How Can Financial Support Help Single Parents?
Money worries are at the top of the list for many single parents. How to pay the household bills, keep the kids in clothes, food in everybody's bellies, and some form of entertainment every now and then can be a challenging balancing act. However, there is financial support, along with money-saving strategies, to help single parents.
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Housing
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County public housing agencies offer programs to help offset the cost of a place to live for low-income single parents. They offer vouchers to help pay rent at the place you live or public housing to live in. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, better known as HUD, also "helps apartment owners offer reduced rents to low-income tenants." Call 800-569-4287 for advice.
Health Care
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Health care insurance is important for everybody, but especially for children and single parents since children are prone to hurt themselves and there is only one parent to care for them. The government provides programs to help low-income single parents with health care. They have insurance for children, as well as the parents. You will probably need to make an appointment with a caseworker at your local human services agency. When you call, they will give you the details of what you must provide, such as social security cards and proof of income.
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Food
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The government also provides help with food costs to low-income single parents. Again, you will need to contact your local human services agency to set up an appointment. However, if you are in emergent need of food, tell the agency and they may be able to move you up on the list of appointments. Most cities also have food banks. Your human services agency could tell you where to find them.
Electricty
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Assistance for paying your electric bill is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Contact the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) project at 866-674-6327 to find out where to apply. Mainly, LIHEAP funds are given in the winter months to help with heating costs. Also, ask your local human services agency if there are any other programs available for single parents. Your electric company may also work with you if you contact them and explain your situation.
Clothing
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Applying for child support from the other parent can help with clothing costs. Shopping at second-hand stores and garage sales also helps with clothing costs. You can often find like new clothes at these places for a fraction of the cost of buying them in a department store. Some second hand stores have discounts on certain days that can further your savings.
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References
- Photo Credit dad image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
