Assistance and Grants for Single Moms in Colorado
Raising a child on your own can be difficult. The mental and financial pressures that single moms face can sometimes feel overbearing. Thankfully, there are several state and federal programs that can help. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the top programs for assistance and grants for single moms in Colorado.
Table of Contents
- Financial Aid / Cash Assistance
- Childcare Assistance
- Food Assistance
- Housing Assistance
- Healthcare Grants
- Final Words
Financial Aid / Cash Assistance
Colorado Works
Colorado Works is Colorado’s version of the Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF) program. The program provides low-income families who are working or seeking work with cash assistance that can be used to pay for food, housing, childcare, and more. A family of 2 can receive a maximum monthly benefit of $392 via Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or direct deposit.
Childcare Assistance
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)
The Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) helps families pay for childcare services. Recipients of the CCCAP subsidy can choose any qualified daycare or childcare center in their county to enroll their children. In order to qualify, families must have a household income of 185% of the Federal Poverty Level or below.
Food Assistance
Colorado Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides financial assistance to low-income families to help them pay for food. Families with incomes of less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level can qualify for the program. The benefit is issued via EBT card, which can be used at grocery stores and farmers’ markets around the state.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Children who attend public or non-profit private schools may be eligible for free or reduced-price lunches via National School Lunch Program. Families must meet certain income limits to qualify.
Colorado Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a food assistance program designed to help soon-to-be mothers, nursing mothers, or young kids. Mothers who qualify for this program receive a cash benefit card which can be used to purchase specific foods like cereal, milk, baby food, and more. In addition to the cash subsidy, the program also resources for mothers, such as counseling and breastfeeding assistance.
Housing Assistance
Colorado Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) was formerly known as Section 8. It provides low-income households with rental assistance. Families who receive this subsidy must pay a portion of the rent (usually 30-40% of their income). The state will pay the remaining portion of the rent. Another great feature of this program is that families can choose where to live (townhouse, apartment complex, single-family home, etc.), as long as the owner of the rental property accepts Housing Voucher payments.
Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) helps families stay warm in the winter. The program pays a portion of the home heating bill for qualifying families. The subsidy is typically sent directly to the heating company and reduces the amount that you owe on your heating bill. Households must have an income no greater than 60% of the state’s median income level to qualify. LEAP only accepts applications from
Healthcare Grants
Health First Colorado (Medicaid)
Health First Colorado is Colorado’s Medicaid program. The program provides health care coverage to the lowest-income individuals and families in the state. Qualifying residents can get access to essential healthcare services like primary medical care, dental and vision services, maternity and newborn care, behavioral health services, physical therapy, and more.
Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+)
The Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+) provides health coverage to children of low-income families who do not qualify for Medicaid because their household income is too high. CHP+ can help families pay for prescription drugs, medical provider visits, hospital stays, and more. Children of families who fall within 260% of the Federal Poverty Limits can qualify for the Children Health Plan Plus.
Colorado Head Start
Head Start provides-low income families with free and subsidized childcare for kids 0 to 5 years old at qualifying daycare and childcare centers. Head Start centers help children get prepared for school by teaching them early learning and development skills. Head Start centers also provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks to children who attend.
Colorado Student Grant(CSG)
The Colorado Student Grant(CSG) is a state-funded program for low-income residents of Colorado who are enrolled at public colleges or universities in the state. The program helps pay for school expenses including books, tuition, and more. Recipients of the Colorado Student Grant can receive between $500 and $5000 per year, based on their financial needs.
Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a federally-funded grant that provides financial assistance to students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at a college or university. In order to qualify for the Pell Grant, students must meet certain academic and financial need requirements. The grant can be used to cover the costs of school fees, books, and other school-related expenses.
Final Words
Raising kids as a single mom can be draining, both mentally and financially. The programs listed above can help with much-needed financial support and allow a struggling single mom to build a foundation for a better future.
