There are many services out there for the single parent. Unfortunately this individualistic society has caused a stigma to be cast upon the recipient of those services. However, we must brush away those anxieties and receive help when it is offered sometimes. Many single moms don’t know the plethora of services available to them here is a small and by no means comprehensive list; but it should get you started!
1. WIC (Women Infant children) – Provides food and nutritional education for the expectant mother and then her child up to age five. This is an income based program yet the standard of income level is relatively high so a great number of people qualify. As any parent knows the price of formula that their infant needs can be staggering; WIC provides the parent with the means to support and nourish a growing child.
2. EBT (food stamps) – the days of handing over a vast array of “coupons” or food stamps is over. There is now an EBT card which is much like a credit card. Depending on the amount that you qualify for money is appropriated to your account monthly. When you go to the grocery store to purchase food you swipe your EBT card, put in your PIN number and voila you’re finished!
3. AFDC (Aid To Family’s With Dependent Children) – this federally funded program finically assists parents who have children under the age of 18 living in the home and be income requirements. The amount awarded monthly is based on the amount of income coming into the household. There is now, with current regulations a five year lifetime assistance policy. In other words if you receive aid from the program after the fifth year services will be shut off completely.
4. The Health Department – this service provides free of cost services for your child such as immunizations, medication for head lice, and much more. For the mother, Planned Parenthood provides regular pap smears and birth control. There are many more services that the Heath Department provides but is contingent upon your local office. Call your local office to see what other services are provided for you and your child.
5. Medicaid – is a federally funded type of insurance for the low income family. With Medicaid you can go to the doctor if you’re sick or if your child is sick. Thankfully, this service also gives the benefit of visiting your local dentist and providing regular cleanings for your child. With this wonderful service single moms with children with disabilities are often able to take care of their child.
6. Low Income Housing- Hud housing does not just assist first time low income home buyers. They also assist helping individuals find low income renting solutions in your local community. Visit Hud.com for more information as how you may qualify.
7. Head Start – Head start was created with the thought of giving an academic head start to the child of a low income family. Here your child will begin at the age of three learning the basics of reading, writing and math. When beginning kindergarten with two years of head start behind them the five year old fairs much better than those who had no “formal” preschool according to many statistics. Call your local chapter of head start and get your child on the path to a brighter future.
Make sure that when you call your local aid services you ask about college tuition, day care assistance, and help with electricity bills. You can let the system that you pay taxes into help you when you need it!
