Grants for Single Mothers in Pennsylvania : Several grants in Pennsylvania help vulnerable single mothers and families. Also, getting assistance as a single mother may not always be simple. Apart from that, grants for single mothers in Massachusetts are also available. Single mothers have to handle everything, along with work, kids, and household activities. So, they cannot do everything on their own. With the help of grants for single mothers in Pennsylvania, they can live a quality of life for their kids and themselves.
Top 33 Single Moms Assistance Programs in Pennsylvania
Here are the various single mother assistance grants in Pennsylvania that includes:
-
State Grant Program for Single Moms
The Pennsylvania State Grant plans to assist students who cannot afford university tuition or college.
Eligibility Criteria for the State Grant Program
To become eligible for the State Grant Program, you must be a Pennsylvania resident and belong to a low-income background.
How to apply for the State Grant?
You may visit the Department of Education of Pennsylvania directly to apply for the State Grant or call 1-800-692-7392 or even visit the online site https://www.pheaa.org/ and submit the application to apply for the State Grant.
-
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Grant (TANF)
Applicants in the TANF or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families grant are also eligible for benefits such as utility bill payment and weatherization. LIHEAP is a federal grant implemented by the Human Services Department on a local level.
Eligibility criteria for the TANF in Pennsylvania
Candidate must be a resident of Pennsylvania and must be below the FPL to become eligible for the TANF.
How to apply for the TANF?
You can visit the local office address directly to apply for TANF or even call 717-787-4081 or even visit the site https://www.dhs.pa.gov/ and submit the necessary documents to apply for the TANF.
-
Women, Infants, and Children Grants (WIC)
There is a program called Women, Infants, and Children, is nutritional and healthcare assistance for breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women and their kids who are under five years.
How to apply for the WIC?
To apply for the WIC, you may call 1-800-911-9167 or visit the website https://wic.health.pa.gov/ and submit the necessary documents to apply for WIC.
-
Medicaid
If a family in Pennsylvania has a meager income, they become eligible for the federally funded Medicaid grant to get healthcare benefits. It is run by the Office of Health Care Coverage.
Eligibility Criteria for Medicaid in Pennsylvania
Single mothers must be Pennsylvania residents and belong to low-income backgrounds.
How to apply for Medicaid?
To apply for Medicaid grant in Pennsylvania, you can visit the online site https://www.dhs.pa.gov/ , download the application form and submit it online. You can also call 1-866-550-4355 for more details.
-
Children’s Health Insurance Program for Single Mothers in Pennsylvania (CHIP)
There is also a program called CHIP, or Children’s Health Insurance Program for single mothers in Pennsylvania who have minor kids who will be paid for dental and medical treatment. Suppose the parents do not necessarily have the financial means to pay for these grants, then CHIP guarantees that kids get access to the healthcare facilities that they require.
Eligibility Criteria for the CHIP in Pennsylvania
- Eligible alien, U.S. national, or citizen of the United States
- Pennsylvania resident
- Younger or 18 years old
- Not eligible and uninsured for medical help
- These are the income limits for decreased cost coverage and free also co-pay or premium expenses for those who are not eligible for free coverage.
How to apply for the CHIP?
To apply for the CHIP program, you can call 1-800-986-KIDS (5437) or even visit the website online https://www.healthcare.gov/ to apply the CHIP.
-
Unemployment Insurance Program
The Unemployment Insurance Program is run by the Department of Labour and Industry, United States of America. If single mothers are unemployed because of their mistakes, the grants will assist them with financial help.
Eligibility criteria for the U.I. program
Candidates must belong to FPL and should be a resident of Pennsylvania.
How to apply for the U.I. program?
To apply for the U.I. program, you can call 888-313-7284 or even visit the online site https://www.uc.pa.gov/ , submit the documents, and apply for the U.I.
-
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency
There is a program called Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency that provides mortgage help grants and homebuyer help that includes closing costs and down payment help. You will also get details on the following:
- Refinancing options
- Foreclosure assistance and prevention
- Home repairs and improvement
This is one of their grants:
K-FIT
K-FIT assists eligible homebuyers with closing and down payment costs by offering a second mortgage loan. Qualified borrowers can get five percent of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase cost with no maximum dollar limit. Also, the loan is given annually at 10 percent interest for ten years every year.
Eligibility criteria for the PHFA program
Buyers should meet the application needs for PHFA first mortgage grants and the K-FIT needs; some of the criteria for the PHFA are:
- Grants should only be used for closing costs and down payments
- The credit or CIBIL score should be 660
Maximum help is based on the lesser of the appraised value or purchase cost
- The minimum amount for a loan is $500
- K-FIT might be used for V.A., R.D., conventional, and FHA loans
- K-FIT might not be combined with any other PHFA help grant except the ACCESS Home Modification Loan grant.
How to apply for the PHFA program?
To become eligible for the PHFA program, you can visit the online website https://www.phfa.org/ , and submit the papers, to apply for the PHFA grant.
-
Habitat for Humanity Program
The program called Habitat for Humanity rehabilitates and builds home for needy people and provides homeownership help through volunteer labor.
Eligibility criteria for the Habitat for Humanity
Single mothers must belong to the federal poverty line and be residents of Pennsylvania to become eligible for Habitat for Humanity.
How to apply for the Habitat for Humanity program?
To become eligible for Habitat for Humanity, you may visit the online website https://www.habitat.org/ and fill out the application along with the necessary details to apply for the Habitat for Humanity.
-
USDA Rural Housing
There is a program for housing called USDA Rural housing grant in Pennsylvania. It is a homebuyer grant for rural communities.
Eligibility criteria for the USDA Rural Housing program
To become eligible for rural housing, you should be needy and must be a resident of Pennsylvania.
How to apply for the Rural Housing ?
You may visit the website online https://www.rd.usda.org/ , download the application form, and fill in the required details to apply for Rural Housing.
-
Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) Program
There is a program called EHV (Emergency Housing Voucher) grant that assists those who are at risk of homelessness, need shelter, are homeless, are facing domestic problems, or attempting to flee. The EHV grant does not offer immediate help.
The EHV grant assists people and families who experience homelessness by helping them to get affordable housing in a short time and set up housing stability in the long run.
Eligibility criteria for the EHV grant in Pennsylvania
Emergency housing voucher programs are restricted to people and families who are:
- Needs shelter or are at risk of homelessness
- Single mothers who are homeless or for whom rental help might prevent homelessness
- Attempting to flee, fleeing, dating violence, stalking, domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual assault
- Risk of housing instability
How to apply for the EHV grant in Pennsylvania?
You can call 412-456-511 or email [email protected] to apply for the EHV or even visit the official website online https://hacp.org/ . Submit the papers required to apply for the EHV to apply for the grant in Pennsylvania.
-
Pennsylvania Homeless Assistance Program (HAP)
Homeless Assistance grant assists in making sure that individuals who are homeless will find refuge and they will work towards self-sufficiency. The following grants available under HAP are:
- Emergency shelter
- Bridge Housing
- Rental help
- Case management
- Innovative, supportive housing help
Eligibility criteria for the P.A. homeless
The maximum income threshold should be between 200 percent of the HHS or Health and Human Services, U.S. Poverty guidelines.
How to apply for the P.A. homeless ?
You can visit the local office address directly or even visit the online site https://www.dhs.pa.org/ and submit the application form to apply for the P.A. homeless program.
Electric bill assistance in Pennsylvania
If you are facing issues paying your utility bills in Pennsylvania, you may check the following grants:
-
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Pennsylvania
There is a program called LIHEAP that assists eligible people with their home cooling and heating bills through energy crisis help, payment assistance, along with long-term weatherization help. Funds range from $300 to $1000 depending on income, fuel type, and household size.
Eligibility criteria for the LIHEAP
- Pennsylvania resident
- Legally admitted immigrant or citizen of the United States
- Responsible for paying energy bills
- Total gross household income below or at 60 percent of the SMI or state median income
How to apply for the LIHEAP ?
You can call 866-857-7095 to get more details or even visit https://www.dhs.pa.org/ and submit the paperwork to apply for the LIHEAP.
-
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
There is a program called WAP, or Weatherization assistance grant that assists eligible households in lowering their monthly energy bills by making their houses healthy, energy-efficient, and safe. Different types of help are given to single mothers that, include:
- Lighting efficiency
- Floor, wall, or attic insulation
- Duct and air sealing
- Air conditioning, heating, and ventilation system improvements
- Water conservation devices
- Hot water tank insulation
- The average expense for each household is $7,700
Eligibility criteria for the WAP
Low-income people who are below or at 200 percent of FPL with priority given to residents such as disabled people, single mothers with kids, high energy users, or senior citizens.
How to apply for the WAP?
You may apply online at the site https://www.dced.pa.gov/ and submit the documents to apply for WAP.
-
Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) in Pennsylvania
There is a program called low-income household water assistance. The LIHWAP was established in response to the outbreak and assisted eligible households in paying for wastewater and drinking water. Payments are given directly to the vendor and to their water account.
Eligibility criteria for the LIHWAP
- Legal immigrant or citizen of the United States
- Resident of Pennsylvania
- Get water through public pipelines from vendor
- Total gross income below or equal to the state median income
- Responsible for paying the water cost
How to apply for LIHWAP?
You can visit the website online at https://www.thecaap.org/ ; ensure to submit the essential documents along with the application form to apply for LIHWAP.
-
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) in Pennsylvania
There is a program called HRSA (Health Resources and services administration) that is an agency of HHS (Department of Health and human services) in the United States that funds health centers that offer subsidized or free dental and health care to low-income individuals and those who cannot access quality healthcare such as individuals who stay in rural areas. HRSA also provides 24-hour confidential and free mental help for new mothers and pregnant women
Eligibility criteria for the HRSA
Every healthcare center has its own eligibility threshold for reduced-cost care or free care.
How to apply for the HRSA?
To apply for HRSA, call 833-943-5746 or even visit the website https://www.healthcare.org to apply for the HRSA.
-
Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania
The medical help program is a help grant that pays for health care services for families and single mothers.
Eligibility Criteria for Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania
- Pregnant women
- Pennsylvania
- Permanent resident, national citizen, or legal alien in the United States
- Kids under 18 years
- People who are 65 years or old
- Caretakers and parents of kids under 21
- Disabled or blind
- If your income is more than the limits, but you have medical bills that you owe
- People get home and community-based or long-term care services
How to apply for the program in Pennsylvania?
You can apply for the program in Pennsylvania directly by visiting the office address or calling 866-550-4355 to apply for the grant in Pennsylvania.
-
Pennsylvania Dental Services
The DHS offers individuals quality dental help through Medicaid or medical help. Dental services depend on your age, need, and eligibility category. Medical assistance covers all the medically essential dental help for enrolled kids that, include:
- Crowns
- X-rays
- Cavity fillings
- Teeth cleaning
- Other services
Teenagers who are enrolled in M.A. are eligible for surgical processes and emergency help related to the treatment of pain and signs.
Eligibility criteria for the Dental help
You must belong to a low-income background to become eligible for the dental program.
How to apply for dental services in Pennsylvania?
You may call 800-692-7462 or even visit the online site https://www/enrollnow.net/ to apply for dental services.
-
Family Planning Program
The program called family planning offers medical and health assistance to statewide family planning centers and plans to prevent high-risk pregnancies among sexually active people under 17 years. Clinical help offered at local clinics are:
- Contraceptives
- Physical exams
- Pregnancy testing
- Routine gynecological care
- Cancer examinations
- Cancer screening
- AIDS/HIV screening and education
- STD education
- Sexually transmitted disease counseling, diagnosis, and treatment
How to apply for a grant in Pennsylvania?
You may call 717-772-2762 to get more details or visit the online site https://www.health.pa.gov/ ; submit the application form online to apply for medical help for the family planning program.
Food help for low-income families in Pennsylvania
There are several state and federal nutrition and food grants available across the State that includes:
-
Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The supplemental Nutrition Assistance grant is a federally funded grant that assists low-income households in purchasing healthy foods through funds loaded on an EBT or Electronic Benefits Transfer ACCESS Card.
Eligibility criteria for the SNAP program in Pennsylvania
To become eligible for the SNAP grant, you should meet income needs and meet one of the necessary requirements:
- Current bank balance (checking and savings combined) $3000 and share a household with:
- Persons should be 60 years old or above
- Individuals with disability (Spouse, parent, child, or yourself)
- Current bank balance must be under $2000, including checking and savings combined
How to apply for a grant in Pennsylvania?
To apply for the grant in Pennsylvania, you can visit the coal office address directly to apply for the program.
-
The Emergency Food Assistance Program
There is a program called TEFAP, which is a federal grant that assists low-income people in Pennsylvania by offering emergency nutrition for free.
Eligibility criteria for the TEFAP
They have their own set of eligibility and proof of need documents to become eligible for the TEFAP.
How to apply for the TEFAP ?
You may visit the local foodbank directly to get TEFAP assistance.
-
Pennsylvania’s Summer Food Service Program
The Department of Agriculture and consumer services in Pennsylvania offers nutritious meals for free to kids during summer. Food is given at non-profit organizations, schools, libraries, and parks.
Eligibility criteria for the Summer food program
You must be needy and belong to a low-income background.
How to apply for the summer food service?
You may visit the local food service site near you to get the necessary food help.
Child care helps low-income families in Pennsylvania
There are many federally funded education grants and sources in Pennsylvania that include:
-
Pennsylvania Head Start and Early Head Start
The program called Head Start is a free federal preschool grant for kids aged between 3 to 5 from low-income backgrounds. Early Head Start helps a child under three years and pregnant women. The grants focus on social, emotional, and cognitive development and prepare children to go to school.
Eligibility criteria for the Head Start program
- Candidates should meet federal poverty rules.
- Kids from birth to five years old
- Few grants accept children with incomes above the poverty line.
- Homeless kids, kids from families who get public help, such as SSI and TANF, are eligible.
- Kids in foster care are also eligible for Head Start.
- Pregnant women who get postpartum and prenatal education, details, and services through the Early Head Start program are also eligible for the HSP.
How to apply for the HSP and EHSP
You can call 866-763-6481 or visit the local office address directly to apply for EHSP and HSP.
-
Child Care Works
CC Works assists low-income people in Pennsylvania to get and afford child care near their work or home. The Child Care Works subsidized CC grant assists low-income people in paying their kid’s care expenses. You should submit an application to the ELRC or Early Learning Resource Center in your county.
Eligibility criteria for the Child Care Works
- Have a kid or kids that need a child care while you attend or work for an education grant
- Resident of Pennsylvania
- Work for more than 20 hours or even 10 hours and attend training or school for more than 10 hours every week
- Adult’s parents should attend an education session
- Have a promise of a job that will start in less than a month of your application for subsidized childcare
- Identity proof for each caretaker or parent in the house
- Kids who need care should be an alien admitted for P.R. (Permanent residency) or citizens of the U.S.
How to apply for the Child Care Works?
You can call on 877-472-5437 for more details or even visit the online site https://www.education.pa.org/ to get the necessary details to apply for the CCW.
Education helps single moms in Pennsylvania
If you are a single mother who wishes to pursue an education, here are some of the education grants available for you that are:
-
Get a GED in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania uses two choices for high school equivalency testing that includes HiSET and GED exams that test language arts (writing and reading), science, maths, and social studies. Candidates may take the exam online or at the test center. The HiSET exam is available online:
The following includes the cost for each exam:
- HiSET exam online $94
- HiSET exam offline $115
- The GED exam online is $144 for a complete exam and $36 for every subject
- GED exam offline 120 dollars for the full exam or $30 for every subject
To become eligible for the GED exam online, you should achieve a green zone on the GED-ready test that is available on the site GED for $7 for every subject.
Eligibility criteria for the GED
- Test takers cannot have an equivalent diploma or high school.
- Pennsylvania needs HiSET and GED test takers to be residents of the State.
- The minimum age to become eligible for the HiSET or GED is 16, or underage candidates can sign an official age waiver and have consent from their parents.
- Pennsylvania does not need test takers to attend a prep course or pass a ready practice test unless the exam is taken online.
- Applicants cannot sign up for another school program.
How to apply for the GED?
You can visit the local GED test center or visit https://www.bestgedclasses.org/ to apply for the GED.
-
Grants and scholarships in Pennsylvania
PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education help agency) provides forward student loans and state grant programs to assist students with funds for post-secondary education.
Eligibility Criteria for the State Grant Program
- High school graduate
- Resident of Pennsylvania
- Enrolled for half time
- Attend a PHEAA-certified post-secondary school.
- Have made academic progress
- Enroll in a PHEAA-certified study program for a minimum of two academic years that helps 50 percent of the study in the classroom.
- Not have earned an equivalent or bachelor’s degree.
- Have satisfactory character
- Not got the maximum number of P.A. state grants allowed.
- Pending default or not in default on an education loan.
Eligibility Criteria for the Forward Student Loan
- Permanent resident or citizen of the United States
- Pennsylvania citizen who stays in N.Y., NJ, MD, OH, DE, VA, and W.V.
- Secure a co-signer
- Attend a school in Pennsylvania
- Attend an eligible school degree, certificate, or even diploma
How to apply for the PHEAA ?
You may visit the local office address directly to apply for PHEAA or visit the online site https://www.pheaa.org/ to submit the documents to apply for the PHEAA program.
Employment help for single moms in Pennsylvania
Workforce grants in Pennsylvania offer training and help with education and employment:
26. PAsmart
PAsmart is a program that assists people with sources for training and working in Pennsylvania through:
- Apprenticeships
- Education
- Training
- Career Guidance
PAsmart prepare students of Pennsylvania and works for well-paid jobs in industries.
Eligibility criteria for the PAsmart
- Pennsylvania resident
- Belong to low-income background
How to apply for the PAsmart?
You may visit the local office address to apply for the PAsmart program or even visit the online site https://www.pa.org and submit the documents to apply for the job help.
-
American Job Centers
The American job centers provide:
- Job search help
- career counselling
- Training services
- Employment
Eligibility criteria for the American Job Centers
- Must belong to the low-income background
- Should be needy and looking for job assistance
How to apply for the AJC?
You may email [email protected] for more details or even call 877-872-5672 to apply for the AJC.
Charity organizations in Pennsylvania
There are several charitable organizations that provide help to single mothers:
-
The Salvation Army of Pennsylvania
The Salvation Army helps with the following:
- Rent and utility bills
- Medication expenses
- Shelter, food, and clothing
- Job training and education
- Youth services
- Emergency disaster response
- Substance abuse rehab
- Christmas gifts
Eligibility criteria for the Salvation Army program
Every Salvation Army has its own set of criteria for various programs.
How to apply for the S.A. grant in Pennsylvania?
To apply for the S.A. grant in Pennsylvania, you may visit the site https://www.southernusa.salvationarmy.org/ and submit the documents to apply for the S.A.
-
Catholic Charities of Pennsylvania
There are seven chapters of CC. They help with the following:
- Utility help
- Housing
- Healthcare help
- Food help
Eligibility criteria for the CC program in Pennsylvania
Every catholic charity organization has its own set of thresholds for various grants.
How to apply for the CC?
You may email [email protected] or even call 703-549-1390 or even visit the site https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/ directly to apply for the CC program.
-
United Way of Pennsylvania
The United Way of Pennsylvania is another program that connects single mothers with local resources such as:
- Housing
- Child care services
- Food
- Shelter
- Support groups
- Health care
How to apply for the grant in Pennsylvania?
To apply for the grant in Pennsylvania, you can dial 211 or even visit the site https://www.211.org .
Rental assistance in Pennsylvania
There are many grants in Pennsylvania to assist renters in getting housing and paying their rent depending on the country in that they reside:
-
Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
The HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) in the United States provides affordable housing or rental apartments and vouchers to assist low-income households in paying their rent.
Eligibility Criteria for the Housing Choice Vouchers and Public housing program
Here are the eligibility criteria for the public housing program and housing choice vouchers program that include:
- Pennsylvania resident
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Should be an eligible immigrant
- Citizen of the United States
- Meet income limits specified by HUD: less than 50 percent of the AMI.
How to apply for the PHA program?
You may call 800-955-2232 for more details or even visit the website https://www.hud.gov/ and submit the necessary documents to apply for the PHA grant. To apply for PHA, you also require an SSN or Social Security Number, a preliminary application form, third-party documentation of income, and signed consent forms.
Also, remember that few PHAs have a waiting list, so you may wish to apply at more than one. Your PHA will also provide you with a list of locations where your voucher may be used.
-
Subsidized apartments
HUD helps apartment individuals by providing reduced rent to low-income tenants.
Eligibility criteria for the Subsidized apartments
- Must belong to the low-income background
- Pennsylvania resident
-
P.A. housing search
The PHFA (Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency) housing search tool assists individuals who search for areas of interest, housing by rent amount, and accessibility.
You will also find additional statewide resources and details that include a rent calculator, a rental checklist, and details on transportation and services.
Eligibility criteria for the P.A. housing search
- Pennsylvania resident
- Low-income background individual
How to apply for the P.A. housing search?
You may call on 877-428-8844 for more details or even visit the site https://www.pahousingsearch.com/ and submit the necessary details to apply for the P.A. housing search.
Conclusion
Single mothers have a tough life where they have to deal with everything home, work, kids, and household chores. Government, Catholic Charities, Community, Non-profit organizations, and many others come forward to help single mothers. Apart from this, there are also programs for single mothers’ assistance in Oregon. Single mothers get housing, child care, food, cash to pay their rent, and other assistance through these organizations. So, if you are a single mother who needs any kind of assistance, you may apply for the grants discussed above.
FAQ’s
How many single mothers are on Universal Credit?
More than 75 percent of families with kids on Universal Credit and more than 1.4 million households are single parents.
How is Universal Credit calculated?
Your U.C. payment depends on earnings in an Assessment period that is one calendar every month. The assessment period begins when you make Universal Credit Claim then it is calculated at the end of every assessment period.
Can I get housing benefits as a single mother?
Single mothers who are renting housing are eligible for the benefit specifically well-designed to assist with accommodation expenses. The amount that you get depends on situations and savings, and it will assist in covering part or all of your rent.
What qualifies for low income in Pennsylvania?
For instance, a single person who stays alone cannot make more than 30,000, and a family of four cannot make $60,000. A household also gets weatherization help automatically if a person within the dwelling unit gets SSI or Social Security Income.
Who is eligible for welfare in P.A.?
Cash help is given to single mothers and families who are caring for a kid in their house and individuals who are blind. Two types of assistance are State Blind Pension and Temporary assistance to needy families.
What is P.A. welfare insurance called?
The Medicaid program of Pennsylvania, also called Medical Help, offers comprehensive healthcare coverage for individuals and vulnerable populations with limited income.
Who qualifies for welfare in W.V.?
You should be a resident of W.V. and under-employed or unemployed or must have a kid under 19 years or be pregnant and meet income rules.
What is covered under P.A. Medicaid?
Hearing, dental and vision, emergency care and hospitalization, substance abuse and mental health, and therapies and rehabilitation are covered under the P.A. Medicaid program.
What is the most common term for welfare assistance?
Temporary Assistance for needy families or (TANF), is a federally funded program by the state government. Also called welfare, TANF or Temporary assistance for needy families assists families financially after experiencing hardship.
What are public benefits in the U.S.?
The public benefits encompass a huge range of government grants that offer financial and other help to the public. Mostly used grants are disability, unemployment insurance, social security, compensation for workers, and housing help (Section 8).