Delaware State Assistance For Single Mothers

Help For Single Moms In Delaware

As a single mom, you face unique challenges. Not only do you bear the full responsibility of providing for your family’s finances, but also for their emotional and physical needs. Often you feel overlooked when it comes to your own personal needs. For single moms living in Delaware, there are resources available to help with some of the needs you might have.

Childcare – Single moms face a unique need to be able to care for their children and also pursue a career. Unless you can work from home, you will need childcare. The Department of Health and Social Services offers childcare assistance for families with young children (http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dss/childcr.html). While you may need to pay a portion of the expenses, this can help significantly in offsetting the cost of state licensed childcare for your children while you work. Eligibility is based on income.

Healthcare – Delaware Medicaid is the primary service offered to low income families in need of healthcare coverage. In addition, children who are currently uninsured or underinsured can get low cost healthcare through the Delaware Healthy Children Program (http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dss/dhcpfaq.html, 1-800-996-9969). If you make too much money to qualify for Medicaid but do not have healthcare coverage, this will give you a way to get healthcare for your kids.

Food and Supplies – Delaware offers three state programs aimed at ensuring all families have the food and supplies they need. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov.html) provides a supplemental income for people who temporarily cannot work for a variety of reasons, yet cannot collect Social Security either. The Delaware Food Stamps Program gives needy families a debit card they can use to buy nutritious food for their family. Children under the age of 5, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers can get supplemental nutrition through the state’s WIC program as well (http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dph/chca/dphwic.html).

Transportation – Finding someone who can help with transportation can be challenging, but without reliable transportation you will struggle to hold down a job. If you cannot buy a car, learn to use the local bus routes, or find someone who you can carpool with in return for gas money.

Rent Assistance – Low income families in need of housing may find some through the Delaware Public Housing Administration. If you prefer an option outside of public housing, look into the resources offered through HUD, such as a housing choice voucher or rent assisted apartment (http://portal.hud.gov/HUD/states/delaware).

Educational Grants -To help potential students find information about state grants and scholarships for college, the state of Delaware has set up a website with up to date information about grant opportunities. After filing the FAFSA to apply for federal aid programs, check out http://www.doe.k12.de.us/infosuites/studentsfamily to look for local help to pay for your education.