Indiana State Assistance For Single Mothers
Help For Single Moms In Indiana
No one ever said raising kids would be easy, but when you are doing it by yourself it can seem like an impossible task. When you need a little extra support to help you care for your kids, the State of Indiana has several programs you can rely on.
Childcare – Finding safe childcare is the first step toward heading back to school or landing a good paying job. Quality childcare assistance is available for needy families through the Child Care Development Fund (http://hsi-indiana.com/Welcome/index.php?option=com_content&task=section&id=15&Itemid=50). If you do not qualify for this type of help, contact church and home based daycare centers in your area to find affordable childcare.
Healthcare – For most families, the most affordable solution to their healthcare needs is taking the healthcare offered by an employer. If this is not possible for you, consider purchasing healthcare for your kids under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP http://www.in.gov/fssa/ompp/2545.htm). Hoosier Healthwise offers healthcare coverage for families with children or pregnant women in them. If you have been uninsured for up to six months and have an income of $44,000 for a family of four, you might be able to get healthcare through the Healthy Indiana Plan. These and other forms of Indian healthcare assistance are discussed at http://www.in.gov/fssa/hip/index.htm.
Food and Supplies – Sometimes single moms have to choose between buying food and other necessary expenses. If you are struggling to put food on the table, consider applying for the state’s Food Stamp Program (http://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/2691.htm). WIC (http://www.in.gov/isdh/19691.htm) offers supplemental nutrition for families with young children who might not qualify for the Food Stamp Program. Another source of affordable food is a local food pantry or food bank (http://www.adoptionservices.org/food_banks/food_banks_indiana.htm).
Transportation – The first step in finding reliable transportation is checking into any public transportation options in your area. IndyGo (http://www.indygo.net/) offers online services to help you locate an option near you. Sometimes swapping a service, like babysitting, for a ride is another option when you do not have your own car.
Rent Assistance – If you are struggling to make ends meet, paying your monthly rent or mortgage may seem impossible. The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (http://www.in.gov/ihcda/) operates several programs to help Indiana’s single moms and other needy families keep their kids in a warm, safe home. Programs include Section 8 vouchers, rent assistance, and public housing.
Educational Grants – Night school and online degrees make it more possible than ever before for single moms to get a college education. If you are considering heading back to school, check out the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana (SSACI: http://www.in.gov/ssaci/2359.htm) to learn about state specific grants and scholarships. Do not forget to fill out the FAFSA to determine if you get any federal aid.
