Single mothers have a hard time paying the costs of food, clothing, housing, and other necessities for their children.College is expensive and getting a college degree may make it easier for you to provide for your family and yourself.If you are a single mother who is considering going to college to earn more money for your family, then you should apply for education grants to help cover the costs of your education.There are grants and financial assistance that can help you meet your financial needs if college doesn't fit into your schedule.It is possible to apply for grants for single mothers.
Step 1: Help with daycare expenses is available.
The Child Care Assistance Program helps pay for child care for people who are working, looking for a job, or attending school.If you have children under the age of 13, CCAPs provide subsidies to cover some of your costs.Since each state has its own application process and eligibility guidelines, you should check with your local social services or child protective services office.Early Head Start assistance may be available to you.Early childhood education, food, and health and dental care can be provided by federal programs.Women who are pregnant may be eligible for Early Head Start benefits.You can call to begin the application process.
Step 2: Get help with credit cards that are past due.
You can find many state and local resources that will help you get out of debt if you search online or visit your nearest child services department.Walmart gives hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to needy people, including single mothers.If you have overcome a major hardship or have a compelling story to tell, these grants are worth researching.Check for state and local programs.Many state government departments and nonprofit organizations exist to help people pay down debt and get their bills up to date.
Step 3: Grants or assistance can lower your housing and utility payments.
Section 8 and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offer subsidies to help you pay your rent and utilities.If you have children under the age of five and have an extremely low income, you may be eligible for assistance.LIHEAP only offers one-time assistance, but it also offers other assistance.The Weatherization Assistance Program provides financial assistance to make repairs to your home that will reduce your utility bills.If your income is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, you can be eligible for this assistance.Up to 70 percent of your rent and utilities can be covered with a voucher if you qualify for Section 8.
Step 4: Medicaid can be used to help cover basic medical expenses.
If your income is less than 136 percent of the poverty level, you will be eligible for Medicaid.A single person would make less than $16,000 a year.If you earn less than $37,300 a year, you can be a single mother.If you earn too much money to be eligible for Medicaid, you may be able to get low-cost health insurance for your children through the Children's Health Insurance Program.If you call, you can learn more about your state's rules and find out if your children are eligible.
Step 5: Determine if you or your children are eligible for food assistance.
Grants and subsidies can be used to help reduce your food costs, in addition to food stamps and other assistance programs.If your income falls below 185 percent of the poverty level, your children may be eligible for the National School Lunch Program, which provides free or reduced lunches.The Emergency Food Assistance Program, orTEFAP, is an emergency food assistance program that provides help to low-income families directly and to other food providers such as food banks and soup kitchens.The program is administered on a state level and may require prior participation in assistance programs.Women with children less than five years old whose income falls at or below 185 percent of the poverty line can receive assistance from the Women, Infants and Children program.Up to six weeks after birth, women can receive assistance.Through your child's first birthday, you can receive benefits if you're breastfeeding.Children can get benefits through their fifth birthday.If you earn less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, you may be able to get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as food stamps, for yourself and your children.
Step 6: Call 2-1-1 for more help.
The United Way's free and confidential 2-1-1 service hooks callers up with local resources to help them in almost any situation.If you're having trouble making ends meet, 2-1-1 can point you to solutions to cover your housing, food, health, or other emergency needs
Step 7: Determine if you are eligible for a grant.
Students who don't have a bachelor's degree can apply for the grants.The award can be as high as $5,825 per academic year.Depending on your financial need, cost of attendance, and whether or not you plan to attend for a full academic year or just one semester, you may be able to get a partial or full Pell grant.To apply for a grant, you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Step 8: There is a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.
Students who have not earned a bachelor's degree are eligible for FSEOG, as well as those who apply early for financial aid using the FAFSA.The FSEOG awards range from $100 to $4,000.Your financial need is what determines the amount awarded.You should check with the schools you plan to attend to see if they offer FSEOG.To apply for FSEOG, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Step 9: Do you know if you are eligible for a TEACH grant?
TEACH grants are available to students who plan to become teachers, study to teach in a high need field, and agree to serve for at least four years within the eight years after graduationTEACH gives grants of up to $4,000 per academic year.You need to complete TEACH grant counseling and sign a special agreement.The document outlines what you need to do in order to get the grant.Before you sign it, read it carefully.If you don't meet the terms of the grant, it may turn into a loan.If you want to apply for a TEACH grant, you need to complete the FAFSA.
Step 10: Are you eligible for the Iraq and Afghanistan service grants?
Students who are not financially eligible but who meet other requirements can take advantage of the IASG.If the student's parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11, they are not available forIASG.You may receive up to $5,775 per academic year if you receive an award that is equal to the cost of attendance.If you want to apply for anIASG, you need to complete the FAFSA.
Step 11: Determine if you are eligible for grants.
There are educational grants in your state.New Yorkers who attend college in New York state may apply for a TAP grant, which is an income-based award.Students can receive up to $5,665 per academic year.You can find out what programs are available in your state by looking at the grant agency website.
Step 12: Determine if there are any grants that you can apply for.
You may be able to apply for grants funded by companies and organizations in your area.Your employer may offer a grant to help its employees pay for college.If you want to find out what other educational grant opportunities are available in your community, talk to a financial aid representative at your intended college.
Step 13: You can get a degree program at a community college.
To get the most out of your grants, you should attend a cost effective school.If you only need an associate degree for the job, a two year community college is your best bet.You can transfer to a four year college after completing the prerequisites for your program at a community college, if you want to earn a bachelor's degree.Make sure you check with the institution you plan to transfer to to find out what courses will count towards your degree.
Step 14: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is needed.
You can check your eligibility for student aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.It takes 25 minutes to complete the form.Before you begin the FAFSA, make sure you know what college you want to attend.The college name needs to be included in your application.You will need some of the information to complete the FAFSA if you don't have the previous year's taxes handy.If you think you aren't qualified to receive these types of grants and other forms of student aid, you should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Step 15: Pay attention to the deadlines.
Make sure you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid before the deadline in order to have funds for the next school year.Your best bet is to apply as early as possible because some programs have earlier deadlines.
Step 16: If you can't understand any part of the application, ask for help.
Some of the questions might be a bit confusing, but it's not hard to complete the FAFSA.If you run into questions, your intended college's financial aid department would be the best place to go for help.
Step 17: Wait for your Student Aid Report.
The SAR won't tell you how much aid you'll get, but it will give you an overview of your answers on the FAFSA.After youTrademarkiaTrademarkia, you will receive your SAR between three days and three weeks.If the information is accurate, it's important to check the SAR.You will need to submit a correction if the information is incorrect.
Step 18: Wait for your award letter.
The school that you applied to will get your information and use it to calculate how much aid you are eligible to receive.You will receive a letter detailing the offer after they have determined the amount.You can either accept or decline the offer by submitting an answer online or by returning a paper form.
Step 19: Wait for your money.
The college that you will attend will receive your funds.After the funds have covered your basic expenses, you will receive a leftover amount in the form of an electronic deposit or paper check.You can let the college know which form of distribution you prefer.