Single Mother Government Assistance Programs

By: Louis Zw Zhang

A single mother is tasked with the responsibility of performing the role of mother in addition to the father role. Fortunately there are single mother government assistance programs available.

A single parent has a harder task than any two parent family. Most of the single parent head of households are females. Many single mothers have not had the opportunity to get a good education nor sufficient housing.

Food and funds are often insufficient and the single woman, in many cases cannot afford child care nor can she afford a home. Consequentially, she requires assistance in order to for basic provisions for her children.

There is a government program called WIC which is designed for single women or qualified parents with children five and under. Food such as milk, cereal, cheese, juice, beans, peanut butter and eggs are the main foods that are provided.

Each month the qualified parent or parents are given vouchers which are to be use at any time before the expiration date. The above listed foods are all rich in vitamins and nutrients necessary good health. This program is offered by the Department of Children and Families.

Another program offered by the Department of Children and Families is called TANIF. This two parents or single mother government assistance program offers temporary financial assistance for needy families. Monetary funds are provided to qualified families. The parent or parents must meet all of the income and need criterion.

Grants and housing vouchers are also part of a single mother government assistance program. The housing authority will house a single mother and her family for a fraction of the cost of basic apartment.

Food stamps are also provided for a single mother. Over ten years ago food stamps came in the form of paper vouchers. Now single mothers use a card similar to a credit card to make all of her purchases. Each month, depending on a single mother's situation and income, she is awarded a specific dollar amount of food stamps.

For medical assistance, there is Medicaid or various other healthy kid programs. Children can receive medical care at not cost if they qualify. Depending on the single mother's income, a small co-payment may be charged. Every state has similar rules and regulations that apply to single mother support programs. For more information on single mother government assistance, visit your local Department of Children and Families.

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