Wouldn’t it be great if the government was handing out $7,500 checks to single moms?
Single mothers need all the financial support they can get — but if you’ve seen social media posts, text messages, or emails promising massive cash grants for single moms, they’re scams.
There’s no official “$7,500 Single Mother Grant,” no matter how convincing the headline sounds.
That said, real financial help is out there, and in many cases, the support available through government programs and nonprofit organizations adds up to even more than $7,500. Whether you need help covering rent, groceries, childcare, or utility bills, there are programs designed to support moms just like you.
Legitimate Hardship Grants For Single Mothers
Modest Needs Grant
Modest needs is a nonprofit that offers grants to working families. They provide two types of financial assistance working single moms can qualify for.
Emergency grants: These grants are for unexpected or emergency expenses. The circumstances that qualify range from grants to help pay for medical care to replacing or repairing a broken refrigerator.
Help to pay bills: This grant helps pays a bill when you’ve lost income because of circumstances beyond your control. If you had to take unpaid time off work to look after a sick child, and now you’re short on the mortgage payment, electric bill, or auto insurance, a Modest Needs grant can cover the amount due.
Learn how to apply: https://www.modestneeds.org/mn/for-applicants
CORE Grant (Children of Restaurant Employees)
If you’re a single mom working in food or beverage service and facing a crisis, a CORE grant might be able to help.
CORE grants offer financial assistance to restaurant and hospitality workers with children under 18 years old. The grant can be used to cover rent, utilities, medical bills, or even funeral expenses, depending on your situation. You don’t have to be a member or pay anything to apply, and grants are based on need, not income.
What counts as a crisis?
- A significant medical diagnoses (you or your child)
- Loss of employment or home due to natural disaster or fire
- Documented domestic violence
The average CORE grant is $2,500. If you think you could be eligible, there’s more information and the link to apply here: https://coregives.org/apply-for-grant.
Bill Pulte Foundation Grants
Bill Pulte grants provide financial help to families experiencing financial hardship. Grants are open to people going through hard times due to circumstances outside their control.
The purposes grants can be used for include housing, utilities, and medical costs. Award amounts are typically a one time payment between $500 and $5,000.
To apply, you’ll need to supply details about your finances and documentation to back up your claims.
Apply for a grant here: https://billpultefoundation.org/apply
Local Grants
Local grants are often overlooked, but they can be your best source of help, and single mothers are often prioritized when funds are limited.
Sources to investigate include state and city hardship programs, local churches, community groups and nonprofits.
If you’re struggling with a rent payment, state and city programs may be able to offer direct support or refer you to an organization that can help.
Churches often have funds set aside to help members of the local community. You may be able to get a small grant to help with rent, furniture, an overdue utility bill, clothing, and groceries.
Community groups and nonprofits run food pantries and diaper banks. They might also have resources to help with childcare.
To find out what support you can get from local sources, call the free 2-1-1 helpline. Tell the advisor exactly what you’re struggling to pay so they can direct you to the best resource.
Government Funded Financial Assistance For Single Moms
If you’re a single mom on a low income, you can qualify for regular financial assistance.
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP)
When you’re a single mom managing a tight budget, your kids may qualify for free or low-cost meals at school, no questions asked. With the rising cost of school meals, qualifying for these programs could save you around $40 a week if you’ve got 2 kids in school.
Who’s Eligible?
It all comes down to household size and income. For example:
A mom with 2 children making $34,645 or less per year (that’s 130% of the federal poverty level in 2025), will normally qualify for completely free breakfast and lunch at school.
With an income between $34,645 and $49,303, your children can still get reduced‑price meals—usually just 30¢ for breakfast and 40¢ for lunch.
If you already claim SNAP, WIC, or TANF your kids might be automatically eligible without needing to show your income.
How to Apply
Ask your child’s school or school district for a Free & Reduced‑Price Meals application.
Fill out the form with basic details and your income.
Give the form to your school’s nutrition office. Most schools will get back to you with an answer in just a few weeks.
LIHEAP Helps Moms Cover Energy Bills
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a government program that can help cover heating and cooling costs, especially when you’re at risk of falling behind.
What Kind of Help Can You Get?
A LIHEAP grant can keep the heat on in the winter, and some states will help you cover the cost of running the A/C in hot summer months.
Low income moms may also be eligible for emergency assistance to prevent a utility shut off or cover the cost of a furnace repair.
Each state runs its own version of the program, and the amount you get depends on your income, family size, and local guidelines. Families with young kids, elderly relatives, or disabled household members often get priority.
When & How to Apply
- Heating assistance applications usually open from November to April.
- Cooling help is typically offered from spring through early fall—depending on your state.
To apply, you’ll need to contact your state or local energy assistance office. Be ready to show proof of income, household members, and your current utility bills.
Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply as soon as the window opens in your area.
Find your state’s LIHEAP office: https://www.liheap.org/directory
Get Free Groceries With SNAP
SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) helps single moms stretch their food budget. This federal program loads your monthly food benefits onto an EBT card—a debit card you can use at most grocery stores and farmers markets.
It won’t cover diapers or cleaning supplies, but it does help make sure you can feed your family when times are tight.
Will You Qualify?
SNAP eligibility is based on your income, family size, and a few other financial factors. If you’re raising children on a limited income, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify.
For example:
In 2025, a single mother with two children can qualify with a gross monthly income of $2,798 or less (that’s 130% of the federal poverty line).
You’ll also need to keep your countable assets—like money in the bank—under $3,000. Your car, house, retirement accounts, and personal belongings don’t count toward the asset limit.
The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a 3-person household is $768.
How to Apply
Find your state’s SNAP office at http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory.
To apply, you’ll need:
- Proof of income
- Proof of citizenship or legal residence
- ID and Social Security numbers for household members
- Proof of your monthly expenses
Most states let you start the process online, but you will need to attend an in-person interview later.
Free Groceries With WIC
If you’re a single mom with little ones under 5, WIC—short for the Women, Infants, and Children program—is there to help.
WIC gives you a monthly boost through an EBT card payment you can use to buy nutritious groceries. You’ll also get access to healthcare referrals, nutrition support, and infant formula.
What Can You Get with WIC?
The program covers approved foods:
- Formula for infants
- Milk, cheese, and eggs
- Whole wheat bread
- Peanut butter and canned fish
- Fruit & vegetable juices
- Canned or frozen produce
Who’s Eligible?
WIC is designed for low-income moms and caregivers of children under 5. In 2025, a single mom with two children (at least one under age 5) can qualify with a monthly income of $3,890 or less.
How to Apply?
Start by reaching out to your state or local WIC office. Each state handles applications a little differently, but many now offer online pre-screening and appointment scheduling.
Find your local office: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/program-contacts.
You’ll be asked to provide:
- Proof of income
- Proof of residency
- Documentation for your child (like a birth certificate or insurance card)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides a monthly cash payment to families and single mothers facing hardship.
You can use it to help budget for rent, transportation, utility bills, diapers, food, or clothes—whatever is your most pressing need.
What Does TANF Offer?
Along with monthly payments, many states pair TANF with childcare support, job training, and help with finding stable work.
Who Can Apply?
TANF eligibility depends on where you live. Because the program is for families in deep financial distress, the income thresholds are low. Most states require that:
- You’re a parent or primary caregiver of at least one child under 18
- Your income and assets fall below the state’s limits
- You’re willing and able to participate in work-related activities, like job searches or skills training
How to Get Started
TANF is run at the state level, so the application process varies. To apply, start by finding your state’s TANF office at https://acf.gov/ofa/map/about/help-families
You’ll need:
- ID and proof of income
- Birth certificates or Social Security numbers for your kids
- Documentation of your current expenses
From there, your local office can walk you through the steps—whether it’s an online application, in-person interview, or phone intake.
Rent Assistance From The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Section 8 limits the amount of income you need to spend on rent. With a HCV, your contribution is usually capped at 30% of your income, with the program covering the rest.
Who can get help?
Single moms on a low income can qualify for the program. But unlike the other government programs we’ve covered, you may not get help right away because Section 8 doesn’t have enough funds for everyone who needs help.
Waitlists are common. In some areas, waiting lists have been closed to new applicants for years. In others, you can expect a wait of several months to several years before you get a rent voucher.
Single moms with children are often given priority, though, and you could also qualify for an emergency housing voucher if you’re facing homelessness.
How to apply
Contact your local Public Housing Agency (PHA). Find contact information at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/public-housing-contacts.
Hardship Loans For Single Mothers
If you need a quick cash boost, loans designed for low-income borrowers and borrowers with poor credit are a good option. The loan providers below are solid alternatives to risky payday loan services.
Upstart: Check what interest rate you qualify for, apply and get an instant decision. Once approved, you’ll get your money in around 24 hours (https://www.upstart.com/personal-loans)
Universal Credit: Easily check the interest rate you’ll get based on the loan purpose and repayment period. Apply online and pick from a variety of loan offers. Provide the required verification to finalize the loan (https://www.universal-credit.com)
Avant: The interest rate you qualify for depends on your credit score. Fast loan approval and payouts (https://www.avant.com)
See Related Article: 10 Single Father Hardship Grants You Can Apply