Key Points
- Single mothers in Illinois face a significant challenge in finding employment.
- Several grants and programs have been available to assist Illinois single mothers.
- Knowledge is crucial in achieving financial stability and prosperity as a single mom.
I n Illinois, single mothers often struggle to find work, and this struggle is real – they are more than twice as likely to be unemployed compared to married women.
This problem is worsened because Illinois has one of the highest unemployment rates in the United States.
Thankfully, there is help available in the form of grants for single moms to meet their needs and support their families.
This blog is here to tell you all about these grants.
We’ll explain how to apply and who is eligible and provide you with essential phone numbers in case you need help with your application.
Whether you’re a single mom facing these challenges or someone looking to help a loved one, this blog is your roadmap to accessing the support you need.
Table of Contents
7 Grants For Single Moms In Illinois
Here are the available grants for single moms in Illinois.
1. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The EITC is a tax credit that refunds eligible taxpayers with earned income.
Eligibility:
- Earned income in the tax year.
- Must meet specific income and residency requirements.
- Must file a tax return, even if they have no tax liability or are not obligated to file.
How To Apply:
- Submit a tax return, even if you have no tax liability or are not required to file.
- Claim the Illinois EITC on your Illinois Income Tax Return.
- If you claim the federal EITC, you can also claim the Illinois EITC.
- If you did not claim the Illinois EITC in a previous year but received the federal EITC, you can file an amended Illinois Income Tax Return to claim it.
Source: Singlemotherguide.com
2. Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)
Illinois TANF offers temporary financial aid to cover essential expenses like food, housing, utilities, and non-medical costs for single moms.
Eligibility:
- You must live in Illinois.
- You should be unemployed, underemployed, or facing the risk of unemployment.
- You must have children under 18 who depend on you.
- Your income and assets must meet the program’s limits.
How To Apply:
- You can apply in person by bringing your application to the nearest Family Community Resource Center (FCRC).
- Alternatively, you can apply online by visiting the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) website and selecting the “Apply Online” option.
- Call the automated helpline at 1-800-843-6154 (voice) or (866) 324-5553 TTY/Nextalk for further assistance.
3. Illinois All Kids Program
The All Kids program in Illinois offers health insurance specifically for children, covering a wide range of medical and dental needs.
Eligibility:
- Children under the age of 19.
- Residents of Illinois.
- Families with low income.
- Families whose income exceeds Medicaid thresholds but is at or below 318% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG), which amounts to $95,400 per year or less for a family of four.
How To Apply:
To apply for coverage for your children, you can contact the All Kids Hotline at 1-866-255-5437.
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4. Medicaid
Medicaid is a program that offers healthcare assistance for individuals with low income, ensuring access to affordable and high-quality medical and dental services.
Eligibility:
- You must reside in Illinois.
- You need to meet defined income and asset limits.
- You should be pregnant or have a child under 18.
- Children between 0-18 qualify if their family’s income is at or below 147% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
How To Apply:
Apply online using the Illinois Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) on the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) website. Contact the All Kids Hotline at 1-866-255-5437.
5. Women, Infants, Children
The WIC program addresses the nutritional requirements of expectant mothers, single moms, and their kids.
Eligibility:
- Pregnant women.
- Breastfeeding women for up to a year after giving birth.
- Non-breastfeeding postpartum women for up to six months after delivery.
- Infants and children up to five years old.
- Residents of Illinois.
How To Apply:
You can request benefits by visiting your closest Department of Human Services office or by contacting the State WIC Office at 217-782-2166.
6. Head Start
The National Head Start Association offers educational support initiatives that enable low-income families to secure quality childcare for their children.
Eligibility:
- Children aged from birth to five years.
- Families with income below the federal government’s Poverty Guidelines.
- Children in foster care, those experiencing homelessness, and kids from families receiving public assistance.
- Pregnant women.
How To Apply:
To apply for Head Start and Early Head Start, contact the program serving your area using the Head Start Locator tool on the Benefits.gov website.
7. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Illinois SNAP (formerly known as Illinois Food Stamps) provides financial aid to low-income individuals and families in Illinois, enabling them to purchase the food necessary for a balanced diet.
Eligibility:
- Live in Illinois.
- Meet income requirements.
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal immigrant.
- Maintain countable resources below $2,250, such as a bank account or $3,500 if at least one person is 60 or older or disabled.
How To Apply:
You can apply for SNAP online using the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE).
Related Blogs:
A. 10 Grants For Single Moms In Pennsylvania
B. 9 Grants For Single Moms In Florida
C. 10 Grants For Single Moms In North Carolina
D. 10 Grants For Single Moms In Ohio
E. 13 Helpful Grants For Single Moms In Arizona
F. 10 Grants For Single Moms In Michigan
G. 7 Grants For Single Mothers In California
H. 10 Helpful Grants For Single Moms In Missouri
I. 5 Helpful Grants For Single Moms In Colorado
Conclusion
Be rest assured that you’re not alone in your financial struggles.
Seek these grants for support and apply today.
Also, subscribe to our newsletter for more helpful content to help you attain financial freedom.
Do you have other challenges to share or need assistance with? Please leave a comment, and we’ll respond.
FAQs
Grants for single moms may cover various expenses, including housing, childcare, healthcare, education, and other essential living costs.
Grants for single moms can vary by location and are often offered at the state or local level.
To find and apply for grants, you can start by researching government assistance programs, nonprofit organizations, and community resources in your area.
