Help for Single Mothers in Missouri
Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Kathy
Missouri’s poverty rate is 15.5%. This means that about a half-million people, including many single mothers, live in poverty. Single mothers are constantly fighting to feed their families or keep a roof above their heads with the limited resources they have. The state of Missouri offers many programs to help these families and single mothers achieve self-sufficiency.
A number of programs were created by government and non-government agencies to combat poverty in Missouri. These programs provide support and help to single mothers in Missouri so that they can live above the poverty level. These programs include:
MO HealthNet (Medical Insurance)
MO HealthNet is a program that provides medical assistance to eligible citizens, including single mothers, low-income earners, and those with low incomes. The Family Support Division (FSO) determines eligibility. Visit their website for more information.
MO HealthNet for Kids
Children with family incomes of up to 305% poverty or approximately $67,000 for a three-person family
MO HealthNet for Pregnant Women and Newborns
Incomes below 199% poverty level, which is about $43,700 per family of three
MO HealthNet for Families (MHF)
Parents with incomes less than 138% of poverty or $4,600 per year for a three-person family are eligible.
Missouri Department of Social Services
The Missouri Department of Social Services handles single Moms or other groups of people who receive public assistance in the form of food stamps, healthcare, childcare, support, and other basic needs.
They also handle Low-income earners, as well as other groups of people, who are eligible for health care coverage. Missouri child welfare services are responsible for the well-being of Missouri’s children. The department also offers Missouri single mothers can receive financial assistance. Visit their website to check eligibility requirements.
Grants from the Amber Foundation
Amber Foundation grants are available to single mothers who own businesses in Missouri. Amber Foundation grants are available to single moms who apply. Visit their website to participate.
Head Start Program
Missouri Head Start is a program for children aged from birth up to five years. The Missouri Head Start Program is designed to provide academic, mental, emotional, and social development to children. It also provides social, health, and nutritional support to single mothers and other low-income earners in Missouri. The program is designed to:
- Enhance physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development in children
- Parents can become better caregivers for their children.
- Helping parents to become financially independent.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Missouri LIHEAP is designed to help families and individuals that cannot afford their utility and energy bills. Candidates must meet certain income requirements and be Missouri residents. Visit their website to see if you qualify. Some of Missouri’s LIHEAP, however, is meant to assist those at the greatest risk. This includes elderly people, children, and people with disabilities.
Emergency Solutions Grants Program (ESG)
ESG provides an emergency shelter to help homeless individuals and families off the street. Single mothers who are homeless can find the nearest HUD resource locator or apply on this website.
The Camillus House Grants
Camillus House Grants can be obtained by single mothers who are in need of food, clothing, and shelter. Single mothers may also be eligible for the Job Search and Training Assistant, Healthcare, and Drug Abuse Treatment. Call (305) 374-1065 for more information or visit their website.
Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program
The Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program is also available to single moms who want to sponsor their children through college. The award is based solely on the student’s expected contribution to the family (EFC). Call the Missouri Department of Higher Education, at 800-473-6757 for more information.
Women Infants, and Children (WIC)
Women, Infants, and Children is a special nutrition program that provides supplementary food to pregnant, nursing, and postpartum mothers, infants, and young children under the age of five who meet income guidelines.
To qualify, you need to be a Missouri resident and have been determined by a medical professional as “at nutritional risk”. You must apply in person at a WIC office near you to receive WIC benefits. TEL-LINK can help you find a WIC agency if needed. Call 1-800-835 5465. Missouri will roll out the WIC Card, also known as eWIC in waves, between now and 2020.
Child Care Assistance Program
Missouri CCAP provides financial assistance to eligible families in Missouri for the cost of child care. This program helps parents cover the costs of child care, so they can gain and maintain employment.
The program will pay for a part of childcare expenses, while you are responsible for the rest. This is based on your family size, income, and number of children. The childcare assistance program offers childcare services at a subsidized rate to single mothers. The program also has responsibility for finding parents, establishing paternity and child support orders, monitoring compliance with child and medical assistance, and distributing support collections.
Missouri Transitional Child Care
If your income exceeds the limits for the Child Care Subsidy Program the state can still pay you a part of the cost through Transitional Child Care. Parents who earn between 138 and 215 percent of the federal poverty level can now be eligible for Transitional Child Care.
You will be notified if you are eligible by the Family Support Division. Complete the application form and submit it to the local Family Support Division office (FSD).
For assistance with your application, please contact
Family Support Division
1-855-FSD-INFO
The Sunshine Lady Foundation Scholarship Program
Sunshine Lady Foundation Scholarship Program is available to help single moms, domestic violence victims, and other women who are pursuing college degrees. Single moms who want to participate can visit the website of a domestic violence agency that is participating in their area, or contact them.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers up to $8000 for single moms who wish to study abroad. Visit their website for more information about how to apply.
Low-Income Public Housing Program
Missouri LIPHP provides low-cost housing at a subsidized cost to low-income earners. The state funds the program in partnership with others to provide low-income earners with a safe, hygienically friendly home. Single mothers can begin the application process at their local Housing Agency, or on their website.
Single mothers can also take part in the Missouri Housing Choice Voucher Program. The voucher pays for about 60% of a participant’s annual payment and allows them to live in the house they choose. The voucher program is open to single mothers with low incomes.
Missouri Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance (UI) is a temporary financial aid provided to those who are facing unemployment for no fault of theirs. It provides temporary benefits for eligible claimants in times of unemployment when suitable employment is not available.
The maximum amount of unemployment insurance benefits that can be claimed in Missouri is $320 a week. The state may provide up to 20 weeks’ worth of unemployment benefits for eligible claimants. Call the Missouri Division of Employment Security Regional Claims Center to file a claim.
Bottom Line: Help For Single Mothers In Missouri
There is a big variety to choose from when it comes to asking for assistance. The federal government and nonprofits work hard to support the community they are in, the best that they can. To learn more about other assistance offered to help single mothers in the state of Missouri, visit these articles:
