If you are a single mother and you are worried that you can’t afford to keep it together financially, there are many sources for free money that you can access from the government. I don’t like writing this article because I believe that most people can make it on their own, but there are grants for single mothers, like you. And, these grants are there to help good people, like you, pay their bills until they can get themselves back on their feet.
Grants for Single Mothers to Pay Bills
First of all, if you can find a way to go back to school, that is what you should do. If you don’t have a job or your job isn’t covering your bills, after cutting way back, you need to learn a new job skill. This will be good for you and good for your children. You will want your children to see you as an independent woman, not as a victim.
Different Types of Grants
There are many different kinds of grants to help you. As I said before, I hope you have an end game and you are not just going to end up on public assistance forever. It’s not good for you or your kids. However, you will need some financial help to get out of the mess you are in. Here are some grants that are offered:
President Obama’s Debt Relief Program: This won’t get rid of all of your debt but it is worth checking into. Don’t sign anything right away and have a friend look over the paperwork with you.
Grants for buying a home: I would counsel against buying a home at this time. No one knows if housing prices are going up or down, so you could end up worse off than you are now. Getting an education and getting your life on track is more important than buying a home.
Immediate Help From State Agencies
If you are a single mom and you are having an immediate crisis with finances, look for your state's Living Assistance Agency on this list, or follow these steps:
- Call your state's Department of Human Services office to set up an appointment.
- If you need to fill out preliminary documents beforehand, go to your local DHS or DSHS (Department of Human Services) to get the papers, or have the papers sent to you, or fill out the forms online.
- When you go to your appointment you should bring: pay stubs, social security cards, birth certificates, proof of residency, copies of utility and rent receipts, documents concerning your child’s father (explaining if you are separated, divorced, never married), child support orders, and custody documents.
- If you need more documentation, your caseworker will tell you what is needed and you will have (about) 10 days to get it in order. If that’s not possible tell your caseworker right away.
- Your caseworker will explain what other paperwork will come in the mail. If you don’t understand something, ask right away.
Government Programs for Living Expenses
There are many programs to help low-income people pay their bills; here are some that might help you.
- Energy Assistance
- Food and Nutrition (such as free school lunch programs)
- Healthcare Programs
These Are Temporary Fixes
I was on government assistance for a very short portion of my life and you do not want to stay on it forever. It is not fun. You always feel like someone else is in control of your life. However, there are times when you will need some help and, if it’s for your kids, you must get help.
College Pell Grants for Divorced or Single Moms
For most women reading this article, your best hope includes these:
- Don’t have any more kids until you are back on your feet and married. Use birth control.
- Try to make one girlfriend so you have someone to talk with.
- Go to college: Find a good two-year degree where you will make a decent income. Read about this in College Pell Grants for Divorced or Single Moms: What are Good Two Year Associates Degrees for Getting a Job? If you don’t like working in medical settings, consider these jobs mentioned in the article Best Jobs for Single Moms & College Info: Best Healthcare Jobs and Non-Clinical Healthcare Careers.
Long term, the answer is not more government handouts. Baby, there are so many things you can do and there are so many ways to get there. Don’t ever give up.
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Grants for Single Mothers for College: Free Money to Go to School
Christina Gregoire - Christina Gregoire writes about divorce, fashion, and baby boomers. Her forte is explaining complex ideas in simple language.
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