RoxanneIf you’ve been worried about how you’ll put food on the table or keep a roof over your head, the government may be able to help. As long as you’re eligible, you can receive a helping hand via several government assistance programs.
Here are some of the programs that may help single parents the most:
1. Child’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Your children’s health is probably at the top of your priority list. What can keep you from ensuring they’re as healthy as can be? A lack of money, which could lead to a lack of medical coverage.
Luckily, CHIP can help here as it supplies low-cost or even free medical and dental care to children who are under the age of 19 and uninsured.
CHIP offers a host of services for children, such as:
- Medical care
- Hospital care
- Tests
- Medical supplies
- Regular check-ups
- Dental care
- Eye exams
With so many services offered, you won’t have to worry about your child’s health as long as you have CHIP by your side.
2. Medicaid
Millions of low-income residents depend on Medicaid for their healthcare needs. While it helps to give free or low-cost care to adults, seniors, and pregnant women, it also covers kids.
Medicare pays over half of the births in the United States, and over 40 percent of its recipients are children.
3. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Beyond health, keeping a roof over your child’s head is probably another major priority. Thanks to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Section 8 program, you can achieve this goal.
A Section 8 voucher for rent can help you move into a safe home in a more suitable neighborhood for your children. In some cases, you can even get a voucher to purchase a home.
To learn more about this government assistance program, go here to find your local Public Housing Agency.
4. Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
While having a home where your child can safely rest is essential, so is keeping the lights on.
It can be tough to achieve this task if your budget is particularly tight, which is why LIHEAP is a must to keep your electricity bills current.
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/programs/liheap
Should you qualify, you can get help with your monthly utility bills and even receive assistance with making your home more energy-efficient.
5. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Last, but certainly not least, you need to keep your kids fed. SNAP is a government assistance program many single parents use to make this happen.
Millions of low-income households use SNAP to help put food on the table. Once you qualify, you’ll be given a card that can be used as a debit card to buy groceries at stores and farmers’ markets.
6. National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
You don’t want your child to feel hungry in the middle of a long school day. With NSLP, you can tackle that hunger via low-cost or free lunches.
