Grants For Single Mom In Montana

Parenting is undoubtedly a challenging task, but solo parenting can sometimes be even more demanding as life throws unexpected circumstances and challenges in your way. As per studies, more than 30% of single moms living in Montana are vulnerable to poverty. Although some of them are employed and are earning a living, most of them can barely survive without availing of public assistance and grants. Montana has extended help and support to struggling single moms through various state, local and federal-initiated programs.

What Are The Benefits Of Being A Single Mom In Montana?

Single moms in Montana can avail support and help from many programs and grants designed by governmental and nongovernmental bodies. The financial aid for single moms in Montana helps qualified candidates with food, electric bills, foreclosure, medical bills, college, rent, mortgage, housing, child care assistance, and many other services. Single moms can benefit from these programs and grants that the government, private organizations, charities, and churches fund. While some grants come with a hefty reward, some can offer a small amount. Irrespective of whether you are eligible for a large reward or a small help, it can go a long way to help you reduce your financial crisis.

List Of Grants For Single Moms In Montana

There are a lot of state, federal, local, and regional programs available for single moms in the state of Montana. Single moms experiencing financial difficulties can provide for their children and have peace of mind by applying for these programs. Following is the list of grants and programs designed exclusively for low-income earners, needy Montana residents, and single mothers.

1. TANF, Montana Temporary Assistance For Needy Families Program

The Montana TANF program offers temporary cash assistance to needy families with children below 18. The main objective of the program is to end the dependency of people on government benefits by enabling them to participate in work and prepare for employment opportunities. The cash benefits that come through the TANF programs can be received when you participate in the Work Readiness Component Program. This is an employment and job training program for eligible TANF participants.

2. SNAP, Montana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Formerly known as Montana Food Stamps, the SNAP program enables low-income families and single mothers to receive cash assistance to purchase nutritious food.  Eligible program participants will be given a Montana Access Card to purchase food at participating supermarkets and grocery stores. Participants aged 18 to 49 years must register for work to participate in Food Stamp Employment And Training Programs to seek assistance through this program.

3. Montana Medicaid

This is healthcare coverage designed for low-income Montanans, including single parents. The main priority of this program is given to disabled adults, seniors, pregnant women, and uninsured children under 18 years of age. The Medicaid program in Montana is divided into two categories: Medicaid programs for people who are blind/ disabled/ aged and family-related Medicaid programs. The healthcare coverage program for children below 19 years of age is called Healthy Montana Kids Plus Program.  Montana is now expanding its healthcare coverage, so this program is also available to adults in age between 19 to 64 years and with family income below 138% of the federal poverty level.

4. HMK, Healthy Montana kids

This is a low-cost or free health insurance plan which offers coverage to the children of low-income Montana residents who are below 19 years of age. Single mothers who want to provide health insurance for their children should make sure their income limits are within the guidelines of the program. The program covers child checkups, dental care, prescription drugs, eye examination, eyeglasses, and other health-related services. Although this health coverage is free of charge, some families are required to make a small payment of less than $215 every year to be eligible for this program.

5. LIHEAP Program

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program of Montana is available to low-income families and struggling single mothers. The program’s beneficiaries get financial assistance to pay utility bills based on their need and situation. The eligibility criteria are based on the family income, resources, and family composition. This program is quite popular in the state of Montana as a lot of low-income families get support to pay for their home energy bills.

6. Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The Montana Emergency Rental Assistance Program enables needy Montanans who have lost their job and are suffering from housing instability. Single mothers looking for housing assistance or support can apply for this program. Eligible renters will get a monthly benefit of $2200 for their past and future rent payments. The program will also help you to get $300 to cover past and future utility, gas, and electric payment and $50 monthly for internet support.

7. WIC, Montana Special Program For Women, Infants And Children

This program offers nutrition education, supplemental foods, and healthcare references free to low-income single mothers who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum mothers, infants, and children below five years of age. To be eligible for this program, you must be a resident of Montana, and your income should not exceed more than 185% of the federal poverty guideline. Single moms who require counseling, food services, and health services for themselves and their children are eligible to receive assistance under this program.

8. MTAP, Montana Tuition Assistance Program

This is one of the most extensive need-based grant programs, which is designed for low-income undergraduate students so that they can afford college and pursue higher education. This grant program will be awarded based on the financial need of Montana residents. Single mothers and low-income students are eligible to seek this award. Eligible students must apply for financial assistance by submitting the FAFSA form.

Conclusion

Single mothers can seek help for medical, childcare, food, shelter, housing, cash assistance, and many other services in Montana. Life of a single mother is challenging compared to others, and to address economic difficulties and financial burdens for low-income single mothers, the state of Montana has designed a wide range of financial assistance programs, scholarships, and grants.