Are you a single mother in Ohio facing financial challenges while trying to provide for your family?
Balancing the responsibilities of parenting and managing expenses can be extremely overwhelming, and we want you to know that you are not alone.
We understand the difficulties of raising a family without a partner and the financial strain it can create.
Hence, we have compiled a list of potential opportunities and resources that could help lighten your financial load.
This comprehensive guide has been specifically curated to explore various grants for single moms in Ohio, aiming to provide valuable assistance during this challenging journey. Keep reading to know more.
14 Grants For Single Moms In Ohio
The state of Ohio recognizes the challenges single mothers face and has implemented several support grants and programs designed to assist them during difficult times.
Available grants include:-
1. Work First
Ohio Works First (OWF) is Ohio’s TANF financial assistance program, providing cash aid to eligible families for up to 36 months.
Participation in work activities is mandatory, and failure to comply may result in benefits termination.
Striving to achieve self-sufficiency is encouraged through OWF support.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Needy families for up to 36 months.
- The initial income eligibility test is based on a family’s gross income before taxes or deductions. Gross income includes earned wages.
- Residents of Ohio, U.S. citizens or qualified aliens that meet certain income and asset limits.
Application Process:
You can apply for OWF through the Ohio Benefits website or by filling out the “Request for Cash, Food and Medical Assistance” (JFS 7200) form and submitting it to your county department of Job and Family Services.
Contact Details: Call (844) 640-6446 for assistance or visit their website.
Source: Singlemotherguide.com
2. Food Assistance Program
The Ohio Food Assistance Program is dedicated to combating hunger within the community by offering supplemental food supplies to low-income families.
This initiative encompasses outreach efforts across Ohio’s counties, ensuring food distribution where it’s most needed.
Eligibility Criteria:
You must be a resident of Ohio and meet one of the following requirements:
- You have current resources valued at $2,250 or less (examples include savings and checking combined).
- You have resources valued at $3,500 or less (examples include savings and checking combined) and share your household with either a person aged 60 and over or a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself).
Application Process:
- Visit the Ohio Benefits portal.
- Alternatively, you can complete the “Request for Cash, Food and Medical Assistance” (JFS 7200) form and submit it to the Warren County Department of Human Services via mail, fax or in person.
- You can also apply over the phone by calling 1-844-640-OHIO.
Contact Details: You can contact the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for assistance.
3. Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal credit aiding low to moderate-income working individuals and families by supplementing their wages and offsetting taxes.
As a refundable credit, eligible workers receive the difference as a refund if the EITC exceeds their tax liability.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Recipients income
- Number of children
- Marital status
Application Process:
- To claim the EITC, you must file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file.
- You can file your taxes online through the Ohio Department of Taxation website or by using a tax preparation software.
- You can also visit a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site near you to receive free tax preparation assistance.
Contact Details: Visit the Ohio Department of Taxation website.
4. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Ohio Food Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamp Program) aids low-income individuals, extending food budgets for healthier purchases.
You can qualify if your gross monthly income is at/below 130% of federal poverty guidelines (about $2,380 for a single mother of two).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Household income must not exceed 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.
- A single mother of two’s gross monthly income limit is about $2,380.
- You may be exempt from certain eligibility tests depending on your state and household composition.
Application Process:
- Download the application form from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website.
- Fill out the application form with accurate and complete information.
- Apply online, via fax or mail.
- After submitting your application, you may be required to participate in an interview.
- Once your application is submitted, it will be processed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
Contact Details: You can apply online at the Ohio Benefits website or call (844) 640-6446.
5. Healthy Families
Ohio Healthy Families provides health and long-term care coverage for low-income families with uninsured children under 19.
Expanded Medicaid now includes Ohioans aged 19-64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level.
Services include doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital care, mental health, vision, dental, and more.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Ohioans from low-income families, mostly uninsured families with children under age 19.
- Ohioans between the ages of 19-64 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
Application Process:
- Apply online at the Ohio Benefits website or call (844) 640-6446.
- You can also apply through the Ohio Self-Service Portal SNAP Program.
- Once you are approved, you will receive a Medicaid card that you can use to access healthcare services.
Contact Details: Visit the Ohio Benefits website or call (844) 640-6446.
Download our free printable because guessing where your money went never worked for anyone!
(By subscribing, you agree to our terms & conditions, privacy policy, and disclaimer.)
6. Ohio Special Program For Women, Infants and Children
Ohio WIC offers nutrition support to income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 at nutritional risk.
The program aims to enhance health and well-being through vital nutrition resources.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Women who recently had a baby.
- Infants birth through 12 months.
- Children age 1 to 5 years.
- Must be at health risk due to inadequate nutrition.
- Must meet income guidelines within Ohio’s WIC income guidelines.
Application Process:
- Contact your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment.
- During the appointment, you will be asked to provide proof of identity, residency, and income.
- You will also receive a health screening to determine if you are at nutritional risk.
- If you are eligible, you will receive WIC checks or an EBT card to purchase approved foods at authorized stores.
Contact Details: Ohio Department of Health WIC Program phone number: 1-800-755-GROW (4769).
7. Summer Food Service Program
Ohio Dept. of Education’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) offers nutritious meals to kids (ages 1-18) during summer.
Eligible sites receive reimbursement for free healthy meals and snacks in low-income areas.
Eligibility Criteria:
- All children aged 1-18 are eligible to receive free meals during the summer months at participating program sites.
- Individuals ages 19 through 21 who have been identified as having mental or physical disabilities and are following Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) through their current enrollment in educational programs also are eligible for free summer meals.
- Participation in other federal assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), also provides automatic eligibility.
Application Process:
- Interested individuals can call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (486479).
- To operate a Summer Meals Site, interested individuals can text “Summer Meals” to 914-342-7744 or call 1-866-348-6479 to find a site near them.
- The Ohio Department of Education provides a Summer Food Service Media Kit for those who want to help spread the word about the program.
Contact Details: Call the Ohio Department of Education at (877) 644-6338 or visit the website.
8. Healthy Start
Healthy Start, often known as SCHIP, is a health insurance program that offers health insurance to pregnant women and children under 19 who are eligible based on income.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to uninsured children from families whose household income is 211% or less of the federal poverty level (FPL) or less than 205% for pregnant women.
- For most families, it is free. For families who qualify under higher income bracket, co-payments typically range from $3 to $5.
Application Process: Contact your state’s Medicaid office or visit the Health Insurance Marketplace website.
Contact Details: For more information about Healthy Start, visit the HRSA website.
9. Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance in Ohio provides temporary financial assistance to qualified individuals seeking a new job based on previous earnings.
Eligible applicants with dependents may receive up to $498 per week.
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must have lost your job through no fault of your own.
- You must be physically able to work.
- You must be available for work.
- You must be actively seeking work.
- You must have earned enough wages in the past 12-18 months to establish a claim.
Application Process: Visit the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) website and follow the steps.
Contact Details: Call 1-877-644-6562 or visit their website.
10. Head Start
Head Start is a federal program that offers early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to eligible low-income families, including single mothers.
This program prepares children for school while providing support to parents.
Eligibility Criteria:
- According to the Poverty Guidelines published by the federal government, eligibility for Head Start is generally based on family income at or below the poverty level.
- Families who receive public assistance (TANF, SSI, or SNAP), and those with children in foster care or children who are homeless, also qualify regardless of income.
Application Process:
- Talk to your local Head Start program. They will help you determine if your child qualifies, give you the necessary forms, and tell you what documents you must submit.
- Use the Head Start Center Locator to find a Head Start program near your home. Call the phone number listed to find out the next steps in the process.
- Review guidance around eligibility determination, and apply for funding.
Contact Details: For more information about Head Start in Ohio, contact the Ohio Department of Education at 614-752-1151 or email headstart@education.ohio.gov.
11. Ohio Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) Assistance
Ohio’s PFCC program stands as a lifeline for low-income families struggling to meet child care costs.
Providing crucial support, the program operates on a sliding fee basis, assisting eligible parents who work, attend school, or participate in job training.
Eligibility Criteria:
(i) Family considered “income eligible” with a gross monthly income at or below 142% of the federal poverty level.
(ii) Specific income limits based on family size:-
Family of 2: $2,333
Family of 3: $2,942
Family of 4: $3,550
Family of 5: $4,158
Family of 6: $4,767
Family of 7: $5,375
Family of 8: $5,983
(iii) Parents must be working, attending school, or participating in job training to qualify.
Application Process:
- Families eligible under income criteria can conveniently apply online at Ohio Benefits.
- Complete the application with accurate information.
- Submit the application through the provided online portal.
- Await processing by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.
12. Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Ohio’s HEAP is a vital program designed to aid income-eligible residents in covering their heating bills.
This assistance is offered once per winter heating season towards the household’s primary heating source.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Household income must not exceed 175% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- Income limits vary based on family size, ranging from $25,520 for a one-person household to $88,480 for an eight-person household.
- Ohio residents seeking assistance with heating bills during the winter season are eligible.
- Priority is given to households with the highest needs or significant home energy costs relative to income.
Application Process:
- Apply online at Energyhelp along with submission of your most recent utility bills.
- Ensure accurate completion of the online application.
- Include necessary documentation for verification.
Contact Details: For further information, contact HEAP toll-free at (800) 282-0880 to connect with your local HEAP provider.
13. Ohio Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
Designed as a temporary emergency program, Ohio’s LIHWAP aims to support low-income households facing difficulties in meeting their water and wastewater bills.
This initiative provides crucial financial assistance to families experiencing hardship in maintaining access to essential water services.
Eligibility Criteria:
(i) Household income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty guidelines.
(ii) Specific income limits based on family size:-
Family of 1: $25,520
Family of 2: $34,510
Family of 3: $43,510
Family of 4: $52,500
Family of 5: $61,500
Family of 6: $70,490
Family of 7: $79,490
Family of 8: $88,480
(iii) Open to low-income households struggling with water and wastewater bills.
Application Process:
- Eligible households can conveniently submit their LIHWAP application online.
- For additional assistance, applicants should contact their local Energy Assistance Provider.
- Ensure all required information is accurately provided in the application.
- Complete the application process promptly to secure timely assistance.
Note: LIHWAP will run through September 30, 2023, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
14. Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)
The Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) is a financial assistance program aimed at supporting Ohio students facing significant financial need, assessed through an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $2,190 or less.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Ohio students demonstrating high financial need.
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $2,190 or less.
Application Process:
- Students interested in OCOG should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- The application deadline is October 1 each year.
- Utilize OCOG calculators to determine refund and eligibility amounts.
Conclusion
The top grants for single moms in Ohio highlighted in this blog present a lifeline of hope and opportunity for you. Through these grants, you can better your life and secure a brighter future for your children and family.
As you embark on the application process, it is essential for you to carefully review the eligibility criteria and follow the application procedures diligently. Also, contacting relevant organizations and seeking guidance from academic advisors or financial aid offices is important.
We’re certain this blog has provided you with valuable insights. If you’d like to receive more blogs like this, please consider subscribing to our newsletter. By doing so, you’ll be the first to know when we publish new content. Remember, knowledge is key to financial prosperity.
FAQs
Most grants mentioned here are considered gift aid and do not require repayment. However, it’s essential to verify the terms and conditions of each grant to confirm whether repayment is necessary.
Yes, you can apply for multiple grants as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each program.
While some grants have specific application periods, others may accept applications year-round. Be sure to check the individual grant details for application deadlines.
