Aid Programs for Single Mothers
Being a single mother or single parent can seem like an uphill climb. All the financial obligations must be met by one income which in many cases isn’t enough. Fortunately today there are several programs in place to help the plight of single mothers and single parents across the country. In this article we will look at various aid programs for single mothers.
Adequate housing is one factor that can become difficult for a single mother. After the death of a spouse or a divorce, too often the house is no longer affordable to just the one parent. The Obama administration has created several financing options to help single mothers and single parents remain in their homes. To qualify for this aid program for single mothers you have to show a significant hardship and your mortgage payment must represent more than 1/3 your gross income. If the criterion is met then a loan modification program is possible.
Gaining access to food can become difficult for some in times of economic hardship. Another form of aid program for single mothers are the many food pantries and food banks in existence. There are several available to help single mothers and needy families.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF office can help when families find it difficult to meet their basic needs. TANF is a national office but allocates most of its funding to the individual states. The states then take this money and create various social welfare programs. Aid can come in the form of money or work programs. To find out more and what it takes to qualify, contact the local TANF office in your area.
We all know the famous 911 emergency call number. Well another aid program for single mothers has the 211 call code. 211 is an information network that individuals can call to learn what help is available in their area. One can learn about various financial aid, medical care, food banks and child care by simply picking up the phone. To find out if 211 exist in your area, pick up the phone and dial it.
Finally, collecting child support can become a problem for many single mothers and single parents. If the ex-spouse has fallen behind in payments or has just stopped all together, you can take action. Your area should have a child support enforcement office to help. You will likely have to provide some detailed evidence of all the payments missed but once this is done the process can begin. It can be lengthy. The enforcement office will first have to determine if the lack of payment is due to inability to pay or refusal. Either way they can gain court orders and have the support deducted from wages if need be.
Raising children on your own can be a struggle. Suddenly the expenses are one person’s sole responsibility. With various aid for single mothers that is available, the task can be made a bit easier.
