If you have recently become a single mother, regardless of the circumstances, the three phrases that may come to your mind are financial aid, single mothers and a new start. You have a child or children that now have come under your responsibility and you need to support them using every available option.
Government Financial Aid
Now we all have heard that there are many government programs designed to provide financial aid to single mothers. We are experiencing some really difficult times and everyone is suffering to some extent, but if you are a single mother it feels twice as hard. This financial aid can offer a ray of hope and an opportunity for a new start with their children. Some of these government programs are designed to provide just that, temporary assistance to jumpstart the way to self sufficiency.
Financial Aid, Single Mothers and (TANF) – Temporary Assistance To Needy Families
The United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (TANF) is the agency responsible for the application process and follow-up for the programs available. Many of the programs set up through TANF are designed with single mothers and their children in mind. For instance if a child is a US citizen, but both his parents do not live together in the same household, they would be eligible for programs administered by TANF. Qualified applicants can receive monthly monetary benefits for life’s essentials, food, clothing and housing. Bear in mind that these programs are provided to jump start a single mother to relieve her of some of the financial stress associated with being a single mother. Recipients of these funds will be required to participate in the Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP). This is to insure that the single mother understands that these funds are to be used for the welfare of the children and that the program ends after 60 months.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program
This program was created to help expectant single mothers and children age 5 or less. The recipient’s income must be below the Federal Poverty Level and is primarily used to insure a child is eating properly and getting the daily requirements of vitamins and nutrients.
Single Mothers, Financial Aid, Getting a College Education & A New Start
Not all of these programs are exclusively for single mothers. This financial aid will be available to any person that desires a college education but can not afford the tuition. However these financial aid programs can help you achieve your new start.
Federal Pell Grants is a great place for a single mother to seek financial assistance. These grants are reserved for people in the low income area and are usually issued every semester you attend a university.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) — If you were able to receive a Federal Peel Grant and are in need of additional funding you will be given priority for a FSEOG.
Federal Perkins Loans – Although not a grant and these loans must be paid back; a Federal Perkins Loan is offered by the government to either full time students or part time students.
The pressure and uncertainty experienced by a single mother can not be fully understood unless you too are a single mother. If you are experiencing the financial stress associated with being a single mother, keep repeating this comforting phrase, financial aid, single mothers and a new start. Make your mark now!
