Connecticut State Assistance For Single Mothers
Help For Single Moms In Connecticut
In the current down economy we all face, being a single parent can seem like an impossible task. The state of Connecticut has several resources for single moms, giving you the freedom to care for your children with the peace of mind that comes from a stable financial situation.
Childcare – If you do not have reliable childcare, you face a huge hurdle when it comes to finding steady employment. Sometimes you can swap childcare with another single mom, but this might not work for everyday work situations, as she will likely need to work as well. If you cannot afford daycare, even in a home-based setting, you may qualify for the Care 4 Kids program (http://ctcare4kids.com/). Care 4 Kids offers assistance for low to moderate income families who need childcare in order to work.
Healthcare – Low-income families can get help with medical care through the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (https://www.ctdssmap.com/ctportal/Default.aspx). The state’s Medicaid program is designed for the elderly, blind, disabled, and families with children. If you do not have health insurance but do not qualify for these programs, you may be able to get coverage for your children through HUSKY (Healthcare for Uninsured Children and You http://www.huskyhealth.com/hh/site/default.asp). Coverage for uninsured parents may be possible through HUSKY as well.
Food and Supplies – Most major Connecticut cities have a food pantry that you can go to in order to get affordable food and pantry supplies. If your income is below a certain level, you can get assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP: http://www.ct.gov/dss/cwp/view.asp?a=2353&q=320232). WIC (http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3137&q=395460&dphNav_GID=1862&dphPNavCtr=|#48077) is another option for low to moderate income families. This program offers help purchasing healthy foods to supplement your existing diet.
Transportation – Finding reliable transportation is essential to holding down a good job. Public transportation is available in most major cities. If you need help getting to your medical appointments and are on Medicaid, state sponsored dial-a-ride services may be available in your area.
Rent Assistance – Low-income families can afford safe, clean hosing with help from the state’s Rental Assistance Program (RAP). The program allows you to find your own housing, even with the option of living in a single-family home. You can apply for RAP certificates through the Department of Social Services (http://www.ct.gov/dss/cwp/view.asp?a=2353&q=305206). If you do not qualify for this program, consider searching for subsidized apartments or Section 8 housing through HUD (http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=ct&topic=renting).
Educational Grants – If the thought of returning to school seems impossible, rest assured that there are options out there to help you better your situation through another degree. The Connecticut Department of Higher Education (http://www.ctdhe.org/SFA/sfa.htm) has student aid resources you can use to help you find loans, grants, and scholarships to fund your educational expenses. Always talk to the financial aid department at your chosen school as well as you look for help paying for your education.
Other Single Moms Resources
