Illinois State Assistance For Single Mothers
Help For Single Moms In Illinois
Illinois is an interesting mix if rural and city life. No matter where you live in the Land of Lincoln, if you are trying to raise your kids on one income you may find that you need help from time to time. The state offers several programs to help single moms make ends meet and give their kids a healthy start to life.
Childcare – The Illinois Department of Human Services offers childcare assistance to needy families who need a way to go back to work, head back to school, or finish their high school degree. The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is offered based on income. If you do not qualify, consider partnering with another family who works an opposite shift to share childcare duties or utilizing the help of relatives who may be home when you are working.
Healthcare – Affording medical care for your children is a challenge when you live on one income. If you do not have adequate healthcare coverage for your family, you may be able to get help through the state’s Medicaid programs (http://www.hfs.illinois.gov/). FamilyCare (http://www.familycareillinois.com/) offers coverage for adults who are the primary caregivers for children 18 or younger. The program, which is offered based on income, covers all types of care, including dental and vision. Any child in the state of Illinois who does not have full insurance coverage can get coverage through AllKids (http://www.allkids.com/), regardless of the parent’s income. Families with higher incomes will pay a fee for the coverage, but it is available.
Food and Supplies – Single moms often struggle to buy healthy food for their kids. Illinois offers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to needy families. eligibility is based on income and family size. SNAP is awarded through the Illinois Link system (http://www.dhs.state.il.us/), which also provides cash assistance to very needy families through an electronic debit card. WIC is another program offered to families with young children or pregnant women.
Transportation – Moms who are eligible for WIC can get transportation assistance through the WIC office. Most major Illinois cities operate an affordable public transportation system, offering single moms a reliable way to get to and from work.
Rent Assistance – the Illinois Housing Development Authority offers assistance with paying for rent through the Rental Housing Support Program (http://www.ihda.org/). This offers needy families access to subsidized rent apartments or homes. It is one of the largest rent assistance programs in the nations. The IHDA also offers several Section 8 housing options (http://www.ihda.org/). Single moms living in the city of Chicago will find that other options exist because of the high cost of living in the state’s largest city.
Educational Grants – The Internet makes going back to school all the more possible for single moms. To find aid, file the FAFSA and talk to your school’s department of financial aid. A variety of state specific programs are also available to Illinois residents leaded back to school. Also be sure to research school scholarships for more financial assistance options.
More Single Mom Resources |
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
hello,
my name is shannon and i would like to know if there is any kind of assistance towards paying for medicine for a child with adhd. I do not get any kind of help from the father and my daughters medicine is very expensive, i really need some kind of help.
thank you
shannon salinas
Depending on where you stay,you can apply for a clinic card.if you live in the peoria and or surrounding cities,you can apply for a free clinic card at osf st francis the number is 309)624-9690 to get what time you need to go in.
I have recently moved to Chicago and the people I was staying with have giving me 2 weeks to move. Are there any programs, or shelters that would take myself and my two children in right away? Thanks
Evette,
Check into a program that is called TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Single Mom Support Team
Are there any alternative cash assistance programs in the state of Illinois . I’ve tried TANF, and it’s really hard to get help.
Yes, I agree TANF is quite hard to get money from. They really check before they give out money or loans. Be persistent and hopefully you will be approved soon.
Are there any programs besides Liheap for help with utility bills? Liheap told me the first appointment for applying is Nov 16th and I have a shut off notice now
Heather,
Depending on what county you live in, liheap does take walk-INS on certain days of the week. You have to get there early, because there is usually a line. Also, if you do get shut off, it expedites the whole process! If it happens, call liheap immediately, and they can usually get you turned back on within 24 hours! Good luck!
Heather,
Did you try local churches? There are many churches here in central Illinois that have programs and there is also Illinois Valley that help pay. The sad thing is that I know many families who take advantage of these programs so they run low pretty quickly.
I am a single mom of 2. I have been fortunate to recieve state childcare help while I work full time. We have been staying with family paying low rent but now we have been given notice that we need to find somewhere else to live. I can barely get by as is now. I tried the http://www.ihda.org/ link that you have listed and it is not working. I don’t know where to begin looking for help for housing. Can anyone give me suggestions?
You can receive Housing grants for Single mothers.
What other housing assistance programs are available in Lake County, IL? I have been to the housing authority office and there waiting list is closed, and the only assistance they are offering is for sending citizens. I have also looked into some of the apartment complexs that offer reduced rents, but most of those places have full wait lists also.
hi i’m looking for help with housing for myself, a single mom of 5. i can’t find anyone without a waiting list of less than a year and i need something asap. thanks for any help
You can receive Housing Grants and/or you may contact your HIP which, is housing initiative program.
I will be possibley moving to IL (tinley park area to be exact) and I am wondering what kind of assisance is available for housing. If there is a program where I can chose where I want to live or if I have to live in a specific place to recive assistance.
Hello,
You can see if this information according to your State can be of any assistance to you. Furthermore, you can receive housing grants for being a single mom.
Hi I am currently in a difficult situation. My boyfriend and I have split up.and I have a 17month old.child at home that I have to care for. I only only work part time and I cannot afford rent on my own. And even if I wanted to stay in the apartment I’m at now I cant because the building is up for foreclosure. I am having a hard time and really need assistance. If anyone reads this and knows of a way they can help please reply and/or email me. Thank you so much.
-Hopeful mommy.
I would recommend trying the HIP (Housing Initiative Program). They usually have great helpful tips.
You can try the HIP, Housing Initiative Program and they could most probably help you out.