What Assistance Is Available to Single-Parent/Low-Income Families?
- There are programs available to assist low-income families
- It is important to know the facts about assistance programs
- Further information can be found in our article Financial Assistance for Single-Parent and/or Low-Income Families
1. True or False: All financial aid is need-based.
False.
Not all student loans are need-based.
Unsubsidized loan and private educational loans are calculated based on the student's budget minus other financial aid, and are not considered need-based.
The Subsidized loan is need-based and eligibility is determined by the information reported on the FAFSA.
2. True or False: Setting a household budget can help with college expenses.
True.
By setting a household budget, you can examine where your money goes and make necessary changes to eliminate wasted spending. Even a couple of extra dollars in your pocket per day can add up over time. This money can be used for tuition and books.
3. Which of the following programs may be utilized by low-income families?
- Insure Kids Now
- HUD (Housing and Urban Development)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- All of the above
- None of the above
"d." is the correct answer. These are all federal programs to help families pay for living expenses such as food and shelter, as well as provide reduced fees for necessary costs, such as health insurance.
4. Which of the following assists low-income families with heating and cooling bills?
- HUD
- Raise the Nation Foundation
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- All of the above
"c." LIHEAP is a program to help low-income families with heating and cooling costs. The program is geared toward homes with elderly persons and small children who risk health issues if bills are not paid.
5. True or False: All programs mentioned in the article are funded by our United States government.
False.
While there are a number of programs funded and supported by our federal government, there are many programs available to low-income families through private organizations and foundations.
6. Which of the following describes CoAbode?
- Couples, with at least one in college and small children, share housing
- Single-parent mothers share housing
- Single students with no children share housing
- Couples, with at last one in college and no children, share housing
"b." CoAbode is a private organization that provides shared housing and household expenses for single-parent mothers.
7. What is the phone number for the free service to access community assistance?
- 9-1-1
- 4-1-1
- 8-0-0
- 2-1-1
"d." is the correct answer. This service may not yet be available in all areas, but by 2008 it's estimated that 80% of states will be on board.
8. True or False: There are tax credits available to low-income college students and/or their parent.
True.
Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, Hope Credit, Lifetime Learning Credit, and educational loan interest paid are all possible sources of a tax credit.
9. True or False: The Sunshine Lady Foundation's Women's Independence Scholarship Program is only for women with children.
False.
This program is to provide educational scholarships to women of domestic violence. Whether the woman has a child or not is not an issue.
10. What is the best form of assistance for a low-income single mother?
- Financial aid through the FAFSA
- TANF
- HUD
- Raise the Nation Foundation
- All of the above
"e." Definitely, all of the above. Everything mentioned in the article is a best form of assistance, especially if you qualify for one or more programs.
Terri Hare is a senior financial aid administrator with nearly 25 years experience in the profession. She completed both her bachelor's and master's degree as a non-traditional student, with a family and full time job. Her master's degree in Instructional Design and Technology was completed primarily with online courses, so she's familiar with the intricacies of balancing family and distance learning.
Comments for What Assistance Is Available to Single-Parent/Low-Income Families?:
6 comment(s)
Minnie westbrook On Thursday, March 11 2010
I,am a Full time Student at National College of Business & Technology. I,am starting a medical career,because of my 12year old daughter. she was born with a 2% bleed in her head/which has caused her to undergo,19 head operations.I, am a single mom, with basically know income. I am requsting information on all resources thats open. Please respond back.
Ernestine Wilson On Thursday, May 20 2010
I am a senior at Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio. I put my educational training on hold, because of an illness that affected my ability to perform well in school. I was diagnosed with a malignancy which left me devastated, and had to undergo an operation. Today, I am happy to report that I am cancer free, and I hope that this outcome will continue. Also, I am currently a foster mom in the process of adopting a 1 year and 2 month old boy, the adoption process will be completed in a couple months. I am interested in returning to school but I was told that I only had $60 + left with FASFA. I am currently employed at a dead end job with no opportunity for advancement. I am dependable and do an excellent job. but in attempting to bid on several positions within the bidding system that the company has in place, I have had no success. I am like many others, struggling and living from paycheck to paycheck I feel that with completion of a degree, I will be able to advance into an occupation that I can appreciate and make a positive difference. Please forward any information that may be available to me so that I can participate in the process of growing and developing in a more rewarding occupation.
Eugenia Fleming On Saturday, June 05 2010
I would like to get money for school of college, I have studen loans that are unpaid. Can you help me with funds for colloge.
A Star On Friday, June 11 2010
What about struggling single women (40+) who does not make enough to live and go to school in a state whose economic status is feeble at best. West Virginia is a very poor state but not everyone has kids and is on welfare. My fiance died 3 years ago and now I am on my own (working at a university) not making enough to make ends meet let alone pay for school. But most grants are very specific or they are designed for back to school moms. Except for student loans I don't qualify for much help but I'm in over my head. I am almost finished with my second Assoicate Degree and I enter the Bachelor's Program in the fall but I am struggling with the transition during this summer from Community College to the University. I could use all the help and advice I can get.......
Marjorie Chambers On Monday, July 05 2010
I am a single mother of a 7 year old daughter. I have been struggling to find a job to support us. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and I am currently finishing upmy Master's Degree in Human Resources Development. Currently, I have to plan on moving out of my $1300 apartment because I can not loger afford the rent, but I have no money to do anything. I have distributed hundreds of resume and I can not find a job. What resources are available to me. I am planning on moving but I do not have the money to pay the first rent plus deposit. I cannot wait on HUD, because Hud is a waiting list, and I do not have the time. America is in a bad shape even for people with degrees. Can someone give me some input?
Jerri Paulk On Wednesday, February 16 2011
I am a single grandma raising two granddaughters that I adopted seven years ago. The girls are now 11 and 13. I recieve adoption support but it is no longer enough for us to get by. I've had TIA' or mini strokes and have other medical problems, however after talking to Montana Voc Rehab today I realize that I need to go to college to get a degree in order for my girls to see me be successful so they can be successful in school. Where do I go from here? Thank you for any information.