5 Sources for Hardship Grants for Single Mothers

Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by Lori Pace

Hardship Grants for Single Mothers

Among many other hardships to raise a child, single mothers often struggle to make ends meet. According to Pew Research Center, the US has the world’s highest rate of single-parent. The US government offers numerous grants and loans to single mothers to support their lives. Below are five sources of hardship grants for single mothers in the US. Let’s look at how you can apply for these grants.

Sources of Hardship Grants for Single Mothers

Several federal and state-funded and other sources (non-profit organisations and individuals) offer grants for single mothers.

1 – Federal Pell Grants

The Pell Grant is the most extensive student aid program. This program provides a grant of up to US$ 6,495. So, students who wish to pursue higher education in colleges can apply for this grant.

In 2019, the Pell Grant program  over US$ 28 billion for schools. Almost 60% of recipients belonged to the African-American community, and nearly 50% of the rest were of Latin descent.

Moreover, to single mothers with the dream to continue their education to become skilled workers and productive members of society, this need-based grant is the best option.

2 – Federal Work-Study Grant

Federal Work-Study (FWS) grant is a federally subsidised financial aid initiative. This grant provides single mothers who are also students a way to earn income. So, they can become part-time employees on or off-campus.

In short, single moms who are studying can work up to 20 hours a week. Then, they will receive monthly paychecks. The amount depends on their wages per hour, which are extremely useful for pursuing higher education for single mothers.

3 – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a handy way for low-income families to improve their lives.

The program aims to help families become self-sufficient with a combination of work opportunities and short-term financial assistance. Moreover, there are 2 types of grants: “Family” TANF grants and “Child-Only” TANF grants.

• A family grant is easier to get. This grant provides a small cash amount monthly for food, clothing and other basic needs. Moreover, this offer is for 60 months, or less in some states.
• The Child-Only TANF grant, as its name, is meant for the children. The grant amount is around US$ 8 per day for a child.

These grants are often called “welfare”, and the eligibility criteria vary from state to state.

If you are an unemployed single mother with children below 19 years, you may be eligible for assistance under TANF. However, the eligibility criteria require the recipient has a regular job for at least 20 hours a week.

4 – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Supplemented Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, used to be known as the Food Stamp program. This initiative provides affordable and healthy meals to needy families.

This is one of the federal government’s earliest and most widespread welfare programs. This program is offered through a debit card (EBT) system that the recipient uses to purchase grocery items in any participating stores close to their home.

SNAP has helped over 40 million low-income US citizens afford healthy groceries, especially in families with children below 18 years of age.

The application process for this program requires the applicant to fill out an application form and submit it at your local SNAP office, either by fax, email or in person.

5 – Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

The WIC program is a federal-funded nutrition initiative under the US Federal Government.

Their mission is to provide free and healthy foods to pregnant women, new mothers and children below 5 years who are considered to be at risk of malnutrition.

However, this is a short-term relief program. So, eligible applicants receive benefits for up to 6 (six) months to a year (12 months). But, recipients can re-apply to continue receiving the help of this initiative.

Under this program, eligible single mothers receive up to US$ 11 per month for fresh vegetables and fruits. Besides, their children can also receive up to US$ 9 per month.

Moreover, from June to September 2021, women and children (between 1 and 4 years old) received a temporary increase in the grant amount from the WIC program. This brings the total amount per participant to around $35 per month.

The eligibility criteria for receiving aid under the WIC program require determining applicants’ nutritional risk and income level. So, make sure to fill out the application form as instructed. Also, you should keep all income and family-health-related documents handy when applying.

Hardship grants for single mothers in the US | Conclusion

These are the top 5 sources for hardship grants for single mothers in the US. However, if you are looking for more grants to support single mothers, including housing, social welfare, medical, we have got you covered!