Many women in general are suffering not just through the Christmas season but all year long as they are the sole providers for their families. While it is sad that children dont have both parents in their homes, they can still be raised by a strong and independent Mother. The focus needs to be re-directed into becoming self-sufficent. I have researched many organizations and have listed them here to meet as many possible situations that I can. As a previous financial planner, my job was to help families reorganize their lives and prioritize to get rid of debt and generate more income. Planning must take place in every part of our lives in order to change what is holding us back or keeping us from prospering. Just because you receive government aid today does not mean you will be on it in 2 years but you must make the most of every dollar that you receive now to change your future. My hope is that with some independence, women who are on their own with little family support and resources will gain back their respect and confidence to raise their children and have a better tomorrow. Going to school was the single most important thing Ive done in my life. It allowed me to leave a bad marriage and opened opportunities for me and my children that I would not have otherwise had. The other very important part of my independence was credit. It too years of not having good credit for me to realize how important it is. it is fixable. I have had wages attached, filed bankrupcty twice, cars repossed, and still have purchased two homes this year. Time fixes credit. You just cant allow the same behavior that got you over your head to continue. Sometimes its through no fault of your own, it may be an ex or someone you trust but there are ways to safeguard your information so that once you build your credit back up, its protected. The final thing you need is a support system. If you dont have family or close friends, this is hard. My suggestion is to join a local church and get involved. You would be amazed at how many people will help you with rides, babysitting, advice, and become an amazing support to you. Here are some links below that have more information on helping single women. Be blessed.
Grants for Single Moms
Established in 1996 by Ms. Doris Buffet, the Sunshine Lady Foundation is dedicated to helping mothers get out of abusive relationships and get back on their feet. The fund provides money for education, offers scholarships, and is dedicated to helping families in crisis.www.sunshinelady.org
This organization is dedicated to providing a helping hand to those who are trying to get back on their feet. They help train women for positions in the work force that will allow them to make a living wage and take care of their children without help from the government or welfare programs. Find out more at www.ourfamiliesourfuture.org.
These are awards given to mothers who are the primary money-earners for their families, and who are furthering their options by going back to school. The cash award recognizes hard work and rewards it with not only the money, but the recognition of a job well done. You can learn more about the awards at www.soroptimist.org.
There are many organizations, both private and public, that are based in your specific area. Start by looking in the phone book for organizations like Helping Hands or the Salvation Army. These are good starting points to help you find further information on financial help for single mothers, including free money for single moms. To find further information on governmental grants, visit the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance at www.cfda.gov.
Medication Help
You are a single mom, so if your employer doesn't provide affordable health insurance, you may not have access to it at all. What are you supposed to do when your children are sick? It is difficult enough to pay for the doctor's appointment, but when you head to the pharmacy you will find yet another financial hurdle that you must jump. The good news is that there are prescription programs you can use to help you save some money on the rising cost of prescription medications
If you qualify for a program, your physician will have to apply for the program for you. These programs are often designed for those who need ongoing medications. Perhaps you need help paying for your child's inhaler or your blood pressure medication. If so, then this is a good route to pursue.
Credit Help
Credit card companies might seem like daunting places, businesses so big that they would never listen to a mere cardholder, much less a single mom who happens to be far in debt with them. But you might be surprised at how responsive the credit card companies will be if you simply ask them for some help and appeal to the customer service representative's sense of goodwill. In order to negotiate credit card debt you need to first make the call and talk with your credit card company.
Explain your financial situation and you might be surprised at what happens. If you are honest with the credit card companies, they tend to help you as much as they can.
If you know you can't make your minimum payments, ask them to suspend your account and negotiate monthly payments. That way, they know you won't be getting deeper into debt, and you will be paying them a certain amount every month. They would rather have a little bit of money than none at all.
If you feel that you need some extra help to deal with your financial situation, then consider partnering with a credit counseling agency. However, choose carefully. Many companies market themselves as consumer credit advocates, but they are actually only looking to make a profit.
Choose an agency that is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies.
One of the main services they will offer is helping you create a workable budget that will give you the ability to pay off your current debt and avoid future debt. They may negotiate with creditors to lower your payment or your interest rate, and they may work out a debt repayment plan for you that they will implement on your behalf. These are all things you can do on your own, but as a single mom you may not have the time.
Disabled Moms
If working isn't an option at all, there are other ways that you can find support. If you're unable to work because of a disability and are under the age of 65, you might be eligible for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. Visit the website or your local Social Security office to learn more and apply for aid. You could be eligible for SSI even if you've never worked. Also check with your state's Department of Human Services for information on financial support, food stamps, and other aid.
Don't overlook non-profit organizations on your quest for help. There are many non-profits that have been established to help people with disabilities. Easter Seals offers job training, child care, and more. Search the internet for non-profits in your area designed to help. You could also call your local United Way and ask for referrals. And don't forget about the grants that are available for people with disabilities. Search Grants For Women to find the perfect one for you and your family.
The search for financial support might not be easy, and you may need to fill out countless forms and speak with several different people, but where there's a will, there's a way. Keep your spirits up and know that help is just around the corner
Families First/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families - This program gives a small cash amount to families who are struggling with finances. It is meant for those who have children and are finding themselves unable to afford even the basic necessities. While on TANF, a parent is expected to work or train for a job for a minimum of 30 hours per week. They are also expected to keep their kids in school, get all vaccinations for their children, and work with the courts to establish paternity and start child support proceedings. The TANF program might also include food stamps.
CHIP Program - The Children's Health Insurance Program is a government-funded insurance plan available in every state. The program caters to those who cannot afford insurance on their own. It covers children for everything they need - medical, dental, and vision - and does so with either no co pays or very small ones. The CHIP program in your state is a godsend for those who are struggling to pay the bills and are worried about the health and well-being of their children.
WIC - Women, Infants, and Children. The WIC program is one of the most successful government programs for financially-strapped mothers. The program consists of coupons for free items every month. These items are the basics required for pregnant or nursing mothers and children up to the age of five. The financial limits on WIC are higher than that of other programs, so your odds of acceptance are very good.
Free or Reduced Meals - For many children, having a good meal at school might be the only time they get the nutrition they need. The government recognized the need and set standards for free or reduced lunchtime meals in all schools across the country. If your family falls under the income limits, your children can get lunches at a reduced price or for absolutely free. This counts for breakfast, too.
Food Stamps - For those who have empty cupboards, the food stamp program can come to the rescue. Established in 1964, the food stamp program has stamped out malnutrition in this country, but hunger continues. The program gives millions of dollars each month to keeping families fed and healthy
How Do You Apply? Visit your Department of Human Services office to find out if you qualify for any of the programs listed here.
Credit Help
Credit card companies might seem like daunting places, businesses so big that they would never listen to a mere cardholder, much less a single mom who happens to be far in debt with them. But you might be surprised at how responsive the credit card companies will be if you simply ask them for some help and appeal to the customer service representative's sense of goodwill. In order to negotiate credit card debt you need to first make the call and talk with your credit card company.
Explain your financial situation and you might be surprised at what happens. If you are honest with the credit card companies, they tend to help you as much as they can.
If you know you can't make your minimum payments, ask them to suspend your account and negotiate monthly payments. That way, they know you won't be getting deeper into debt, and you will be paying them a certain amount every month. They would rather have a little bit of money than none at all.
If you feel that you need some extra help to deal with your financial situation, then consider partnering with a credit counseling agency. However, choose carefully. Many companies market themselves as consumer credit advocates, but they are actually only looking to make a profit.
Choose an agency that is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies.
One of the main services they will offer is helping you create a workable budget that will give you the ability to pay off your current debt and avoid future debt. They may negotiate with creditors to lower your payment or your interest rate, and they may work out a debt repayment plan for you that they will implement on your behalf. These are all things you can do on your own, but as a single mom you may not have the time.
Disabled Moms
If working isn't an option at all, there are other ways that you can find support. If you're unable to work because of a disability and are under the age of 65, you might be eligible for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI. Visit the website or your local Social Security office to learn more and apply for aid. You could be eligible for SSI even if you've never worked. Also check with your state's Department of Human Services for information on financial support, food stamps, and other aid.
Don't overlook non-profit organizations on your quest for help. There are many non-profits that have been established to help people with disabilities. Easter Seals offers job training, child care, and more. Search the internet for non-profits in your area designed to help. You could also call your local United Way and ask for referrals. And don't forget about the grants that are available for people with disabilities. Search Grants For Women to find the perfect one for you and your family.
The search for financial support might not be easy, and you may need to fill out countless forms and speak with several different people, but where there's a will, there's a way. Keep your spirits up and know that help is just around the corner
