Grants For Single Mom In Ohio

Parenting can be a challenging task for single mothers as they fulfill all their obligations without the support of a partner and raise their children single-handedly. Many single mothers in Ohio take multiple jobs, even at low wages, to raise their kids and fulfill their household responsibilities. The Ohio government has come up with a plethora of supportive programs and resources that assist them in their difficult times and help them to pay their bills.

How Can Single Mothers Survive In Ohio?

Single mothers can survive in Ohio through private grants and government financial assistance programs. The financial assistance programs in Ohio help single moms and low-income Ohio residents with free food, energy bills, rent/ mortgage assistance, housing costs, free health care, childcare support, educational grants, and many other supportive programs. Many Community Action Agencies offer weatherization, fuel assistance, emergency food assistance, educational grants, and childcare, and even connect them to housing and job training resources. Single moms must search for programs that align with their needs and requirements and apply for them within the stipulated time frame, along with supporting documents.

Different Grants For Single Mom In Ohio

There are many local organizations, federal programs, and financial aid for single moms in Ohio that help them in times of their need and enable them to cover their necessities in life. If you’re looking for financial aid for single moms in Ohio, then the following resources will help you to get started.

1. OWF, Ohio Works First

The Ohio version of TANF is known as Ohio Works First Program. The primary purpose behind establishing this program is to provide financial assistance to poor families and needy single mothers so that they can pay for their necessities. Eligible participants must participate in work activities during this program for specified hours throughout 36 months. A family of three members in Ohio will receive financial assistance of $542 through an Ohio Pathway Card or to their bank accounts directly.

2. Ohio Food Assistance Program

The Food Assistance Program in Ohio, formerly known as Food Stamp Program, enables low-income residents and single mothers to purchase healthy foods and stretch their food budgets. To qualify for the Ohio Food Assistance Program, you must ensure your family’s gross monthly income is below 130% of the federal poverty level. For instance, a single mother of two children should earn below $2590 in Ohio to receive food assistance. Eligible candidates accepted into the program will receive Ohio Direction Card, where the food assistance benefits will be deposited automatically every month. The main objective of this program is to enable some Ohioans, including single mothers, to feed their families and get nutritional food.

3. HEAP, Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program

Ohio HEAP enables low-income Ohioans and single mothers to pay for their heating bills. This program offers one-time financial assistance so the recipients can cover fuel or utility bills and reduce their financial pressure. Ohioans with a household income below 175% of the federal poverty level can seek utility assistance through this program. The main priority is given to low-income households with higher needs or those who spend a significant income on home energy bills. Single mothers who have received an energy disconnect notice should immediately contact their local HEAP provider to seek help under the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program.

4. SCHIP, State Children’s Health Insurance Program

Medical coverage is provided by Ohio Healthy Start for children below 18 years of age and pregnant single mothers who can meet the program’s eligibility criteria. To qualify for this program, families must ensure their income is below 206% of the federal poverty level and that at least one child is not medically insured. Pregnant women who are seeking medical coverage under this program are eligible to apply for this program, provided their household income is 200% below the federal poverty level. For most single-parent families and low-income Ohioans, this program comes free of charge; however, families coming under higher income brackets can co-pay for this program which typically ranges between $3 to $5.

5. Ohio Child Care Assistance Program

The Child Care Assistance Program is a subsidy program that targets single parents and low-income families who cannot afford childcare expenses. The program makes the payment for a part of the child care expenses on a sliding fee basis, while eligible parents have to pay for the difference amount. This program is available to children below 13 years old whose parents are employed or enrolled in the Ohio Works First Program. Certain exceptions in the eligibility criteria are made for those who are blind or disabled. Single mothers looking for childcare assistance programs while attending school or work can benefit the best and reduce their financial pressure through this program.

6. OCOG, Ohio College Opportunity Grant

The Ohio College Opportunity Grant Program offers financial support to low-income Ohio students, even single-mother students with high financial needs who wish to afford college and pursue higher education. The expected family contribution or EFC of the participants should be less than $190. The grant award will be based on the type of educational institution that the student is attending or has enrolled as well as the enrollment status of the applicants.

7. Ohio Healthy Families

The Medicaid program in Ohio is known as the Ohio Healthy Families Program, which guarantees health coverage and long-term medical services for low-income Ohio families and uninsured children below 19. Ohio is now expanding its medical coverage. Therefore, the Healthy Families Program is now available to adults between 19 to 64 years with income below 138% of the federal poverty level. The program covers various healthcare or medical services like prescriptions, doctor visits, immunization, hospital care, dental care, vision care, mental health services, etc.

Conclusion

Being a low-income single mother in Ohio can be challenging to survive without availing of public assistance programs. By availing of supportive resources and grants, single moms in Ohio can reduce their financial stress to a great extent. These grants and programs are a viable route for struggling single moms who need not pay them back.