in need of permanent housing. They provide a case management team to give families the support they need, like affordable rental homes and rental assistance.
Transportation help for low-income families in Rhode Island
If you need transportation help, here are some resources available to low-income families in Rhode Island:
Discounts on public transportation in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is the state’s mass transit provider. If you are a senior aged 65 or over or a disabled person with a low income, you may be eligible for free rides for two years.
Qualifications:
Rhode Island resident
65 or over or disabled
Income at or below 200% of the FPL
RIPTA also offers discounted fares during off-peak hours for seniors and disabled persons regardless of income.
Nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) in Rhode Island
MTM provides NEMT for the state of Rhode Island. The service provides free rides or bus passes for eligible riders.
Qualifications:
Medicaid recipients who cannot get to Medicaid-covered health appointments
People who qualify for the MTM Elderly Transportation Program (60 and over with no access to transportation)
Working TANF (RI Works) recipients
How to get help:
Email saharrison@mtm-inc.net
Free cars in Rhode Island
This charity provides cars to qualified applicants in Rhode Island:
Free Charity Cars
Free Charity Cars awards free vehicles to selected applicants in all 50 states. The nonprofit charity group has been awarding free vehicles to low-income American families since 1996 and has gifted more than 9,000 cars. The charity group notes that they do not have an inventory of vehicles readily available as they award cars as soon as they get them, so there can be extensive waiting periods for those selected for the free car program.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Rhode Island, check out the following programs:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Rhode Island
LIHEAP helps low-income families pay their utility bills on time. The program offers a one-time payment to the family’s energy company or crisis assistance for families who are at risk of a heating shut-off for past-due payments.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) in Rhode Island
WAP makes energy-efficient upgrades to the homes of enrolled families. The program pays for upgrades and repairs, like fixing air ventilation problems and controlling air drafts in the home.
Qualifications:
Families who qualify for LIHEAP in Rhode Island also qualify for WAP.
Rhode Island Energy provides electricity for most of the state. The energy company offers multiple programs to help you pay your bill if you are having trouble, including:
Discounted energy rates: Get up to 30% off of your monthly energy bill if you receive government assistance such as SNAP, SSI, or Medicaid
Payment plans: Get an extension to pay your bill in installments
Bill forgiveness: If you have a past due balance of $300 and are more than 60 days late, you may be eligible to have up to $1,500 forgiven if you follow a payment plan
Budget billing: Based on your annual usage, this options breaks your bill into 12 equal payments so you know what to expect each month
Protection from shut-off: If your household members include an infant, seniors 62 and over, disabled or seriously ill persons, you may be able to avoid shut-off
Qualifications:
Each program has its own guidelines and process, so check with a Rhode Island Energy representative for details
Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Rhode Island
Rhode Island families who need help paying for medical or dental services can see if they’re eligible for the following programs.
Dental Lifeline in Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s Dental Lifeline works with more than 200 volunteer dental professionals to provide free or affordable dental services to people who need necessary care.
Molar Express is a traveling dental clinic that visits participating schools around Rhode Island to give school children affordable dental services. Families with insurance will have their insurance billed with no out-of-pocket costs. Families without insurance pay an affordable sliding scale fee based on their income.
Qualifications:
Under age 21
Attend a participating school or Head Start program
How to get help:
Call 866-665-2797.
Seal RI
This free program provides dental sealants to children during school hours. The program bills your insurance for the cost, but if you don’t have insurance, you won’t pay a fee.
Qualifications:
Students must attend an eligible school or program.
Rite Care and Rite Share (Medicaid in Rhode Island)
Rite Care and Rite Share are Medicaid programs for families with children in Rhode Island who earn more than the amounts allowed by Medicaid. Pregnant women can also get coverage.
Rite Care is full health coverage, while Rite Share is supplemental coverage that helps families afford an employer’s health care plan. Rite Share pays all of the family’s health plan costs if their income is 150% or below the FPL. Families with higher incomes pay a cost share fee.
The Rhode Island Mission of Mercy (RIMOM) is a free two-day dental care event offered by the Rhode Island Oral Health Foundation. All patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Yearly event is announced on the RIMOM site.
The dental staff educate patients about oral health and provide the following care:
Cleanings
Fillings
X-rays
Extractions
Root canals (front teeth only)
Qualifications:
At least 12 years old (all patients 12-18 must be with a parent or guardian)
A number of federal and state food and nutrition programs are available across the state:
Rhode Island 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
Click here for a list of what you can and cannot buy. A family of three in Rhode Island can receive up to $740 per month, depending on their income.
Qualifications:
Rhode Island resident
U.S. citizen
Gross income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
Gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level if someone 60 or older is part of the household
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Rhode Island
Rhode Island moms and pregnant women can get help from WIC to pay for infant formula and nutritious foods for themselves and their children. WIC also offers development screenings, breastfeeding support, and help finding health care resources.
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
The school lunch and breakfast programs give Rhode Island students free or reduced meals if their family income qualifies.
Kindergarteners who do not have access to these programs can still participate in the Special Milk Program, which provides free milk during school meals.
Children participating in after-school programs can also get a free snack or meal from the Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Qualifications:
Attend a participating school
Income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines
How to get help:
Contact your child’s school for more information
Call 401-222-4269
Email jennifer.goodwin@ride.ri.gov
Summer Food Service Program in Rhode Island
Children attending participating schools or programs can get free meals throughout the summer.
Qualifications:
Children must be 18 or younger. Participating sites can determine their own requirements for meals.
Project Hand Up is a nonprofit that rescues food and provides it to Rhode Islanders in need. For $6, you can receive groceries worth about $200. This is a drive through pantry. They offer contact-free curbside pickup, and volunteers will load your food into your vehicle.
If you are a veteran or a senior aged 62 and over you can shop on any of the three grocery days, other shoppers can get groceries as follows:
Tuesday: From 3-5 p.m. if your last name starts with A through K
Thursday: From 3-5 p.m. if your last name start with L through Z
Friday: From 3-4:30 p.m. anyone regardless of last name or age
Qualifications:
Any Rhode Island resident is welcome to shop at Project Hand Up
Child care help for low-income families in Rhode Island
The following programs can help single moms in Rhode Island afford child care while they work or go to school.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) in Rhode Island
CCAP pays for some or all of a family’s child care costs while parents/caregivers attend work or school. Monthly co-pays are between 0%-7% of your child care costs, depending on your family’s income. For instance, a three-person family can receive up to $23,030/year with no co-pay or up to $46,060/year with a co-pay up to $62.
Head Start is a free federal preschool program for children aged 3 to 5 from low-income families. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children under age 3. The programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development and prepare children for school.
If you’re a single mom who wants to further her education in Rhode Island, here are some helpful resources:
Adult Education in Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers the General Educational Development (GED) test and National External Diploma Program (NEDP) for people who haven’t finished high school.
The GED test includes four testing areas, each costing:
$30 for an in-person test
$36 for an online test
You can apply for a fee waiver through the Rhode Island Department of Education. Applicants must be 18 to apply with no restrictions, but 16 and 17-year-olds can participate if they’re homeschooled or have an alternative learning plan through their school.
NEDP grades a student’s high-school-level skills through real-world activities over several weekly small group appointments. You must be 21 or older to participate in NEDP.
All recent high school graduates are eligible to attend the Community College of Rhode Island tuition free to pursue an associate degree. You must attend college the first semester after graduation or earning a GED.
RIScholarships is an online database of scholarships to use for your college education in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Foundation offers grants and scholarships to Rhode Islanders pursuing a college program. Browse and apply for scholarships through Rhode Island Foundation.
Workforce programs in Rhode Island provide training and assist with employment:
Rhode Island Unemployment Benefits
Rhode Island pays unemployment benefits to eligible residents who have lost a job, been laid off, or who have had their hours cut at work. Rhode Islanders can get benefits for each week they qualify.
Register an account and file your weekly claims online at UI Online.
Rhode Island Works
While this program offers cash assistance for people with low incomes, it also provides employment and training opportunities. The program can help with job readiness, job placement, and retention services.
Qualifications:
U.S. citizen
Rhode Island resident
Have a dependent child or be pregnant
Willing to look for jobs giving at least 20-30 hours per week
Mail an application to or visit your nearest DHS office
We Make RI
We Make RI offers free training to learn skills that can help you launch a career in the manufacturing industry. You can choose from three programs:
General manufacturing: Learn the basics about manufacturing and get real-life experience working in a manufacturing role on projects and order processing
Materials handling: Learn how to move and track materials in a factory environment using inventory and control systems, forklifts, and processes for packing, shipping, loading and unloading
Industrial sewing: Learn how to use an industrial sewing machine
As a graduate of this program, you will have a job coach to help you find full-time work with an employer that partners with We Make RI. The program also holds a monthly job fair and free resume consultation to ensure you are prepared to meet with employers.
Qualifications:
Each program has its own requirements, but in general you need to be:
There are a number of charitable organizations throughout Rhode Island that offer support to single moms:
Sojourner House
Soujourner House operates across Rhode Island to help people who need shelter, job training, or sexual health support. It also helps victims of domestic abuse.
How to get help:
Call the office at 401-861-6191 or the 24/7 hotline at 401-765-3232
Email info@sojournerri.org
Parent Support Network of Rhode Island
The Parent Support Network of Rhode Island is made up of parents and community members committed to helping families find the resources they need for behavioral health challenges.
Qualifications:
Open to all families in Rhode Island
How to get help:
Call 401-467-6855
Moms on Missions
Moms on Missions provides a supportive community to help single moms set and reach career, education, and life goals.
The nonprofit provides:
Career counseling
Job search assistance
Resume and cover letter help
Interview coaching
Guidance for pursuing higher education
GED enrollment
Youth social development activities
Qualifications:
Single moms in Rhode Island
How to get help:
Call 401-346-2975
Email info@momsonmissions.net
Project Undercover
Project Undercover provides free diapers, wipes, underwear and socks to families with children who are in need. They distribute these much needed resources through partner agencies.
Qualifications:
Any Rhode Island family with children experiencing financial hardship
The United Way of Rhode Island helps the state’s communities in numerous ways. The organization raises money for charities, hosts workplace training events, and runs book drives for kids. Families can receive help through sponsored programs, like food banks, education scholarships, and rental assistance.
The following resources serve residents of Providence, R.I.:
Housing help in Providence
If you need transitional housing support, check out this resource:
Crossroads of Rhode Island
Crossroads offers multiple programs for families in need including housing, emergency shelter, health care, and education/employment services to families in Providence.
Qualifications:
Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
How to get help:
Call 401-277-4316
Transportation help in Providence
If you need help with purchasing a vehicle, this program provides financial support in Providence:
Keys to Success
The Genesis Center is a nonprofit that helps immigrants, refugees, and low-income families in Providence find resources for education and career advancement. The Keys to Success vehicle savings program helps Providence residents purchase a car by matching up to $2,000 through a special savings account.
In six months to a year, participants commit to regular savings to meet a goal. So, if your goal is to save $2,000 to purchase a car, once you reach your goal, you can get an additional $2,000 from the program.
Qualifications:
Must be a Providence metro area resident
Income is at or below 80% AMI for household size
How to get help:
Call 401-781-6110
Email cackley@gencenter.org
Food assistance in Providence
Here are some food resources in Providence, R.I.:
Amos House
Amos House provides free weekly meals, as follows:
Breakfast 7 – 8 a.m., Monday through Friday
Lunch 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Lunch 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Saturdays (no lunch on the first Saturday of each month)
Meals are served at 460 Pine Street in Providence. There are some alternative options available for diners who have food requirements based on health concerns or religious practices.
Qualifications:
This service is available to anyone in need in the Providence area
How to get help:
Call 401-272-0220
Farm Fresh RI
Farm Fresh RI is a nonprofit that offers several programs to make food accessible and affordable, reduce food waste on local farms, and encourage Rhode Islanders to use fresh local ingredients in their meals.
The nonprofit offers:
Farmer’s markets: Markets are placed in areas where locals have less access to fresh, whole foods with year-round and seasonal options and EBT is accepted
Education programs: Farm to School and Community Education deliver food education to kids inside of K-12 schools and in the community in public places such as libraries
Bonus Bucks: This program allows SNAP recipients to get $1 of free Bonus Bucks to spend on fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs for every SNAP dollar spent through EBT
Hope’s Harvest: A volunteer program that harvests excess fruits and vegetable from local farms, pays growers, and distributes the food to relief agencies
Harvest Kitchen: A job training program for youth aged 16-19 that allows them to learn culinary arts using food from local farms and sell what they make in local farmer’s markets and in the Farm Fresh RI cafe
Market Mobile: A food delivery and pickup service that benefits businesses and families who want fresh local produce
Qualifications:
You must be a SNAP recipient to use the Bonus Bucks program, but all other options are open to any Rhode Island resident
How to get help:
Call 401-312-4250
Electric bill help in Providence
If you need help with your heating bill, check out the following resource:
Keep the Heat On
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence offers last resort help for families in Rhode Island that are behind on heating bills.
Qualifications:
Experiencing financial hardship
Past due heating bill
Proof of denial from other heating assistance providers like LIHEAP and Salvation Army
How to get help:
Call 401-421-7833
Email ktho@dioceseofprovidence.org
Education help in Providence
Check out this free resource to support children in PreK-12:
Inspiring Minds
If your child needs extra help in school, Inspiring Minds provides multiple programs to support your child’s learning. The nonprofit offers tutoring, mentoring, afterschool programs, and summer learning programs.
These employment resources in Providence can help you train for a new career:
Providence Public Library Workforce Classes
The Providence Public Library (PPL) offers free adult education classes for all skill levels. You can use these classes for personal development, to help you pursue a job, or get knowledge to change careers. Some classes may require a one-time registration fee.
The PPL offers the following classes:
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Computer Science
Excel
Coding
Qualifications:
These classes are open to all adults but may have requirements, such as proficient English or basic Excel knowledge
How to get help:
Call 401-455-8000
Providence ¡CityArts!
Providence ¡CityArts! provides free afterschool arts programs for youth in the spring, fall and winter during the school year. Class sizes are small, and are first-come, first serve. You must register your child to participate.
Students can choose from the following arts programs:
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training has multiple free training programs that have an 80% success rate of job placement after completion. There are also reduced cost education programs and apprenticeships available.
Here are some of the programs you can choose from:
The Rhode Island Department of Education’s Enroll RI offers access to several free education resources for students K-12 and adults including:
Adult Education: Free classes to help adults complete a GED, get job training, improve English, increase digital literacy, and prepare for U.S. citizenship
All Course Network: Free courses available online or at colleges and schools across the state for students in PreK-12 (Uses a lottery system for placement)
Career and Tech Education (CTE): Free training in over 200 CTE programs available to high school students who seek technology careers upon graduation
Charter public schools: Free enrollment at a charter public school, giving parents a choice of schools for their children (Uses a lottery system for placement)
Qualifications:
Rhode Island resident
Each program will have its own requirements, so check with the program of your choice
This local charity provides free and low-cost bikes for children:
Recycle-A-Bike
Recycle-A-Bike is a community bike shop that sells refurbished bikes, offers free bikes for children, and space to work on your bike among other bike enthusiasts in your community.
Qualifications:
Free bikes are available for children in sizes 12”-20” based on availability
How to get help:
Call 401-525-1822
Email shop@recyclebike.org
SOURCES
“The Long-Term Impacts of Cash Assistance to Families,” by Kevin Werner, The Urban Institute, Jan. 31, 2024 https://www.urban.org/research/publication/the-long-term-impacts-of-cash-assistance-to-families
