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

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

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

Qualifications are simple:

1. You’re a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

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

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,960
2$21,640
3$27,320
4$33,000
5$38,680
6$44,360
7$50,040
8$55,720

For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Virginia

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

Temporary cash assistance in Virginia

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

The amount paid out varies depending on household income. For example, the maximum monthly TANF benefit for a family of three is $482, according to the Virginia Department of Social Services. 

Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 48 months for adults. Children living with a relative may be able to receive assistance for a longer period of time. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Virginia resident
  • Have children under 18 or under 19 if still enrolled in high school 
  • Children and mother must have social security number
  • Household gross income must be less than the federal poverty level 

How to get help:

  • Apply on the Common Help website
  • Contact the Virginia Department of Social Services at 804-726-7385
  • In-person at your local DSS Office

More emergency cash help in Virginia: 

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

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

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Virginia

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

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

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

Qualifications:

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

How to get help: 

Mortgage assistance in Virginia 

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

Virginia Housing Homebuyer Program

Virginia Housing offers a homebuyer program with 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loans for first-time homebuyers. These loans can be offered as FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans. Find a list of all the loans, grants, and programs on the Virginia Housing website.

Qualifications:

  • Credit score of at least 620
  • Work with an approved, participating lender
  • Take a homebuyer education course 
  • Find income and purchase price limits here
  • Must meet IRS definition of a first-time homebuyer, which means you can not have owned any other principal residence for three years prior to the date of purchase of the new principal residence                                                                                                

How to get help: 

Virginia Housing Down Payment Assistance Grant

Virginia Housing offers down payment assistance in the form of a grant — meaning it doesn’t have to be repaid — of 2% to 2.5% of the purchase price of the home.

Qualifications: 

How to get help: 

Virginia Housing Closing Cost Assistance Grant

The Closing Cost Assistance Grant provides money for closing costs — up to 2% of the purchase price — that never has to be repaid. Homebuyers can pair it with a Mortgage Credit Certificate to make homeownership more affordable. 

Qualifications: 

  • First-time homebuyer or repeat buyer purchasing in Areas of Economic Opportunity
  • Have a Rural Housing Service (RHS) or Veterans Affairs (VA) loan from Virginia Housing
  • Household income within Virginia Housing’s income limits
  • Within Virginia Housing’s sales price/loan limits

How to get help: 

Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage

This loan pairs a Virginia Housing mortgage with a second mortgage to cover the cost of a down payment. The second mortgage is a 30-year, fixed-rate loan with no prepayment penalty. 

The amount of the second mortgage will depend on the homebuyer’s credit score and the type of first mortgage they receive. Buyers with credit scores of 680 and above can also borrow an additional 1.5% above the purchase price to cover closing costs.

Qualifications: 

  • First-time homebuyer or repeat buyer purchasing in Areas of Economic Opportunity
  • Have an FHA or Conventional / Conventional No MI loan from Virginia Housing
  • Have a household income within Virginia Housing’s income limits
  • Be within Virginia Housing’s sales price / loan limits
  • Have a minimum of 1% of the sales price documented and available to be used toward closing costs/prepaid items or to be held in reserves (or a combination of the two)

How to get help: 

HOMEownership Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance program (DPA)

Various nonprofits fund DPA, which provides down payment assistance grants with a requirement to occupy the house as their primary residence for a set number of years, based on the amount received:

  • $1,000 to $14,999 – 5 years
  • $15,000 to $40,000 – 10 years
  • Amounts over $40,000 – 15 years

If the homebuyer sells or refinances the property before the occupancy period ends, DPA assistance must be repaid in full.

Eligible homebuyers can receive up to 10% of the sales price in down payment assistance (within the established approved areas by DHCD), plus up to $2,500 toward closing costs. In high-cost or chronically economically-distressed localities, buyers can receive up to 20% in assistance.

Qualifications: 

  • First-time homebuyer
  • Household income cannot exceed 80% of AMI
  • Must provide 1% of the sales price personal income or a contribution of $500 if the annual household income is below 50% of AMI
  • Receive homeownership counseling from a HUD-certified agency and HUDcertified Housing Counselor
  • Complete a HUD-certified homebuyer education course
  • Good credit history with at least 3 trade lines open and a median credit score of 620 or higher 

How to get help: 

Contact a DPA local provider that serves your area.

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Homeless assistance in Virginia

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

The Virginia Homeless Solutions Program

The main goal of the program is to prevent Virginia residents from becoming homeless — or from returning to homelessness. The program offers services including:

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

Qualifications: 

  • Household income 30% below AMI
  • Household lacks the financial resources and support needed to remain in existing housing without assistance

How to get help: 

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in Virginia

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

Energy Assistance in Virginia

The Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps low-income households with heating and cooling costs. The EAP offers four types of assistance: 

  • Fuel assistance
  • Crisis assistance
  • Cooling assistance
  • Weatherization assistance

Qualifications:       

  • Gross monthly income may not exceed 150% of FPL
  • Responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills
  • Virginia resident 
  • U.S. Citizen, qualified non-U.S. citizen 

How to get help:

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:

  • Installing carbon monoxide detectors
  • Removing mold
  • Replacing inefficient or unsafe heating units 
  • Insulating a single family home for energy efficiency

Qualifications:

  • U.S citizen or a qualified alien
  • Virginia resident 
  • Meet annual household income guidelines based on the number of people in your household — $57,496/year for a family of three
  • Automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI, TANF or Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits

How to get help:

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Virginia

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

Virginia Dental Association

The Virginia Dental Association connects residents with free or low-cost dental services, education, and more. 

You can use this tool to find a dental clinic near you, or check out this list of free dental services. 

Qualifications: 

Each individual clinic sets its own eligibility requirements. 

How to get help: 

Call the VDA at 804-288-5750. 

Mission of Mercy (MOM) project

The Mom Project provides dental care for underserved Virginians throughout the state.

Qualifications: 

Each individual clinic or program sets its own eligibility requirements. 

How to get help: 

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Virginia

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

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help:

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

Virginia Medicaid

Cardinal Care, Virginia’s Medicaid program, provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In Virginia, Medicaid benefits include:

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

Qualifications:

  • Virginia resident 
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • Meet income requirements — $3,067 for a family of three

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

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

How to get help:

Virginia FAMIS

Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) is Virginia’s health insurance program for children, meant to cover children of families who don’t qualify for Medicaid. FAMIS covers these services:

  • Dental care
  • Well visits for babies and kids 
  • Other doctor visits
  • Emergency care
  • Hospital visits
  • Mental health care
  • Prescription medicine
  • Tests and x-rays
  • Vaccinations
  • Vision care

There are no enrollment costs or monthly premiums for FAMIS. At this time, there are no co-pays for any FAMIS covered services. 

Qualifications:

  • Virginia resident 
  • Uninsured 
  • Under age 19
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • Meet income requirements — $4,247 for a family of three

How to get help:

Virginia Healthy Start

Healthy Start Loving Steps provides home visits to educate parents and coordinate care for people who need it. Healthy Start Loving Steps services include:

  • Personalized visits and support 
  • Prenatal care and parenting 
  • Help with conception 
  • Stress management
  • Local resources and assistance

Qualifications: 

Pregnant women and parents of children under three years old are eligible for Virginia Healthy Start services. 

How to get help: 

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Virginia

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

Virginia Food Assistance Program (SNAP)

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

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

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

Qualifications:

  • Virginia resident
  • Meet income eligibility requirements 
  • Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,750 or under $4,250 and share your household with one of the following:
    • Person or persons age 60 and over
    • Person with a disability (child, spouse, parent, yourself

How to get help: 

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

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

Qualifications:

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

How to get help: 

  • Apply for WIC online 
  • Call 888-942-3663 or 877-835-5942 

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program

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

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

Contact your child’s school to enroll. 

Virginia’s Summer Food Service Program

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

Virginia food banks


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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

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

More food help:

Child care help for low-income families in Virginia

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

Virginia Head Start and Early Head Start

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to apply: 

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Virginia

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

Get a GED in Virginia

If you are at least 18 years old in Virginia, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 or 17 with special permission from the school district where you live. 

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

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

You have two options for taking the test in Virginia: 

  • Online at-home test – $36 per subject
  • In person at a test center – $30 per subject

Grants and scholarships in Virginia

The Virginia Commonwealth Award Program awards need-based grants to undergraduates and graduate-level students. 

Eligible undergraduate students are required to attend approved Virginia colleges and universities. Graduate participants are permitted to attend in and out-of-state institutions. The actual awards will vary by institution and are subject to available funding. 

Qualifications: 

  • U.S. citizen
  • Virginia resident 
  • Two- or four-year college or university student
  • Half-time student (minimum)
  • Working toward a degree or technical certificate
  • Display financial need paying for college

How to get help:

This program does not have a separate application; students must complete the FAFSA or VASA. Call 804-225-2600 for additional help. 

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

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Virginia

Workforce programs in Virginia provide training and assist with employment:

Virginia Reemployment Assistance (Insurance) Program

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

Qualifications: 

  • Virginia resident 
  • Unemployed
  • Previously employed for the past 12 months
  • Earned a certain amount of wages
  • Actively looking for another job

How to get help: 

Virginia ServiceSource Employment Supports for Parents

The Employment Supports for Parents program helps unemployed parents transition back into a career, change careers, and increase earnings. Parents get personalized support to explore career options and learn skills to make them excellent job candidates and employees.

Qualifications:

  • Must financially support at least one minor
  • Looking for employment
  • Meet income guidelines
  • Live in one of the following areas:
    • Fairfax County
    • Falls Church
    • Fairfax
    • Prince William County
    • Stafford County
    • Fredericksburg

How to get help:

American Job Centers

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

How to get help: 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Virginia

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

Women Giving Back

Women Giving Back is a nonprofit in Sterling, Va. that provides a free clothing boutique for women and children, diapers, school supplies, holiday gifts, and other essentials. The organization serves low-income women-led families and women who have survived traumatic experiences such as domestic violence.

Qualifications:

  • You must be referred to use these free programs and services by a Women Giving Back referral partner
  • If you need diapers, you can use the online application to request them as long as you are able to pick up the diapers and meet one of the following conditions:
    • Your child is under 3
    • You have a baby due next month
    • You can show proof of need and have experienced a financial hardship

How to get help:

Giving Words

Giving Words is a nonprofit in Louisa, Va. that helps single mothers who cannot afford car repairs and connects them to resources to assist them in overcoming financial hardships, especially in emergency situations. Giving Words partners with local churches, car repair shops, consignment shops and other community organizations.

Qualifications:

  • Single mothers in Virginia are encouraged to contact the organization for help

How to get help:

The Salvation Army of Virginia

The Salvation Army wears many hats. Chapters assist with:

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

Catholic Charities of Virginia

Catholic Charities assists with:

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

United Way of Virginia

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

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

The United Way that serves Richmond and Peteresburg sponsors the WomanRise scholarship grant program for moms who are students and earn less than $60,000.

How to get help: 

SOURCES

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





Not your state? Select yours here:

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

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

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

Qualifications are simple:

1. You’re a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

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

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,960
2$21,640
3$27,320
4$33,000
5$38,680
6$44,360
7$50,040
8$55,720

For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Washington

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

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) in Washington

TANF gives Washington low-income families money to pay for necessities like food, clothing, and shelter for up to 60 months. A family of three with no income can qualify for up to $654 per month. 

Families participating in TANF may also qualify for emergency cash assistance with a one-time payment of up to $750. This payment is available to families who have an urgent utility or housing need and have not received an emergency payment in the past year. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or eligible resident
  • Washington resident
  • Participate in work readiness program
  • Resources $6,000 or less
  • Cooperate with child support enforcement, if applicable
  • Meet income requirements — no more than $654 per month for a family of three

How to get help:

Diversion Cash Assistance in Washington

Diversion Cash Assistance is a one-time emergency payment for families who are eligible for TANF but do not want to receive ongoing TANF benefits. 

The program gives short-term payments to help families afford housing, food, medical bills, and other necessities. Families can receive up to $1,250. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or eligible resident
  • Washington resident
  • Eligible for TANF
  • Resources $6,000 or less
  • Meet income requirements — no more than $654 per month for a family of three

How to get help:

  • Apply online
  • Call 877-501-2233
  • Apply in person at your Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) office

More emergency cash help in Washington: 

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

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

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Washington

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

Eviction Rent Assistance in Washington

The state of Washington helps families who are facing eviction pay their rent. Each county outlines its own requirements and eligibility terms for applicants. 

Washington also offers a sub-program for residents who are 25 or younger and are facing eviction. 

Qualifications:

  • Washington resident
  • Financial crisis  
  • Facing eviction 

How to get help: 

Locate a Rent Assistance Provider in your county.

Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) in Washington

Washington families seeking affordable housing can apply for the Section 8 program. It gives vouchers for eligible apartments and homes to help qualifying families pay rent.

Qualifications:

How to get help: 

Mortgage assistance in Washington

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

Washington Homeowners Assistance Fund

The Washington HAF helps homeowners get cash assistance or resources to avoid foreclosure. The program pays up to $60,000 per household.

Qualifications:

  • Own primary residence in Washington
  • Financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Behind on mortgage payments
  • Meet income requirements, as detailed by a housing counselor  

How to get help: 

Call 877‐894‐4663.

Washington Housing Finance Commission Home Buying Assistance

Washington can help single moms buy a home affordably with these programs:

  • Home Advantage Program: Homebuyers in Washington can get a low-interest mortgage through this program. 
  • House Key Opportunity Program: Single moms who are first-time homebuyers may qualify for a mortgage with low interest rates. This program has lower income limits than Home Advantage.
  • EnergySpark Home Loan: Homebuyers purchasing an energy-efficient home or making energy-efficient improvements to a home they buy can qualify for this loan with a lower-than-average interest rate. 
  • Down Payment Assistance: This program pays $10,000, on average, as a second mortgage for homebuyers to make a down payment on a new home.

Qualifications:

  • Buy a home in Washington within purchase limits (varies by program)
  • Meet income and purchase requirements for program
  • Attend required homebuyer education seminars
  • Meet all requirements from participating lender

How to get help: 

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Homeless assistance in Washington

The 2-1-1 hotline in Washington can help you find emergency shelter and other resources if you’re homeless or facing homelessness. 

How to get help: 

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in Washington

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

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in Washington

LIHEAP helps low-income families pay their energy bills. The program pays your energy company a one-time payment for the season, which gets deducted from your bills until you’ve used the full payment. 

Qualifications:       

  • U.S. citizen
  • Washington resident
  • Responsible for paying the home’s energy costs
  • Income at or below 150% of FPL

How to get help:

Find a local energy assistance office. 

PSE Home Energy Lifeline Program (HELP)

Puget Sound Energy’s HELP provides financial assistance for energy bills. Qualified applicants can get up to $1,000 in credit for their electric or natural gas bill. Your account doesn’t need to be past due to apply. 

Qualifications:

How to get help:

Washington State Low-Income Weatherization in Washington

This weatherization program pays for efficient upgrades to the homes of low-income residents. Some examples of projects include:

  • Switching to LED light bulbs
  • Energy audits
  • Sealing air leaks
  • Installing energy-efficient equipment
  • Repairing or upgrading heating equipment

Qualifications:

  • Washington resident
  • U.S. citizen
  • Income at or below 200% of FPL

How to get help:

Contact your nearest weatherization agency.

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Washington

The following Washington programs help single moms access affordable medical and dental care for themselves and their children. 

Access to Baby & Child Dentistry

The ABCD program is for children up to age 6 who are enrolled in Washington’s Medicaid program. It gives eligible children access to necessary dental care, like exams and cleanings. 

Qualifications:

  • Washington residents
  • Child up to age 6 who’s eligible for Medicaid

How to get help: 

The University of Washington Pediatric Dental Care

The University of Washington gives children aged 0 to 18 dental care for affordable rates. Children can get routine and specialized dental care. Parents can apply for financial aid for services. 

Qualifications:

The program is for children 0-18. 

How to get help: 

  • Call 206-543-5800
  • Request an appointment online

Washington Apple Health (Medicaid)

Washington’s Medicaid program is called Apple Health. The state offers Apple Health to adults and children through separate programs. The income limits for children are higher than those for adults.

Children enrolled in Apple Health can also qualify for different tiers if their families have higher incomes. Tier one requires a maximum monthly premium of $40, while tier two has a maximum monthly premium of $60. 

Qualifications: 

How to get help: 

Washington Apple Health for Pregnant Individuals

Pregnant women can receive Washington’s Apple Health coverage throughout their pregnancy and up to 12 months after they deliver their baby.

Qualifications: 

  • Pregnant
  • Washington resident
  • Income at or below 193% of FPL

How to get help: 

Washington Healthcare Access Alliance

WHAA sponsors free and affordable dental and medical clinics across the state of Washington. 

Qualifications: 

Each clinic sets its own eligibility requirements. 

How to get help: 

Find a free health care clinic in your county.

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Washington

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

Basic Food in Washington

Basic Food is Washington’s version of the federal SNAP program, more commonly known as food stamps. A family of three can qualify for up to $740 a month to pay for eligible food and drinks. 

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

  • 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. 

People who do not qualify for Basic Food based on their citizenship status may still be eligible for the State Food Assistance Program. This program works the same as Basic Food and has the same income and eligibility requirements. 

Qualifications:

  • Washington resident
  • U.S. citizen or qualified resident for the State Food Assistance Program 
  • Income at or below 200% of FPL

How to get help: 

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Washington

WIC in Washington provides nutritious food, nutrition support, and breastfeeding resources for pregnant or postpartum moms and their children. Children can also get regular screenings to ensure that they’re on the right track with nutrition and development. WIC participants also receive extra money to buy fresh fruits and vegetables each month. 

Qualifications:

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

How to get help: 

School Nutrition Programs in Washington

Washington state participates in federal school lunch and breakfast programs, which allow eligible school-aged children to receive free or reduced-price school meals. 

Schools can also participate in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Special Milk Program, and Afterschool Snack Program to receive money for produce, milk, and healthy snacks for students.

Qualifications: 

  • Attend a participating school
  • Income at or below 185% of FPL for most programs

How to get help: 

  • Contact your child’s school for more information
  • Call 360-725-6200

Seamless Summer Option in Washington

The Seamless Summer Option program gives Washington children free meals during summer breaks. 

Qualifications: 

Children must be 18 or younger. Participating sites can determine their own requirements for meals but must be in low-income communities.

How to get help: 

  • Contact your child’s school for more information
  • Call 866-328-6325
  • Email elizabeth.beechler@k12.wa.us 

WSDA Food Assistance Programs

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) provides funding to food banks and food assistance programs across the state to help residents get the food they need. 

How to get help: 

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Washington

Single moms can get help from these Washington programs for child care while they go to work or school.

Child Care Subsidy Programs in Washington

The Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) program in Washington pays a portion of child care costs for low-income families. Some families have no co-pays, while others pay a co-pay of up to $215 each month, depending on income. For example, a mom with two children making $3,000 per month has a co-pay of $90. 

Homeless families may also get approved for up to 12 months of assistance. The Seasonal Child Care program helps seasonal workers also access child care assistance. 

Qualifications: 

  • U.S. citizen
  • Washington resident
  • Income at or below 60% of the state median income
  • Resources under $1 million
  • Participate in a work-related activity, like a job or training

How to apply: 

Washington Head Start and Early Head Start

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to apply: 

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Washington

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

Washington College Grant

The Washington College Grant program pays up to the full cost of tuition for a degree program, apprenticeship, or training program. For example, a single mom with two kids can earn up to $90,000 and still qualify for assistance. You can estimate your award amount using this online calculator.

Qualifications: 

  • Washington resident
  • Recent high school graduate or working-age adult
  • Participate in an approved program
  • Meet income guidelines

How to get help:

Applicants must complete the FAFSA and the WASFA to determine how much aid they qualify for.

College Bound Scholarship

This scholarship program helps college students in Washington pay for tuition, books, and other fees. 

Qualifications: 

  • Washington high school or homeschool graduate
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA
  • No felonies
  • Attend college within one year of graduating from high school
  • Meet income requirements, which is $58,500 or less for a family of three 

How to get help:

Applicants must complete the FAFSA and the WASFA to determine eligibility.

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship

People attending school for a STEM, trade, or health career may be eligible for this scholarship. The scholarship program has separate funds for trade programs, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate degrees paying up to $25,000 over the course of the programs. 

Qualifications: 

  • Washington resident
  • Income at or below 125% of the state median income
  • Pursue an eligible program
  • High school diploma or GED from a Washington school

How to get help:

Applicants must complete the FAFSA and the WASFA to determine eligibility before applying online for the scholarship.

Opportunity Grant

The Opportunity Grant pays for up to one year of college for students pursuing an in-demand career. Books and supplies may also be covered up to $1,000. Some recipients can also qualify for child care expenses, tutoring, and career services.

Qualifications: 

  • Washington resident
  • Income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
  • Maintain 2.0 GPA

How to get help:

GED in Washington

Single moms who have not yet completed high school can get a GED in Washington. The GED test includes four subject areas with a passing score of 145 each. GED test-takers must be at least 19, or 16-18 if they have approval from the last school district they attended. 

Each test section is $36, whether at a test center or online, beginning July 1, 2023. 

How to apply: 

Register at GED.com to sign up for the GED at a testing center.

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Washington

Workforce programs in Washington provide training and assist with employment:

Washington Unemployment Benefits

Washington’s unemployment benefits help single moms who have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced at work. Eligible workers can get money weekly based on how much they’ve made over the past several months at their jobs. 

Qualifications: 

  • Worked in Washington for the past 18 months
  • Lost a job through no fault of your own
  • Available for work
  • Participate in job searches

How to get help: 

Apply online.

WorkFirst Program

The WorkFirst Program helps Washington residents find suitable employment. The program provides resume, career, and training programs to help people prepare for a job.

WorkFirst participants can use WorkSourceWA to locate work and access online career tools.

Qualifications: 

  • Washington resident
  • Eligible for TANF
  • Referred by DSHS

How to get help:

Contact your local DSHS office.

WorkSource Washington

WorkSource Washington is a free online resource to find work. You can search for jobs, create and store resumes and cover letters, and find virtual career workshops.

Qualifications:

  • Any Washington state resident is eligible for this service

How to get help:

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Washington

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

Open House Ministries

Open House Ministries is a Christian shelter that helps families in Washington meet their basic needs. Families work with a coordinator to outline the terms of their stay and goals to help them get back on their feet.

How to get help: 

  • Call 360-737-0300
  • Email jon.nichols@sheltered.org 

The Salvation Army of Washington

Washington Salvation Army locations help their communities with necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. Some locations also help with:

  • Job seeking or career training
  • Disaster relief
  • Spiritual guidance
  • Education
  • After-school care and youth programs
  • Emergency financial assistance

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army location has its own requirements for its programs and services.

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your nearest location.

United Ways in Washington

The United Way offers help to local communities in Washington through services such as:

  • Health clinics
  • Financial help
  • Child development resources
  • Youth events
  • Senior services
  • Clothing and shelter
  • Donation drives

How to get help: 

SOURCES

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




Not your state? Select yours here:

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

We also put together resources specifically for:

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

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

Qualifications are simple:

1. You’re a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

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

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,960
2$21,640
3$27,320
4$33,000
5$38,680
6$44,360
7$50,040
8$55,720

For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in West Virginia

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

Temporary Cash Assistance in West Virginia

West Virginia WORKS — West Virginia’s name for their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program — provides cash assistance to eligible families with resident children or to parents of emancipated minors for up to 60 months. Recipients must work after 24 months of receiving benefits to continue to receive assistance.

The benefits are placed on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card or issued via direct deposit to the recipient’s bank account by request.

The benefit amount is based on family size, earned and unearned income, and housing expenses. For example, a family of three can receive up to $542 per month. However, the initial benefit and ongoing amount can change based on fluctuations in income or eligibility.

Qualifications:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Permanent West Virginia resident
  • Complete a drug screening
  • Have children under 18
  • Pregnant women
  • A child must be living in the home maintained by a parent or a relative who is a blood relative of the child
  • Willing to sign a Personal Responsibility Contract and a Self-Sufficiency Plan, which offer guidance and a plan for not needing the WV Works benefit

How to get help:

  • Apply online on the WV PATH website
  • Contact the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources (DHHR) Bureau for Family Assistance at 304-205-6357
  • In-person at your local West Virginia DHHR Office

More emergency cash help in West Virginia: 

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

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

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in West Virginia

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

Rental assistance in West Virginia

There are multiple programs in West Virginia to help single moms find housing and pay their rent:

Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program

This program, offered through the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF), helps renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of November 2023, the program is not currently accepting new rental assistance claims, but this could change if it receives funding.

When active, it offers up to 15 months of help with rent payments (past due and current rent).

Qualifications:

  • Permanent resident of West Virginia
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Rental is your primary residence
  • Proof of economic hardship related to COVID-19 or household member is entitled to unemployment benefits as of March 13, 2020
  • One person in your home is at risk of homelessness after March 13, 2020
  • Your household income is not over 80% of the AMI

How to get help:

  • Call WVHDF for more information at 304-391-8600

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers affordable housing, subsidized apartments, and vouchers to help single moms with low-income pay their rent.

Qualifications:

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

How to get help: 

  • Contact your local public housing agency and ask how to apply for assistance
  • Email HUD-PIHRC@tngusa.net
  • Call 800-955-2232

Mortgage assistance in West Virginia 

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

West Virginia Homeowners Rescue

The West Virginia Homeowners Rescue program, funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, helps homeowners who have struggled with mortgage payments before or after January 21, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If eligible, you can get financial help for past-due:

  • Mortgage payments
  • Utility payments (electric, gas, energy, water sewer)
  • Internet bills
  • Home insurance premiums
  • Property taxes
  • Ground rent
  • Fees (condo, HOA, etc.)
  • Other necessary housing costs

Qualifications:

  • Home must be in West Virginia
  • Must own and live in the home as your primary residence
  • Annual income must be at or below 150% of the AMI for your county or at or below 100% of the HUD AMI (whichever is higher)
  • Experienced a hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic that started before or after January 21, 2020
  • Must have proof of hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as job loss, income loss, or large medical bills you are struggling to pay

How to get help:

WVHDF Homeownership Program

The WVHDF Homeownership Program helps individuals, single moms, and families buy a new home. This first-time homebuyer program offers single-family home loans at affordable rates. It’s a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, and you can finance up to 100% of the home’s purchase price.

You must take an approved homebuyer education class and receive counseling.

Qualifications:

  • Gross income and the home price must not exceed the county limits for your household size
  • First-time homebuyer
  • Can’t own a home as your primary residence within three years of loan closing if you wish to purchase in the following counties:
BarbourCabellJeffersonMason MercerPutnam
BerkeleyGreenbrierKanawhaMonongaliaRaleigh
BooneHancockMarionMorganWood
BrookeHarrisonMarshallOhio

* This does not apply to any other West Virginia county or eligible veterans who receive benefits from the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008.

How to get help:

WVHDF Low Down Home Loan

The WVHDF Low Down Home Loan helps with down payment and closing costs in the form of a 15-year, fixed-rate, low-interest loan (currently 2% but subject to change). Works with the Homeownership Program and the Movin’ Up Program.

If you are approved for the WVHDF Homeownership Program, you can get:

  • Up to $7,500 in down payment/closing costs assistance when your loan-to-value ratio is 90% or greater than the purchase price
  • Up to $10,000 when the loan-to-value ratio is less than 90% of the purchase price

With approval from the Movin’ Up Program, you can get:

  • Up to $5,000 when your loan-to-value ratio is 90% or greater than the purchase price
  • Up to $8,000 when the loan-to-value ratio is less than 90% of the purchase price

Qualifications:

  • Approved borrower for the WVHDF Homeownership Program or Movin’ Up Program

How to get help:

WVHDF Movin’ Up Program

Homeowners with a moderate income can apply for the WVHDF Movin’ Up Program to purchase a new home. 

Qualifications:

  • Must not exceed annual income of $130,560 (up to two-person household)
  • Must not exceed $152,320 (household of three or more)
  • Home price must not exceed the limits set by the county you wish to purchase in

If your income is at or below 80% of AMI, you may be eligible for reduced interest rate and lower private mortgage insurance premiums.

How to get help:

WVHDF Secondary Market Loan Program

If you’re a single mom looking to refinance your mortgage, the Secondary Market Loan Program offers 10- to 30-year fixed mortgages and up to 95% financing.

Qualifications:

  • Current WVHDF borrower
  • Loan must be less than $453,100

How to get help:

Next Door Programs

Next Door Programs offers grants, down payment assistance and programs for teachers, first responders, police, and more.

Qualifications:

How to get help:

USDA Section 502 Direct Loan Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers the Section 502 Direct Loan Program to low- and very low-income borrowers to help with temporary mortgage payments. The loan can help single moms with reduced mortgage payments.

This program offers a 33-year fixed-rate loan. If you qualify for very low income, it can be extended to 38 years. As of October 1, 2023, the interest rate is 4.125% for qualified borrowers in West Virginia. Typically, you don’t need a down payment.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Not currently in sanitary, safe, and decent housing
  • Must live in the home as your primary residence
  • Can’t get a loan from another source
  • Able to repay the loan
  • Able to participate in a federal program
  • Choose a home with a value at or under the area loan limit
  • Agree not to use the property as a means of creating income (such as renting rooms)
  • Meet income requirements (click WV on the map)

How to get help:

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Homeless assistance in West Virginia 

The West Virginia Bureau for Family Assistance provides services for the homeless, including:

  • Helping you file a homeless claim
  • Providing access to food, shelter, and medical care
  • Creating an individual service plan to meet your needs
  • Connecting you with other helpful organizations

How to get help:

More housing help: 

Transportation help for low-income families in West Virginia

West Virginia offers multiple transportation resources for single moms, low-income families, and residents who are struggling with addiction.

Free and low-cost transportation

You may be eligible for these free and low-cost transportation options if you meet eligibility criteria:

Free rides through Jobs & Hope

The Jobs & Hope program helps West Virginia residents going through substance abuse recovery to get free education in a technical career to enter or reenter the workforce. This program offers on-demand rides for program members until they can get reliable transportation.

Qualifications:

  • Must be a Jobs & Hope program member

How to get help:

  • Call 833-784-1385

WV opioid response transportation

The West Virginia Public Transit Authority (WVPTA) provides free rides for urgent and non-urgent needs to people with an opioid use disorder (OUD) to get to treatment and recovery centers. Transportation is provided within 24-72 hours of request.

Qualifications:

  • Must have an OUD and seeking treatment and recovery services, including proven medication assisted treatment 

How to get help:

  • Call 888-696-6195 for non-urgent trips
  • Call 844-435-7498 for urgent trips

Medicaid transportation

If you receive Medicaid benefits, you may be eligible for free, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to get to WV Medicaid-covered appointments or services.

Qualifications:

  • WV Medicaid recipient

How to get help:

  • Call 844-549-8353

Free cars in West Virginia

This nationwide charity offers free cars for those in West Virginia who qualify:

Free Charity Cars 

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

Qualifications:

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

How to get help:

West Virginia public transit

West Virginia has 19 public transit systems. Free and/or low-cost options are listed below:

Bluefield Area Transit

  • Covers: Bluefield, Princeton, Mercer County, Welcome County, McDowell County
  • Offers: Free rides for non-emergency medical services with a pickup from your home, regardless of income or age

Buckwheat Express

  • Covers: Preston County
  • Offers: Free rides for seniors aged 60+ including a free weekly trip to the grocery store and a weekday daily trip to the nearest senior center for lunch at noon

Central West Virginia Transit Authority

  • Covers: Harrison County
  • Offers: Low fares ($0.50 per ride) and free door to door paratransit service for passengers with verified disabilities (you must register to use the service)

Country Roads Transit

  • Covers: Randolph County and Upshur County
  • Offers: Children under 6 ride free and you can buy a monthly pass for $30 for unlimited rides on the Elkins route (fare is regularly $1.25 for one way)

Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority

  • Covers: Berkeley County and Jefferson County
  • Offers: Half fares for disabled persons and seniors 60 and over, 25% off fares for students in high school, college or technical school, a free month of transit if you are in the Get a Job, Get a Ride! program, and a $5 day pass with unlimited rides on any route (standard one-way fare can be as much as $3.50)

Fairmont-Marion County Transit Authority

  • Covers: Marion County
  • Offers: Discount fares for seniors and free rides for Pierpont University and Fairmont University students during spring and fall semesters 

Here and There Transit

  • Covers: Barbour County
  • Offers: Free non-emergency medical transport for Medicaid members 

Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority

  • Covers: Kanawha County
  • Offers: Half fares for seniors 65+, free rides for children under 40 inches tall that are riding with an adult, and unlimited ride passes

Little Kanawha Transit Authority

  • Covers: Calhoun County, Jackson County, Gilmer County, and Roane County
  • Offers: Free non-emergency medical transport for Medicaid members

Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority

  • Covers: Parkersburg and Vienna
  • Offers: Free rides for veterans and children under 5 with an adult and discount fares for students (K-12 and college), seniors, and disabled persons

Mountain Line Transit Authority

  • Covers: Monongalia County
  • Offers: Reduced fares for seniors 62+ and free rides for children 5 and under traveling with an adult, high school students, and West Virginia University students, staff, and faculty

Mountain Transit Authority

  • Covers: Greenbrier County, Nicholas County, Webster County, and rural Fayette County
  • Offers: Free rides for children 5 and under, half fares for children 6-12 and free non-emergency medical transport for Medicaid members in Nicholas County

New River Transit Authority

  • Covers: Fayette County and Raleigh County
  • Offers: Free rides for children under 12 traveling with a paying adult and for personal care attendants with prior approval

Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority

  • Covers: Wheeling and Bethlehem in Ohio County, Benwood and McMechen in Marshall County, and the Highlands
  • Offers: Discounted fares for students (K-12 and college), seniors 65+, and disabled persons

Potomac Valley Transit Authority

  • Covers: Grant County, Hardy County, Hampshire County, Mineral County, and Pendleton County
  • Offers: Free non-emergency medical transport for Medicaid members, children under 6 ride free and children 6-12, disabled riders, and seniors 62+ all get half off of regular fares

TriRiver Transit

  • Covers: Boone County, Lincoln County, Logan County, and Wayne County
  • Offers: Free non-emergency medical transport for some medical card holders, one way fares for $1, and income-based fares for paratransit services

Tri-State Transit Authority

  • Covers: Greater Huntington, Milton, Barboursville, Cabell County, Cerdeo, Kenova, Wayne County
  • Offers: Half fares for seniors and disabled person with a Medicare card

Weirton Transit Corporation

  • Covers: City of Weirton
  • Offers: On-demand service for $4 per ride

West Virginia transportation providers

The West Virginia Department of Transportation maintains a transportation providers directory for all 55 counties in the state. Each county lists information about public transit, special transportation providers to community programs, taxi companies (if available), and Head Start providers.

BarbourGrantLoganNicholasSummers
BerkeleyGreenbrierMarionOhioTaylor
BooneHampshireMarshallPendletonTucker
BraxtonHancockMasonPleasantsTyler
BrookeHardyMcDowellPocahontasUpshur
CabellHarrisonMercerPrestonWayne
CalhounJacksonMineralPutnamWebster
ClayJeffersonMingoRaleighWetzel
DoddridgeKanawhaMonongaliaRandolphWirt
FayetteLewisMonroeRitchieWood
GilmerLincolnMorganRoaneWyoming

Vehicle donation and car repair help in West Virginia

If you need a vehicle or car repairs, this resource offers help:

Good News Mountaineer Garage

The Good News Mountaineer Garage provides reliable vehicles to families in need. These vehicles are provided at no cost to members of the following programs:

  • WV Works: Vehicles are provided so that recipients can get to work or job training and eventually exit public assistance programs
  • Jobs & Hope West Virginia: Reliable vehicles are provided for recovering drug users to get to and from work 

Qualifications:

  • Each program has its own eligibility requirements

How to get help:

  • Call 304-344-8445
  • Email gnmg@goodnewsmountaineergarage.com

Free Charity Cars 

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

Qualifications:

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

How to get help:

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

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

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

Electric bill assistance in West Virginia

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

Dollar Energy Fund

The Dollar Energy Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides grants to low-income families to help with their energy bills.

The organization currently works with the following providers:

  • Appalachian Power Company
  • Hope Gas
  • Mon Power – A FirstEnergy Company
  • Mountaineer Gas
  • People Natural Gas Company LLC
  • Potomac Edison – A FirstEnergy Company
  • West Virginia American Water

If your provider is not listed, contact them and ask about assistance programs in your area.

Qualifications:

Eligibility guidelines vary. You must complete a screening first.

How to get help:

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) in West Virginia

During the winter, LIEAP helps qualifying households with home heating costs through cash payments to the person responsible for the bill or paid directly to utility companies like Mon Power. The agency does not assist with water, sewer, or telephone services. 

Qualifications:       

  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • Resident of West Virginia
  • Responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills
  • Income is at or below 60% of the state median income — $39,720/year for a family of three

How to get help:

Weatherization Assistance Program

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:

  • Installing insulation around the home
  • Sealing and repairing air ducts
  • Replacing or repairing inefficient or unsafe heating units

This program, funded by the Department of Energy, is administered by community action agencies at the state level:

Community Action AgencyCounties Served
CHANGE, Inc.Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, and Ohio
Coalfield Community Action Partnership, Inc.Boone, Clay, Kanawha, and Mingo
Community Action of South Eastern West Virginia, Inc.Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, and Summers
Community Resources, Inc.Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler, Wetzel, Wirt, and Wood
Eastern WV Community Action Agency, Inc.Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan, and Pendleton
Mountain CAP of West Virginia, Inc.Braxton, Lewis, Upshur, and Webster
MountainHeart Community Services, Inc.Fayette and Wyoming
Nicholas Community Action Partnership, Inc.Nicholas
North Central WV Community Action Association, Inc.Barbour, Greenbrier, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, and Tucker
PRIDE Community ServicesLogan and McDowell
Southwestern Community Action Council, Inc.Cabell, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam, and Wayne
WV Community Action Partnerships, Inc.Statewide support

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • West Virginia resident
  • Annual family income must be at or below 200% of FPL — $49,720/year for a family of three
  • Automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI or TANF (West Virginia Works)

How to get help:

Contact your county’s WAP provider (see community action agency table).

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) helps low-income West Virginians:

  • Restore disconnected water service due to not paying water bills
  • Pay past-due bills to avoid disconnection
  • Pay current bills to avoid disconnection

Eligible families can receive up to $1,000 in one-time assistance.

This program is funded through September 30, 2023. If more funding becomes available, we will update the details. 

Qualifications:

  • West Virginia resident
  • Applicant’s annual income must be at or below 60% of the state median income for household size — $39,720/year for a family of three

How to get help:

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in West Virginia

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

West Virginia Oral Health Program

The West Virginia DHHR Oral Health Program provides information to families to help prevent dental issues, improves access for residents to get proper oral care, and looks for ways to improve the oral health of all West Virginians, through five programs:

  • Children’s Dentistry – Works with schools, Head Start, and community health centers and agencies to offer oral hygiene supplies and promote good oral health for children
  • The Denture Project – Provides dentures and partials to eligible low-income individuals as young as 21 years old
  • Pre-Employment – Provides dental and vision care to West Virginia Works (TANF) recipients such as: eye/vision exams, eye glasses, teeth cleaning, and fillings
  • Oral Health Workforce – A project with a goal of creating more dentists who serve West Virginia, especially in underserved areas
  • Jobs and Hope – Provides dental and vision services to West Virginians who are recovering

Qualifications:

Each program sets it eligibility requirements.

How to get help:

Dental care at West Virginia colleges and universities

Colleges and universities with a school of dentistry offer discounted dental services to the public. Services are performed by dental students overseen by licensed dentists, and often include:

  • Exams
  • Cleanings
  • Fillings
  • Tooth repairs
  • Root canals
  • Crowns

Qualifications:

Each school sets its own eligibility requirements.

How to get help:

Contact your local college or university.

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in West Virginia

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

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help:

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

West Virginia Medicaid

Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In West Virginia, the Medicaid program is run by the WV DHHR Bureau for Medical Services. About 87% of Medicaid recipients in West Virginia are enrolled in the statewide Mountain Health Trust (MHT) Managed Care program, which includes access to three managed care organizations (MCOs):

Through these MCOs, eligible families receive medical services like:

  • Doctor visits
  • Hospital care
  • Long-term care
  • Prescription drugs
  • Mental health care
  • Emergency room care and transportation
  • Maternity care (inpatient and outpatient)
  • Hospice care
  • Therapy (physical, occupational, speech)
  • Home health
  • Dental care 

If you are pregnant or up to 60 days postpartum under 21, a Native American or Alaska native, no co-payments are required. If you have a co-payment, it may not be greater than 5% of your household income. 

If your income is below 100% of the FPL for your household size, you can’t be refused treatment, even if you cannot afford the co-payment.

Qualifications:

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

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

  • SSI recipient
  • Pregnant
  • Children under 19
  • Adults 19 to 64
  • Disabled, over 65, or blind

How to get help:

West Virginia CHIP 

WVCHIP — part of the national Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — matches each qualifying child to one of its three options: 

  • WVCHIP Gold (very low income)
  • WVCHIP Blue (low income)
  • WV Premium Plan (moderate income)

These placements are based on household size and family income. Co-pays are also based on income and family size. 

WVCHIP services include:

  • Doctor visits and check-ups
  • Hospital visits and stays
  • Emergency care or urgent care
  • Immunizations
  • Prescription drugs
  • Maternity care
  • Diagnostic tests and x-rays
  • Dental and vision care
  • Mental health
  • Diabetic supplies
  • Other necessary health services 

Qualifications: 

  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • West Virginia resident
  • 19 or younger
  • Not eligible for Medicaid
  • Meet income guidelines (linked under copays above)

How to get help: 

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in West Virginia

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

West Virginia Food Assistance Program (SNAP)

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

In West Virginia, SNAP recipients are issued a Mountain State card. This is the electronics benefit transfer (EBT) card for the state. You can use the Mountain State card like an ATM card in retail food stores to purchase food, including:

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

A program called SNAP Stretch allows you to increase the spending power of your SNAP benefits on fresh fruits and vegetables at designated farmer’s markets and farm stands, community supported agriculture (CSA) programs, mobile markets, and local grocery stores. 

If you have a child with you when you shop at a SNAP Stretch market, you’ll get $1 for every dollar you spend. If you are over 60, you’ll get $2 for every dollar you spend. For a current list of markets, go to SnapStretch.com.

Qualifications:

  • West Virginia resident
  • Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) limit is $2,750 or $4,250 if you share your household with one of the following:
    • Person or persons age 60 and over
    • Person with a disability (child, spouse, parent, yourself
  • Pass a gross income test and a net income test

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

How to get help: 

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The West Virginia WIC program provides free baby formula and nutritional food items to low-income mothers and their babies. It also offers counseling and guidance on breastfeeding and making healthy food choices. 

Qualifications:

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

How to get help: 

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program

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

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

West Virginia Summer Food Service Program

The West Virginia Department of Education works with organizations to make sure children have free, nutritious meals during summer break. Food is distributed at local schools, churches, community centers, nonprofits, pools, and libraries. 

Qualifications: 

Anyone 18 or younger and living in a low-income area is able to get free meals through the Summer Food Service Program.

How to get help: 

West Virginia food banks

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

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

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in West Virginia

There are multiple programs and resources in West Virginia to help single moms find child care and education assistance for their children:

Choices Child Care

The Choices Child Care program provides financial assistance to eligible West Virginia families to pay for child care. Qualified individuals pay a child care fee on a sliding fee scale based on gross income.

Qualifications:

  • Your children live at home with you
  • You are working or attending school
  • WV Works (TANF) recipient
  • Annual income is at or below 150% of FPL

How to get help:

Find your Choices resource center.

WV Universal Pre-K

In West Virginia, free preschool is available in all 55 counties. 

Qualifications: 

Any 3- or 4-year-old child living in West Virginia can enroll on Universal Pre-K regardless of income. This program also serves students with special needs.

How to get help: 

Find your local Pre-K program.

West Virginia Head Start and Early Head Start

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to apply: 

More child care help

Education help for single moms in West Virginia

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

West Virginia Invests

West Virginia Invests is a state-funded grant program providing free tuition and fees for specific certificate and associate degree programs at any West Virginia community and technical college.

You must live in West Virginia for at least two years after graduation or half-time enrollment at school. If you fail to meet this requirement, the grant turns into a loan that must be paid back to the state.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen
  • West Virginia resident (must be a resident for at least one year before applying)
  • Able to pass a drug screening

How to get help:

Financial aid offices at colleges, universities, and technical schools

Individual schools offer need-based and academic scholarships for their students. If you’ve been accepted to a higher education institution, contact their office of financial aid to learn how to apply. You can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Get a high school equivalency diploma in West Virginia

In West Virginia, Workforce West Virginia can help you get your high school equivalency diploma. You must be at least 16 years old to take the test.

West Virginia uses the HiSET exam to test five subject areas within the following time limits:

  • Reading – 65 minutes
  • Writing – 120 minutes
  • Mathematics – 90 minutes
  • Science – 80 minutes
  • Social Studies – 70 minutes

You can space out these exams, taking them on different days but must meet the time limit for each test. 

There is no cost to take the HiSET. You have two options for taking the test in West Virginia: 

Grants and scholarships in West Virginia

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Community and Technical College System created the College for West Virginia (CFWV) hub to connect students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in West Virginia. 

The website offers:

To find out which scholarships and grants you may be eligible for, create a student profile on the CFWV website. 

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in West Virginia

Workforce programs in West Virginia provide training and assist with employment:

Jobs & Hope West Virginia

Jobs & Hope West Virginia is a statewide effort to address substance abuse and help those in recovery prepare to enter or reenter the workforce with proper training and support.

Qualifications:

  • West Virginia resident
  • U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
  • 18 years or older
  • Facing a barrier to employment
  • Wants to be employed and is willing to enroll in a training or educational program
  • Committed to following a recovery program
  • Willing to submit to random drug testing

How to get help:

Workforce West Virginia

Workforce West Virginia is a state agency funded by the U.S. Department of Labor to provide unemployment benefits and workforce development services for:

  • Job Seekers – Get referrals for job opportunities, help with your resume, career counseling, and opportunities to learn new skills
  • Veterans – Gives preferred treatment to veterans for jobs that match their skills
  • Dislocated Workers – Helps dislocated workers get the support they need to find a new position

How to get help:

West Virginia Women Work

West Virginia Women Work helps women learn about, train for, and start a career in skilled trades such as carpentry and machining, which teaches you how to operate machine tools like drills, grinders, and lathes. The nonprofit offers free pre-apprenticeship programs, educational support, and help with job placement after graduation.

Qualifications:

  • West Virginia resident
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Possess a valid driver’s license or able to get one during training
  • Access to reliable transportation 
  • High school diploma or GED is preferred 
  • Basic math and reading skills
  • Able to work on feet for long periods and capable of lifting 40 pounds

How to get help:

American Job Centers

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

How to get help: 

  • Search for a location on the American Job Center website
  • Call 877-872-5627 
  • Email info@careeronestop.org

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in West Virginia

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

The Salvation Army of West Virginia

The Salvation Army wears many hats. Chapters assist with:

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

Catholic Charities of West Virginia

Catholic Charities assists with:

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

There are chapters in each region of West Virginia: 

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

United Way of West Virginia

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

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

There are 15 branches of the United Way in West Virginia. 

How to get help: 

Help for single moms in Charleston, West Virginia

The following resources serve residents of Charleston, W. Va.:

Emergency cash assistance in Charleston

If you need emergency cash for expenses like utilities, rent, and groceries, here are some helpful resources to consider in the Charleston area:

Covenant House

Covenant House provides emergency financial help to Charleston residents at risk for utility shutoff or eviction. They offer help starting on the first day of each month and do so until funding runs out. The nonprofit also runs a food pantry from 9 a.m. to noon on weekdays where you can get free food, diapers, and hygiene products twice a month.

Qualifications:

  • Must have an eviction or termination of utilities notice

How to get help:

  • Call 304-344-8053
  • Email jparsons@wvcovenanthouse.org

Mountain Mission

Mountain Mission offers multiple programs to residents of the Kanawha Valley help with emergency financial assistance, including:

  • Paying eviction notices
  • Providing short-term housing
  • Paying utility bills
  • Providing food and clothing

Mountain Mission works to help as many people as possible but priority is given to no-income and low-income residents.

Qualifications:

  • Qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, or other assistance programs
  • Household income is below 150% of the FPL

How to get help:

Housing help in Charleston

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

Charleston Homebuyer Assistance Program

The Homebuyer Assistance Program, also known as the Home Blend Loan is a 10-year forgivable loan with a 0% interest rate. This loan is for first-time home buyers and is secondary to a traditional loan. You can borrow up to a maximum of $128,000, and 80% of the loan must be from a participating lender. The remaining 20% comes from the secondary Home Blend Loan.

Qualifications:

  • First-time home buyer with intent to buy an existing single family home
  • Able to qualify for a mortgage and get a loan from a participating lender
  • Can pay a minimum of $500 toward closing costs
  • Must complete an approved homebuyer education class
  • Able to meet income guidelines

There is no requirement for a specific credit score. 

How to get help:

  • Call 304-348-8035
  • Email moecd@cityofcharleston.org

Charleston-Kanawha Emergency Housing Voucher program (EHV) 

The EHV offers emergency rental assistance to eligible applicants who meet one of the qualifications below.

Qualifications:

  • Homeless
  • At risk of becoming homeless
  • Fleeing or planning to leave a violent living arrangement
  • Recently homeless and experience housing instability
  • Must be referred by a partner organization 

How to get help:

  • Call 304-348-6451
  • Call 211

Medical and dental care in Charleston

If you are looking for help with medical or dental care in Charleston, check out these resources:

WV Health Right

WV Health Right is a free health clinic providing comprehensive care in 35 counties of West Virginia. There are four clinics based in Charleston but also two mobile clinics that provide services in other counties across the state. WV Health Right offers an array of healthcare services such as primary care, dental care, and vision care.

Qualifications:

  • Uninsured or receives Medicaid or Medicare coverage
  • Household income at or below 250% of the FPL
  • Able to provide proof of identity and income

How to get help:

Children’s Therapy Clinic

If your child has special needs but you have no insurance or inadequate coverage, the Children’s Therapy Clinic offers comprehensive care to children from infancy to age 18. Each child gets an individualized treatment plan. The clinic offers free and sliding scale fee services, based on household income.

The clinic provides:

  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy
  • Music therapy
  • Autism socialization program

Qualifications:

  • Free services for households with income below 200% of the FPL
  • Sliding scale fee of $5-$50 per session for households with income over 200% of the FPL

How to get help: 

  • Call 304-342-9515

Food help in Charleston

Here is a food resource local to Charleston, W. Va.:

Manna Meal

Manna Meal, located inside St. John’s Episcopal Church, operates community-run pantries in Charleston. They provide the following services in the community:

  • In-person dining: Manna Meal serves two hot meals a day and anyone is welcome to come, sit down and eat
  • Food truck: Manna Meal travels to different areas in Charleston to deliver meals to anyone in need
  • Emergency food pantry: This pantry is open 365 days a year from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at the church
  • Mobile food pantry: If you can’t get to the church, the mobile food pantry sets up on the west side of Charleston in the old Save A Lot parking lot from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. every third Thursday of each month

Qualifications:

  • Anyone in Charleston and vicinity in need of food is welcome to use Manna Meal’s services

How to get help:

  • Call 304-345-7121
  • Email info@mannameal.org
  • Visit Manna Meal at 1105 Quarrier Street in Charleston, W. Va.

Education help in Charleston

Here are some education resources in Charleston:

University of Charleston

The University of Charleston (UC) boasts that 100% of its students receive some kind of financial support to attend the institution. This college offers multiple scholarships to undergraduate students who excel academically, creatively, and are community-minded. For example, if you have a GPA of 4.0 or greater, you can receive a $20,000 scholarship  from UC.

Qualifications:

  • Must apply for acceptance at UC
  • Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

How to get help:

  • Call 304-357-4750

Kanawha County Public Library free tutoring

If you live in Kanawha County, you can get free homework help and test prep for your child. As a parent, you can get help from Tutor.com with creating a resume and learning job skills to find better work opportunities. This service is available online daily from noon until midnight.

Qualifications:

  • You must be a card-carrying member of the Kanawha County Public Library (the membership is free)

How to get help:

Employment help in Charleston

Check out these employment resources in Charleston:

Charleston Job Corps

If your child needs help entering the workforce, Charleston Job Corps offers free education and training for multiple career paths. If accepted, your child will receive a bi-weekly stipend and a transition allowance after graduation with career placement help. There are residential (live on campus) and nonresidential options.

As a student, your child will receive:

  • Free housing
  • Free meals
  • Free medical care
  • Living allowance
  • Free books and supplies
  • Free uniforms and safety equipment

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or lawful resident
  • Aged 16-24
  • Must have proof of a low income such as SNAP or free/reduced price lunch
  • Proof of barriers to education and employment such as dropping out of high school, homelessness, trafficking, or aging out of foster care

How to get help:

Workforce Development Board of Kanawha County employment help

The Workforce Development Board of Kanawha County (WDBKC) offers free job seeker tools and career help in partnership with the Kanawha County American Job Center.

Qualifications:

  • Kanawha County resident

 How to get help:

Help for single moms in Huntington, West Virginia

These resources serve residents of Huntington, W. Va.:

Food help in Huntington

If you are experiencing food insecurity in Huntington, here is an option:

Lisa’s Pantry at Huntington City Mission 

Lisa’s Pantry distributes food boxes from the dining hall on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Thursday of each month from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Qualifications:

  • All Huntington City residents who have a need are welcome

How to get help:

Child care help in Huntington

Here is a child care resource for residents of Huntington:

River Valley Child Development Services

River Valley Child Development Services provides multiple programs to help you care for your children, including:

  • Child resources and referral: Offers help finding child care and looks for eligible programs to provide financial help to pay for care
  • WV Birth to Three: Early intervention services for children with delayed development

Qualifications:

  • The child care resource and referrals are open to any parent in Huntington
  • WV Birth to Three is available to:
    • Households with children up to 35 months old
    • Children who are not meeting age-related development milestones
    • Children at risk of developmental delay
    • Children diagnosed with a condition that could cause a developmental delay

How to get help:

Education help in Huntington

Here’s a resource if you want to learn something new, earn a high school diploma or equivalent, or start a different career:

Cabell County Career Technology Center

The Cabell County Career Technology Center offers adult education classes in skilled trades such as:

  • Automotive technology
  • Electrical
  • HVAC
  • Medical assistance
  • Nursing
  • Welding

In some cases, free tuition is available.

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Cabell County

How to get help:

  • Call 304-528-5108

Employment help in Huntington

Need clothing for work or help with finding a job? Check out this resource that serves women in Huntington:

Dress for Success River Cities

Dress for Success provides professional attire for women who have an interview scheduled for a new job. The charity also provides a career center where you can get help with job searches, professional development, interviewing skills, and career guidance.

Qualifications:

  • Women in need who do not have professional attire for an interview

How to get help:

  • Call 304-522-3011
  • Email rivercities@dressforsuccess.org

SOURCES

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




Not your state? Select yours here:

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

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

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

Qualifications are simple:

1. You’re a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

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

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,960
2$21,640
3$27,320
4$33,000
5$38,680
6$44,360
7$50,040
8$55,720

For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin Works (W-2)

W-2 is Wisconsin’s version of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, which provides cash assistance to qualifying families with children or to relatives who have court-ordered custody of a child placed in their home. 

The amount paid out varies depending on your household income and family size. You can find a detailed payout list in the W-2 manual. 

Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 48 months for adults. Children living with a relative may be able to receive money for a longer period. 

W-2 also offers the following programs: 

  • Trial Employment Match Program (TEMP): If you need help finding a job, you may be eligible for a TEMP job. If you are eligible for TEMP, you will get on-the-job training with an employer who may hire you permanently. Employers will pay at least minimum wage.
  • Community Service Jobs (CSJ): If you need work experience to help you prepare for work, you may get a CSJ. CSJs receive a monthly payment of up to $653.
  •  W-2 Transitions (W-2T): If you are not ready to look for work because you or an immediate family member is disabled, you may be eligible to participate as a W-2T and receive a monthly payment of up to $608.

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Wisconsin resident
  • Age 18 or older 
  • Must be a custodial parent or relative
  • Pregnant women in third trimester if unable to work or in 9th month of pregnancy
  • Children and mother must have social security number
  • Gross income must be less than 115% of the FPL
  • Family assets of $2,500 or less

How to get help:

More emergency cash help in Wisconsin: 

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

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

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Wisconsin

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

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

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

Qualifications:

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

How to get help: 

Mortgage assistance in Wisconsin 

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

Wisconsin Help for Homeowners (WHH)

This Wisconsin program can help with overdue bills such as mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and more.

The maximum award for eligible households is $40,000. Assistance below $10,000 will be provided as a grant. Assistance over $10,000 will be structured as a 1-year, non-interest bearing, forgivable loan. The loan is due in full upon sale, refinance, or transfer of ownership. If no resale, transfer, or refinance occurs within one year and the homeowner remains in the home, the loan will be fully forgiven. 

Qualifications:

  • Wisconsin homeowner living in a:
    • Single-family home
    • Duplex
    • Condo
    • Factory-built home
  • Have been financially impacted since January 21, 2020
  • Hou​sehold income is less than or equal to 100% of either the U.S. or county median, whichever is greater​

How to get help: 

Wisconsin Housing down payment assistance

Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) helps with down payment and closing costs in the form of a second mortgage loan. 

There are two down payment assistance options available: 

WHEDA Easy Close DPA 

  • Maximum loan amount of 6% of the purchase price when partnered with WHEDA FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans
  • 10-year fixed rate second mortgage with monthly payment

WHEDA Capital Access 

  • Maximum loan amount is 3% of the purchase price when partnered with a WHEDA HA, VA, USDA and conventional loans
  • 30-year fixed rate mortgage
  • 0% Interest rate
  • No monthly payments for the life of the loan 

Qualifications: 

Contact a WHEDA certified lender to see if your household is eligible. 

How to get help: 

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Homeless assistance in Wisconsin 

Wisconsin Department of Children and Family Homeless Services provides resources to help prevent Wisconsin residents from becoming homeless — or from having to return to homelessness. The office has information on:

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

Qualifications: 

Requirements are set by individual agencies and programs. 

How to get help: 

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)

WHEAP assists eligible households with their heating and electric bills. The amount of funding received is based on: 

  • Amount of funding available 
  • Household income 
  • Type of fuel
  • Number of rooms in the home 
  • Household fuel costs of the household
  • Type of home

Qualifications:       

  • Total income no more than 60% of the Wisconsin state median income
  • Responsible for paying your home utility bills 
  • Wisconsin resident 
  • U.S. Citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S.

How to get help:

Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund

The Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund (KWW/CF) helps people who need additional help after exhausting other energy bill resources, such as WHEAP. This fund is focused on helping residents keep heat and power on, despite a household’s financial challenges.

Qualifications:

  • Eligible for WHEAP
  • Need help to pay energy bills

How to get help:

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of projects include:

  • Installing carbon monoxide detectors
  • Removing mold
  • Replacing inefficient or unsafe heating units 
  • Insulating a single family home for energy efficiency

Qualifications:

  • U.S citizen or a qualified alien
  • Wisconsin resident 
  • Total income no more than 60% of the Wisconsin state median income
  • Automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI, TANF or Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits

How to get help:

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

HE+ Furnace and Water Conservation programs 

The HE+ Furnace Program helps eligible low-income Wisconsin households when their primary heating system no longer provides heat, is inoperable or becomes unsafe. 

The HE+ Water Conservation Program helps households with the repair or replacement of leaky or non-working water heaters, leaky fixtures, toilets and/or piping. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S citizen or a qualified alien
  • Wisconsin resident 
  • Total income no more than 60% of the Wisconsin state median income
  • Referral sent to the Weatherization agency 
  • Automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI, TANF or Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits

How to get help:

More utility bill help in Wisconsin: 

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin Dental Association 

The Wisconsin Dental Association offers resources to help residents find free or low-cost dental services.  

Qualifications: 

Each individual clinic or program sets its own eligibility requirements. 

How to get help: 

WDA put together this list of dental clinics in Wisconsin.

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Wisconsin

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

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help:

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

BadgerCare Plus (Medicaid)

BadgerCare Plus is Wisconsin’s version of Medicaid, which provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. Benefits include:

  • Long-term Care (LTC) – Covers care in a nursing facility, assisted living, or at home (Must be at least 18 years old and require nursing home-level care or hospital-level care if you have cystic fibrosis)
  • Dental – Covers all dental services for children and adults

Check out this full list of BadgerCare Plus covered services and copays. 

Qualifications:

  • Wisconsin resident 
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • Meet income requirements

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

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

How to get help:

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin FoodShare (SNAP)

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

FoodShare, Wisconsin’s version of SNAP, issues recipients an EBT card that can be used like an ATM card in retail food stores to purchase food, including:

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

Qualifications:

How to get help: 

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

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

Through the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, Wisconsin WIC recipients also get monthly checks to spend at local farmers markets. 

Qualifications:

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

How to get help: 

  • Contact your local WIC office 
  • Call 800-642-7837
  • Text 608-360-9328
  • Email help@wellbadger.org 

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program

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

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

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

Wisconsin’s Summer Food Service Program

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

Qualifications: 

How to get help: 

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

Wisconsin food banks

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

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

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin Head Start and Early Head Start

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

Get more information from the Wisconsin Head Start Association website. 

Qualifications: 

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

How to apply: 

Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy

The Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy program helps working families pay for monthly child care costs.

Qualifications:

  • Wisconsin resident
  • Have a child younger than 13 or under 19 with a disability
  • Meet monthly income guidelines (not more than 185% of the FPL)
  • Child is a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant

If you do not meet the above qualifications but participate in one of these activities you may still be eligible:

  • Working part- or full-time
  • If under 20 years old, graduating from high school or completing a high school equivalency
  • Completing tasks assigned by Wisconsin Works or FoodShare employment and training agency

How to get help:

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Wisconsin

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

Get a GED in Wisconsin

If you are at least 18.5 years old in Wisconsin, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 or 17 with special permission from the school district where you live. 

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

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

Wisconsin residents are also required to pass a 100-question civics test. 

You have two options for taking the test in Wisconsin: 

  • Online at-home test – $39.75 per subject
  • In person at a test center – $33.75 per subject

Grants and scholarships in Wisconsin

The Department of Public Instruction connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in Wisconsin. 

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

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Wisconsin

Workforce programs in Wisconsin provide training and assist with employment:

Wisconsin Reemployment Assistance (Insurance) Program

The Reemployment Services program provides unemployment compensation to eligible Wisconsin workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.

Qualifications: 

  • Wisconsin resident 
  • Unemployed
  • Previously employed for the past 12 months
  • Earned a certain amount of wages
  • Actively looking for another job, including:
    • Full registration on Job Center of Wisconsin website, plus development of a current resume
    • Completion of an online Reemployment Services orientation and assessment
    • Additional job search activities as required, which may include self-scheduling and participation in virtual or in-person activities at the Job Center with Job Service staff

How to get help: 

American Job Centers

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

How to get help: 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Wisconsin

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

The Salvation Army of Wisconsin

The Salvation Army wears many hats. Chapters assist with:

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

Catholic Charities of Wisconsin

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

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

United Way of Wisconsin

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

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

How to get help: 

SOURCES

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




Not your state? Select yours here:

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

We also put together resources specifically for:

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

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

Qualifications are simple:

1. You’re a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

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

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,960
2$21,640
3$27,320
4$33,000
5$38,680
6$44,360
7$50,040
8$55,720

For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Wyoming

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 Wyoming

Wyoming’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides cash assistance for qualifying families.

There are two forms of TANF in Wyoming: 

  • The POWER Work program
  • The POWER Caretaker Relative program
    • Provides cash assistance to family members or caregivers to children 
    • Provides free child support assistance

The amount paid out varies depending on household income. However, a family of three with no income could receive $781 monthly through the POWER Work Program. Through the POWER Caretaker Relative Program for one child with no income or resources, households could receive $259 monthly. 

Qualifications:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Wyoming resident
  • Have children under 18 in the household 
  • Household must have $5,000 or less in resources
  • Meet income requirements 

How to get help:

Wyoming Rapid Response Fund

The Wyoming Rapid Response Fund, run by Volunteers of America Northern Rockies, provides one-time emergency assistance to families who:

  • Lost a home or are at risk of homelessness
  • Experience domestic abuse
  • Have healthcare challenges
  • Can’t pay for a funeral
  • Need essential home repairs

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Wyoming experiencing financial hardship due to the emergency situations listed above

How to get help:

More emergency cash help in Wyoming: 

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

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

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Wyoming

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

Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

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

Qualifications:

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

How to get help: 

Contact your local public housing agency and ask how to apply for assistance

Mortgage assistance in Wyoming 

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

Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund

The Wyoming Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) helps Wyoming homeowners who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and meet eligibility criteria to stay in their homes. 

Eligible homeowners can receive up to $17,000 as a one-time award to cover past-due mortgage payments, utility bills, taxes, and more. 

Qualifications:

  • Wyoming homeowner
  • Currently occupy the property as the primary residence
  • Financially affected by COVID-19 
  • Must not have received a previous HAF award 
  • Annual household income at or below 150% of the AMI

How to get help: 

Spruce Up

Spruce Up offers financing for both the purchase and rehabilitation of a home in one loan, with 3.125% interest for a term of 30 years.

Households can use Spruce Up for:

  • Minor remodeling and non-structural repairs
  • Repairing or replacing plumbing, heating, AC and electrical systems
  • Making changes for improved functionality and modernization
  • Repairing or replacing roofing
  • Making energy conservation improvements
  • Creating accessible features for persons with disabilities

Qualifications:

  • First-time homebuyer or have not owned a property in the last three years
  • Adhere to purchase price and income limits
  • Must be owner occupied as a primary residence
  • May be subject to Federal Recapture Tax (contact WCDA for more information)
  • FHA, VA, and RD financing acceptable
  • Home must sit on 10 acres or less
  • Single family homes, no option for rental income
  • Manufactured homes on permanent foundations must meet FHA requirements
  • First-time homebuyers are required to complete the homebuyer education class through Wyoming Housing Network, Inc.

How to get help: 

Wyoming down payment assistance

Wyoming Community Development Authority helps with down payment and closing costs through the following programs: 

WCDA’s Down Payment Assistance (DPA)

Down Payment Assistance (DPA) loans help borrowers in Wyoming pay for their down payments and closing costs. Each DPA loan product has these basic features:

  • $15,000 maximum loan amount
  • 620 minimum credit score
  • $1,500 minimum borrower contribution required

Home$tretch DPA Loan Product

  • Must be used with First-time Homebuyer and Spruce Up products only
  • 0% interest rate and 0.080% APR based on an average loan amount of $5,500
  • No monthly payment
  • Due upon sale of the home, refinance or 30 year maturity

Amortizing DPA Loan Product

  • May be used with HFA Preferred and Advantage products only
  • Fixed interest rate
  • Fully amortizing, low monthly payments
  • Maximum 10-year term

Qualifications: 

Must meet income and purchase price requirements for household and area. 

How to get help: 

Welcome Home Wyoming 

Welcome Home Wyoming (WHWY) provides a 30-year, fixed rate home loan or a down payment assistance loan. Down payment assistance loans can also go towards closing costs, reducing the principal, or prepayment. This program is open to first-time and repeat homebuyers. 

Qualifications:

  • Qualifying credit score (must be above 640)
  • Must be a primary residence in Wyoming
  • Household income falls within program limits (below $131,600 regardless of household size)
  • Completion of homebuyer education program
  • Buying new or existing residential property (one/two units, detached, townhome, condo, or manufactured)

How to get help:

  • Call 720-673-3955 or 720-673-3948
  • Email eva@welcomehomewy.org or diana@welcomehomewy.org

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





My Front Door

My Front Door helps Wyoming residents walk through the process of becoming and remaining a homeowner. The nonprofit currently has a 98% success rate with program participants through its seven-year program. As a member, you will receive:

  • A 12-week class that educates you about the homebuying process and financial literacy to help you prepare for homeownership
  • An 18 to 24-month mentorship to help you save money for your 3.5% down payment for the home you desire
  • A five-year program on home maintenance where you learn how to take care of your home, increase its value, and plan for the future

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Call 307-514-5831 (Cheyenne) or 307-745-4130 (Laramie)
  • Email hello@myfrontdoor.com

Homeless assistance in Wyoming 

Wyoming Homeless Services Program and the Wyoming Homeless Collaborative work together to assist those experiencing homelessness. They connect people with:

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

Qualifications: 

Requirements are set by individual agencies and programs. 

How to get help: 

Contact Program Manager Karla McClaren at 307-721-1973.  

More housing help: 

Transportation help for low-income families in Wyoming

If you need free or low-cost transportation or financial assistance for car repairs, there are many resources available to low-income families in Wyoming.

Free or discounted rides in Wyoming

Here’s a resource for free or discounted rides:

Ride United Transportation Access (RUTA)

United Way and Wyoming 211 have partnered to offer free and discounted Lyft rides to people who need help getting to medical appointments, school, work, job interviews and more. This is meant to be an occasional service when other modes of transport are not possible for the rider. Eligible users can get up to 10 one-way rides per month.

This service is available in the following counties:

  • Laramie
  • Albany
  • Natrona 

Qualifications:

  • Rider lives in one of the service areas
  • Has an eligible reason for a ride (this is determined over the phone by a Wyoming 211 agent)

How to get help:

  • Dial 211 on your landline or cell phone

Discounts on public transportation in Wyoming

Wyoming has public transit options in each county. Many of those services cater to the needs of Wyoming seniors. Here are some options that may help depending on where you live:

Jackson Wyoming START Bus

The START Bus provides free shuttles throughout the town of Jackson, Wyo. Free bus rides are available for all students in grade 12 and below in Teton County, Wyo. Children 8 and under can ride free with a paying adult and there are half-price fares for seniors 60 and over and for children 12 and under who are riding without an adult. All buses have free Wi-fi.

Qualifications:

  • Open to residents of Jackson

How to get help:

  • Call 307-733-4521
  • Email info@startbus.com

Share a Ride Wyoming

Share a Ride Wyoming is a shuttle service that connects people who need to travel throughout the state to save money and provide safe transport. The fares are reduced when multiple riders need to travel to the same areas. For example, the fare from Riverton to Casper is $195 for one person, but $49 per person if there are four or more passengers.

Qualifications:

  • Open to anyone traveling within Wyoming

How to get help:

  • Book online
  • Call or text 307-330-3322
  • Email sharearidewyo.2022@gmail.com

Nonemergency medical transportation (NEMT) in Wyoming

If you need NEMT in Wyoming, check out the following:

NEMT for Medicaid members in Wyoming

If you have Medicaid, you may be eligible for a subsidy to help pay for nonmedical and nonemergency medical transportation. The subsidy may be in the form of reimbursement or Medicaid will purchase the transportation ticket on behalf of the member.

This coverage can include payments for: 

  • Use of your own car
  • Taxis
  • Shuttles
  • Public transit
  • Intrastate and interstate bus fare (such as Greyhound)
  • Airfare
  • Overnight lodging at a hotel

Qualifications:

  • Wyoming resident
  • Medicaid member with travel assistance coverage

How to get help:

Free cars in Wyoming

This nationwide charity offers free cars to those who cannot afford to buy one:

Free Charity Cars 

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

Qualifications:

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

How to get help:

Car repair help and donation in Wyoming

If you are looking for car repairs on a budget, check out these options:

Backwards Mechanic Auto Center LLC

The Backwards Mechanic Auto Center in Casper, Wyo. offers three levels of repair service at different base prices:

  • You Fix It: At $39.95, plus parts (or you may bring your own) this option is for people who know how to make car repairs but just need access to equipment and a car bay
  • Fix It Together: At $59.95, plus parts and labor, you will work with a certified mechanic to perform the repair
  • We Fix It: At $99.95, plus parts and labor, the show will make the repairs for you

Qualifications:

  • Anyone is welcome to choose the level of service they desire

How to get help:

  • Call 307-797-8336

Good Vibes Garage

Good Vibes Garage in Laramie, Wyo. offers sliding scale rates on car repairs for single moms, students, and people experiencing hardship.

Qualifications:

  • Proof of income 

How to get help:

Les Schwab Tires

If you have a flat tire, Les Schwab Tires offers free repair if your tire can be fixed. This service is for passenger vehicles and is available at Les Schwab Tires locations in Wyoming. If you want to purchase new tires, they offer financing options and free services to maintain or fix your tires.

Qualifications:

  • These services are available to anyone near a Les Schwab location

How to get help:

  • Call 833-896-9953

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

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

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

Electric bill assistance in Wyoming

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

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Wyoming

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. 

Qualifications:       

  • Meet income guidelines 
  • Responsible for paying your home heating or cooling bills
  • Wyoming resident
  • U.S. citizen, qualified alien, or permanent resident of the U.S.

How to get help:

  • Apple online
  • Call 800-246-4221
  • Email lieapinfo@thealignteam.org 

Energy Share of Wyoming

Energy Share of Wyoming is a nonprofit that provides emergency, one-time funding to help you pay energy bills. This assistance is available after all other utility bill resources (such as LIHEAP) have been exhausted. If eligible, you can get up to $400 in assistance.

Energy Share partners with local Salvation Army locations to qualify applicants. Applications are accepted between December and April, based on the availability of funding.

Qualifications:

How to get help:

  • Call 303-860-5572

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps low-income families lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient. Types of assistance include:

  • Installing carbon monoxide detectors
  • Removing mold
  • Replacing inefficient or unsafe heating units 
  • Insulating a single family home for energy efficiency

Qualifications:

  • U.S citizen or a qualified alien
  • Wyoming resident 
  • Meet income guidelines 
  • Automatically eligible if you are receiving SSI, TANF or Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits

How to get help:

  • Apple online
  • Call 800-246-4221
  • Email lieapinfo@thealignteam.org 

Energy Share of Wyoming

Energy Share of Wyoming provides emergency financial assistance to help families pay utility bills. The nonprofit assists with gas, electric, and propane bills. This one-time help is only available to households with proof of financial hardship and no other means to pay for the overdue bills. Eligible families can receive up to $400 in assistance.

Qualifications:

  • Income is at or below 185% of the FPL for household size
  • Proof of financial hardship

How to get help:

Enroll Wyoming

If you need help figuring out the health insurance marketplace, Enroll Wyoming is a free service that will help you review coverage options, answer questions, and assist you with enrollment. 

Qualifications:

  • Anyone in Wyoming is eligible to use this free service.

How to get help:

  • Use the online form
  • Call 307-214-0785
  • Email bandagedan@enrollwyo.org

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Wyoming

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

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Wyoming

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 Wyoming by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

Wyoming Medicaid

Medicaid provides medical coverage for low-income individuals and families. In Wyoming, the program includes:

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

Qualifications:

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

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

How to get help:

  • Apply online 
  • Email applications to wesapplications@wyo.gov
  • Call 855-294-2127 

Wyoming KidCare 

Wyoming Kid Care CHIP — part of the national Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) — provides health and dental care coverage for Wyoming children whose families do not qualify for Medicaid. 

Most families pay nothing, and many pay as little as $4 a month.

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

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

Qualifications:

  • Meet household income guidelines — $3,839 for a family of three
  • Wyoming resident
  • Under age 19
  • U.S. citizen or legally lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years 
  • Have not had insurance for at least 30 days

How to get help:

  • Apply online 
  • Email applications to wesapplications@wyo.gov
  • Call 855-294-2127 

Wyoming Hand in Hand (WHH)

The Wyoming Hand in Hand Home Visitation Program is available to all women, during pregnancy and following the birth of the baby for assessment, information and referral to community agencies.

Families are partnered with a trained registered nurse during pregnancy or after birth and receive home visits that continue through the child’s 2nd birthday. This program consists of at least 25 home visits. 

Services cover:

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

Qualifications: 

Pregnant women and parents of children under 2 years old are eligible. 

How to get help: 

Contact your local Hand in Hand location. 

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Wyoming

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

Wyoming 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 

Qualifications:

  • Wyoming resident
  • Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,500 or under $3,750 and share your household with one of the following:
    • Person or persons age 60 and over
    • Person with a disability (child, spouse, parent, yourself
  • Meet income guidelines — $2495 for a family of three

How to get help: 

Call or visit your local Department of Family Services office. 

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

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

Qualifications:

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

How to get help: 

National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program

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

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

  • Contact your child’s school to enroll
  • Call 307-857-9256

Wyoming’s Summer Food Service Program

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

Wyoming food banks

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

To find a food bank near you and for additional information, visit the Food Bank of Wyoming  website.

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Wyoming

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

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

How to apply: 

Wyoming Child Care Subsidy

The Child Care Subsidy program, under the Wyoming Department of Family Services, provides financial help for low-income families to pay for child care. The program pays a portion of the cost and most families are required to offer  co-pay based on a sliding fee scale. 

Qualifications:

  • Wyoming resident
  • Have a household income between 100% and 225% of the FPL

How to get help:

  • Call 307-777-7564
  • Email dfs-directorsoffice@wyo.gov

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Wyoming

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

Get a GED in Wyoming

If you are at least 18 years old in Wyoming, 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 Wyoming: 

  • Online at-home test: $36 per subject
  • In person at a test center: $20 per subject

Wyoming residents can also take the HiSET to earn high school equivalency. 

Grants and scholarships in Wyoming

The Wyoming Community Foundation connects students and prospective students with grants and scholarships available in Wyoming.

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

More education help:

Employment help for single moms in Wyoming

Workforce programs in Wyoming provide training and assist with employment:

Climb Wyoming job training programs

Climb Wyoming provides free job training for single moms to help them earn more in a new career, such as healthcare, truck driving, and office support. Students learn new marketable workplace skills but also get help with lifestyle topics like parenting, budgeting, and preparing healthy meals.

Thousands of program graduates are self-sufficient, work full time, have doubled their monthly income, and have decreased their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.  

Climb Wyoming offers job placement to graduates thanks to its relationships with reputable employers. The program serves:

  • Casper
  • Cheyenne
  • Gillette
  • Laramie
  • Sweetwater
  • Teton

Qualifications:

Climb Wyoming encourages all single mothers in the program service areas to apply. Kerry Lloyd, Statewide Communications Manager says they keep eligibility requirements general to offer a personalized selection process that considers the needs of each individual.

How to get help:

  • Complete the contact now form online
  • Call 307-316-1470

Wyoming Reemployment Assistance (Insurance) Program

Unemployment Insurance provides unemployment compensation to eligible Wyoming workers who are out of work through no fault of their own.

The amount of unemployment benefits varies depending on how much you have earned in your base period. The maximum weekly benefit amount is $560, and the minimum weekly benefit is $40.

Qualifications: 

  • Wyoming resident 
  • Unemployed
  • Previously employed for the past 12 months
  • Earned a certain amount of wages
  • Actively looking for another job

How to get help: 

Wyoming Works at WWCC

The Wyoming Works program at Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) offers resources to help you learn new skills and find a job to use those skills. You may be eligible for a grant of up to $3,360 per year to help pay for your education if you select an approved program. 

Qualifications:

  • U.S. citizen and Wyoming resident
  • Complete the FAFSA
  • Enrolled in an approved program

How to get help:

  • Call 307-382-1884
  • Email financialaid@westernwyoming.edu

American Job Centers

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

How to get help: 

  • Search for a location on the American Job Center website
  • Call 877-872-5627 
  • Email info@careeronestop.org 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Wyoming

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

The Salvation Army of Wyoming

The Salvation Army wears many hats. Chapters assist with:

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

Visit the Salvation Army website to find your local chapter. 

Catholic Charities of Wyoming

Catholic Charities assists with:

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

United Way of Wyoming

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

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

How to get help: 

Help for single moms in Cheyenne, Wyoming

The following resources serve residents of Cheyenne, Wyo.:

Housing help in Cheyenne

These housing resources can help if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness:

Project Hope

The Project Hope Self Sufficiency program of Laramie County helps people get back on their feet after homelessness or housing instability. The program requires a one-year commitment and involves working closely with a case manager to secure housing, build life skills, and create and accomplish goals. There is a waiting list for the program and eligible families are accepted in order of application date.

Qualifications:

  • Income is at 125% of the FPL for household size
  • Minimum annual income of $15,075
  • Homeless or at risk of homelessness
  • Able to pass a background check

How to get help:

  • Call 307-635-9291

Family Promise of Cheyenne

Family Promise works with community partners to make sure that families with children have the proper resources to increase housing stability.

Qualifications:

  • Cheyenne resident
  • Homeless or at risk of homelessness

How to get help:

  • Call 307-772-8770
  • Email fpc@familypromiseofcheyenne.org

Transportation help in Cheyenne

Here is help if you need a ride in Cheyenne:

Cheyenne Transit Program

Cheyenne Transit Program (CTP) offers a free, fixed route bus service that runs Monday through Saturday. CTP also offers free paratransit (door-to-door) options for disabled persons and on-demand transit for $1.50. 

Qualifications:

  • Fixed route service is open to all Cheyenne residents
  • Paratransit services are for disabled persons and requires an application

How to get help:

  • Call 307-637-6253 

Electric bill assistance in Cheyenne

If you need utility bill assistance, this resource may be a great help:

Cathedral of St. Mary Assistance

The Cathedral of St. Mary provides financial support to pay past due rent and utility bills at a current residence. Payments are made directly to the utility company or landlord.

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Laramie County
  • Proof of income for every household member
  • Rental agreement and/or utility bill

How to get help:

  • Call 307-635-9261
  • Email stewardship@stmaryscathedral.com

Education help in Cheyenne

If you are looking for education options for your children in Cheyenne, consider the following:

Cheyenne Classical Academy

Cheyenne Classical Academy is a tuition-free public charter school scheduled to open for grades K-4 in 2024. There are plans to expand to additional grade levels in the future. Open enrollment is from January 2, 2024 through February 29, 2024. The lottery to attend the school will occur on March 1, 2024.

Qualifications:

  • Households in Cheyenne with students in K-4 for the 2024-2025 school year

How to get help:

Medical and dental care help In Cheyenne

If you need medical and or dental care for your family, this resource can help: 

HealthWorks

HealthWorks provides primary care, dental care, mental and behavioral health care, and a pharmacy in one location. In addition, they offer a mobile clinic that visits Cheyenne-area schools to offer minor health services. 

HealthWorks offers a sliding fee scale to help low-income families pay for care. And you may be eligible for discounts on care depending on your income. Services are available to the insured, uninsured, and underinsured.

Qualifications:

  • Anyone in Cheyenne may use this health service
  • Households at or below 200% of the FPL may be qualified to receive additional discounts

How to get help:

  • Call 307-635-3618

Food help in Cheyenne

Here is a resource if you need help feeding your children on the weekends in Cheyenne:

Cheyenne Friday Food Bag

If you are looking for nutritious food for your children on the weekends, Cheyenne Friday Food Bag offers single meals delivered to schools in Laramie County school districts 1 and 2.

Qualifications:

  • Child attending a Laramie County school in district 1 or 2
  • Recipient of free or reduced meals at school

How to get help:

  • Call 307-287-3315

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Free Little Pantry

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cheyenne, has a small outdoor pantry where you can find canned and other packaged food goods.

Qualifications:

  • This pantry is available to anyone in need

How to get help:

  • Visit the church at 218 E. 19th Street in Cheyenne

Help for single moms in Casper, Wyoming

The following resources serve residents of Casper, Wyo.:

Housing help in Casper

If you need housing help as a single mom in Casper, check out these resources:

The McKenzie Home

The McKenzie Home offers single moms and their children a safe place to stay. This transitional faith-based housing program also provides resources to help single moms reach self-sufficiency and stability.

Qualifications:

  • Single mom in Casper Wyoming with housing instability

How to get help:

  • Apply online
  • Call 307-267-8394
  • Email debra@themckenziehome.org

Seton House

Seton House offers 22 apartments and a learning center for children. It’s a safe space to accommodate single moms and their children who do not have a home. The program helps single moms transition from homelessness to having a permanent place to live. Residents may remain at Seton House for up to two years while they work through the self-sufficiency program.

Qualifications:

  • Homeless single mom
  • Must enroll in school or job program or seek employment if unemployed
  • Willing to meet weekly with a Seton House coach
  • School-aged children must be enrolled in and attend school

How to get help:

  • Apply online
  • Call 307-577-8026
  • Email office@setonhousecasper.org

Transportation help in Casper

Here is help if you need a ride in Casper:

Casper Area Transit

Casper Area Transit offers a subsidy program that provides free tickets and tokens to eligible riders. 

Qualifications:

  • Casper resident
  • Does not exceed the income limit for household size

How to get help:

  • Call 307-235-8214 or 307-235-8261

SafeRide

If you are under the influence of alcohol in Natrona County and unable to drive home, you can ask your server or bartender for a SafeRide voucher. A participating taxi cab company will take you home.

Qualifications:

This service is available 24/7 and serves:

  • Casper
  • Evansville
  • Mills
  • Paradise Valley
  • Parts of Bar Nunn

How to get help:

  • Call 307-266-7233

Food help in Casper

Here are is food resource in Casper:

Joshua’s Storehouse

Joshua’s Storehouse provides a food pantry, diapers, infant formula, milk, and women’s hygiene items to families in need.

Qualifications:

  • Casper resident

How to get help:

  • Call 307-265-0242

Education help in Casper

If you are looking for education assistance in Casper, Wyo., check out the following:

Casper College Single Parent Program

The Neil and Doris McMurry Single Parents Program at Casper College offers resources to support single parents pursuing a degree program. To be eligible for help, you must complete a FAFSA for the current school year. 

Qualifications:

  • Proof of being the custodial parent of your children
  • Does not have an associate degree or higher
  • Must maintain a GPA of 2.0 and a 67% term completion rate

How to get help:

  • Call 307-268-2604

SOURCES

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




Not your state? Select yours here:

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

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

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

Qualifications are simple:

1. You’re a single mom.

2. You need the money right now.

Fill out this form to apply:

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

Number of people in family/householdAnnual income
1$15,960
2$21,640
3$27,320
4$33,000
5$38,680
6$44,360
7$50,040
8$55,720

For families/households with more than 8 people, add $5,680 for each additional person.each additional person.

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

Emergency cash for low-income families in Georgia

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)-Georgia

TANF provides a monthly cash allowance for qualifying low-income families with children under the age of 18 and children age 19 who are full-time high school students. 

The maximum amount paid out depends on household size: 

Family sizeMaximum benefit
1$155
2$235
3$280
4$330

Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 48 months for adults, though extensions may be granted in cases of domestic violence and physical/mental incapacity. 

Qualifications:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen
  • Have children under 18 or under 19 if a full-time student
  • Children must have experienced:
    • Continued absence from the home of 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 
  • 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
  • You must cooperate with Office of Child Support Services

Fairell Firm in Metro Atlanta specializes in child support filing and related matters.

These are the current income limits based on family size: 

Family sizeMaximum income limit
1$435
2$659
3$784
4$925

How to get help:

Find a Department of Human Services office near you:

google-maps-usa-image

More emergency cash help in Georgia: 

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

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

These are some more tips for getting cash quickly: 

Housing help for single moms in Georgia

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

Rental assistance in Georgia

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

Georgia Rental Assistance (GRA) 

While the overall GRA is no longer accepting new applicants, Cherokee County, Cobb County, and Henry County are still accepting applications.  

Qualifications:

  • Renter qualifies for unemployment or has reduced household income, has significant costs, or experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19
  • Demonstrates risk of homelessness or housing instability
  • Has household income at or below 80% of AMI
  • Resident of county in which application is processed

How to get help: 

Contact your local ERA program and ask how to apply. Some counties may not offer rental assistance. 

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 
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant
  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Georgia resident

How to get help: 

  • Contact your local public housing agency and ask how to apply for assistance
  • Preliminary applications are accepted through the DCA Applicant Portal
  • Call 888-858-6085
  • To apply you will need your social security number, income documentation, application form, and signed consent forms

Mortgage assistance in Georgia

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

Georgia Mortgage Assistance

The Georgia Mortgage Assistance was created to help those who suffered financial hardship caused by the pandemic. 

The following programs can be combined but cannot exceed $50,000 in assistance. Most homeowners will receive less than $50,000:

  • Mortgage reinstatement:
    • One-time payment to lender for payment due or in forbearance
    • At least 3 payments must be owed
  • Principal curtailment:
    • One-time payment to lender to reduce mortgage balance
    • Only considered for homeowners with permanent loss of income such as COVID-caused death or disability 
    • Additional 3 months of mortgage payments may be considered
  • Housing expense assistance:
    • Payments may be available to help delinquent non-escrowed property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, condo/HOA fees, utilities in conjunction with mortgage assistance
    • Assistance limited to amount owed on billing statement

Qualifications:

  • Georgia resident 
  • Property must be in Georgia and purchased prior to pandemic
  • Significant loss of income or increase in expenses caused by pandemic:
    • Occurred after January 21, 2020
    • Documentation may be required (death certificate, disability award, receipt of unemployment benefits, paid invoices, etc.)
    • Hardships NOT considered: storm damage, car repair, non-pandemic medical expenses
  • Amounts over $50,000 or due prior to July 1st, 2019, are not eligible 
  • Mortgage lender must participate in program
  • Mortgage must have met conforming loan limits
  • Total household income equal to or less than 100% AMI OR equal to or less than 150% AMI for socially disadvantaged individual (people who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias in the U.S.)

How to get help: 

Georgia Dream Homeownership Program

The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program provides affordable financing options, down payment/closing cost assistance, and homebuyer education to Georgia residents. 

Qualifications:

  • Must be a first-time homebuyer, have not owned a home in past 3 years, or purchased a home in certain area of Georgia
  • Household income lower than maximum household income (varies by area)
  • Liquid assets of $20,000 or less or 20% of sales prices (whichever is greater)
  • Meet mortgage loan credit requirements
  • Home sales price does not exceed county limit
  • Attend Housing Counseling classes
  • Minimum of $1,000 put toward home purchase

How to get help:

Check today’s mortgage loan rates >>





Homeless and special needs housing assistance in Georgia 

Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program 

Vouchers through the America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) assist those who are: 

  • Homeless
  • At risk of homelessness
  • Attempting or fleeing domestic issues

This program does not provide immediate assistance. 

How to get help:

Emergency Solutions Grants and Continuum of Care Program

The Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) provide: 

  • Street outreach
  • Emergency shelter
  • Re-housing
  • Homelessness prevention
  • Other related services for those experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless

The Continuum of Care Program (CoC) helps rehouse homeless individuals.

How to get help:

Contact the CoC network that serves your area.

Other Homeless and Special Needs Housing Programs

  • The GHFA Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH):
    • The GHFA PSH provides permanent housing and services to homeless individuals who have a disability such as mental illness, AIDS, and/or chronic substance abuse
  • Home Access Program:
    • Promotes independence in persons with disabilities to reside in their own homes
    • Contact: HomeAccess@dca.ga.gov
  • Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA):
    • Offers a variety of solutions and support services for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS
    • Contact: HOPWA2@dca.ga.gov
  • Reentry Partnership Housing Program:
    • Provides housing for up to 6 months to qualified individuals under parole or probation
    • Contact: RPH@dca.ga.gov

Qualifications:

How to get help:

More housing help: 

Electric bill assistance in Georgia

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

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Georgia

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

Qualifications:       

  • U.S. Citizen or legally admitted immigrant
  • Total gross annual household income at or below 60% of state median income
  • Responsible for paying cost of energy bills
  • Resident of Georgia

How to get help:

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP helps qualifying households lower their monthly energy bills by making their homes more energy efficient, with an average of $350 per year in energy savings. Types of assistance may include:

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

How to get help:

To apply for weatherization services, contact your local weatherization agency. 

Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) in Georgia

LIHWAP was created in response to COVID-19 and helps eligible households pay for drinking and waste water. Payments are applied directly to the water account and paid to the vendor. 

Qualifications:

  • Receive water through public pipelines from participating vendor
  • Total gross income at or below 60% of state median income
  • Responsible for paying the water bill
  • U.S. Citizen or legal immigrant

How to get help:

More electric bill help: 

Free money to help pay bills

Medical insurance and dental help for single moms in Georgia

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

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Georgia

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 Georgia by typing in your address on HRSA’s search tool.

Georgia Medicaid

Medicaid is a medical assistance program that helps low-income families pay for some or all medical bills. 

Qualifications:

  • Resident of Georgia
  • U.S. national citizen, permanent resident, or legal alien
  • You think you are pregnant
  • Breast or cervical cancer diagnosis
  • Child or teenager 18 or under
  • Over the age of 65
  • Blind or have disabilities
  • Need nursing home care
  • Leaving TANF and need coverage
  • Family with children under 19 and have very low or no income
  • If your income is higher than the limits but you have medical bills you owe
  • If a child is in foster care or adopted
  • Meet income requirements

How to get help:

  • Apply at your local DFCS office
  • Apply online 
  • If you think you are pregnant, contact 404-657-2700 to find out where to apply

PeachCare for Kids

PeachCare for Kids is Georgia’s version of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides health insurance coverage for uninsured children in Georgia. 

Current coverage costs $11 to $36 per month for one child and $16 to a maximum of $72 for two or more children living in the same household. Co-pays may apply for select services.

There are no premiums or co-payments for: 

  • Children younger than 6
  • Children In foster care
  • American Indians and Alaskan Natives

Services covered include:

  • Sick visits
  • Preventative services
  • Specialist care
  • Dental care
  • Vision care-screenings and glasses
  • Hospitalization
  • Emergency room services
  • Prescription medications
  • Mental healthcare

Qualifications: 

  • Children age 18 and under who are U.S. Citizens or legal immigrants
  • Children must not have current coverage or be eligible for Medicaid 
  • Requires verification of income at application and annual renewal
  • Meet the income limits:
Family sizeMonthly income limitAnnual income limit
1$3,002$36,013
2$4,060$48,708
3$5,118$61,404
4$6,175$74,100
5$7,233$86,796
6$8,291$99,492
7$9,349$112,187
8$10,407$124,883
Each additional personAdd $1,058Add $5,140

How to get help:

RSM Group

P.O. Box 786 

Alma, GA 31510

Planning for Health Babies (P4HB)

  • Program to reduce the number of low birth weight births in Georgia
  • Provides no-cost family planning services to eligible Georgia residents
  • Covers:
    • Annual physical exams and pap smears
    • Birth control and multivitamins with folic acid
    • Family planning counseling
    • Primary care, dental visits, substance abuse treatments, mental health services
    • If you had a low birth weight baby you can receive primary/dental services

Qualifications:

  • Women ages 18-44 who meet income limits
  • Do not receive Medicaid
  • Do not receive Medicaid or are losing coverage and delivered a baby weighing less than 3lbs 5oz you are eligible for IPC services

How to get help:

Division of Family and Children Services

Customer Contact Center

P.O. Box 4190

Albany, GA 31706

  • Call 877-427-3224 

Georgia Oral Health Program

The Georgia Oral Health Program is an initiative of the Georgia Department of Public Health that assists with preventative dental care for all Georgians. Payments at Georgia Oral Health clinics are based on a sliding scale based on your ability to pay. 

Clinics offer basic dental services like:  

  • Exams
  • Cleanings
  • Dental sealants
  • Fillings
  • Stainless steel crowns
  • Minor nerve treatments
  • Extractions

Qualifications: 

  • First priority treatments given to children who need emergency services
  • Eligible for Free and Reduced Meal Program (185% of FPL)

How to get help: 

More medical/dental help: 

Food help for low-income families in Georgia

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

The Georgia 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:

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

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

Household sizeMonthly net incomeMonthly gross income
1$1,133$1,473
2$1,526$1,984
3$1,920$2,495
4$2,313$3,0007
5$2,706$3,518
6$3,100$4,029
7$3,493$4,541
8$3,886$5,052
Each additional family memberAdd $394Add $512

How to get help: 

  • Apply online
  • Mail your completed application or apply in person at any DFCS office
  • Once your application is filed, a DFCS case manager will interview you

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) 

TEFAP funds food banks that serve low-income individuals in Georgia. 

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

Visit the Feeding America website to find your local food bank. 

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

WIC serves mothers and babies across the United States with: 

  • Checks to buy healthy foods, baby formula, and baby food
  • Information about nutrition and health
  • Support and information about breastfeeding

Qualifications:

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

How to get help:

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

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

Seamless Summer Option (SSO)

Allows districts to offer meals to students during vacation periods and summer months. 

Qualifications:

Children 18 or under OR older with a physical/mental disability who meet federal income guidelines (same chart as above)

How to get help:

How to get help:

  • Georgia schools will send an application home with every child at the beginning of the school year
  • You can apply any time during the year by submitting application directly to district

More food help: 

Child care help for low-income families in Georgia

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

Georgia Head Start and Early Head Start (GHSA)

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to apply: 

Georgia’s Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS)

Georgia’s CAPS program provides child care to low income families so a parent can work or attend a training or education program.

Qualifications: 

  • Parent must be working or attending school
  • Georgia resident
  • Children must be 12 years of age or younger or 17 years or younger with qualifying needs
  • Children must be U.S. citizen or legal immigrant
  • Immunization verification required for children who do not receive TANF, do not attend school, and do not attend a licensed child care provider
  • Parent must prove identity through federal/state ID, Social Security award letter, voter registration card
  • Meet household income limits

How to get help: 

  • Apply online
  • Call 833-442-2277

More child care help

Education help for single moms in Georgia

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

Get a GED in Georgia

If you are at least 18 years old in Georgia, you can take the GED test. You may also be able to take the test at 16 or 17 with special permission from the Office of Adult Education in Georgia.  

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 Georgia: 

  • Online at-home test: $40.00 per module
  • In person at a test center: $46 per subject

Grants and scholarships in Georgia

The Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) increases access to higher education through various scholarships and loan programs, which each have their own eligibility requirements.

More education help: 

Employment help for single moms in Georgia

Workforce programs in Georgia provide training and assist with employment:

Unemployment Insurance

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

Qualifications: 

  • Georgia resident
  • Unemployed through no fault of your own
  • Previously employed for the first four quarters of the last five calendar quarters
  • Able to work, available to work, actively seeking work 

How to get help: 

American Job Centers

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

How to get help: 

More employment help: 

Charity organizations in Georgia

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

The Salvation Army of Georgia

The Salvation Army wears many hats. Chapters assist with:

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

Qualifications: 

Each Salvation Army branch determines its own eligibility criteria for different programs. Visit Georgia’s branch to find out more information. 

How to get help: 

Visit Georgia’s Salvation Army website to find out more information. 

The Empty Stocking Fund (ESF)

The Empty Stocking Fund  is all about brining joy to disadvantaged children in Georgia. The total financial impact of the items you can receive for your children ranges from $150 to $250 per child each year.

They provide:

  • Toys and gifts during the holiday season
  • Core essential supplies throughout the year
  • Student supply kits with at least 16 core school supplies
  • A free teacher store for Title I school teachers
  • Support for positive social and emotional development
  • Resources for academic success

Qualifications:

Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific program, but it’s likely you will need to upload proof that you are receiving or eligible for governments benefits, such as Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI/disability income.

How to get help:

Visit the Empty Stocking Fund website to learn more about their programs and how to receive assistance.

More help for Christmas and the holidays here

Catholic Charities of Georgia

Catholic Charities assists with:

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

Qualifications: 

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

How to get help: 

United Way of Georgia

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

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

How to get help: 

SOURCES

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




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