Single mothers in Arizona face many challenges as they try to provide for their families and meet their basic needs. Fortunately, there are several programs and resources that can offer them assistance and support in various areas, such as food, housing, health care, education, and employment. Here are some of the main sources of financial help for single mothers in Arizona:
Food Assistance
Nutrition Assistance Program (N.A.): This program, also known as SNAP or food stamps, provides monthly benefits to low-income families to buy healthy food. The amount of benefits depends on household size and income. For example, a single mother with two children who works full-time could receive as much as $407 in Nutrition Assistance benefits per month. To apply, visit Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 800-352-8401.
Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): This program provides free emergency food and nutrition assistance to people experiencing homelessness, low-income senior citizens, families with children, and others in need. The food is distributed through local food banks and pantries across the state. To find a nearby food distribution site, call the Coordinated Hunger Relief Program at 602-771-2788.
Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC): This program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and referrals to health care for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. WIC also offers breastfeeding support and counseling. To check eligibility and apply, visit Arizona WIC Program or call 800-252-5942.
Housing Assistance
Housing Choice Voucher Program: This program, also known as Section 8, helps low-income families pay rent for private homes or apartments of their choice. The program pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord, while the family pays the difference. The amount of assistance depends on household income, size, and rent. To apply, contact your local public housing agency.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program: This program provides financial assistance to renters who are unable to pay their rent or utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program can cover up to 15 months of rent and utility arrears and three months of future rent. The assistance is paid directly to landlords and utility providers on behalf of eligible households. To apply, visit Arizona Department of Economic Security or call 833-912-0878.
Utility Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This program helps low-income households pay their heating and cooling bills. The program can also provide emergency assistance to prevent utility shut-offs or restore service. The amount of assistance depends on household income, size, energy costs, and weather conditions. To apply, contact your local community action agency.
Health Care Assistance
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS): This program is Arizona’s Medicaid program that provides free or low-cost health insurance to low-income families, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. The program covers a range of services, such as doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, dental care, mental health care, and more. To apply, visit Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 855-432-7587.
KidsCare: This program is Arizona’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that provides low-cost health insurance to children under age 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid. The program covers similar services as Medicaid but requires a monthly premium based on income. The premium ranges from $10 to $70 per month per family. To apply, visit Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 855-432-7587.
Head Start and Early Head Start: These programs provide comprehensive child development services to low-income children from birth to age five and their families. The programs offer health screenings, immunizations, dental care, nutrition services, education services, social services, parent involvement activities, and more. To find a nearby program and apply, visit Arizona Head Start Association or call 602-338-0449.
Education Assistance
Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (AzLEAP): This program provides need-based grants to eligible students who attend participating postsecondary institutions in Arizona. The grants can be used for tuition and fees at public or private colleges or universities. The amount of the grant varies depending on the availability of funds and the student’s financial need. To apply, contact your school’s financial aid office.
Federal Pell Grant: This program provides federal grants to low-income undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. The grants can be used for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses at any eligible institution. The amount of the grant depends on the student’s financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the maximum Pell Grant award is $6,495. To apply, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG): This program provides additional federal grants to low-income undergraduate students who have exceptional financial need and receive Pell Grants. The grants can be used for the same purposes as Pell Grants. The amount of the grant ranges from $100 to $4,000 per year, depending on the availability of funds at each school. To apply, fill out the FAFSA and contact your school’s financial aid office.
Scholarships for Single Mothers
There are also several scholarships that are specifically designed for single mothers who want to pursue higher education. Some examples are:
Helping Hands for Single Moms: This scholarship provides $3,000 per year to single mothers who are enrolled in college full-time or part-time, have a GPA of 2.8 or higher, have at least one child under age 12 living with them, and reside in Maricopa County. The scholarship also includes other benefits, such as AAA membership, auto repair, dental care, laptops, mentoring, and professional development. To apply, visit Helping Hands for Single Moms or call 602-390-1634.
Single Mom Scholars: This scholarship provides up to $5,000 per year to single mothers who are enrolled in college full-time or part-time, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, have at least one child under age 18 living with them, and reside in Pima County. The scholarship also includes other benefits, such as childcare assistance, transportation assistance, tutoring, counseling, and leadership opportunities. To apply, visit Interfaith Community Services or call 520-297-6049.
Arizona Business & Professional Women’s Foundation: This scholarship provides up to $1,500 per semester to women who are enrolled in college part-time or full-time, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, demonstrate financial need, and reside in Arizona. The scholarship is open to women of any age and marital status who are pursuing careers in business or professions that are underrepresented by women.
Employment Assistance
Unemployment Insurance Benefits: This program provides temporary income to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and are actively looking for work. The amount of benefits depends on the worker’s previous wages and the duration of unemployment. The maximum weekly benefit amount in Arizona is $240. To apply, visit Arizona Department of Economic Security or call 877-600-2722.
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP): This program helps low-income families pay for child care while they work, attend school, or participate in training. The program pays a portion of the child care costs directly to the provider, while the family pays a co-payment based on their income and family size. The program covers children from birth to age 13, or up to age 18 if they have special needs. To apply, visit Arizona Department of Economic Security or call 877-822-2322.
Back to Work Program: This program provides job search assistance, career counseling, resume writing, interview skills, and referrals to employers for unemployed or underemployed individuals who are receiving cash assistance or food stamps. The program also offers supportive services, such as transportation, clothing, and tools, to help participants overcome barriers to employment. To apply, visit Arizona Department of Economic Security or call 602-542-5954.
These are some of the main sources of financial help for single mothers in Arizona. However, there may be other programs and resources available in your local community that can also assist you and your family. To find out more, you can contact your local community action agency, social service agency, or non-profit organization. You can also visit 211 Arizona or call 211 to get information and referrals to various services and programs in your area.