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owedfinder

Life change guide

I'm a new single parent

Find food, cash, childcare and tax credit help available to single parents. Free to apply. No judgment.

Where to start

Becoming a single parent brings new responsibilities and expenses. The good news is that you may qualify for government help to pay for food, childcare, and other basics. These programs are free to apply for, and only the agency decides if you qualify.

If you're newly single, your income may have dropped. You might be working less, going back to school, or managing more on your own. That's exactly what these programs are designed for.

Start by checking what help you can get. Food assistance usually comes first since it's quick to apply for. Then look into cash assistance and childcare support if you need them. The steps below show you what to do and in what order.

Remember: applying is free. There's no penalty for asking, and no one will judge you for using help you're entitled to.

Do these first

  1. 1

    Check if you qualify for food help (SNAP)

    SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) gives you monthly benefits on a card to buy food. It's the fastest help to get. You may qualify if your income is low enough. Applying is free and takes about 30 minutes.

    About SNAP
  2. 2

    See if your children qualify for WIC

    If you have children under age 5, WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) provides healthy foods and nutrition support. You apply at a local WIC clinic. If you already get SNAP, you may automatically meet the income requirement.

    About WIC
  3. 3

    Look into cash assistance (TANF)

    TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) gives cash to low-income families with children. Each state runs its own program with different rules and benefit amounts. Check what your state offers and apply if you qualify.

    About TANF
  4. 4

    Get help paying for childcare

    If you're working or in school, child care assistance can help cover costs so you can focus on your job or education. Each state sets its own income limits. Apply through your state or local child care office.

    About Child Care Aid
  5. 5

    Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit when you file taxes

    The EITC is a tax credit for people with low to moderate income. You claim it when you file your taxes. It may give you money back or reduce what you owe. If you have children, the credit is usually larger.

    About EITC

Programs that can help

SNAPUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.WICUSDA Food and Nutrition ServiceWIC gives healthy foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children with low income.EITCInternal Revenue ServiceThe EITC is a federal tax credit for people who work and have low to moderate income. It may lower your tax and add to your refund.TANFHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesTANF gives cash help and support services to families with children who have low income. Each state runs its own program.Child Care AidHHS Administration for Children and FamiliesChild care assistance helps families with low income pay for child care so parents can work, look for work, or go to school or training.

Offers that can help

Services from our partners. You never need a paid service to apply for benefits.

Advertiser disclosure
We may earn a commission when you use partner links. Partners never affect which programs we show, how we rank them, or our editorial content. How we make money

FileRight Tax

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Good to know

State returns may cost extra. IRS Free File and VITA are also free if you qualify.

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Pros and details

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Good to know

Lifeline is limited to one discount per household.