California State Assistance For Single Mothers
Help For Single Moms In California
California has one of the highest costs of living of any state in the Union. As such, single moms in this coastal state often struggle financially. The state offers several resources moms can look to when they need a little extra help raising their kids.
Childcare – Without a safe place to send your children, finding time to work is almost impossible. CalWORKS, the state’s welfare program, offers a child care assistance program to needy families. This temporary program aims to help families get back on their feet after a difficult time by helping with access to quality childcare while they make a transition. Once your kids are in school, look for after school programs or babysitting swapping opportunities.
Healthcare – The people of California recognizes that single moms often struggle to buy health insurance for their kids, even when they make too much money to qualify for Medicare, so they offer CaliforniaKids Health care program, a non-profit organization offering healthcare options for kids from age 2 through 18. Some families may qualify for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) or the state’s Medicaid program (http://www.medi-cal.ca.gov/).
Food and Supplies – California offers a food stamps program (http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/foodstamps/) to low-income families. Pregnant women, children under the age of five or moms who are breastfeeding can get nutritious supplemental food through the state’s WIC program. The state has an extensive network of foodbanks as well, offering low-cost food and household supplies to needy families and the state’s many single moms. Find out more at http://www.cafoodbanks.org/.
Transportation – Caltrans, the state’s major public transportation agency, offers an affordable option for people who need help getting around town. Most public transportation is centered in major cities.
Rent Assistance – The state’s Department of Housing and Community Development oversees around 20 programs to help businesses and community leaders develop housing options that aid needy families in finding a place to stay. In addition, HUD offers rental assistance and the housing vouchers program to help lower income families afford their rent or mortgage. Find out more at http://www.hud.gov/local/.
Educational Grants – Sometimes bettering your family’s situation is impossible without further education. To find money to aid you in paying for school, file the FAFSA to apply for federal student grants. Also, talk to the financial aid department of the school you are considering, asking if there are any grants or scholarships available specifically for single parents or women. The California Student Aid Commission (http://www.calgrants.org/) is an excellent resource to use when looking for state-specific grants or scholarships.
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{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
My daughter and grandson have been living with me for 3 years. It is so hard for me ..It seems she cannot get any help with food stamps, finances,nothing!! She needs help and so do I ..I am retired and it is taking all i have just to feed them…I don,t know where to turn or who to see about getting some kind of help..
Thanks.
Faye
Hi Faye,
What state are you in? Also, what is the reason for not being able to get assistance? If its because she is under the age of 21 and living with a parent that maybe the reason. With things like this she would need to say she is living with a friend and has NO income or assistance.
Exactly … your income is currently functioning as her support, and the government’s not going to give money where they don’t have to!
Hello, I am a pregnant 24 year old and I was wondering if anyone could help with information they may have about getting housing or government grants to help me out right now??
Ashley,
Check out this link http://www.singlemomfinancialhelp.com/assistance/state/ just click on the thumb nail for your State and the page will provide you with information on where you can find assistance and programs. There is also a program called TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) this program is directed more towards help now, were the other programs many take a few weeks or months. Good luck to you.
ok im a single mother of two non paying dads. i have worked at least two jobs since i was 16. I feel my struggle for independence with out government assistance is no longer an option for me. I own my own home where i have a small business. I was a local teacher during the day but i have been out of that work for a year during the economy squeeze and school shut downs.
we have been turned down for medical, and any other assistance because i own my home, and i pay all my bills on time?
we need medical for sure
our frig just broke and i havent enough money to fix it nor put food in it!
any ideas?
thank you
Hi Michelle,
I have been in your shoes (recently) and know how hard it is when you are in that “in between” income bracket. You don’t qualify for any type of financial assistance, but you barely make enough to stay afloat and hope and pray that something doesn’t break because you won’t have the money to fix it. Unfortunately, I never found any type of assistance programs to help. I do however know that local churches have programs that help single moms in need and would be happy to help you. I don’t know your story as to why you are not receiving child support from either of the dads? I did not get child support myself because it was an abusive situation and it wasn’t worth it to me to deal with him. I do know that if you google “child support services” that they will go after the father for the support that your kids deserve and pay you upfront for anything that they might collect. You also mentioned that you used to be a teacher and that times have been rough so you lost your job. Have you ever thought about tutoring on the side to make some extra cash? Depending on what state you live in you should be able to get some sort of medical assistance. I wish that I could do more for you. I would like to start a non profit assistance program for this type of situation, especially since I know what it is like. I would like to do what I can. Please keep me updated, and again check with the local church’s in your area. A lot of times they will post the type of help they offer to the community on the church website and you can email/apply that way. Keep up the good work! Being a single mom isn’t easy!
Blessings,
Tara
hi iam a single with 3 kids and no help finding a job in san diego please help thanks so much
Renee,
What we do on our site is provide single mothers with the tools for finding a job or getting a better job. We don’t have a job bank or leads to give you to find a job. Well not yet anyway. We are still working on that, hopefully soon. But, in the mean time check out this link
http://www.singlemomcareerhelp.com/
This link will provide you with excellent information on resume writing, interview skills, and how to write a great cover letter. Sorry I cannot help you further. Good luck on the job search. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.
Single Mom Support Team
I need help getting a computer for online paralegal degree. Schools I’ve contacted have all said I am required to have my own before I can apply. Help!
There are many computers available, and many are getting cheaper day by day. If you have some time, I suggest keeping an eye on the weekly ads until you find a good deal for you. Computers are really important for online school. I also may suggest a netbook or laptop.
Hello,
I am a single mother in sacramento, california who lost my job last october i recieve help from cal works but do to the budget cuts here i only recieve $490.00/month im barely keeping my head above water. My dilema is i have recently recieved two job opportunities but have no vechile. I have tried to find car grants, have look on craigslist but non of those cars fit in my range, I have called various charities to see if they sell donated cars they recieve and various car programs in the bay area as they no longer have any in sacramento and have had no success any help that be offer I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!!!
I’m a single mom too and i was able to get a car through Ways to Work. For those single moms who needs a car to go to work and improve their lives Please check out this website.
http://www.waystowork.org/
Hi I am a single mother of one I have a part time job but am in need of assistance. Are there any places tht can help you pay school loans? Thanks for your help
I’m a single mom of two and just graduated from a vocational school and have not been able to find employment any where. Just recently my car over heated and it looks like I blew a head gasket in my car. I have no money to pay any one to look at my car or fix it so what can I do to see if theres anywhere that will help my fix my car? I live in the Sacramento area..
I am 17, have a 1 year old son and am 4 months pregnant. In a few months my mom will be moving out, and leaving the current house to be payed for by me and my friends since it will be cheaper than an apartment. My rent it 767 a month and that includes utilities. I am graduating high school in two months and have day care for the time being. I need help knowing what programs I can get once I finish school to help pay for rent temporarily until I am able to work and find a job. We live in California and I am planning on attending college. Please help me.
I am a 37yr old single mother looking to go back to school for a career change. Currently working part time (well paying at times) as a foodserver in Orange County, CA. I am interested in programs helping mothers with childcare and also tuition assistance. I recall the last time I was in school at a vocational college there were a lot of single mothers in my program that were there for free while I ended up with a 20,000.00 loan. Now that I have a child, I was kind of hoping for the same assistance they received. HELP!!!
i lost my job i have three children on my own i get wellfare for one and just got custody of my other two.but i have no home i am in desperate need for job.i have no money i am struggling and have no hope i love my kids i reely need help to get on my feet.i dont have no phone ,nor computer can some one please help i have nothing to give my kids this year niether.nor to provide for them please oh please help
I am working mother of 3 beautiful children going through a divorce, and barely getting any support having to pay all bills by myself. I have fallen behind due to a few struggles and complications, so I need help with rent and bills. I do not meet the criteria for state help, yet do not make enought o barely make it onmy own. If anyone has any ideas out their I would appreciate it, I just want to get over this part and once I do I should be fine. Please we are going to loose our home if we dont find a way to pay the back rent asap. Please, we are begging for someones help. No christmas here!
One grant for single mothers that you may find particularly useful is the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) grant. Call state and federal agencies to see how your state funds this particular grant.
I am 19 yrs old and have an 18 month old daughter. I live in california, in the san bernardino county area and i recieve county assistance. I was wondering if this program will be able to help me get furniture. Like dressers, couches. etc?
You can receive financial aid for single mothers.
Hi,
I have a friend who is in desperate need of help. She is 27 has a son. She was in an abusive relationship to where she lost everything she worked hard for. Now she is living with her mother who is on the verge of kicking her out if she doesn’t keep this job that she is going to start. The problem is it is 20 to 30 minutes away in another city and transportation and money for it is hard to come by. She does not belong on the streets and if given the oppurtunity to have a place to live and transportation for her job she would work hard. I don’t know how I can help her. I really want to see her succeed and not go down hill. Thank You!
She can try for the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Grant) or try other grants for single mothers.
my name is amber with a baby boy im homeless and i need help getting housing im on calworks
Amber,
Being a single mother you qualify to receive housing grants and financial aid for single mothers. Furthermore, you can contact your local HIP, which, is housing initiative program.
Hey, im a mother of a2yr old,
Just got kicked out of my old place
Do to money issues.I get calworks for
my daughter $317. I was barely able to
Get her stuff n give $100 for my room.
Now i just turned 20 and i dont have a social
To work?..How am i suppose to do anything?
Brenda,
The california state assistance may help you find solutions.
Hi Im 23 years old. i have a 2 year old son. im planning on go to school and hopefully find a job, here in Cali. i have recently left my son dad. but sadly im still living with him. im trying to find so help for single moms. if anyone can help me with info or ideas please let me know. i would be so great full for all the help. thank you
Hey Nikki,
You can receive housing grants to assist you in finding a new home.
Hopefully this helps you.
Well where do I start off..I am 21 years old I have 3 kids a 5yo a 2yo and a 1 yo..I would reallt love to go back to school but to. Do that I would need a job and I’m. Having a hard time finding one of those I am a hhigh scool grad with some college and vocational training I rent a small room for 500$..and I have a hard time paying that I just want a job so I can get an apartment so my kids can have their own place I don’t know where to look anymore and I feel helpless…please send your advice
Carla, There are a couple of things you can do. You can contact a H.I.P. (housing initiative program) which gives assistance in homes, you can receive Housing Grants for Single moms, and you can also receive state assistance.
Hope this helps you get somewhere.