Government Help for Single Mothers: Food, Cash, Childcare and Housing

Food Assistance Programs

If you need help buying food, two main programs can help:

SNAP (Food Stamps)

SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to buy food. You can use it at most grocery stores and farmers markets.

For the period from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026, income limits are:

• 1 person: $1,696 gross monthly income
• 2 people: $2,292
• 3 people: $2,888
• 4 people: $3,483

Maximum monthly benefits for the same period are:

• 1 person: $298
• 2 people: $546
• 3 people: $785
• 4 people: $994

These numbers change every October 1st. If you think you might qualify, use the SNAP calculator to get a quick estimate.

WIC (Women, Infants & Children)

WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to health care.

You may qualify if you are:

• Pregnant
• Up to 6 months after pregnancy (up to 1 year if breastfeeding)
• Have children under age 5

Your income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. If you already get SNAP, Medicaid or TANF, you automatically meet the income rule. Apply through a local WIC clinic or agency in your state.

Cash Assistance

TANF (Cash Assistance for Families)

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) gives cash help and support services to low-income families with children.

Each state designs its own TANF program and sets its own income limits and benefit amounts. Some states use a different program name. Most adults receiving TANF must take part in work activities such as a job, job search or training.

Federal law generally limits adults to 60 months (5 years) of federally funded TANF cash assistance. Find your state's program at /state.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit for low- to moderate-income working people. You claim it when you file your taxes, and it can result in a refund. Single mothers often qualify for larger credits than other workers.

Childcare Assistance

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) helps low-income families pay for child care so parents can work, look for work, or go to school or training.

Each state runs its own child care assistance program and sets its own income limit; federal law caps eligibility at 85% of the state median income. Children generally must be under age 13 (or older with special needs).

Families may have to pay a copayment, and can usually choose a licensed provider or another eligible provider. Contact your state's program for details.

Housing and Other Support

[VERIFY: Does the fact pack include housing programs? If so, add them here. If not, note that housing assistance programs exist but are not detailed in this guide.]

How to Apply

Most of these programs are run by your state. You can:

• Visit your state's website (find it at /state)
• Call your local SNAP or TANF office
• Apply online through your state's benefits portal
• Visit in person at your local benefits office

Applying is always free. The agency will decide if you qualify based on your income, household size and other factors.

Can You Get Multiple Benefits?

Yes. You may qualify for more than one program at the same time. For example, you could receive both SNAP and TANF, or SNAP and childcare assistance. Each program has its own application and eligibility rules.

If you get TANF or WIC, you automatically meet the income requirement for SNAP in most cases, which can make it easier to apply.

What If You Lost Your Job?

If you recently lost your job, you may qualify for help even if your income is higher than usual. Learn more about what to do if you lost your job.