Government grants for low-income families.   If you are experiencing financial hardship, there are government assistance grants available to help single mothers and disadvantaged families.  Poverty does not define a person.  It can be a short-term situation that is subject to change.  The U.S. government and church organizations 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’ items.  

9 Government Grants that Help Low-Income Families

Government grants are non-repayable funding given for a special purpose and require some specific goal to be accomplished.  Such as a scholarship to attend school, trade, or certificate programs.  These grants are facilitated by state, federal, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions.

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.  Groceries may be purchased at any establishment that accepts EBT.  Cash is placed on an EBT Card, which is used as a debit card.   Find your city and download an application.  More

Women, Infant, and Children Food Assistance (WIC)

Grants for low-income families like Women, Infant, and Children or WIC is a state-run program. It is a nutrition grant for single women who are pregnant or have children under 5 years of age.

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 for postpartum women. See if you are eligibility guidelines.  

National Summer Lunch

The National School Lunch Program is a federally-funded program that provides a discount or free meals for children dure the school year and summer break.  Meals are operated and dispensed in public schools and not-for-profit private schools and childcare centers.  The program gives healthy meals free or at a low cost and offers free lunch to school-aged children.  More info

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 who are looking to improve the lives of their families.

The Human Services Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP) distributes federal subsidies for childcare assistance.  This assistance helps adults go back to school to get a better job, or a mother is already working.

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 each year as a once-a-year subsidy from the Department of Health and Human Services. Money is given out to the states, territories, and all tribal governments. Qualified families receive a check the first week in February for up to $ 350.   (LIHEAP)

Work Investment Act

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is a government program designed to help unemployed, dislocated workers and low-income, at-risk individuals acquire work or go to school.  If you are interested in receiving 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.  More

Types of Housing Assistance Programs

Public Housing – Public housing provides affordable housing to low-income families and individuals.  Tenants pay according to their income, and 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.  More information

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. There are several types of financial aid, including grants and scholarships, work-study, and loans.  More

Medicaid

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

You May Also Want to Read

Preschool Age Childcare for Low-Income Families