Assistance and Grants for Single Moms in Ohio
The financial strain of raising a child alone can feel like an overwhelming endeavor. Thankfully, Ohio has a number of helpful programs to help single moms who are struggling financially. Here are some of the best programs for assistance and grants for single moms in Ohio.
Table of Contents
- Financial Aid / Cash Assistance
- Childcare Assistance
- Food Assistance
- Housing Assistance
- Healthcare Grants
- College Grants
- Final Words
Financial Aid / Cash Assistance
Ohio Works First (OWF)
Ohio Works First (OWF) is the state’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. It provides low-income families with a monthly cash payment that can be used to pay for vital expenses such as food, housing, transportation, childcare, and more. The benefit is issued to recipients using the state’s Ohio Pathway card, which be used wherever MasterCards are accepted.
Childcare Assistance
Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) Program
Ohio’s Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) program helps low-income families pay for childcare. Parents must be working or in school to receive this subsidy. The amount received is based on household income and family size. Most families will have to pay a co-pay.
Food Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income families pay for food. The program provides qualifying families with a preloaded Electronics Benefit Transfter (EBT) card that can be used to buy groceries at farmers’ markets and grocery stores. In order to receive the SNAP subsidy, a family’s household income must be at or below 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
The National School Lunch Program provides free or reduced-price lunches to students in public and nonprofit private schools. A family’s income must fall within 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level in order to be eligible for the program.
Ohio WIC
New and soon-to-be mothers and children under the age of 5 are eligible for help from the Ohio WIC program. The Ohio WIC cards allow families to buy a variety of healthy foods including eggs, milk, cereal, and baby food. Additional services provided by the program include postpartum counseling and breastfeeding assistance. Households in Ohio can receive WIC benefits with incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level. Medicaid, TANF, and SNAP recipients are automatically eligible for this program.
Housing Assistance
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP)
Ohio’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (previously known as Section 8) helps low-income families afford their rent. A family’s income must not exceed 50% of the area’s median income in order to be eligible for the program. As long as the rental accepts Section 8 payments, Ohio residents who qualify for the program may choose where to live. The program will pay a part of the rent, and the recipient will be responsible for the rest. There is usually a long waiting list for the program, so if you need it, you should apply as soon as possible.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as HEAP, can help households pay for a part of their energy bills. The beneficiary does not receive the HEAP program subsidy payments; instead, the payments are sent to the utility provider in order to reduce the recipient’s bill. A family of two must have a gross income of less than $32,042.50 per month before taxes to qualify for Ohio HEAP in 2022.
Healthcare Grants
Medicaid
The Ohio Medicaid program provides free healthcare coverage to low-income individuals. The program can help pay for many important medical expenses including prescription drugs, medical provider visits, hospital stays, x-rays, and more. There are different qualifications for pregnant women, children, and families to qualify.
Children up to age 19 can qualify for Medicaid if their family’s income is up to 156% of the Federal Poverty Level. Pregnant women can qualify for the program with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Adults with children can qualify for the program with incomes up to 90% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) covers children of non-Medicaid households. CHIP has higher income criteria than Medicaid, making eligibility easier. 18-year-olds in homes earning up to 206 percent of the Federal Poverty Limit may be covered. Like Medicaid, the program covers the cost of prescription drugs, doctor visits, hospital stays, and more. Unlike Medicaid, the program isn’t free and typically requires families to pay a copay.
Ohio Head Start
Ohio Head Start offers free early childhood development programs and facilities for low-income families. Head Start provides early learning services to kids up to 5 years old so that they are ready for school. In addition, students that are enrolled in Head Start centers also receive snacks, breakfast, and lunch. A family of 2 must earn less than $18,310 per year in order to qualify.
College Grants
The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)
The Ohio College Opportunity Grant is a state-funded program for Ohio residents attending public colleges or universities. In order to qualify, applicants must be pursuing an associate’s degree, their first bachelor’s degree, or a nursing degree. In addition, in order to qualify for the grant, the student’s household must make less than $96,000 per year. The grant can be used to help pay for school-related expenses such as books and tuition.
Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a federal program that helps low-income students pursuing an undergraduate degree at a college or university. Students who qualify can receive up to $6,495 per semester to help pay for tuition, books, and other school supplies.
Final Words
As a single mother, the financial burdens of raising a family may be overwhelming at times. Just remember, help is available. Single parents in Ohio who are struggling to make ends meet can turn to the grants and programs mentioned in this article for support.
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.
