Next, we present some of the most viable options to access these federal benefits, as well as the requirements that are requested according to the selected program.
1 HUD Single Mother Housing Program
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This program is specialized in housing assistance for single mothers; To qualify for it, it is necessary to verify that the income received does not exceed the limit imposed by HUD, which can be consulted on its official website.
These conditions vary according to the state in which the applicant lives, and changes every year; however, it allows access to decent housing through the reduction of the rent or the delivery of vouchers.
2 Housing Choice Vouchers or Section 8
Vouchers help reduce the amount of rent, and can also be used to buy a home. By law, the government is required to grant 75% of its section 8 housing vouchers to those families with incomes less than 30% of the median income for each area.
These vouchers are funded by the federal and state governments, and have the initiative to provide financial opportunities so that the mother of the family does not have to move to another area in search of a place to live.
3 Low-income single mother public housing
This program is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); its main mission is to offer public housing to needy families.
One of the advantages is that they have government oversight; However, although they are considered safe, they represent a risk for certain families due to the insecurity of some areas.
4 State aid for single mother housing
There is a program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
In addition, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development works with homeowners to provide reduced rents to single mothers and people with low incomes.
Federal government assistance programs for low-income families
1 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The United States Department of Health and Human Services has prepared a special temporary assistance program, where the beneficiaries (single mother) receive cash and food.
This program also has the mission of providing the necessary support so that children are cared for within their home by their own relatives, in addition to giving talks and workshops to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
2 Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Infants and Children, WIC, is specifically for low-income women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Those women with children under five years of age also apply, who will receive financial assistance to buy food; all under the management of the United States Department of Agriculture.
3 Federal tax credits
Any single mother with less than average income may qualify for three main credits: the earned income tax credit, the child tax credit, and the additional tax credit.
The first one serves as an aid for mothers with low incomes; the second, grants aid of up to $ 2,000 for the payment of tax for each child who lives with the mother; the third allows assigning a payment for each child, even if the beneficiary does not owe taxes.
4 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is funded by the USDA, and is one of the most widely covered in the entire country. The main task of the program is to allocate a specific amount of money for the purchase of food.
This help is received by families that are within the 130th percentile of the poverty levels indicated by the federal government; one of the advantages is the transfer of money by means of a debit card.
5 Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
The Emergency Food Assistance Program, TEFAP, is also managed by the USDA. The main objective is to buy food for families in a food emergency.
Although the aid goes directly to the people who need it, it is the USDA that is in charge of distributing the food to each state; at the same time, these should make them reach people through soup kitchens or pantries.
6 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The payment of energy is also a key point for people who have limited economic resources; that is why the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program was designed.
Among the benefits of LIHEAP, it offers help to air-condition homes, reduce energy consumption and receive money to repair equipment that, due to its poor condition, causes greater energy consumption.
7 Home Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
This program helps more than 35,000 homes each year, specializing in home air conditioning to achieve an average annual savings of $ 283 dollars in payment of basic services.
This type of aid is financed by the United States Department of Energy, and its two main axes are to ensure the well-being and safety of people inside their homes.
Non-profit organizations that provide rental assistance
1 The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army serves more than 20 million Americans each year through donations and special money-raising programs; its main objective is the welfare of citizens.
It does this through housing assistance, especially for single mothers, who can also receive free food and access rehabilitation or relief programs in the event of disasters.
2 The Catholic Charities
The Catholic Charities is a charity that provides valuable information regarding food aid and access to housing for people.
Although it is a foundation of Catholic origin, anyone who is in a situation of help may be eligible; one of the most vulnerable groups is undocumented single mothers.
3 The YWCA
The YWCA operates on different axes, among which the search for justice, peace and dignity for all women stand out. This is accomplished through housing and assistance programs.
The search for a solution for cases of domestic violence, health care and access to better paying jobs also contribute to the well-being of women, so the aid is directed towards literacy programs, scholarships and support for care .
4 Single Parents Alliance of America
The Single Parents Alliance of America offers rental assistance to both female and male single parents; This alliance takes into account, mainly, the obstacle that the payment of the rent of a house represents for families.
Thus, the program has the goal of financing single parents who need monetary assistance, paying the rent and providing assistance in the payment of other basic services.