Colorado State Assistance For Single Mothers
Help For Single Moms In Colorado
Being a single parent is never easy. You not only carry the burden of caring for your children, but also the burden of bringing in all of the money for the family. When you need a little extra support, the state of Colorado has resources for you.
Childcare – Colorado’s Division of Child Care, part of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, oversees the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP – http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/childcare/CCCAP_home.htm). This program offers help to low-income families who are either receiving training for work, part of the Colorado Works program, actually employed, or searching for work. Many single mothers receive needed assistance paying for their children’s care through this program so they can earn money to support their family. Moms who do not qualify for the program might find that home-based daycare is more affordable and personal than care in a childcare center.
Healthcare - If your employer does not offer healthcare coverage or you cannot afford the coverage that is offered, you may qualify for one of the state-based health care options. Medicaid (http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1197969485591&pagename=HCPF%2FHCPFLayout) is an option for low income families, offering healthcare for all members of the family. If you do not qualify for the traditional Medicaid program but have children under the age of 18, you may be able to get assistance for yourself and your children through the Family Medicaid program, which has less stringent income requirements. Colorado also offers the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP, http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?c=Page&cid=1210324172204&pagename=HCPF%2FHCPFLayout), which aids women with these cancers who do not have private health insurance coverage as they seek treatment for their condition.
Food and Supplies – Keeping your children well fed is a primary concern when you are the only breadwinner. If your family is considered a low-income family, you may qualify for the Colorado Food Assistance Program (http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/fap/), which gives supplemental food to needy families. If your family has any children under the age of five or you are pregnant or nursing, consider applying for Colorado’s WIC program (http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ps/wic/), which offers healthy food choices to families with young children.
Transportation – If you lack your own transportation, look into public transportation in your area. Denver and other large Colorado cities have buses and taxis you can use. If you live in a more remote area, consider finding someone who can offer you a ride to work in return for help around the house or money for gas.
Rent Assistance – If you need help paying your rent, contact one of the rental assistance agencies in your area from this link: http://www.hud.gov/local/co/renting/rentalassistance.cfm. Otherwise, consider partnering with HUD (http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=co&topic=renting) to find public housing or Section 8 housing in your area.
Educational Grants - Sometimes getting or finishing your degree is the best thing you can do to better your situation. Start by filing the FAFSA, and then talk to your school about grants that might be available. One option is the Colorado First Grant (http://www.rrcc.edu/rmec/grants.html), which helps train new workers for manufacturing and business jobs through local community colleges.
