Help For Single Moms In Michigan
If raising your kids on one income seems impossible, you have resources you can turn to. Michigan’s single moms can get help paying for childcare, healthcare, and other needs for their families. They just need to know where to look!
Childcare – The only way single moms can head to work without worry is by knowing their children are taken care of in a quality childcare setting. When the budget does not allow for quality childcare, the DHS Child Development and Care Program may be able to help. If you need childcare so you can work or finish high school, you may qualify for assistance.
Healthcare – The state of Michigan offers a few programs to single moms that can help them get access to quality medical care for themselves or their children (http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/html). The Healthy Kids program offers help to pregnant women, children, and teens. Families who make too much to get Healthy Kids may qualify for coverage for their children through MIChild. Medicaid is available to anyone of a certain income amount. The Transitional Medical Assistance, Low Income Family, and Transitional Medical Assistance Plus may help single moms get coverage for themselves.
Food and Supplies – Sometimes single mothers simply cannot make ends meet on one income. The Family Independence Program offers temporary cash assistance to families in these situations. Michigan also offers a Food Assistance Program and WIC to needy families who need help buying healthy foods.
Transportation – Both urban and rural areas throughout Michigan have quality public transportation options that give single moms an affordable way to get around town. When these do not provide the services a mom needs, carpooling or finding transportation through an area church is probably the best choice.
Rent Assistance – Keeping a roof over your family’s head can be a burden when you are living on one income. The state of Michigan with the help of HUD offers a few choices for rent assistance. Housing Choice Vouchers allow single moms to choose the best housing option for their families. Section 8 housing provides an affordable choice for the neediest families.
College Grants – Online classes and flexible degree programs make it possible now more than ever before for single moms to return to school. Finishing a degree can make getting a better paying job a reality. The Student Financial Aid Department offers information about potential aid programs that Michigan’s single moms can use to help offset the cost of returning to school. In addition, single moms should file the FAFSA and apply for any federal aid they qualify to receive. Also be sure to research school scholarships for more financial assistance options.
More Single Mom Resources |









{ 34 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi I am a single of six. I live in a transitional housing homeless shelter called Solid Ground in Roseville, MI with four of my children which are the younger of the six. Due my ex-landlord illegal behavior he lost his properties and I lived in one of them. A series of things took place after that happen which lead my family here. I lost so much and I have also regained allot. The past two years of my life has been a struggle. I lost my house, car, son to the system, children’s fathers to the correctional facilities, my mother, and my family support due to hardships that has come upon us all. I have obtain employment and then after working for 11 months I had to take off for a spinal surgery that I am still healing from. I have enrolled into college to obtain a degree in Health-care Information Technology to secure my families’ future. I have been to the state for help and has been turned down for services like car purchase and disability assistance. The reason I am sharing this information is not to get a handout, but to get help. I am in need of transportation to get to and from doctors appointments and to get to school. Also to be able to do things for my children. I would appreciate it if someone could just give me a little information as for where I could seek help. Thank you in advance for any help that is available.
Investigate our transportation articles - they can tell you about a whole bunch of other different programs that can help you get a free or very low cost car. Also, look into education section. Make sure you’re filling out your FAFSA each year so you’re getting the maximum number of grants and loans you possibly can, and then if you need more help, look into our other educational financial aid.
My daughter (19) is due any day with her second child…has been evicted from her father house at 8 months pregnant and is moving from place to place right now. My unemployed husband and I live in an 800 sq. ft. home and do not have room for 3 more. Although, we would not allow her to live on the street. The fathers of her two children are also incarcerated. She is attending school for Medical Assistant and has made the Dean’s List…shouldn’t there be some type of reward or incentive program for that? I admire her strength through all of this and she does want to give up at time but my heart aches for her everyday! I just want her to have help (not handout) for getting her own place…her own space…and a Christmas Tree to call her own and show her sons that she can provide. She is a great mom and always puts her son first and I want to be able to help her more!! Where in our government is there help for our own? That doesn’t have an extensive waiting list? I am so frustrated and am begging for assistance for her!! Thank You, Michelle
Hello my name is Amanda Im a Mother of 4 beautiful boys I stay at home and my husband works. We are able to help take care of your child if you need it please email me amanda.Knicley@sbcglobal.net we live in South Lyon Mi. we are a very fun outgoing family who has a lot to offer!
Thanks
Amanda
I am a single mother with 2 children, my daughter is 11 and my son will be 5 Dec 22. I will now be without a home because of bad decision I made. I left a home, a job and life to move with the man I thought loved me. I gave up everything. Now, I have nothing, and am being asked to leave. The waiting list for these programs are quite extensive and seem to not get anywhere. I don’t know what to do?
Look through our housing assistance articles. There’s plenty of programs that could be of help, like grants or first time home buyer programs.
Single mom of 2 children (9yrs and 6yrs) in Michigan and have been through the hardest 5 years of my life. I had it all, husband and I had been together sense Elem/middle/high school, married 8 yrs ago, 2 great kids, self employed Mason contractor which allowed me to be home with my kids, great family beautiful home, decent vehicles, we had everything!
Just this pass 2 years, are business went from thriving and such a success, to barely providing food and living on state aide. We lost our house that we worked so hard to purchase, both vehicles, 2 evictions, moved God knows how many times, lost my dearest friend to an overdose, We had to move in with my father in law, 2 months later, I found him deceased in his room, he was the only father I ever new! My husband, 2 kids and myself moved in with my mother 2 months ago to help get back on our feet and…………….
NOW, my husband has up and left the kids and I as of Dec. 26th 2010 (The day after Christmas) with no fight, no words exchanged, just left us with nothing! Had no way of moving are belongings out of the house as we were already being evicted and he had the only vehicle, we lost everything! Even my children’s baby books are GONE….how do you replace their memories, I CANT! He refuses any contact with children or even his family, we did manage to find out he was ok but still no explanation on why he left! Now let me say, my husband wasnt a hands on dad BUT he was a great provider and loves his kids! He NEVER was this way and never would have it crossed my mind he would abandon us, this is NOT like him but unfortunately I can only believe he MUST be on heavy drugs……….he would NEVER not take care of his children! He wouldn’t physically be there for them for the most part but he wouldn’t leave them with nothing! I am confident his dads death (and mothers) has caused so many emotions and he ran away, couldn’t take it anymore!
I am so fortunate to have my mother still, she only has a 2 bedroom home so we are sleeping on the floor but the kids and I have a roof over our head and food in our bellies! I am desperately trying to get employed but currently not working. I cant even get child support from my husband because he is unreachable and no where to be found! My kids both lost their tooth and I couldn’t even give them a dime for their tooth from the tooth fairy, field trips my kids have to stay home because we cant afford them! I am in need of free legal services and any help I can possibly receive at this point!
Any suggestions would be so greatly appreciated!
Sincerely, Leslie
There are definitely some programs that can help you out with free or low-cost legal services. Go look at these articles. They tell you about resources like the State Bar associations and Pro-Bono services.
Hi im mothers of 2 child’s 14 and 2 years old, i moved to united states 7 years ago, i thought was the best decision on my life went i find the man to spend rest of my life, but everything was lies i been suffer a lot, i try to keep my marriage for my kids but cannot do it no more, i legal residence but im afraid to get divorce , im alone in this country, all my family live in my country.
im feel physiologist abuse but i dont want to do nothing to hurt my husband, he got good points but all this years all i remember is all bad moments because is more the happiness. i need help to know how walk out in my life with my kids, i m professional in my country and i come from good family, now im here and i dont know what to do….
IM A 29YEAR OLD SINGLE MOTHER OF 3. I AM RENTING A HOME IN REDFORD TWP, MI. I WAS EMPLOYED AS A SECRETARY AT AN AUTO-REPAIR SHOP. MY FORMER BOSS IS MY LANDLORD. MY SITUACTION IS SO CRAZY IT WILL MAKE YOUR HEAD SPIN. IM BEING FALSELY ACCUSED OF DOMESTIC ASSUALT ON MY EX WHICH IS MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTERS FATHER. I HAVE A NOTORIZED AFFIDIAVET FROM MY EX (ALLEDGED VICTUM) STATING THAT I NEVER ASSUALTED HIM IN ANY SHAPE OR FORM. HE WENT TO 1 COURT DATE OUT 5 (4 MONTHS) IN HOPES TO THE CITY OF REDFORD DISMISSING THE CASE. MIND YOU IM A QUARTER OF HIS SIZE, HE HAS PREVIOUSLY ASSUALTED ME AND BEEN CHARGED, HE HAD NO VISABLE MARKS AND WALKED INTO POLICE DEPARTMENT TO REPORT THE ALLEDGED D.V. THIS SITUACTION HAS EFFECTED MYSELF & CHILDREN SO BAD LET ME GIVE SOME EXAMPLES. KIDS ARE WORRIED I COULD GO TO JAIL. MANY SLEEPLESS NIGHTS & NIGHTMARES FROM THE WHOLE HOUSE. MY 9 YEAR OLD IS ACTING OUT IN SCHOOL AS A RESULT. I LOST MY JOB DUE TO ALL COURT DATES. WHICH MEANS RENT THATS DO IN 2 WEEKS CAN NOT BE PAID (HOMELESS) LAST BUT NOT LEAST… THE ALLEGDED VICTOM ACTUALLY CAME INTO MY HOME AND ASSUALTED ME, MY 9YRS OLD CALLED 911. THEY CAUGHT AND CHARGED HIM BUT THE JUDGE WHIRTH IS SAYING ITS MY FAULT CAUSE I VIOLATED MY NO CONTACT ORDER WHEN HE CAME IN THE HOME. UGH..IM SO DEPRESSED I LITERALLY AM FASING CRIMINAL CHARGES FOR SOMETHING I DID NOT DO & WAS ASSUALTED ON TOP OF IT. MY FAMILY DOESN’T LIVE IN THIS STATE SO I HAVE NO HELP OR FRIENDS TO TURN TO. WHERE ARE MY CHILDREN GONNA GO IF I GO TO JAIL… WHICH THE WOMAN BEATER. MY COURT APPOINTED ATTORNEY ISN’T DOING ANYTHING. PLUS I CANT AFFORD A GOOD ATTORNEY. EVEN IF I BEAT THE CASE I HAVE NOJOB TO PAY THE RENT. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP US OUT. EVEN IF ITS JUST WORDS OF WISDOM, WE WOULD BE THANKFUL. IM SORRY I FORGOT TO MENTION MY KIDS NAMES AND AGES. KYLE 14YRS, CALLIE 9YRS, AND KENDRA 3YRS OLD. I ALSO FORGOT TO MENTION I HAVE NO CAR SO TRANSPORTATION IS EXTREMELY HARD. IM WELCOMING ANY EMAILS SO PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND AS MANY AS NEEDED.
I would get different legal help. I know a lawyer can be hard to afford, but there’s plenty of free and low-cost legal advice out there. Take a look at this advice.
I can only imagine what you are going through! I had a similar situation when I had my first daughter. The man I was with cheated on me while I was pregnant and I found out. Of course we got into an arguement and the neighbors called the cops. I went to jail after giving birth a week before because I admitted I pushed him. I ended up on probation and fines of $300. If this is the first time you have been in trouble, they usually will work with you. The best advise I received was this: ‘All the judge wants to hear is that you know you were wrong for what you did and you want to fix it to become a better Mom.’ Just say those words and stumble through whatever they tell you to do, just when you think you can’t take anymore, it will be over. As far as the ex goes, instead of him not showing up, he should show up on your behalf, just remember you two are not allowed to actually talk to each other. You are not allowed to open your door if he comes over otherwise you are violating the no contact order. If he calls, and you know it is him, you cannot answer the phone otherwise you are violating the no contact order. He can violate the no conact order, you cannot. But, you could write down every single time he comes over or calls and get that to your attorney, witnesses help. Also, if you start taking some type of counseling (If you have medicaid, some places accept that as payment) or domestic violence class (even if you don’t believe you need it) it will make all the difference when you walk in to the courtroom for the trial. My probation officer let me take personal counseling instead of forcing me to take domestic violence classes due to the cost, and I was a single mom. Praying is the one thing that kept me sober and strong. It’s not what you did, but what you are meant to learn from this situation.
I am a single mother of three children ages 8, 10, and 12. I applied for help with daycare expenses because I can not afford the 1440.00 a month it cost me in child care, this is the lowest rate child care provider I could find in my area. I work 45+ hours a week resulting in my children being in care about 50 hours a week with child care rates at 2.40/hour per child. I have been denied help with child care assistance through DHS because “I make too much money”. I checked into it and because I make a few dollars more the the monthly limit to get assistance with paying 70% of my daycare cost they will not help at all, DHS either pays 90%, 70% or nothing. So because I am behind $2000 for 4months of child care tomorrow is the last day they will be accepted at daycare unless I pay the balance owed. I do not have any family in the area and do not have anyone with whom I can leave my children. Is there any other organization besides DHS that will help with child care payments? I live in Osceola county and have searched the web endlessly to find help, if you have any resources I may be able to use your help would be greatly appreciated. I am streched to the limit financially and don’t have any extras I can cut from my budget other then the internet which if $30 a month and needed for work. Any and all help is greatly appreciated, Thanks!
I would look into TANF – they provide childcare services as well.
Amanda, I see that your children are all school aged. I had a boss who was a single mom, she told me that when her two girls were old enough to go to school, afterwards they went to the Boys and Girls club for just $10/week and stayed there until their mom got off work and she could pick them up. This was in the 80′s-the 90′s. She had to work til 9 many nights and the club was open that late. In the Summer, she could leave them there all day and it was just as affordable (only a few dollars more per kid).
Hi… I’m a single mother of a 4 year old boy… I’m not sure what I hope to get out of this post.. maybe some insight. I am currently working 25-40 hours at a minimum wage job but it seems that even on state aide, my outgoing bills far exceed my incoming wages. So much so that I can’t even afford even the basics for my household. At times I have to borrow money all over and never have the cash to pay anyone back. I’m falling behind on bills and I rarely have enough gas to make it to and from work. Whats worse is that I have to renew my plates and insurance this month and I haven’t had insurance for almost a year because I couldn’t afford it and it is not an expense that either MSHDA or DHS tally into your adjustment. I’m scared that I will lose my housing or have my utilities shut off and I am trying my hardest to care for my son. I feel as if this system is set up for those that want to have multiple children and forego working while those of us that bust our butts are forced even further back, unable to achieve any sort of success. I can’t even go back to school as I lack time and energy when I work. Is there any other options aside from MSHDA and DHS that could help in my struggle? Or am I doomed to lose my home, my car, and ultimately… my child? I love him more than life itself and I don’t want to lose him… I am just afraid that no matter how hard I try, I can’t get out of this circle….
Rachel,
Here are a few links that provides information on programs, organizations, and government organizations that help single mothers, in your situation.
http://www.singlemomfinancialhelp.com/financial-assistance-for-single-mothers/
http://www.singlemomfinancialhelp.com/assistance/state/
I hope this will help you. Keep your head up. Best of luck.
Single Mom Support Team
I am a single mother with a pregnant 16 year old daughter. We are living with a friend of mine in a very small room. My daughter is due in August. I am unemployed but looking for employment. I have a college education and am looking for a job anywhere I can. We need a place with enough room to call home before the baby is born. I have applied for assistance from the state yet the waiting period is so far away for our needs. Please help any way you can.
Dorothy,
Have you check out this site? Just click on the thumb nail that is the State you reside. It will bring you to links that provide assistance in your State. Information such as Childcare, Healthcare, Transportation, Rent Assistance and even Educational Grants.
http://www.singlemomfinancialhelp.com/assistance/state/
There is also a programs called TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families). The assistance they provides differs from State to State, so you will have to research a little as to what is offered in your State. Best of luck to you.
Single Mom Support Team
hello,
I have a variety of issues, Well i am a single mom, and a college student. I cannot afford to live on my home anymore, I have found somwhere to move for cheap, but i need the money to move, My utilies are off, and none of these so called assistance programs will not help me. I have no one to watch my son.My car was towed away, and his father has told me he no longer can bear the stresses for fatherhood, and abandoned us. I told my landlord to please wait until I have the money in september, but he is not doing it, and refuses to give me an eviction, but he wants me to leave. Everything will be fine when September comes, thats when I will have money. DHS will not help, I have been 4 times. I was in foster care, so i thought there were some grants that would help, no. I cannot get cash assistance, TANF, any services from DHS, NOTHING… Is there some type of private organization that might be able to assist me? NOT OLSHA, SALVATION ARMY, JVS, ETC. I HAVE TRIED THEM ALL, AND THEY TURN ME AWAY EVERYTIME….DOES ANYONE KNOW OF SOMEONE OR SOMEPLACE THAT CAN HELP ME???? I DONT WANT TO BE HOMELESS WITH MY BABY
Hello i am Jessica and i am 22 years of age… I am a mother of 1 son and i am also homeless.. I really am at the bottom and i need some advise & some websites where i can start so i can get help.. I live in Hazel Park, MI and i am just looking for employment & housing for myself and my 2 year old son… I appreciate all comments in advance and i am only writing this because i am truly in need and im putting my pride to the side.. The littlest thought can help me and my son.. Thank You… Sign: A Mother In Need.
I am a single mother of 2 children. they are 5 and 1 there father is also in jail and i have no help at all. my children mean the world to me and i am living in a shelter and i am looking for any kiind of help i applyed at a low income housing and all of them want 2-3 year waiting list. i have no family in town and i just need sum help from a person that is willing to help, i thank god every day that my children and i wake up everyday and just ask him what happened, there father is in and out of there life and its hard on me but my son that is 5 knows him so i cant not let him see him please can someone help me i have nothing for me or my kids
You should try some child support or other temporary grants to help you.
I am a single mother of two an 8 year old son and a 5 year old daughter i have no income and been living house to house i would like to be in my own and have my kids back together as a family. I live in Pontiac,MI and i just want some assistance on finding employment and housing for me & my family. Thank you.
Hello i am 20 years old. My son is about to turn 2 in a couple of weeks. I’ve been looking to rent apartments or find a home to rent. However my income is not allowing me to do so. I’ve been staying with different family members for the past couple months and its just not working out. I’ve checked in the hud program but the waiting list is extremely long. Any ideas on what to do? I just feel my son and I would have a happier life with a place of our own to call home. Thank you
Im planning on moving to kalamazoo mi from chicago next summer with my 6yr old son. our current income is his ssi disability due to him being autistic and im interested in housing and any assistance i can get for myself and my precious child! hope to hear from you soon…thank you so much!
Hello,
You can receive grants for single mothers or look into
receiving state assistance.
I am a single mom, only of one, but I’m also only 20 years old. I have obtained 2 years of college credits, and am still going now. I am a Certified Nurse’s Assistant and am going to school now to become a Medical Administrative Assistant. I don’t know how we’re going to get by really. I lost my job on October 15th of this year, and that’s what inspired me to go back to school, but now I just don’t know how we’re going to make it. I keep putting my job applications in, but I haven’t gotten a reply. I try to put atleast three applications in online a day, and atleast two applications in person a week. It’s hard to find the time to job search now. And I have to somehow provide for myself and my daughter, and keep a roof over our heads. I just don’t know if it’s going to work out.
I am a mother of 2 girls (5 and 7 years old) and my divorce will be final on the 29th of the month. I would like to help someone that will also help me. My goal and yours will have to be in the best interest of our kids. I have a house and a van that seats 7. I can make up to 2 rooms available for a single mom just struggling like me. I am very blessed but face losing it all if I can’t get reliable child care. My schedule consists of 12 hour night shifts from 6 P.M. to 6 A.M.. If you need a place that is safe for your kids, I have it. A vehicle to use, we can figure something out. So far I can only work the weekends and it’s killing my wallet in child care. If this could be a workable situation, please let me know. I am in the Roseville area.
im a single mom of two kids and i am currently living with my grandparents whiom are both upwards of 80 years. i just moved to michigan leaving my sons abusive dad . my children are aged 1 and 3 and i dont like having them in my grandparents house although the say that they dont mind i find this unfair to have them in their house.i have already applied for benefits but i am not the kind of woman whom is content to sit and allow the state to take care of me i like working and i wish to find a job . im a licsensed CNA and it would be nice if i could find a job and work towards some self suffocentcy for me and my children. i dont know much about flint nor do i know how to drive nor have a car my resources and knowledge are limited . im just look for a little help any kind of help
kaiya-lin blakeney
flint michigan
You can look into receive State assistance.
You can also contact TANF who provide Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and you can look into receiving Grants for SIngle Mothers.
My name is Emily, I am a single mother of a beautiful two month old baby boy named Benjamin. My mother is mentally ill and abusive towards me even when I am holding my son. But I have nowhere else to go. I am trying to find a housing situation but I live in a small town and no jobs are currently available. I’ve applied everywhere and no such luck. I do not have a liscence but I do have a permit, but I have no one willing to teach me how to drive my dad has given three or four lessons. The only assistance I have currently is WIC. I do have Medicaid for both my son and I. I need help. I need to get out of here. I am trying the best I can, I make and sell baby clothes on etsy.com but sales are doing very well. Please give me some advice some links anything. Both of our healths are at risk.
Hi,
Im a mother of a 1 year old im only 22. My father just passed away and left some bills that my sister and i will have to take care of among with a few other things. Im needing help paying for my student loans and was wondering if there was any assistance to help me pay for this. im about $15,000 in debt and im only working part-time and paying for everything for my daughter im not going to be able to afford paying the monthly payments
Surely there is some assistance for you that could be available. I would try state and government agencies and see if they can help you in your situation.