Top 5+ Best Single Mom Assistance Programs

There were 7.3 million single mothers in the United States in 2023, making up over 4 in 5 single parents. Most of these mothers are between the ages of 30 and 40, many without a college degree, and about half have never been married. Additionally, approximately 15.09 million children live in single-mother households across the nation.  

Despite working hard, many single moms earn modest incomes. Fortunately, many programs are available for single mom assistance to help ease the burden, offering financial, healthcare, and childcare. 

1. SNAP – Food Assistance Program for Single Moms

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides monthly food assistance to help families afford nutritious meals. The benefits are automatically loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. According to the Census Bureau’s Survey of Income and Program Participation, the data from 2020 shows that 23.6 million SNAP recipients were adults, while 13.8 million were children. Among those children, 45.5% lived in households with only their mother.  

While SNAP covers a wide range of food items, it can’t be used for alcohol, tobacco, or non-food products. Its purpose is clear: to help families eat better and stay healthier. SNAP helps low-income single-mother families redirect limited funds toward other essentials like housing, transportation, and medical expenses. 

With SNAP benefits, you can stretch your food budget and buy healthy groceries instead of making tough choices between paying rent, keeping the lights on, or feeding your family.

SNAP is available across all 50 states, Washington D.C., Guam, and the Virgin Islands. 

Other food assistance programs for single moms:  

• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP) 
• Summer Food Service Program 
• The Emergency Food Assistance Program 

>>> Also read: Can You Get A Free Phone And Tablet With Food Stamps? Yes! Here’s How!

2. TANF – Financial Assistance Program for Single Moms

According to a U.S. Census Bureau report, over two-thirds of single mothers work outside the home, but only half were employed full-time all year, and about 15.3% were unemployed the entire year. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program helps low-income families with children gain financial stability while working toward independence. 

The program helps cover essential needs like food, housing, childcare, and energy bills. Many states also use TANF funding to offer job training programs, tuition support for career-focused education, and employment services. This helps single moms secure stable employment and build a better future for their families.  

TANF focuses on self-sufficiency. The program provides financial relief and encourages long-term economic stability by promoting job preparation and opportunities. 

Other single mom financial assistance programs:  

• Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) 

• Child Care Tax Credit 

3. Section 8 – Housing Assistance for Single Moms 

This federal program, run by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and managed by local public housing agencies (PHAs), helps low-income families secure private housing by covering all or part of their rent. Instead of being limited to public housing, single moms can choose a home that fits their needs—an apartment, townhouse, or single-family home. 

Once you qualify for Section 8, you receive a voucher that helps pay for your rent. The PHA directly sends its portion of the payment to your landlord, while you cover the remaining amount. Depending on your income and the rental cost, your out-of-pocket expenses could be significantly lower than market rent, making housing much more affordable.

With a Section 8 voucher, single moms can get a chance to choose where to live – a neighborhood with good schools, reliable public transportation, or anywhere. 

Other single mom housing assistance programs:  

• Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) 

4. Medicaid – Healthcare Assistance for Single Moms

Medicaid is one of the largest public health programs in the U.S., helping millions of low-income individuals get the medical care they need. Nationally, one in five people relied on Medicaid. In 2023, Medicaid provided coverage for nearly 40% of all children, including over 80% of those living in poverty. It also supported one in six adults. 

What does Medicaid actually cover? A lot. We’re talking about doctor visits, medications, dental care, surgeries, hospital stays, mental health support, and more.  If you’re a single mom, this program could keep you and your little ones healthy without breaking the bank on medical bills. 

Other healthcare assistance programs for single moms:  

• Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) 

>>> Read more: How To Get A Free Tablet With MediCal From The Government 2025

5. Lifeline – Technology & Communication Assistance for Single Moms 

Lifeline is a federally funded program to help low-income households access free or discounted phone and internet services. If you qualify, you can save up to $9.25 per month on your phone bill, and if you live on Tribal lands, that discount jumps to $34.25 per month.  

Besides, some providers participating in the Lifeline program offer free phones as part of their service plans. If you don’t want a phone, you may have the option to get a low-cost tablet with a small co-payment. That means you could get not only a discount on your monthly bill but also a device at no cost.  

Lifeline keeps you connected with your child’s school, accessing job opportunities, and calling for help in emergencies.

he Lifeline program makes your modern life a little easier.  

Other communication assistance programs for single moms:  

• Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – discontinued

IMPORTANT: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.

6. Pell Grants – Educational Support for Single Moms 

By the 2022–2023 academic year, the number of Pell Grant recipients had risen to 6 million. Unlike loans, Pell Grants don’t have to be repaid. They are federally funded and help students, both full-time and part-time, attend college or vocational schools across the U.S.  

If your child qualifies, Pell Grants can cover part or even all of their tuition, and they can also be combined with other financial aid, such as scholarships or state assistance programs. With Pell Grants, single moms can open more doors to education for their children, giving them a strong foundation for personal and professional success.  

Other educational assistance programs:  

• Head Start 

• Teach Grants 

• Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP) 

Conclusion 

Millions of children rely on their mothers for emotional and financial support. So, it’s important to have access to resources that can help relieve some of the pressures. These programs offer valuable assistance, ensuring single moms and their kids have the necessary support and opportunities.