Research shows that as of 2006, 80% of the 12.9m single-parent households in the United States were headed by a mother. Even worse, statistics suggest that these figures continue to rise, as opposed to what would be a welcomed decline. Financial help for single mothers is necessary, it can be quite difficult to raise a child single-handedly, even more so when one takes into account the financial demands of a child. Most mothers want to be hands-on when raising a child however, as a single mother, this is much more difficult as there isn’t a spouse to support financially. Many women find themselves in financial difficulties, missing payments and accruing debts however, there is financial aid available from different sources which can ease the difficulties for those in need.
In order to prevent restrictions on the life of a single-mother, the government does its part to help. As a whole, the government have a website solely for checking what benefits one is entitled to (http://www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-finder#benefits&qc=cat_1). There is a survey to fill out here and although lengthy, a more accurate estimation of how much is available as well as the type of grants one is entitled to is provided. In addition, a number of grants are available for housing, college, day-care and paying rent. There are well known ones such as the Pell Grant, an educational grant and also housing grants such as the Housing Choice Voucher Programme. Like a number of these grants, the information is available on the governmental benefits website.
For single-mothers in education, grants tend to be available from their respective educational institutions however, the amount available varies from institution to institution. Other perks that may be available include provisions of a computer which although not a financial endorsement, it helps save the money that might have to be spent on purchasing one, had it not been made available.
There are also non-governmental organisations that offer financial help for single mothers. The Sunshine Lady Foundation (http://www.sunshinelady.org/) has been running for 15 years. The organisation sees each grant as an investment, with the only expectation being a successful return for the grantee. Since its establishment, the Sunshine Lady Foundation has awarded more than $100 million in grants and aim to invest in cases where they can assure well being and new life in the working and poor and those in crisis that are beyond their control.
Another reputable non-governmental organisation is Climb Wyoming (http://www.climbwyoming.org/about.html). This organisation aims to assist women in becoming self-sufficient, rather than having to rely on the government or other sources. The women are financially aided as they are paid for the training that they do. Ultimately, the organisation’s aim is to help the woman stand on her own feet both financially and mentally.
Conclusively, financial help and support for women is available however in most cases, one has to go the extra mile in enquiring and applying for them. Ultimately, there are organisations that are prepared to assist single mothers in not only being able to get by but eventually back onto their own feet and being financially independent and secure.