Types of Government Assistance for Single Mothers

It is not at all easy to be a parent, and it is especially difficult to be a single parent.  A single mother is burdened with having to play all roles all of the time and it is rare that a single mom has any help keeping her (and her children's) life in order.  Single moms do not have time to relax or slow down and enjoy life.  They barely have time to sleep (and most get very little).  The amount of pressure that comes with being a single mother is insane and, quite often, is too much for any one person to handle.  This is why there are so many government assistance for single mothers programs out there.  Finding the right one for you can be a challenge.  How do you know which government assistance for single mother program you need the most?  How do you know if you qualify for the program at all?  You don't even have time to brush your hair in the morning, how are you supposed to sort your way through all of the different programs (and their qualification requirements) that are out there? Here is a run down of the basic programs that are available:FoodThe most well known government assistance for single mothers program in the United States is called WIC.  If you have kids that are less than five years old, you should qualify for this assistance.  WIC gives single mothers access to foods that are high in nutrients and vitamins.  Many Moms who are granted access to the WIC program are given foods like beans, cereals, cheese, milk, peanut butter and eggs at a greatly discounted rate.  ShelterThere are quite a few different government assistance for single mothers programs to help you keep your roof over your head (and to help you keep that roof in tact).  Some come in the form of low interest loans while others come in the form of monthly grants to help you pay your mortgage or rent payments.  Still others come in the form of housing that is greatly reduced in price or based on a percentage of your income.  Each of these types of programs has its own qualification criteria—your local social services office can help you figure out which program is right for you.MoneyMoney is always tight in a single parent household.  Thankfully there are more than a few government assistance for single mothers with money problems programs out there.  Welfare is one such program but there are also quite a few grants and loans that are out there for the taking.  Some come in the form of low interest loans and others are strictly grants.  Much like the shelter programs, your local social services office can help you figure out if you qualify for any special single mother grants or if you might qualify for special loans.  You should also ask your bank if they have a single mother assistance program in place.