This blog is a complete guide to best assistance for single moms from the federal, state, and non-government organizations. Continue reading to find out about financial aid, medical help, nutritional assistance, grants, or any other assistance for single mothers in Florida. You can receive support wherever city or county in the State of Florida.
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What Financial Help Can I Get As A Single Parent?
The State of Florida supports single-mom families, ensuring that you and your children can access affordable housing, food, health care, legal support, education, and protection without a hassle. Below are excellent options to consider if you’re a single mother to support your family in Florida.
(1) Florida Temporary Cash Assistance
Do you need help paying your bills as a single mother? Florida’s Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program can help if you meet the asset, technical, and income requirements. This program supports families with kids under 18 by providing temporary cash for a maximum period of 48 months—for adults and unlimited for children. TCA ensures you can help yourself and your children while staying home.
Who Is Eligible For Temporary Cash Assistance In Florida?
You must meet the set requirements to qualify for Temporary Cash Assistance:
- Be a US citizen or qualified and live in the State of Florida.
- Earn an income less than 185% of the Federal Poverty Level.
- Your total assets should be less than or equal to $2,000. To be eligible, the children must live with you or your relatives and attend school.
- You need a social security number, and children under five should’ve had their childhood immunizations.
How Much Temporary Cash Assistance Can You Get In Florida?
The amount of cash assistance you can get per month depends on the number of your children. It also depends on your shelter obligation, countable income, and the number of eligible household members. Visit Access Florida to apply for cash assistance.
How Long Does It Take To Get Cash Assistance In Florida?
Once you submit your application and go through the eligibility interview, you’ll get the processing time.
(2) Re-employment Assistance Program
Are you a single mom with no job? You can qualify for the reemployment assistance program as a Floridian. Also known as unemployment pay or compensation, this program provides temporary cash relief if you’ve lost your job without fault or are planning to quit voluntarily as a domestic violence survivor.
You must have been an employee working in Florida for the past twelve to eighteen months and earning above the minimum wage. File your application for the reemployment assistance program online or offline. Contact the Department of Economic Opportunity at 1-833-352-7759 for more help on the application process.
(3) Discount Drug Card
Affording health care can be quite a challenge for many single moms. Thankfully, Floridians enjoy discounted drug prescriptions through the Discount Drug Card. This is one of the best assistance you can take advantage of to lower the cost of your medications.
There is no age, income limit, membership fees, or waiting time to use this card. You can activate it instantly and pay the lowest costs to get your prescription drugs. Sign up by calling 866-341-8894.
(4) Temporary Assistance To Needy Families
Another best assistance for single moms in Florida is the Temporary Assistance To Needy Families Program. TANF provides cash relief for families to be self-reliant, ensuring that children continue to live in their homes. This program is only available for US citizens or legal aliens in Florida.
You must have a child below 18 years in your household or are the child leading the home. Are you pregnant and need temporary cash assistance? Pregnant women can also qualify for this program. Apply for TANF online through Florida Access.
(5) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
If you need help putting a hot meal on the table, SNAP is the right program. You can use the SNAP benefits to get fresh produce, poultry, dairy, or fish products, providing nutritious food to your family. The federal government sponsors this program, and you must meet specific criteria to qualify. Once eligible, you’ll get an Electronic Benefits Transfer Card at any approved food store/retailer nationwide.
This assistance is strictly for getting food products, including seeds, to grow food for your family. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program can help you provide healthy meals for your family. Apply for this program through the Access Florida website.
(6) School Breakfast And Lunch Program
Providing nutritious meals for your child is crucial for their well-being at school. The State of Florida ensures you never have to worry about this as a single mom.
NSLP (National School Lunch Program) is a federally-funded meal program providing healthy meals for learners. Parents, primary caregivers, and guardians can apply at the start or any time of the school year.
The amount of relief funds you can qualify for depends on your household’s size. For instance, if you’re a household of three, you can qualify if you make less than $42,606 pre-taxes.
(7) Florida Medicaid
Accessing quality health care is crucial but can challenge many single moms. Medicaid is a federal and state-funded program tailored to provide health insurance to low-income earners.
This coverage helps you and your kids access quality health care without a hassle. Single moms can qualify if they’re pregnant, have a child below 18, are disabled, or caring for a disabled family member. Apply for Medicaid Florida through the Access Florida website.
(8) Energy Assistance Program
Another excellent option to help you cut costs as a single mom in Florida is the Energy Assistance Program. The State of Florida, through various agencies, provides funding to help deserving households afford heating and cooling costs.
Eligible applicants should be residents of Florida and earn less than 60% of the state median income. You’ll need a recent energy bill, proof of income, utility termination notice, photo identification, and your social security card for the application.
Contact your local LIHEAP agency to apply for assistance. You can qualify even if you enroll in other state or federal benefit programs.
(9) Child Care Assistance Program
Juggling between childcare and work as a single mom can be pretty soul-sucking. Having someone to look after your kids while you go out to fend for them can be a huge relief.
If you’re in this scenario, know that you’re not alone, as many families face this challenge. Child care is expensive, and the School Readiness Program can be super helpful. This assistance can help you afford child care and early childhood education.
Having someone to care for your kids ensures you focus on your income-generating activities or school if you’re still studying. The School Readiness Program is available through the Early Learning Coalition.
Contact a coalition near you to find out the eligibility criteria and requirements. Other childcare programs you can consider include KidCare and Florida Headstart.
(10) Florida Resident Access Grant
Are you a single mom looking to return to school but lacking the money to fund it? The Florida Resident Access Grant supports students learning in independent, non-profit universities and colleges in Florida.
This program assistance can help you earn the degree without plunging into the student loans pit. You must enroll for at least 12 credit hours per semester, undertaking your first undergraduate program.
Apply to a participating private, non-profit institution. Your institution determines eligibility, deadlines, and application processes.
Get Assistance For Single Moms In Florida
You can get the best assistance as a single mom in Florida. From food and nutrition, healthcare, education, housing to childcare and employment or the best grants for single mom, there are many avenues you can pursue to get the state and federal assistance you rightfully deserve.
Are you on the brink of eviction? You can apply for subsidized apartments, and Medicaid is an excellent option for you to access quality healthcare without a hassle.
Remember, you can qualify for several assistance programs, so it doesn’t hurt to apply for various programs. For instance, you can sign up for cash assistance, Medicaid, and SNAP.
