Assistance and Grants for Single Moms in North Dakota
Raising a child as a single mom can bring about immense emotional and financial stress. Thankfully there are several state and federal programs that can help. Here are some of the most important programs for assistance and grants for single moms in North Dakota.
Table of Contents
- Financial Aid / Cash Assistance
- Childcare Assistance
- Food Assistance
- Housing Assistance
- Healthcare Grants
- College Grants
- Final Words
Financial Aid / Cash Assistance
Family First
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is intended to help low-income families become self-sufficient. The program gives qualifying household cash payments which can be used for food, housing, childcare, and other vital services. In order to qualify for TANF, adults must be working or actively seeking work.
Childcare Assistance
Child Care Assistance Program
The Child Care Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low-income families to pay for childcare. In order to qualify, a family of 2 can earn no more than $5,013 per month in 2022 The program will pay a portion of the tuition of qualified childcare providers, with the family paying the remainder of the cost. The amount of the co-pay depends on several factors including income and the number of members in the household.
Food Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps needy families pay for food. Families who qualify will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that can be used at groceries and farmer’s markets in order to buy food. Applying for SNAP in North Dakota requires an interview with a case worker.
National School Lunch Program
The National School Lunch Program provides free or low-cost lunches to students at public and nonprofit private schools in North Dakota. In order to qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches, families must meet specific income requirements. You can apply for the program directly with your child’s school district. In order for a student to receive free school lunches, their family must earn an income equal to or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a supplemental nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new moms, and children pay for certain foods like eggs, cereal, milk, cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, and baby food. The program also provides support services for mothers, such as nutrition counseling and breastfeeding resources.
In order to qualify for WIC in North Dakota, you must be a pregnant woman, breastfeeding a baby under 1 year old, a new mom that had a baby in the past 6 months, or care for a child younger than 5.
There are also income limits to qualify. In 2022, a family of 2 can have a maximum income of $33,874, or 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, to qualify for WIC. Mothers who are currently receiving TANF or Medicaid assistance automatically meet the income qualifications for WIC.
Housing Assistance
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) helps low-income families pay for housing. Those who qualify for the program can move into the rental unit of their choice (as long as the rental accepts Housing Choice Vouchers). The recipient must pay a portion of the rent, with the program paying the remainder. There is typically a waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher program. In order to qualify, families must earn less than 50% of the median income level of the area where the rental is located, however, priority is given to those who earn less than 30% of the median income level.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program helps families who qualify pay for their home heating costs. In order to qualify for LIHEAP in North Dakota, a family’s household income must be at or below 60% of the state’s median income. That means a maximum income of $42,467 for a family of 2. LIHEAP payments are sent directly to your utility provider and can help pay for electricity, gas, and more.
Healthcare Grants
Medicaid
Medicaid provides healthcare coverage to low-income families at no cost. The program pays for a variety of important medical care such as doctor’s visits, x-rays, preventative care, and even dental and vision services.
The income limits for women who aren’t pregnant are extremely low. A household of 2 must earn under $694 for a healthy adult to qualify for Medicaid in North Dakota.
Pregnant women and children, however, can qualify much easier.
A pregnant woman in a household of 2 can earn up to $2,472 in 2022 to qualify.
In order for a child under 7 years old to qualify for Medicaid, a household of 2 can earn up to $2320 in 2022.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid may be able to qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Like Medicaid, the program provides health coverage to children to pay for prescription drugs, medical provider visits, hospital stays, and more. Unlike Medicaid, which is free, CHIP usually requires a small co-pay.
Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start is a childcare program for children up to 5 years old. The program provides free daycare and preschool for kids of low-income families. Children learn important basic skills that will help them prepare for school. Families must meet specific income guidelines in order to qualify.
College Grants
The Student Financial Assistance Program
The Student Financial Assistance Program helps low-income students in North Dakota pay for college. Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a state college or university and must not have previously earned a bachelor’s or any other graduate degree. Recipients of the grant can receive up to $1,100 per semester. This award is considered a grant (not a loan), and does not have to be repaid.
The Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is designed to help students from low-income families who are enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited institution or university. Students who qualify for financial aid may get up to $6,495 every semester to help pay for tuition, books, and other school supplies.
Final Words
When you’re raising a family on your own as a single mom, the financial burdens might be overwhelming. However, assistance is available. If you are a single parent in North Dakota trying to make ends meet, consider applying for one of the grants or programs mentioned in this article.
Looking for additional resources? Check out our extensive guide of Assistance and Grants for Single Moms in 2022 for a rundown of programs that are available at a nationwide level for all who qualify.
