Hawaii State Assistance For Single Mothers
Help for Single Moms in Hawaii
Hawaii may be paradise, but when you are raising your kids on your own it can seem a little less than perfect. For single moms living in the state of Hawaii, the state offers several programs to help life go a little more smoothly.
Childcare – When you start looking for childcare for your children so you can work or go to school, you will quickly find that it will eat up most of your family’s budget. Hawaii’s PATCH program helps families with budgetary needs afford quality childcare by pointing them to the appropriate childcare subsidies in the State Department of Human Services. More information about the various childcare assistance programs for single moms in Hawaii can be found at the PATCH website, http://www.patchhawaii.org/families/.
Healthcare – If your employer does not offer health care, you may qualify for one of Hawaii’s two medical assistance programs. The QUEST-ACE program is available for adults who do not have healthcare and meet certain income requirements. If you make too much money to qualify for QUEST, you may be able to get coverage for your children and yourself through the Transitional Medical Assistance Program (TMA). For more information about the state’s medical coverage options, visit the QUEST website, http://www.med-quest.us/eligibility.
Food and Supplies – Putting healthy food on the table is an important concern for single moms. Needy families can get help buying food through the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP). Those who do not qualify for SNAP may find affordable pantry supplies through a local food bank (http://www.hawaiifoodbank.org/). Families with preschool children can get vouchers for some supplemental food through Hawaii’s WIC program.
Transportation – Because of all of the tourism throughout the islands of Hawaii, the public transportation network runs very smoothly. If you do not have access to a car or wish to avoid the traffic jams that are common on the island, learn about the transportation options in your area.
Rent Assistance – Each island has its own rental assistance programs. If you are struggling to pay your rent, contact the office on your island. You can find links to them on the Department of Health website (http://hawaii.gov/health/). The Housing and Community Development Corporation of Hawaii (http://www.hcdch.state.hi.us/) manages the state’s public housing options, which can also be of service to needy families.
Educational Grants – Sometimes getting another degree or finishing one you started is the key to bettering your family’s financial situation, and with online schools and flexible course schedules this is possible for single moms. However, money typically limits a mom’s ability to go back to school. The University of Hawaii offers a website that will help potential students, including moms, find scholarships and grants specific to the state of Hawaii: http://maui.hawaii.edu/.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Sadly many of these programs will only assist if you fall into the low income bracket. I am just outside of that bracket and unable to find any help. This is even more difficult for my 3 children. What little extra money we have goes directly to food. i don’t think the system is very fair. I have been searching and still am for any program that may assist me and my children.
Aloha, I am having the same issue. I make too much money and there is no help whatsoever. I work to pay my infant sons full time child care, food, rent and other bills and sometimes have to go without eating myself. There are so many women out here who sit on their a$$ and don’t even try to provide for their kids. They are the same ones sitting back eating steaks and letting the state pay for their housing, fresh food and child care and we get nothing. Rent and groceries are crazy expensive in any part of the island, as is child care. If you don’t have any family able to help with at least child care it’s almost impossible to get by. I make pretty good money but just those 3 things alone cost well over $2000 a month. You also have to pay utilities, insurance, co pays, medications, gas or bus $ and buy diapers… I just don’t understand why there is no support for the honest hardworking women. I often wonder if im doing something wrong…. How can anybody manage this? Am I the only one? Is child care and rent really that expensive everywhere?!? The system is definitely flawed.
Yes, I agree and understand where you are coming from. However stay strong. There are many places single mothers in your condition can go and many things you can check out for help. Good luck!