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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{ 55 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!
Look to your local community, churches, non profit agencies.. there are lots of food banks out there. Hunger for America. Good luck!
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.
4c will help to take care of both yr kids while your working 8 hrs a day for free
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!!!
4c.org they pay for childcare
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
Hi my name is Jordan and I am 21 and a single mother of a 3 month old. I am unemployed and have no education past high school, Ive been looking on this site and am actually confused on what is the best action to take Im on unemployment and barely covers my rent and par of my car payment every month. My son is also on WIC. If anyone has any advice on what the best action to take in my situation it would be greatly appreciated, my son was 5 weeks premature and has been in and out of the hospital almost every week since birth. Im struggling and dont know what to do I just want my baby and I to be okay
Jordan, You can receive Grants for single moms to help you with your rent, you can also contact TANF who help provide Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
Hope this helps you get started somewhere.
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.
I am a single mom in California who needs help. I am a teacher, but I have lost about 30% of my income due to budget cuts and had to declare bankruptcy in 2009. In 2010, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and, just when I thought I was going to pull out of the financial basement, I was thrown in deeper due to the mounting health care expenses. I am not post-treatment and seemingly clear of cancer, but I am still trying to dig out of this financial hole. Day-to-day, I’m okay, but I have not been able to save any money for the summer when, for two months, I don’t get paid. I can’t default on my bankruptcy payments to the trustee because it’s been $920 every month for 2-1/2 years and my car is tied up in that. If I default on the house payments, I can’t even live in my car if I lose the house. My son is 12 and is counting on me to provide for him. I can’t sleep because I’m so worried about this summer in addition to worrying about where the next tank of gas is coming from. Any ideas or resources? While my income is healthy on paper, it’s not healthy in reality.
In this situation, I recommend staying strong. Yes, health care bills can be a lot, but that is something to just work through. There are some grants for single mothers in california that you can take a look at and see if they help.
Well I’m a 21 year old with a two year old daughter. Her dad left before she was born. I live with my mom who pays for everything but things are really tight. I can’t get a job or go to school because I don’t want to leave my daughter just anywhere & no one to babysit. All I get for my daughter is medi-cal. No food stamps or cash aid because my mother makes too much apparently. I need some help building a life & getting on my own with my daughter.
Hi,
You can contact HIP (housing initiative program) who help provide you a home and you can
also look into receiving Housing Grants.
Contact TANF who provide Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
My name nebiat i need help i have one baby my son is sick his 5 years old i need help housing & job thank u
Nebiat,
you can receive Housing grants for single moms
and you can also contact HIP which is the Housing Initiative Program
who can help you provide a home.
Hello,
I am a single mother of 3 little boys. I am a Navy veteran, I have a bachelors degree and am beginning my third year of law school. I have maxed out my eligibility for private student loans. Federal loans do not cover my household and child care costs. I have looked for work, but, although I have the education, I do not have the work experience to garner a well paying job. I only have a year left of school before I’m an attorney! I cannot pay my rent, I cannot afford to move and I am barred from borrowing any more money for education.
Where can I go to get temporary assistance that will understand that I am SO CLOSE to being a self-sufficient, career oriented member of society???
Thank you for your advice,
Rhiannon
PS to all the other women writing in to this site- you have my deepest respect and admiration for you’re strength and desire to make a better life for your babies. God bless each of you.
Hello,
you can receive College grants for single mothers
or you can look into receiving state assistance to help you finish the
remaining of your school.
im almost seven months pregnant and need a two bedroom apartment all have waiting list tho they do thirty percent of ur income what should i do, i also have a two year old girl, i live in lancaster ca. need help now please..
You can contact HIP (housing initiative program) who help provide homes and receive a Housing Grant for single moms.
Also, you can receive state assistance.
Hi. I just recently found this page, and am really hopeful. I see a lot of responses from Denise. So if Denise is the owner of this page, I give you a lot of props and thank you for helping those in need.
I am one of them. But I have some questions, though I think it’s a bit dumb to ask, So I apologize ahead. Getting any sort of assistance in the state of California, be it food stamps, to something bigger like housing, does this have any effect at all for later future? What are the disadvantages of receiving them, as in like tax returns when one goes to work and file? In asking for assistance, will they get involve in one’s relationship with the other half and ask for child support? Can you please advise? Thank you so much.
When filing tax returns there is a segment in it that asks if you have received any help from the government, but i believe it does not affect it in an other way.
When asking for assistance they tend to look at your income, you living status, and the people you live with and you capability/incapability of doing certain things.
Asking for assistance does not necessarily have any any negative effects. But, some grants much like loans ask that you pay them pay although some do not.
Many things vary so it is something you have to look more into depending on you specific need/assistance needed.
Hope this helps!
Hi my name is Amanda Wilson, I’m a 34, year old white women. The reason I’m email you is because I’m a single mother, I have three kids 9, 12, and 14. I live in Ravenswood wv. I really want to move to San diego ca, because where I live now it’s not safe for my kids. When I got to go the doctors I got to drive 100 miles to Parkersburg wv. My kids have know place to play, like I said it’s not safe. I went to San Diego for a visit, and I love it. The doctor is really close and my kids have a nice place to play. I really to move so my kids can have a chance to grow up like normal kids. I get social security disability and child support, but with all that put together I still can’t afford to move. I need really your help to move, so please find it in your heart to help me move out of this god forsaken town. Only I get to san Diego I will be able to pay the rent, but I just can’t afford to move all our stuff out there. If you want me to pay you back, maybe we can make out a payment plan. For now, I really your help, because I have know one else to turn too. you can email at amandawilson991@yahoo.com
Please find it in your heart to help me!
Thank you! Hope to hear form you soon!
God bless you,
Sincerely Amanda Wilson
I understand your concern, but maybe you should wait a couple months before making the move so that you are more financially stable. If not, you can try to apply for a couple of grants and see if they assist you financially with the move.
Hello,
My name is Candice and I’m a single parent of a 4 yr old little girl. I currently work for a small start up company as a customer service rep and also as a Free Lance make up artist. I would like to further my career in the cosmetology field as I have began developing a small Beauty and Design company. In order for me to grow the company, it is required that I go to school and obtain the necessary state certifications in order for me to continue practicing the art of make-up. I’ve applied to several programs however due to financial restrictions I’ve been unable to attend. Being that I am the sole provider for my daughter I have to use the money I make to support her. I have a meeting with another cosmetology program on Tuesday April 24, 2012 near my job. I currently have student loans that I need to pay off which is preventing me from qualifying for any Cal/Pell Grants. At this time I am seeking out any sort of grants, scholarships, or financial assistance so that I may attend the program. Any information helps as this will push me further toward a career in which I am able to have more time for my daughter. Thank you in advance.
Kind Regards,
Candice Tinsley
First off, Congrats! You can receive scholarships directly from the school (if you ask) and other grants are also available after you check out the eligibility requirements.
I am a brand new mom with a one month newborn. The relationship between my sons father and I has slowly start to ripe apart like many do unfortunelty and it has left me having to look for a new place to live. Currently i am on disability from my pregnancy and just don’t see how I will be able to afford somewhere that is sufficent for my son and I. Even with my full income it’s just impossible. I know there are assistance programs out there but I really just don’t know where to start…any suggestions???
Yes, sometimes weeding though the many options can be hard. First, you should try to see what exactly you would like in terms of assistance. Next, try to see what the requirements are and see if you can find some nice and easy assistance program that fits your criteria.