Last Updated on September 27, 2025 by Pamela Lipscomb

Government grants for low-income families.  If you are experiencing financial hardship, government assistance grants provide community services to help single mothers, low-income families, and individuals. Poverty does not define a person. It can be a short-term situation that is subject to change. I have used some of these programs as a young single mom. I used a grant program to take a course that helped me get a good job.

10 Government Grants that Help Low-Income Families

You can get financial help from the government, charities, and church organizations that facilitate grants that help families completely change their lives. Many single mothers are the head of their families and need extra resources to care for their children and new babies. Government grants are non-repayable funding for a particular purpose and require some specific goal, such as a scholarship to attend school, trade, or certificate programs. The state, federal, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions manage these programs.

1. Food Grants for Low-Income Families

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps disadvantaged single mothers with monthly food benefits. The amount of benefits is determined by the number of people in the household. Families may purchase groceries at any establishment that accepts EBT. Each month the government puts cash on an EBT Card, which is used as a debit card. Find your city and download an application. More information on SNAP benefits

2. Women, Infant, and Children Food Assistance (WIC)

Grants for low-income families like Women, Infants, and Children or WIC are state-run programs. It is a nutrition grant for pregnant single women or children under five. The WIC benefits program provides food vouchers when the women are a few months anywhere WIC is accepted.   In addition to food and infant formula, the program gives breastfeeding support and help to postpartum women. See if you are eligibility guidelines.

3. National Summer Lunch

The National School Lunch Program is federally funded and provides a discount or free meals for children during the school year and summer break. Meals are operated and dispensed in public schools, not-for-profit private schools, and childcare centers. The program gives school-aged children free or low-cost healthy meals and free lunches. Enroll your child in the free lunch program.

4. Daycare Grants for Low-Income Families – Child Care

The Child Care and Development Fund helps pay for childcare for low-income families, the parent or primary caregiver who works or attends school. This childcare grant is needed by many looking to improve their families’ lives. The Human Services Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP) distributes federal subsidies for childcare assistance. This assistance helps adults return to school to get a better job, or a mother is already working.

Church Assistance Programs

5. Heating Grants – LIHEAP Assistance

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance helps low-income families pay for heating and air conditioning bills at the end of the year.  Home heating grants are distributed yearly as a once-a-year subsidy from the Department of Health and Human Services. States, territories, and tribal governments receive money to distribute to low-income communities. Qualified families receive a check for the first week in February for up to $ 350.  (LIHEAP)

6. Home Repair Grants

Each state receives a block grant to help fund federal supplemental programs. Home repair grants help low-income households make necessary repairs to their homes. Repairs must help your home be safer and more energy-efficient. These grants can help with drafty windows, removing black mold, unsafe stairs, or repairs or replacing a home water heater—these community development grants. Find out more about home repair grants.

7. Work Investment Act

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is a government program to help unemployed, dislocated workers and low-income, at-risk individuals acquire work or go to school. If you want free money for school, call to make an appointment to receive WIA services. Many colleges are working with WIA to help people reach their career goals. Get help starting a career or improving your job skills.

8. Types of Housing Assistance Programs

Public Housing – Public housing provides affordable housing to low-income families and individuals. Tenants pay according to their income; a government grant pays the balance. Residents must have incomes below 80% of the Area Median Income in that area. Section 8 program – A voucher program issues prospective tenants with an acceptance voucher for low-income housing. This housing can include an apartment, public housing, or private homes.  You have to look for a property owner that will accept their voucher. For more information, call 704-336-5183. Project-based vouchers – The public housing authority (PHA) uses part of the Housing Choice Voucher funds to provide vouchers to designated apartment units through Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) contracts to work with private landlords. Find out more about vouchers.

9. School Grants – Help Low-Income Adults Return to School

Financial aid helps students and their families pay for college. This financial assistance covers educational expenses, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Several types of financial aid include grants and scholarships, work-study, and loans. See if you qualify for a school grant.

10. Medicaid

This government-benefit program provided health care to mothers and small children. Medicaid pays for approved doctors and hospital visits, and medications. Therefore, it covers dental care by dentists who work with the program. Call 877-267-2323 for more information. You may qualify for Medicaid

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