Being a single mother and still providing for yourself or your children can be a very stressful and frustrating experience. There are many problems with finances, loans for single mothers and getting help isn’t always easy so here are some services you should be aware of.
Education loans can be very tough to pay back, should you have debts remaining on your student loans. This may force many moms to consolidate their payments, which will put them into debt for 10-30 years, but allow them to keep out of bankruptcy longer. If you have children who wish to obtain student loans, and you are a single mother, it is harder to get such loans for a few reasons. First, women usually make less money than men. If you are a single mom, you don’t have a partner’s help with income, and also earn less than a man would. You are also less likely to have enough collateral to prove that you can pay the loans back, and you are more likely to have previous debts to pay. A popular option instead of a student loan are grants for women.
Like education loans, automobile and home loans operate in the same manner. You are more likely to be rejected for a house rather than an apartment, since houses on average cost much more. Automobiles also put single moms at a disadvantage- since automobiles often break down, requiring more money be spent. This makes the odds that a single mother can pay back a loan less likely, as maintenance can eat up much of a single mother’s income.
Business loans are another subject that may cause single mothers to have trouble obtaining loans. This is increasingly harder than other loans, since businesses are extremely risky operations. The odds of maintaining a successful business is usually quite low for small business owners. Having sufficient collateral is again a problem with single mothers, forcing many to not get the needed business loans to start their own business. Single mothers usually have a lower credit score, since they incur more debts than other couples or single men on average. This will also lead to a lesser chance of getting approved by credit card companies, making the buying power of single mothers even more burdensome.
However, there are ways to influence or take advantage of situations in favor of single mothers. You may speak with the Department of Social Services for things such as welfare, food stamps, child support, medical programs, and child care assistance. These programs can be found in phone books, government agencies or on this website. There is a lot of paperwork to apply, and the waiting time can be very long. The wait is often worth it, since single moms need all the help they can get.
School lunch and breakfast programs should be taken advantage of. This is a federal program that gives reduced prices or even free lunches and breakfast to kids who attend school, and eat at the school. Other grants can help you in funding for food or even gas and heating bills. Churches often have programs to help as well, and you should explore all of these options for a better life for children a single mom may have. Reduced prescriptions and free counseling are also available to those who apply- so make sure you take advantage of such offers to the fullest.
When looking to improve your credit score, you should have family members or roommates split bills, and put some bills in your name. This will improve your dependability and credit rating. Also make sure that you stay away from penalties such as bounced checks, which can effectively ruin your credit. Doing this will eventually raise your credit score enough to gain some respect among loan specialists, which can bring you to a new step above where you previously were.
When you have better access to loans, you can get lower rates. You can better obtain a business loan, for example, with your improved credit rating. You may also co-sign loans with family members to add credit to your score- and regular payments will again boost it. In case you can not make a payment, the money is then billed to your family member- so either way the bank will most likely get its money. This is the best way to obtain a loan if you are not qualified enough, and doing so is one of the best ways to improve your credit.
Over all, single mothers are at a disadvantage. Statistically, they will make less money and not qualify for loans. They will also have more poor living experiences, and will have less buying power. Following the previous steps will allow single moms to achieve a better way of life for them or their children, regardless of their standing in society’s hierarchy.
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{ 42 comments… read them below or add one }
i am a single mother in desperate need as soon as possible. im struggling and i am extremly stressed/depressed and need help. i have many questions and need answers. i just dont know what to do anymore and where to get help for me and my 5 year old son. i am in the worst position i was ever in and do not want it to get worse. please contact me either by email but if possible i rather speak to someone in person or by phone. 347-424-3486 (cell phone).
I am looking for a way…any legal way to make $300 in a few days to start a home biz and get out of my own bad situation. I have a six year old and it’s my dream to be a stay at home mom, even as a single mother. Any info is greatly appreciated. Can you help?
Try taking a look at our financial advice for help in that area.
Im a young single mother and am having a lot of trouble gettin 700 dollars to register my car is i dont get it fast i dont have a car and i loose everything any suggestions? I live in branson missouri i have a job but dont start back till april or may and no where around here is hiring at all I just need a loan I can gett about 800 a month which could pay off payments but i need the money in one lump sum
I am a single mom enrolled in lincoln tech. I need xtra money for living expences while i am in school and do not have a co-signer to get the xtra money. Do you know any websites where I can get xtra money.
Websites can often offer help that seems legitimate, but is often a scam. If you’re looking on websites for help, be very, very careful about what assistance you are accepting. I would actually go to your school, probably to a continuing education program, and ask them what assistance they can offer.
I am a single mother who is struggling to keep up on my student loan payments. Are there any grants or programs that will help me with this debt?
Melissa
There is the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) program that you can check into. Basically, those with federal student loans can ask the government to limit their monthly payments on their federal student loans to less than 15 percent of their income. Usually, they will allow you to pay even less than that. I would also go to the Department of Education’s website, and look up their loan forgiveness programs and then look at the qualifications and see which ones you could apply for.
God is our Father, the One who upholds us and supports us even when earthly husbands cannot be found. May He provide us the means to support our family and to always keep our hopes up no matter what! http://itakeoffthemask.com/prayers/single-mom-prayer/
I am a single mother of 3 looking to get a loan or advise. I am full time college student and part time working but have no idea how to quickly get the loan. I need cash asap I fell short and owe last month rent and this month rent and other bills! PLEASE HELP!
Victoria if you are need of immediate help check into a program called TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). We also provide some links for housing assistance on this website. Here a website http://www.singlemomfinancialhelp.com/assistance/state just click on your State’s thumb nail.
Hello, I am a single mom, devoirce sTarting all over again. I have 3 boys-21 yrs, 12, yrs and 10 yrs old. My credit is very low. I am working 2 jobs 1 full time and another part time and the kids dad pays child surport. Mt debt is greater then my income. I need some help please to get back on the right track. I don’t qualify for food ass’t thay stated I make too much but really were. My rent is 750.00 care payment 252, loans 1200, 5,000,1300, oh yes and as of 2010 I will have to start paying back my son’s college loans with adds up to 34,000. I need some very good advise. I would like to purchase a home before I start paying back the stuident loans also. Help Please
Pat,
First, let me start off by saying your son needs to be paying off his own student loans or at least helping you with them. I hope I don’t upset you by saying that, but sounds to me like he is a grown man (being he has finished college or not) he needs to start helping you with his debt.
Check out the links that I have provided to you.
http://www.singlemomfinancialhelp.com/state-assistance-programs-for-single-mothers
http://www.singlemomfinancialhelp.com/loans/home/
The sites will provide with information on where to find programs and assistance with childcare, healthcare, food/supplies, and rent assistance. There is also information for receiving transportation and college grants. Hope this is helpful to you. Good Luck.
Single Mom Support Team
I am a struggling single mother of 3. 10yr old twins and a 5yr old. I am currenty bouncing from place to place or motel when i have the money. my mother passed years back and left me a house, today this house is not sutible to live in. i am considering leaving Mississippi to find better benefits. i live paycheck to paycheck and i always end up begging before the next check. i bring home less than $1,000 a month, because of the low income its hard to apply for loans. i had to file bankrupt last year to keep the local hospital from garnishing my wages for hospital bills i got due to stress, and illness,and the last couple of years has pushed me to the limit, the job market is very scarce, is there really any help for single mothers. im not looking for handouts, but a chance to come up, i graduated high school, and have collge hours, but cant finish because i cant sacrafice the money to get to school. my children are suffering because even though they in uniforms, they havent had uniforms in years, they have started to feel the pressure from my life’s mistakes. HONESTLY what do i do to tell my active son he cant play sports because i cant afford registration or a way to get there, or daughter she cant be a cheerleader, or dance, or explaining to my 5yr old why she cant have a birthday party like the other kids, because momma makes just enough to pay for the weekly motel rate. If there is really help out there God knows I need the help.
I’m a single mother to a 2 year old. I don’t get child support and his father isn’t in thr picture at all. I’m in credit card debt, I currently don’t have a dollar to my name…i applied for all that I could at the dfs office and get declined, my son is approved for medicaid but hasn’t had it, for months because I can’t afford the monthly premium of 56 dollars….i tried to, get it lowered to the lower premium but apparently I make too much money. My car needs fixed and until I can afford that I’m driving my moms van at the moment.I’m just sick of worrying how I’m going ti pa this bill or that one, and they just keep pilling up. I’m getting behind on everything. I am getting really depressed by it all…i spend most days stressed out and crying myself to sleep…i just don’t knorr what to do anymore… Getting pay day loans and, selling stuff like sons old baby clothes just isn’t working anymore…
Have you looked into grants and other forms of state assistance?
I am a teenage single mother. Need a home ASAP do not want to be homeless. Have my license but need a car am a certified medical asst. Can’t get a job due to transportation. If I had a car would be able to work and afford a home for me nd my child. Any suggestion. Please.
You can try the public transportation system. They usually have easy ways to get to and from work. There are also well priced used cars that you can try if you wanted.
I was there veronica I hope you got what you needed But go out and make it happen dont let anything slow you down. Put yourself and children first if your ok your kids will be ok. Lots of luck.
im a single mom w/ 2 kids, 6 and 11. im a cosmetologist that works in a barber shop (love the atmosphere, not the ‘boss’). but i saved my son from the playground merry-go-round and tore a ligament in my knee. i’ve been out of work for a month already and have just now been scheduled for surgery which is, at least, 6 weeks of recovery, maybe longer. my bills are piling up. i would like to open my own barber shop in my hometown (which only has 1 barber shop at this time). any ideas on how to maybe get that started while im in the shape im in? what is the best/cheapest way to get a loan? if i can… so aggravated at the moment… please help!
I am a single mother and I need financial help! The state says I make too much money whigh is insane to me! Daycare is 780 a month, health ins is 340- I only net a little over 2000 a month and just daycare and ins alone I have spent half that. Add another 800 in bills ( rent, electric, water and phone) I have roughly 200 left to buy diapers, groceries and somehow pay medical bills from her delivery. God forbid there is an emergency!!! My state says you have to GROSS less than 22k per year. That is nearly impossible unless I quit my job and started working a menial job. I’m so frustrated I could scream! Please help!!
You could try the Hud.gov, they provide lots of help for single mothers in need.
I am a single mother that is beyond frustrated. I work 5 jobs 1 full time and 4 part time. I cannot keep this pace up. I make too much according to the state guidelines. I cannot pay my rent. I bring home 1600.00 a month with all the jobs I have. If I dont pay my rent soon I am going to lose the roof over our head. I was out sick for 8 days with no pay. I have tried every charity available. I am truly at a loss…. please if you know of any help I would appreciate it….
I am a single mother to a 6 yr old and 4 yr old. I have been doing this on my own for the past 4 years. I rely on vouchers to pay for my childcare. I am fixing to lose this and If I do, I will lose my job, house, and will be homeless because I can not afford childcare for my children. Granted, yes..one is in school, but I don’t get off work till 5pm and school lets out at 3. I am stressed, depressed and just tired of it all! I need help and I need it fast! What do I need to do?! Who can I turn to?!
I am a single mother of a 10month old girl. I recently had to leave the service and at home with parents but my dad is insisting I pay rent. The only income I get is $200-$300 per month for my daughter from her dad. I am at a dead end and bills are piling up. Ive tried to find a job and was accepted to one but I have a bad back and cant stand for long periods. Do you know of anyway an unemployed mother can get a little financial help:?
I am widow woman and I am out of job at this moment.
I need help maybe somebody can support financial or give me loan for my daughter can continue her school,my daughter is 14 years old and she is in 3rd yunior school and I need help so that she can continue to high school.
but if you are criminal people or organization and ask money for fee or cost ,I will not pay you,because I have nothing.
so I am still believe that is a nice and kind man with a good heart who will able to help me.
God bless you.
Hello,
You can receive grants for single mothers
or you can receive some state assistance.
Check it out.
Hello
I’m a struggling single mom sometimes feeling all alone in this world. I really hope there’s someone out there to help me. I feel I’m at the end of my rope…but I have to be strong for my child….I am ALL he has. I pray that someone can reach out to me and let me know that there are people in this world that really does care and truly want to assist me. I’m about to lose my home (3 months behind on rent – $2700…..not including November) which scares me because my child and I have nowhere else to go. I’m behind on my car payments – so I have that to worry about as well. My job is in another city (gas expenses are outrageous – $60 a week). About four months ago, my employer cut my pay by over ½ in order to prevent laying off employees. I barely make much money and now it’s not even worth the commute in that I spend much of it in gas. I had purchased a new 2010 car the first of this year and ended up “returning” the car this summer – because I could no longer afford it. I loved that car and hate returning it, but I had no choice. I had to make adjustments in my life. Sometimes one has to take a few steps back to make ends meet, but my ends are still not meeting. Even with getting a cheaper car, I’m still behind on car payments. I have tried public assistance, but now-a-days it seems you have to be making $5,000 (annually) before they will give you any assistance. I was able to get food stamps though….it wasn’t much, but every little bit helps. Some people out there abuse the system….and it makes it harder for the ones (like me) who really NEED it to get any kind of assistance.
I’m currently trying to find another job, but haven’t had any luck yet. No one’s calling! It’s not benefiting me at all where I’m working at right now – because I’m not making nothing!!! To make matters worse, there’s a court order for child support but it’s not being enforced the way that it should. I’ve tried to locate the father for assistance, he’s nowhere to be located and I don’t even think he’s working right now. Furthermore, he has not even seen his child at all! It’s sad because I grew up without my father and it looks like my child will grow up without one. He completely turned his back on me once he found out I was pregnant!
My mother died when I was a young child and my father was in and out of my life. I was almost an orphaned. The family members I have are not in any shape to help me and living with them are not an option….they have “no room”…they say. So now you see why I feel so alone? I don’t have anybody in my life right now. Not in a relationship…..don’t care for that right now…..I’m trying to save my home. I’m so very stressed, not sleeping and constantly worrying how am I going to get caught up with the rent, how am I going to catch up on car payments, how am I going to pay utility bills etc. etc etc. I pay a little to my debtors with the small amount of money I do make. It’s hard trying to figure out who to pay…..so I focus on what will be “turned off” soon. I know I’m not the only one in this boat…there are so many single moms out here going through the same thing….I guess everybody has a story to tell.
I’m just so afraid….I try not to show it around my son how scared I am….but I’m so afraid we’re going to come home and find a pad-lock on the door or wake up and find my car repossessed. My landlord has been so patient with me….but this is putting him in a financial bind as well. He’s aware that we have no other place to go – but I’m too far behind and need to come up with 2 or 3 rent payments to avoid being evicted.
Please – if you can do anything to help me out, I would greatly appreciate it so much. It’s hard for me asking for help…but I have no choice. I’m really scared to death!!! I have a child who is depending on me.
I pray that GOD sends an angel to this website to help me out. If it was the other way around and I have funds to help someone in need….I wouldn’t give it a 2nd thought…I would definitely help them out…..stranger or not.
I prefer being a “giver” than a “taker”…… I hope someday I’m able to be in that position again….
P.S. I don’t know how long I will have cable/email services…..”hopefully” I won’t miss your response!!!
Much Love!
Hello,
You can receive grants for single mothers and you can also try receiving state assistance.
You can also contact TANF who provide Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
Hope this helps!
I am a single mother of 2 and need help. My bills are piling up and I get no help. I would like to get a personal loan for about 2,000. Can any one help me. I do have a job.
I am a single mom of a 2 year old daughter i have never had help by her dad been doin by myself since i found out i was pregant. things just seem like there getting wore finace wise my rent is due and not to sure how iam goin to get it all so if i can get some assistance plz call me.
Hello –
You can receive Housing Grants for Single mothers which can help you pay your rent.
Look into it.
I am a single mother with no job nd my daughter is a disabled child she was reciving ssi they suspended it now we are waiting for an appeal nd dats gona take along time but i need help with getting 2000 dollars because she need clothes she cant fit none of her clothes due to prematurity at birth. Welfare is not helping please someone help me
You can receive financial aid for single mothers.
May the God of mercies help u all my fellow single moms felt like crying reading all the above comments!! you think u got problems bt wait till u hear other Pple talk n only then u realize u ain’t alone, ve Hope thing s will be beta someday!if had enuf to start a business I wud be a happy single mom bt I try year after year bt never gets enuf to do that!! n the only help I got is me!!
You can receive Grants for single mothers.
Hope that helps you get started!
@innesa I know what you meanIm reading saying been there and just feeling awful bcs I know what its like to have to tell your kids no all the time and just that feeling of its nvr enough I can c the goal I just cant touch it. I know my kids know they are loved and Before anything my kids first, that atleast is onething they know they got. Itmakes it easier wh en the kids r smiling
I need alot of financial help or ideas to not be struggling ALL THE TIME!
I’m am not specifically sure what you need financial help in, but being a single mom you can receive Housing Grants and College Grants for Single Moms.
Furthermore, you may also call TANF which is temporary assistance for needy families.
Hope this helps!
I am a single mom of two. I’m looking to start my own barber shop in an area of town that I KNOW will do well. It’s the best part of town in the city where I live. I currently work at the ONLY shop in that area and have for almost 3 1/2 yrs in total but at two different times. Again, I know that there is room for another shop in this town. I don’t have a lot of money to start one on my own and would like to know if there are Gov. grants or loans for a situation like mine. Thanks so much!!!
You can receive Grants for Single moms you help start your shop or
you can also look into receiving State assistance to aid you.
I am a divorced Mom of 3 (ages 13, 11, & 6). I was attending college & completed 3 years toward my BA in Elementary Education. My ex quit paying support, ran off & local DSS agency has not been able to locate him for 2 years. Cause of this my income dropped to $380/month & I had to quit college to try to find a FT job. I live in SC but have many friends in Minnesota. I have a non-refundable & non-transferable plane ticket to Minnesota for June 3 – 17. My friends there have spoken with their employers & I have job interviews lined up during this 2 week period. The little bit of money I had saved to cover food/expenses I had to spend when my car broke down. I have tried lending companies to get $500 – $1000 but I don’t qualify cause I don’t make $1000/month. I have tried options that my friends have suggested but nothing. You ask for assistance cause you’re poor & need help but yet it seems that you are too poor to get assistance!! Here I have great odds of a better life for my children & I but I’m a few hundred short of grasping it. Any tips or suggestions????