Assistance and Grants for Single Moms in Texas
Raising a child on your own as a single mother can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finances. Thankfully, there are several programs for struggling moms in the lone star state that can help provide some relief. Here are some of the most important programs for assistance and grants for single moms in Texas.
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 for Needy Families (TANF)
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program helps the lowest-income families with children 18 or younger pay for critical expenses like food, clothing, housing, and utilities. The program provides monthly cash payments to those who qualify. A family of 2 can receive up to $270 per month in TANF payments in 2022. In order to qualify for TANF, parents must be working or actively looking for a job.
Childcare Assistance
Child Care Services
The Child Care Services program provides low-income families with a subsidy that can be used to pay for child care. The program can help parents with kids under 13 years old make sure their child is being taken care of while they work or go to school. The subsidy can be used to pay for licensed child care centers or even for a relative or family member that watches your child.
Food Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income families in Texas pay for food. SNAP recipients in Texas receive a Lone Star Card, which works like a debit card and is preloaded with funds. The card can be used at grocery stores or farmers’ markets in order to buy food. As with most programs on this list, there are certain income limits to qualify. A family of 2 can receive up to $459 in monthly SNAP benefits.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Students who attend public and nonprofit private schools can receive free or reduced-price lunch under the National School Lunch Program. In order to qualify for the program, a family’s income must fall within 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
The Texas Women, Infants, and Children’s Program (WIC) provides supplemental food assistance to new moms, soon-to-be moms, and children under 5. Families receive a Texas WIC card which can be used to purchase certain nutritious foods such as eggs, milk, cereal, baby food, and more. In addition, the program also offers several services that can be helpful for new mothers such as postpartum counseling and breastfeeding support. Households with income of up to 185% of the Federal Poverty Limit can qualify for WIC in Texas. Families and individuals who currently receive Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP will automatically qualify.
Housing Assistance
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The Texas Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8) helps low-income families pay for rent. In order to qualify for the program, a family’s income cannot exceed 50% of the median income of the area. Texas residents who qualify for the program can choose where to live, as long as the rental accepts Section 8 payments. The program will pay a portion of the rent, and the recipient is expected to pay the remainder of the rent. There is typically a lengthy waiting list for the program so if you need this subsidy, you should apply as soon as possible,
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
The Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps families stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer by paying for a portion of their energy bill. The payment for the CEAP subsidy is not sent to the recipient but instead sent directly to the utility company. In order to qualify for CEAP in 2022, a family of 2 must earn less than $27,466 before taxes.
See also: There are several additional nationwide programs that moms in Texas may qualify for in order to receive rental assistance as a single mother.
Healthcare Grants
Texas Medicaid
The Texas Medicaid program provides free healthcare coverage to low-income families. The program can be used for a variety of important medical needs such as doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, x-rays, mental health, dental and vision services, and more.
In order for adults to receive Medicaid coverage, they must be very low-income. An adult who wishes to qualify for Medicaid can make only 17% of the Federal Poverty Limit. In addition, the adult must be the caretaker of a child who already receives Children’s Medicaid.
The guidelines for Children’s Medicaid are easier to meet. A family of 2 can earn up to $2,034 per month in order for their child to receive Medicaid.
An adult who does not care for any children cannot receive Medicaid in Texas.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CHIP provides many of the same vital healthcare services that Medicaid does. Families may be required to pay a co-pay for CHIP based on their income levels and the size of their household.
Texas Head Start
Texas Head Start and Early Head Start are early learning programs for kids ages 0 to 5. Families who qualify can enroll their children in free preschool and childcare centers in the state. The Head Start centers teach children basic skills so they are prepared for school. They also provide kids with breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
College Grants
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program (TEOG)
The Texas Educational Opportunity Grant Program (TEOG) is a college grant for students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in a Texas college or university. In order to qualify, students must display a financial need by meeting specific income requirements. In addition, students who wish to receive the TEOG grant must not have an associate or bachelor’s degree or have been convicted of a felony. In 2022, a full-time community college student can receive up to $1,711 per semester. A full-time student at a state college can receive up to $2,143 per semester in 2022. Part-time students who qualify for TEOG may receive a smaller amount. The grant is not a loan and does not have to be repaid.
Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a federal program that provides assistance to low-income students who are attending an undergraduate program at a college or university. Students who qualify can receive up to $6,495 per semester in order to help pay for tuition, books, and other school supplies.
Final Words
The financial pressures of raising a family as a single mother can sometimes feel overbearing. However, there is help available. The grants and programs listed in this article can provide crucial relief to single moms in Texas who are struggling to get by.
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.
