Free Government Help for Single Mothers

Low-income single mothers can receive government assistance with food, medical care and housing. Your local offices for these programs may also be able to tell you about other programs available in your area, such as day care and employment assistance.

  1. Women, Infants and Children

    • The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program provides healthy food and baby formula to low-income women with young children. Breast-feeding mothers receive additional, nutrient-rich food to aid in milk production. Formula-feeding mothers receive vouchers for baby formula. Any woman with children younger than five years can receive coupons or vouchers for nutritious food for them and their children.

      To qualify for WIC, your income must be under the maximum allowable amount. This amount changes from year to year and is based on the current poverty guidelines. Alaska and Hawaii have different income requirements than other states or territories. Apply by contacting your local health department or the department of human services.

    Medicaid

    • Medicaid is a government program that provides free or low-cost medical care to low-income families. The program goes by different names in different states. In Illinois it is "AllKids," in Wisconsin it is "Badger Care" and in California it is "Medi-Cal." In each state, the program is overseen by the department of human services.

      As with WIC, you must meet certain eligibility guidelines, including income limits, to receive Medicaid. Apply at your local department of human services office or at some medical clinics.

    Housing Assistance

    • Housing assistance includes rental assistance and grants for down payments. The availability of these programs varies from state to state and may even be different between counties in the same state.

      Certain down payment assistance programs require you to be a first-time home buyer and nearly all programs have income eligibility guidelines. Contact your local Housing and Urban Development office to find out about programs in your area.

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