Grants

21 Helpful Grants For Single Mothers In Georgia

Chidinma Ofoegbu

February 13, 2024

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Key Points

The lockdown worsened the condition of single moms in Georgia.
Several grants and programs have been available to assist single moms in Georgia.
Knowledge is crucial in achieving financial stability and prosperity as a single mom.

Since COVID-19 happened, single moms in Georgia have been dealing with the harsh impact of soaring unemployment rates.

Raising a child alone is no easy feat, as it requires handling increased expenses for necessities like food, clothing, and shelter.

Luckily, there are grants for single moms in Georgia specifically designed to help them meet their needs and provide support for their families.

This blog is dedicated to providing detailed information about these grants.

We’ll cover the application process and eligibility criteria and offer essential contact numbers if you need assistance.

Whether you’re a single mom facing these challenges or someone looking to support a loved one, this blog is your go-to resource for the necessary help.

Best Grants For Single Mothers In Georgia

Find below some of the best available grants for single moms in Georgia.

Grants For Family And Home

1. Georgia Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)

This grant is an initiative designed to offer financial support to needy families, particularly those with children.

Eligibility Criteria:

It would help if you resided in Georgia.
The applicant must have a child under 18 or a pregnant woman.
Income levels, as determined by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), must fall within the low-income bracket.
U.S. citizenship or qualification as a non-citizen is mandatory.
Unless exempted, adherence to work requirements is necessary.

How To Apply?

You can apply online on the Georgia Gateway website.
After completing the application and ensuring all necessary documents (e.g., proof of income, residency, and citizenship) are submitted, you’ll be called to attend an interview with a DFCS caseworker.
You can also call 800-869-1150 for more information.

2. The Georgia Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

This grant is a federally funded initiative to assist low-income, elderly, and disabled residents of Georgia in covering expenses related to home heating and medically necessary cooling.

Eligibility Criteria:

Your gross annual household income must be at or below 60% of the State’s Median Income.
It would help if you bore full responsibility for paying the energy bills for your primary home heating source.
It would help if you were a U.S. citizen or a legally admitted alien.

How To Apply?

To apply for LIHEAP, you must go through a local Community Action Agency.
Given the limited funding, these agencies handle LIHEAP applications on a first-come, first-served basis for the counties they cover. For assistance locating a Community Action Agency in your area, please call 404-657-3427.

Source: Singlemotherguide.com

3. Childcare And Parent Services

This grant comes under the Division of Family and Children Services.

You can apply for this grant if you are a single mother with a low income.

Eligibility Criteria:

You must be a resident of Georgia.
Your child must be 12 or younger or 17 or younger if the disability category applies.
Your family unit is below 50% of the state’s median income as compared to your family size.
It would help if you were either employed, training, or attending school.
Your child must be a U.S. citizen or authorized immigrant.

How To Apply?

You can apply through the COMPASS website or call the CAPS state office at (404) 651-9954 or contact them at CAPS.support@DECAL.ga.gov.

4. Georgia Mortgage Assistance

This was made to assist those facing financial problems because of COVID-19.

As a homeowner, you can get up to $50,000 in grant assistance.

Eligibility Criteria:

It would help if you resided in Georgia.
The purchased property must also be in Georgia.
The property must have been purchased before Covid.
Your expenses must have happened before January 21, 2020.
Documents like disability awards, unemployment benefits receipts, death certificates, etc. might be required.
Amounts only lower than $50,000 will be considered.
Amounts due after July 1, 2019, will be considered.
Your mortgage lender must be a participant in the program.
Household income must be equal to or less than 100% AMI.
Household income must be similar to or less than 150% AMI for a socially disadvantaged individual category.

How To Apply?

You can apply online for the program or could call at 877-519-4443 or email at gma@dca.ga.gov.

Explore Your Options To Get Grants and Access to Many Other Free Financial Programs.

5. Georgia Rental Assistance

It will help if you ensure that your particular county is accepting applications for Georgia rental assistance.

Under this program, you could get rental services from the state if you come from a low-income family.

Eligibility Criteria:

If you are unemployed or have less household income.
Experienced problems because of high costs.
You are at risk of homelessness or an unstable house.
Your household earnings are lower than 80% of AMI.
You must be a resident of the county that you have applied in.

How To Apply?

You can apply by contacting your local ERA program.
The county you reside in doesn’t offer rental assistance. Be sure of that as well.

6. Georgia Housing Choice Voucher

You can find safe and affordable rentals if you are a low-income family.

This is a tenant-based rental assistance program that could have either long waiting lists or closed waiting lists because of high demand.

Eligibility Criteria:

You must be a family as per US HUD’s definition.
Your income must be 50% of the median income according to your county.
Be a U.S. citizen or authorized immigrant.
You must be 18 or above.
You must be a resident of Georgia.

How To Apply?

You can apply for the program through the DCA Applicant Portal, but only on days when the waiting list is open.
You can get information about the opening and closing of the waiting list on the website itself.

Grants For Food And Nutrition

7. The Georgia Food Stamp Program

This grant, also referred to as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), offers food assistance funded by the state.

Eligibility Criteria:

It would help if you lived in Georgia.
Your household income (pre-tax) must be below specified amounts based on its size.
You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
Consideration for eligibility includes employment status, income, household expenses, and size.
Non-citizens with qualified alien immigration status can apply.

How To Apply?

You can apply online at Georgia Gateway or a local DFCS office.
When you complete the application and provide the necessary documents (income, expenses, identification), you will receive an EBT card and PIN if eligible.
For more info, visit Georgia Food Stamps online or call DFCS at 1-877-423-4746.

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8. The Georgia Special Program For Women, Infants And Children (WIC)

This grant is a federally-funded initiative addressing the health and nutrition needs of low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children aged 1 to 5 years (including foster children).

Eligibility Criteria:

Your income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
You must be a resident of the State of Georgia.
It would help if you were in the stages of pregnancy, breastfeeding, or postpartum.
You’re eligible if you have infants or children aged 1 to 5 years (including foster children).

How To Apply?

You can apply for WIC by using the Georgia Gateway website. Alternatively, you can contact a local WIC office or call 800-228-9173.

9. Georgia Emergency Food Assistance Program

You can use this program to supplement your diet if you are one of the low-income individuals.

You can get free emergency food and nutrition. This program is available in all the counties of Georgia.

Eligibility Criteria:

Check for income standards.
Must be residing in Georgia.
Be a citizen of the U.S. or an authorized immigrant.

How To Apply?

You can apply by contacting your State Distributing Agency. They can also provide you with additional information on the program.

10. Seamless Summer Option

This program provides kids with meals during their vacation periods and summers.

You can go for this program if you struggle with your finances as a single mother.

Eligibility Criteria:

Kids must be 18 or below.
Kids with a physical or mental disability will be eligible.
Your income should follow up with the federal income guidelines.

How To Apply?

You can get more information by calling them at 866-348-6479 or dropping by the Georgia Food Bank Association.
Your kids’ school will send an application form at the beginning of the school year.
You can also apply by furnishing your application directly to the district.

Insurance Grants

11. Georgia PeachCare For Kids

PeachCare for Kids is a comprehensive healthcare program designed for uninsured children in Georgia.

Eligibility Criteria:

You must be a Georgia resident.
U.S. citizenship or authorized immigrant status is a must.
Age-wise, it would help if you were under 19.
If you’re already covered or eligible for Medicaid, PeachCare isn’t for you.
Your household income needs to match the requirements.

How To Apply?

Apply online at Georgia Gateway, by mail, or in person at a local DFCS office. For more details, contact the PeachCare for Kids website at 1-877-GA-PEACH (1-877-427-3224).

12. Medicaid

Medicaid is a government-operated financial aid program offering healthcare services to eligible families and single moms based on income, citizenship, and resources.

Eligibility Criteria:

It would help if you resided in Georgia.
U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or legal alien status is required.
Your household income must align with specified criteria.
Additional eligibility factors include age, pregnancy, disability, blindness, or the need for nursing home care.

How To Apply?

Apply online at Georgia Gateway or in person at a local DFCS office. For more details, check out the Georgia Medicaid website or call them at 1-800-869-1150.

13. Unemployment Insurance (U.I.)

You can get Unemployment Insurance benefits under the Georgia Department of Labor.

This is if you are a single mother but currently in between employment.

This insurance can come to your rescue.

Eligibility Criteria:

It would help if you had savings from past jobs.
Your unemployment should not be your fault.
You must be able to work.
You must be actively seeking work and available for work.
You will have to report your weekly work search.
It would help if you were partially employed, but your earnings are less than your unemployment insurance benefits every week.

How To Apply?

If interested, you can claim this insurance online or by visiting the local career center. Contact the concerned department at 404) 232-3001 or (877) 709-8185.

14. Georgia Pathways To Coverage

It is a new health insurance program that assists Georgia’s residents for whom medical care pay is unaffordable concerning a few or all of their medical bills. The coverage includes:

Doctor visits.
Emergency services.
Mental health services.
Prescriptions.
Hospital stays.
Chronic disease management services.
Laboratory and x-rays.
Preventive and wellness services.
Family planning services.

Eligibility Criteria:

You must be of age between 19-64.
Your income comes 100% under the Federal Poverty Level.
It would help if you were ineligible for traditional Medicaid.
Must complete 80 hours of a qualifying activity like job training, community service, work every month.

How To Apply?

You can get more information at the DFCS Customer Contact Center at 1-877-423-4746.
If you want to apply for the program, you can do so online at Georgia Gateway.
There is a different application for pregnant women. You can call at 404-657-2700 for more information.

15. Children’s Health Insurance Program

As a single mother, you can be assured about your children’s health coverage with this program.

The healthcare services under this are low-cost and act as an alternative to federal medical healthcare assistance programs if you are ineligible for it because of your income level.

Eligibility Criteria:

Your kid must be a Georgian.
Your children must be a U.S. citizen or authorized immigrant.
Should be ineligible or be without Medicaid.
Your household income is up to 247% level of Federal Poverty.
The child you are taking insurance for must be younger than 19.

How To Apply?

You can apply for your child through the Health Insurance Marketplace or contact your local medical office.
You might be asked for an interview after the application has been sent and credentials have been reviewed.

Educational Grants

16. The HOPE GED Grant

This grant is for you if you’re attending a postsecondary institution in Georgia.

Eligibility Criteria:

You must be a legal resident of Georgia.
Make sure you meet U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen requirements.
Register for the federal Selective Service if you’re a guy aged 18-25.
Enroll in a certificate or diploma program.
Keep up a 2.0 postsecondary cumulative GPA.

How To Apply?

Complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the online Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP).

17. Georgia Educational Training Voucher (ETV) Program

You can get grants if you were a foster care youth, even if now you are a single mother.

This grant is for postsecondary education.

This grant aims to equip single mothers to be better educated and get high-paying jobs.

Eligibility Criteria:

You must have either a high school diploma or GED completion.
There is a requirement for you to be accepted into an accredited high institution.

How To Apply?

You must attain eligibility confirmation from Georgia Independent Living Specialist to apply for the program. You can contact a state specialist before you complete your high school diploma or GED program.

18. Zell Miller Grant

This is a program that is available only to Georgians who are currently pursuing a certificate or diploma.

This program is entirely merit-based. You will receive full standard tuition assistance if you wish to become a grant recipient.

Eligibility Criteria:

You must maintain a minimum cumulative postsecondary grade point average of 3.50.
Enrolled in Zell Miller Grant eligible college or University.
The college or University must be situated in Georgia.
Grant stays suitable only up to 63 semester or 95 quarter hour limit.

How To Apply?

The applicant can apply through either Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or online Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP). The earliest one applies for the Zell grant, the earlier they get the funds and can be assisted.

19. Pell Grant

This grant is for you if you want to attend a state-accredited public university.

If you qualify, you can get up to $60,000/ year for 12 years.

The amount you will receive will be affected by factors like income, school, and financial need.

Also, the amount you receive in the grant changes every year.

Eligibility Criteria:

Must be an undergraduate student.
If enrolled in the Prison Education Program.
Must fulfill general federal student aid requirements.
Must finish Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

How To Apply?

The applicant can apply through either Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
This information is used to assess eligibility and, if you are, for what amount.
If you wish to get the grant every year in school, you must fill out the FAFSA form annually to be eligible for federal student aid.

Car Grants

20. WAAI

Women’s Automotive Association International offers grants of up to $2500 for Georgia single mothers who want assistance buying a car.

Eligibility Criteria:

You must be a single mother.
Must be a citizen of the U.S. or an authorized immigrant.

How To Apply?

You can apply by submitting grant applications through their official website. You will also be required to submit proof of income and necessary documents.

21. Free Charity Cars

It is a non-profit organization which is national.

They take car donations and provide these vehicles to those requiring them.

Eligibility Criteria:

Citizen of the U.S.
Income level must be eligible.

How To Apply?

You can apply directly through their website and then wait for the approval.
You must form a profile on their website and provide a detailed story about your need for a car.
Community members will vote for your account; hence, you will get a free car if you receive the most votes.

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Help Is On The Way!

We want you to know that you’re not alone in dealing with financial struggles as a single mom in Georgia.

Check out the grants above for some extra support, and go ahead and apply today.

Remember to subscribe to our newsletter for more helpful tips on gaining financial freedom.

Do you have other challenges on your plate or need some help? Drop a comment, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.

FAQs

Is there support for single mothers in Georgia?

Yes, Georgia provides various aid programs to assist single mothers. These encompass initiatives such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), timetables for food assistance, housing support, childcare aid, and grants and scholarships for education. Let’s delve into these opportunities more thoroughly.

How can single moms find information about available grants in Georgia?

A good starting point is to explore government websites, local non-profit organizations, and community centers. These sources often provide detailed information on eligibility criteria and application processes.

Are there specific grants or programs targeting single moms pursuing higher education?

Yes, many grants and scholarships specifically cater to single moms aiming to further their education. These resources can significantly ease the financial burden of pursuing academic goals.

Chidinma Ofoegbu

Chidinma Ofoegbu is a personal finance writer passionate about helping people make, manage and grow their money. She can be seen reading a good book or binging a comedy series when she’s not writing.

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