Texas State Assistance For Single Mothers
Help For Single Moms In Texas
Everything may be bigger in Texas, but as most single moms know, one income is not big enough to meet most families’ needs. When the things your kids need cannot be purchased on your income, the state has a few resources you can consider to help make ends meet.
Childcare - Many single moms find it impossible to get a job simply because they do not have anyone to watch their kids. Texas offers childcare subsidy (http://www.twc.state.tx.us/svcs/childcare/) through local Workforce Development Boards for anyone who needs childcare so they can work, attend school, or get training for their job. The assistance is available based on income for children under the age of 13.
Healthcare – Texas offers its low-income families help with paying for healthcare through the state’s Medicaid program. Single moms who do not qualify for Medicaid may want to seek coverage for their children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (http://www.chipmedicaid.com/). This program covers not only medical care but also dental and eye care.
Food and Supplies – Texas has a goal of helping its families care for themselves, but the government realizes that sometimes a little help is needed. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is an example of a temporary program to help single moms reach self-sufficiency. This program offers cash assistance for a temporary period of time. A one-time TANF of $1,000 is also available for families in crisis. Single moms can also get help through the state’s SNAP food benefit program, which helps them buy healthy food. Moms who are expecting or have children under the age of 5 may be eligible for WIC.
Transportation – For single moms living in one of Texas’s large cities, public transportation is a viable option if they do not have a reliable vehicle. Those living in more rural settings may wish to find someone who is willing to enter into a carpooling agreement in return for gas money.
Rent Assistance – Single moms who worry about keeping a roof over their heads can get help through the state of Texas and HUD. Subsidized apartments, the housing choice voucher program, and public housing options are all available through the government.
College Grants - The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board wants all Texans, including single moms, to be able to get a college education if they want one. They offer resources (http://www.collegefortexans.com/) to help needy potential students find the financial aid they desire.
More Single Mom Resources |
{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
i have recently adopted a lil boy who is 3 now from CPS and i am a single mom trying to make it in todays economy. according to TWC i make to much money to qualify for NCI childcare assistance. and i dont see how i can make to much. i feel the state should go by our net income not our gross. because there again they say i make too much for CHIPS / Medicaid and i have to carry my child on employer insurance which is really expensive for me and him. if someone out there can help me to understand our faithful Texas Government i would greatly appreicate it.
concerned single mom
Not trying to sound rude, but maybe you shouldnt have adopted a child if you can’t afford to care for the, properly. I may be mistaken, but CPS doesnt normally place a child in a home (for adoption) unless that person is fully capable of finacially supporting that child with no hardships…….just saying.
Kala maybe you should be better informed. You dont know the situation, she could be a family member who kept this child out of the system in multiple foster homes of people who are just in it for the money. I have worked in them. So I guess we should take all kids away from a parent who is not able to support them on their own. If we waited for only the rich to adopt the numerous amount of kids in CPS care, they would never have a forever home. You need more education before you comment on someones situation you know nothing about.
Traci- contact your CPS worker to make an ammendment to your agreement. Most kids adopted from CPS that have medicaid can be given it until they are 18. You have to ask for it. I hope it is not to late for that..But Good Luck and God Bless you for giving a child a home, when no one else would.
Honestly, I know several people who adopt children and the state pays for all of their medical and I also know for a fact that they are not going to let a low income individual adopt a child. There are requirements and if you don’t meet those requirements then they don’t let you adopt. Now if the child has been placed with you temporarily, then you should contact the CPS case worker about your needs for the child, as they are there to help you.
Katy: Let’s get honest here. How many CPS caseworkers have you dealt with? My Mother-in-law had to take in her grandchildren (not my kids) and when she did, the CPS caseworkers (yes they went through several) did not help her with financial aid. It’s been a while, but I can remember her constantly requesting help and none was given. As far as adopting to low income people, what is low income to you because this person may not meet the state standards of low income but in order to live in a decent home, send her kids to a good school and know that her children are in a safe area of town she becomes low income. Unfortunately the state only considers your GROSS income. They do not consider your net or how much you have to pay in order to provide a good environment for your children. The state does not help individuals like this. They help people who are unwilling to work, do not worry about where they live or what schools their kids go to. I make a good living and worn hard, but because I refuse to live in a high crime area within HISD school system my income is severely diminished. I have one child in full time daycare-prek and one in before/after school care. I pay almost as much monthly as I pay for my house (that’s with a daycare that accepts NCI- cheapest rates, and living in one of the oldest neighborhoods in my area). How is a single mom supposed to afford two house payments and put food on the table? I used to make $37k a year and can’t. I struggled daily because I REFUSE to raise my children in a low income area of town with poor education. $37k and only 3 people to claim =0 help. So it’s easy to say they don’t let low income people adopt, but you’re not thinking about people who are refusing to accept substandard conditions just do they can have extra money to play with. They become low income. I’m not saying to live above your means. I’m saying refusing to live in horrible conditions because you don’t qualify for assistance and want extra money. I live right at my means, but that doesn’t mean I don’t struggle. Where’s the help for people like this? No where because we actually work hard to try and provide everything for our kids on our own.
I am in complete agreement with Traci’s comment on Oct. 21, 2010. How can the government qualify us based upon GROSS income? We do not get to take home and USE our gross income. It is our NET income we survive on and use to pay monthly bills. The government takes taxes out of our gross income and that is not a choice, it’s a requirement. Yes, we do get a tax return (some of us), but for me, that goes to paying bills I’m behind on and loans I’ve had to take out to pay bills monthly. I have two children under 5 and I’m a single parent with an ex who does not work and therefore is not paying child support. Sending him to jail will not get me child support money. What are people like Traci and myself supposed to do when we can’t make ends meet, but are not qualifing for government aid due to our gross income? This has to change!
I am also feeling completely frustated with the system. I am a single mother of two and no child support due to dead beat dad. I am exhausted with the system. I have tried to get financial assistance from Health and Human Services and was denied. How can this be when the only money I have made is approximately $2,500. in the past 6 months???? This is unreal. Then I visted the Attorney General to try and push for childsupport. I waited for one hour while the representative finished her lunch. She then spent a whole 3 minutes to tell me that she would turn in my application and it would take approximately 30 days before I would here from them. It has now been 60 days and NO WORD. I won’t even get started with the way I was treated from both of these government entities.
I am a Real Estate Agent of 12 years and am suffering tremendously due to the econonmy. I have made less than 20% of my regular income for the last two years. I doubt my income even meets minimum wage. My children do have Medicaid, however, I was denied. I am in serious need of health and dental services and have been unable to find any assistance. It is a TRUE shame when immigrants and other countries are recieving more care than the citizens of the United State.
Laura
this is so true laura. i have medicaid for my kids but not for myself either. i thank god every day at least they have it. it is a tiresome race for us hampsters running the wheel to get the fathers to take responsibility. if we have to raise them by ourselves while they are out carefree, the least they could do is help buy diapers, etc/.
So true!
I agree, I worked really hard to become a teacher and now owe so much in loans I cant afford to pay back..my monthly college loan payments are more than my car payment or my rent payment. I dont qualify for any government asistance because I make too much??? but I dont make enough to be able to afford my kids dental bills much less my own..but my students all have free dental care, chips, cell phones, and food stamps. If I hadnt gone to college and got a degree my daughter and I might have been better off….
I am in agreement to all of the above. I am a single mother of a little girl. I work hard for what I do get, and am glad I can pay my bills, but I can not afford health insurance, and sometimes we eat inventive noodles because I can not afford food. I do not qualify, because of my pre-tax income and court ordered child support. I do not get the child support all the time, he is way behind, and from another state, so if he sends money, it isn’t even what the court has ordered him to pay. This all counts against me. The system seems to say, you will receive help if you just quit your job and stay home. I am proud I get out and work, and happy to do so, but where is the justification?
It’s great that you’re willing to get out there and help yourself before letting others help you! However, there’s no shame in needing help either. It seems like you could maybe benefit from some of our articles on free or low cost legal help, so that you can get the child support you deserve. Also, browse through our financial aid help. It details a whole bunch of programs that perhaps you didn’t think of or know about – maybe there’s one that could be of use to you.
I’m a single mother of a little girl and i’m expecting my second child in May. My cousin is giving me his house as a gift to help me out, but the house needs about $8000 in repairs before it is suitable for me and my children to live in. Are there any programs in Texas that can help me finance this?
Take a look at our housing links. There’s quite a few programs listed in there, like Habitat for Humanity, which I believe could help you out quite a bit.
yes i am a single mother of two, i get no child support from either father and they are both worthless…. i applied for housing and was told i didn’t quilify ??? not sure how but i only have a part time job and i don’t make that much??? i don’t see how these people can put their kids in bed in a nice house and give them everything their child wants and they tell me i can’t give my child what he needs?/// i’m so dissappointed in texas!!!!!
I agree with all of you! I don’t understand why cs has to count against us, even if we don’t recieve it. It may be court ordered, but what does that mean anymore. Apparently nothing because he continues to pay when and whatever he wants.
I agree with all of you. I am a single mother who works 65-80 hours a paycheck (depending if my bos sends me home early or not) and get $9.00 an hour. I get $53 a month from social security from my sons father (who is a lazy dad and is on disability). I have to pay for everything for myself and my son. He has medicaid, but I dont make the cut. I just dont understand it. For the people who actually give back and work cant get alot of help, but the people who pop out 6,7,8 kids and dont work get all the help. Its a shame.
I am a single mother of 5. I work full time and my childrens father is incarcerated. Ive have neglected myself to provide for my children. I get denied this and that. Dental care for me is very expensive and i dont have the money to get dental work. I work in the public eye and it is very embarrassing and humiliating for me. Is there in help here in Texas for me????
You can go look at our information on lowering dental costs, and I would also suggest seeking out some programs which offer assistance – there’s quite a few of them out there.
i was planning a move to austin next year but my plans have been moved up since i recently found out i’m prgnant. i need help finding an apartment and financial assistance because i’ll be arriving with a newborn and won’t be able to work right away. i don’t know where to start. can anyone point me in the right direction? this is my first child. i am 36 with only a couple years of college behind me, but i would like to go back to school at some time.
Joy-
Here are a few websites for you to check out:
newbeginningsmm.org
austinprc.org
The first one is a program that helps single moms in Round Rock (just north of Austin).
The second is a pregnancy resource center. Housing is not what they do but perhaps they would be able to refer you.
Keep me posted!
how many classes should we take to be eligible for the assistance?on the website it says 25hrs a week but i am not sure how it works!?! please help. Also, if I am a full time student, am i still required to show some income coming in or is that enough to qualify for the assistance. thanks again
I would call your student financial aid office and have them explain to you the program in detail. Ask exactly how many credits need to be taken. For assistance, you need to be filling out FAFSA every year. This tells your school how much money they have to give you in grants and loans.
I am a single mother of five kids the father of my four boys is in prison for 25yrs. And my little girls father is deceased. I recently lost my job and nci was helping me while I was working, they preach to us all the time “if u lose your job call and let us know” well I called this morning and they told me “ok ur not working well were taking you off nci and putting you on a waiting list”. So how does that help when I need them still so I can look for work? I can’t sit around and just be unemployed I have a family I need to take care of but they don’t care. I have no option to pay for childcare outa pocket with no job I’m stressed and just wanna scream.
i had to take custody of my niece and nephew due to my sisters lack of responsibility and majority. i had to drop out of school these kids mean the world to me and i would do any thing for them, but i am finding my self in a financial bind because i moved to texas and dropped out of school, had to quit my job and lost my home. i am trying to make ends meet but two kids at 19 is harder than i had originally thought.
Here is a list of resources in Texas that could be helpful to you: http://www.singlemomfinancialhelp.com/state-assistance-programs-for-single-mothers/texas/.
i agree with all of you, been there done that… i would like to offer help in donating clothes for girl 0-24 and boys 0-3 month. also if u need help with food pls. dont feel embarrass just email me and i try my best to help yall! keep yall in prayers. pls.again dont be embarrassed just email me !
Jasmin
Can you send me your e-mail address?
I am a newly single mom of 3 kids. 3, 1, and 7 weeks. =[
I am not sure where to go to get a divorce or anything. I live with my parents and do not have a car because my husband wouldn’t let me have one. And I have no way of getting to the kids’ appointments or anything.
Anyone know of any lawyers that will work with me, or any advice really.
Heather sounds like you are in a tough spot. Check out this website for help with assistance in your State http://www.singlemomfinancialhelp.com/assistance/state/ .
Heather, you should contact The Attorney General’s office in Austin. They might be able to give you some direction and help on where to go to obtain a divorce. They will also assist you in applying for child support if you wish to pursue that. If you have online access you can find their contact info by searching for Texas Attorney General. also, try searching for “pro bono” attorney (name of your county or city) Texas. You may even try contacting your District Court Clerk’s office. Sometimes, if there is a friendly employee they may know of attorneys in your area that do pro bono work. Good luck!
Heather, I agree with Amy. There is no harm in making a few phone calls and asking. All they can do is say no. Who knows you may get luck. Good luck to you.
Great response Kim! You seem well informed about the insurance issue. Thanks for bringing to light the other view of the situation. I just really enjoyed reading your comment because you made great points! Some of it hit close to home. Thanks again for helping tons of women who will read this!
Im a single mother of 3, I lost my job last year now receiving unemployment. I went to apply for assistance only to be told I only qualify for $54 a month in food stamps & my youngest child qualify for medicaid but my two oldest will have to be place on CHIPS & I will have to pay co-pays for them… My income has been cut by over $800 a month since loosing my job… I don’t seem to understand how or why there is no help out there, its frustrating to know you work for all these years pay your taxes to support other people who really shouldn’t be getting assistance but when you need help there is really none out there for you…..
I am a single mom. My son lost his job recently and was helping with the bills. He is looking hard but no one hiring right now. My father has moved in with me as well. And there is my 11 yr old daughter as well. I am supporting all at this time and my vehicle just died. The mechanic told me it would cost more to fix than is worth. I have no money in the bank and haven’t even gotten Christmas gifts for my daughter yet. Does anyone know if there is a program to assist with car repairs? I cannot afford a loan either as there is no extra money in my budget. I’m so at a loss and don’t know which way to turn.
MY NAME IS SARAH, IM A SINGLE MOM OF A 6 MONTH OLD BOY AND A 3 YEAR OLD GIRL, I JUST LOST MY JOB AND IM 23, I DONT HAVE ANYWHERE TO TURN, I HAVE NO FAMILY.I LOOSE THE PLACE IM AT IN TWO WEEKS AND IM LOST,I GIVE EVERYTHING I HAVE TO MY KIDS I GET FOODSTAMPS BUT THATS NOT GOING TO PAY RENT, IM LOST AND IN NEED OF MAJOR HELP,I LOVE MY CHILDREN SO MUCH AND I DONT WANT THEM TO SEE WHAT WERE GOING THROUGH,I TAKE GREAT CARE OF THEM AND THEY HAVE EVERYTHING AND MORE. BUT WERE IN NEED OF HOUSING OPPERTUNITIES,JUST TO ATLEAST HELP US INTO AN APARTMENT AND I CAN FIND A JOB,
Sarah,
You can receive Housing Grants for Single Mothers and you can also contact HIP which is Housing Initiative Program who can help provide you a home.
Look into it.
I am a single mom of a 2 year old boy. I am newly employed after having been laid off for 2 years thanks to the economy. The father was recently sentenced to 35 yrs in prison and of course before his departure I received no help.I have applied with every state agency that I could possibly find help with and have been denied for making too much money. There are times where I find myself just in tears because of the overwhelming financial strain I am under. As you can imagine, having been laid off for 2yrs, it has been an extreme game of “catch-up” along with trying to make ends meet for the bare essentials. I too feel that the system is designed to keep you supressed in a mode of not working to get help. What about those who want to work, but still need the help? Why should I be denied temporary help because of my gross income that I will never see?
Hello,
I am sorry about your situation, here are a few things you can do:
For starters you can contact TANF who help provide Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
You can also receive Grants for Single Mothers.
Hope this is of some help.
im 24 and a single mom of 2 boys i been a victim of domestic violence so now living with my parent told me i didnt need to pay rent but now iam having a lot of problems with them specially my older sister so i really need help finding a job so i can move out or a shelter is not easy for me to find one cause im not a citizen i came when i was 10 from mexico and i dont know what to do i really need help but im scared that im not gonna get any because of my status please dont be mean and if anyone know where i can get help i would really appreciate it. My boys are almost 7 and 3 i want to give them a good life but where im living now its getting so stressing that im always in the bad mood just thinking about what to do and i know i can make it i just need help to do it.
Hello,
You can contact HIP which is the housing initiative program that can help you find a home or you can receive Housing Grants for Single Mothers.
My 17 year old daughter just gave birth to twin girls and is still living in our home. She is trying to apply for aide so she can get on her feet and get her own apartment, however the state is telling her since she lives with us they are telling her they will not help as we make to much money. We are in the same boat as most everyone else by the time we pay our Mortage and bills we have very little money left. Surely not enough for twin premies that are still in the nicu. If anyone has any ideas on where she can go to get on her feet it would be greaty appricated.
You can always look more into receiving more state assistance, other the that you can receive Housing Grants for Single Mothers.
Hope this helps.