Raising children on one income can make everyday expenses difficult to manage. Single parents may have to cover housing, food, childcare, healthcare, transportation, school expenses, and other household costs without another parent's income.
There is no single government program that pays all of these expenses. However, single parents may qualify for different types of government benefits, childcare assistance, food programs, housing assistance, healthcare coverage, and community resources depending on income, household size, location, and other circumstances. USA.gov's benefit finder includes programs covering children and families, food, healthcare, housing and utilities, education, jobs, and welfare or cash assistance.
Who May Qualify for Financial Assistance?
Being a single parent does not automatically qualify someone for every assistance program. Eligibility usually depends on the specific program.
You may want to check for assistance if you:
- Are raising one or more children on your own
- Have a low or moderate household income
- Are working but struggling to cover basic expenses
- Are unemployed or between jobs
- Need help paying for childcare
- Have difficulty affording food
- Need help with housing or utilities
- Have significant healthcare expenses
- Need help with school or education costs
- Are dealing with an unexpected financial emergency
Some programs also have requirements involving the child's age, household circumstances, state of residence, or employment status.
Check What You May Qualify For
Available programs can vary based on your income, household size, location, children's ages, employment situation, and the type of help you need.
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Programs vary based on income, household size, location, and the type of help needed.
Types of Financial Help for Single Parents
TANF and Cash Assistance
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, commonly called TANF, is a federally funded but state-run program that helps qualifying families experiencing financial hardship.
Depending on the state, TANF can help with expenses such as food, housing, home energy, and childcare. Some states also provide employment services, job training, or help with work-related education.
Because states operate their own TANF programs, eligibility and benefit amounts vary.
Food Assistance
Food costs can take up a significant portion of a family's budget. Single parents may want to check programs such as:
- SNAP
- WIC
- Free or reduced-price school meals
- Summer food programs
- Local food banks and pantries
SNAP provides food assistance to eligible low-income households, while WIC provides food, nutrition support, and referrals for eligible pregnant women, infants, and children.
Children may also qualify for free or reduced-price school meals based on household income or participation in certain assistance programs.
Childcare Assistance
Childcare can be a major expense for a single parent who needs to work or attend school.
States and local organizations may offer childcare vouchers, subsidies, scholarships, cash assistance, or other forms of childcare support for qualifying families. Eligibility rules vary by state.
Head Start and Early Head Start may also provide free early childhood services for eligible children.
Housing and Utility Assistance
A single parent struggling with rent, mortgage payments, utilities, or other housing costs may qualify for separate assistance programs.
Depending on the circumstances, options may include:
- Rental assistance
- Public or subsidized housing
- Housing vouchers
- Utility assistance
- Emergency housing programs
- Local nonprofit assistance
Housing and utility programs often have their own income and eligibility requirements, so qualifying for one program does not necessarily mean qualifying for another.
Healthcare Assistance
Single parents may also be able to reduce healthcare costs through Medicaid, CHIP, Marketplace coverage, community health centers, or other programs.
Medicaid and CHIP can provide free or low-cost health coverage for eligible children and families.
Help With Children's Expenses
Financial pressure may come from many smaller expenses rather than one large bill.
Assistance may sometimes be available for:
- School supplies
- Clothing
- Children's food
- Childcare
- Medical expenses
- Prescription costs
- Transportation
- Educational programs
- Basic household necessities
Schools, community organizations, nonprofits, and local assistance programs may provide resources that are not available through federal benefit programs.
How Financial Assistance for Single Parents Typically Works
- Identify your biggest financial need. Start with food, housing, childcare, healthcare, utilities, or another essential expense.
- Check your household eligibility. Income and household size are common factors.
- Search for programs that address that specific need.
- Check state and local programs. Many assistance programs are administered at the state or local level.
- Gather your documents. You may need proof of income, household information, residency, or children's information.
- Apply through the appropriate agency or organization.
- Look for additional assistance. One program may help you identify other resources.