Assistance and Grants for Single Moms in Oregon

Raising a child as a single mom can feel overbearing at times, especially when you consider the financial strain that it may put on a household. Thankfully, there are several state and federal programs that can help alleviate some of the pressure. Here are some of the most important programs for assistance and grants for single moms in Oregon.

Table of Contents

• Financial Aid / Cash Assistance
• Childcare Assistance
• Food Assistance
• Housing Assistance
• Healthcare Grants
• College Grants
• Final Words

Financial Aid / Cash Assistance

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) can help ease the financial burden of cash-strapped families by providing temporary cash assistance to help pay for basic necessities like food, housing, and utilities. In addition, TANF can also provide funds for child care and transportation costs. As with all programs on this list, there are income thresholds that must be met in order to qualify.

Childcare Assistance

The Employment Related Day Care program (ERDC)

The Employment Related Day Care program (ERDC) offers working, low-income families financial aid to assist with childcare expenses. The program can help families pay for childcare in various settings, including licensed daycare centers, family childcare homes, and before and after school programs. Families must reside in Oregon in order to apply for the program. You can use the ERDC Copay Calculator to see how much assistance you may qualify for.

Food Assistance

Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) is a critical assistance program for single mothers and their families. SNAP helps ensure that these families have the resources they need to put food on the table and stay healthy. The program provides low-income families with a preloaded “Oregon Trail Card”, which is the state’s version of an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The Oregon Trail card can be used to purchase nutritional foods from grocery stores.

National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

The National School Lunch Program offers free or reduced-cost lunches to families with children who are enrolled in public schools. Families must meet specific income requirements in order to qualify.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and small children can get additional food assistance via the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. To support families in maintaining their health, WIC offers wholesome meals, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and other services. Families with who fall within 185% of the poverty limits receive priority consideration for WIC.

Housing Assistance

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) provides rental assistance to low-income families in the form of vouchers which can be used to pay rent. The income to qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher Program varies by county and household size. Household income must be below 50% of the medium income for the county in order to qualify. In 2022, this ranges from $18,300 to $25,600 for a family of two. You can see a full list of the income thresholds by county to qualify for Oregon’s Section 8 program here.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income families pay for energy and utility bills. Electricity, gas, oil, and other utility expenses may be partially covered by the program. In addition, the program can also help qualified residents repair or replace unsafe or non-functioning heating systems. Household incomes must fall below 60% of the state’s median income to qualify. In 2022, the income limit is $38,373 for a family of 2. Qualifying residents must apply for the program directly with their energy provider.

Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP)

The Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) is an assistance program for low-income families who are at risk of having their power disconnected. In order to be eligible for the program, residents must be customers of Portland General Electric of Pacific Power and have a household income below 60% of the state’s median income.

Healthcare Grants

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) for Adults

The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is Oregon’s Medicaid program. OHP is a federally funded program that can provide health insurance coverage to the lowest-income individuals in the state. Enrollment for the program is open year-round. OHP can help pay for doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, and other medical expenses. Adults (age 19 to 64) who earn up to 133% of the Federal Poverty Level can qualify for coverage.

Oregon Health Plan (OHP) for Kids

Families who don’t qualify for Medicaid, may still be eligible to receive child health coverage through the Oregon Health Plan. The income thresholds for the Orgeon Health Plan for kids are significantly higher than the adult Oregon Health Plan limits. Families who earn up to 305% of the Federal Poverty Level can get health care coverage for children up to 18 years old. The program can help pay for prescription drugs, medical provider visits, hospital stays, and more.

Oregon Head Start and Early Head Start

Oregon Head Start and Early Head Start provide free pre-school programs for children ages 0 to 5. Families who earn under 100% of the Federal Poverty Level or who are currently receiving TANF Funds can qualify for the program.

College Grants

Oregon Opportunity Grant

The ​Oregon Opportunity Grant is a state-funded program for residents of Oregon who are enrolled at least half-time at public colleges or universities in the state. Applicants must meet certain income requirements in order to qualify. Recipients of the grant can receive up to $3,612 per year to help pay for school expenses including books, tuition, and more.

The Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a federally-funded grant that provides financial aid 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

These programs can provide financial assistance for housing, utilities, healthcare, and education expenses. Just remember, If you are a struggling single mother in Oregon, there is help available