Money Help for Single Moms

Many single moms struggle to make ends meet. Leading a single income household is a challenge, and juggling work with caring for your children often means taking on extra hours on the job is easier said than done. Luckily, there are ways to find financial help when times are tight. Here are a few places worth reaching out to when you need money help as a single mom.

Human or Social Services Offices
If you’re a single parent and have a low-income, you may qualify for a variety of government assistance programs designed to help make certain costs more manageable. You may be eligible for mortgage or rent assistance, low-cost child care, help with your utility bills, reduced cost medical care, and free food options.

Every government program has different eligibility requirements, often based on your current income and the size of your family. Often, the easiest way to determine what you may qualify for is to contact your local office and speak with an employee there. They will be familiar with the current offerings and what qualifications are necessary to receive assistance. Check out this list of support programs which include benefits, subsidies, money and more.

 
Charities and Churches
Non-profit organizations can be another source of support for single moms who need help with money. Often, charities and churches can provide assistance with anything from housing and utilities to food and child care. Some may even offer cash to help with emergencies like unexpected car repairs.

One such charity is Modest Needs. They provide assistance to families in need who are experiencing a variety of hardships. You must complete their application and have to be currently employed, but those who qualify can receive grant money that doesn’t have to be paid back later. This means you can take care of your expenses without adding a new one into the mix.

Most nonprofits do have eligibility requirements that must be met, similar to those used by government agencies. Additionally, money is not always available, as they provide assistance on a first come, first serve basis and funding sources are often limited. See how a church can help.

Friends and Family
When times are tight, turning to friends and family for help may be a good option. These are people that care about you and your children, so they have a vested interest in your well-being. That means they may be more likely to give support if it is within their means to lend a hand.

It is important always to clarify the expectations surrounding any money you receive from friends or family members, as you don’t want any confusions regarding whether the cash is a gift or loan. To help make sure everyone is on the same page, ask the person directly if and when they need to be paid back. If it is a loan, clearly define the repayment terms and make sure you strive to meet them. Otherwise, the relationship may be damaged when you don’t respond to their expectations.

 
If you can’t get all of the money you need from the sources above, you can also turn to alternative options. For example, selling unwanted items can help bring in a little extra cash to handle a small unexpected expense, and it doesn’t require borrowing money from anyone. You can also work out deals with other single mothers and trade days keeping an eye on each other’s children as a method to keep babysitting costs in check. Talk to the people around you and see if there is anything you can exchange with one another that can ease the burden of being a single parent as it can be an excellent method for making ends meet when times are tight.

Additional great service include ways to get help paying utility bills and learn about different loans, grants and benefits to help with one off and ongoing financial assistance.