Note, you might want to check out our Canadian Federal Assistance page and our Canadian Provincial Assistance for Single Mothers page for more related information on Canadian Assistance Programs.

Raising a family can be a challenge when there doesn’t seem to be enough money to go around. But there are a number of government Canada grants available in a number of important areas that will help you live better right now, or prepare for a better future.

TRAINING

Apprenticeship Grants

Apprenticeship grants are designed to make a career in the trades more attractive and to reward those who persevere in and complete an apprenticeship. The money is intended to cover costs related to training, such as tuition, tools and travel.

Skilled tradespeople have an advantage in the job market, and, even better, as a journeyman in one of the Red Seal trades your skills are recognized and transportable throughout Canada.

More than 50 trades are included in the Red Seal program, from automotive painter or baker to glaziers, plumbers, roofers and welders. To see a complete list of recognized trades, see the program’s website.

Just remember that not all trades carry the Red Seal in all provinces—those in your province may be different from those in other parts of Canada. So before deciding on a trade, consider where you may end up practicing it.

Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG)

This grant encourages you to “stick with” the apprenticeship you’ve chosen and embarked upon. Once you’ve successfully completed your second year or level of apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades, you will receive a taxable grant of $1000 per year (for a maximum of $2000).

You are eligible for this grant if:

• You are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
• You are not a high school student
• Your apprenticeship is registered (with an employer, a training trust fund, union training centre, or similar recognized apprenticeship sponsor)
• The program you are following is designated as Red Seal in the same province where your apprenticeship is registered
• You have supporting documentation that proves you have completed the first and second years and/or levels (or equivalent) of the program in which you are registered
• You are applying for the grant within the deadline: June 30 of the calendar year following your completion of required apprenticeship term

It’s easiest to apply online—if you meet the eligibility guidelines above, apply here. You can expect your grant within about a month after your application is complete.

Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG)

Once you have completed your apprenticeship and become a certified journeyperson, you can apply for this $2000 taxable grant as well.

The eligibility criteria for this grant are the same as for the Incentive Grant, except that, of course, your documentation will include proof that you have successfully completed an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades.

Apply here for the Apprenticeship Completion Grant.

It is not necessary to have received the AIG in order to apply for the ACG. Similarly, you may apply for both if your apprenticeship was completed after 2 years of training.

EDUCATION

One of the richest sources of grants is money made available for continuing education and lifelong learning. People who are better educated qualify for better-paying jobs. The government recognizes this simple fact in the clearest way possible: by providing lots of financial help for people who want to improve their prospects for rewarding and productive employment.

Whether you’re looking for financial aid so that you may find a better job, or need help financing a good education for your children, there is likely a grant that fits your circumstances in the list below.

For each of the following grants, eligibility starts with an application for a Canada Student Loan.  All applications for loans and grants are processed at the provincial level, so make sure you inquire about procedures and send all paperwork to the appropriate student financial assistance office for your area. Most provinces will provide an online application process for the Canada Student Loan.

At the time your loan application is processed, your case will be evaluated for any available grants, which are awards that do not have to be repaid. Familiarize yourself with the list of grants below and, if a grant amount you were expecting is not included in your Certificate of Eligibility, you will be able to make inquiries as to why.

Remember that any student loans you receive—as opposed to a grant—must be repaid with interest. Make sure you understand your entire Certificate of Eligibility and its implications before signing it. Signing this document means you agree to pay back any loan amount plus interest.

Grant for Students from Low Income Families

Available for undergraduate studies only

Eligibility for this grant hinges on your family income related to family size. These figures are unique for each province—you can see what qualifies as low income on Table A of  this chart.

The grant is for full-time students in a program of at least two years at a designated post-secondary institution (contact your provincial/territorial student financial assistance office to find out if the school you want to attend qualifies).

Up to $3000 per academic year is available under this grant ($250 per month of study), disbursed at the beginning and middle of the school year. Since grant amounts are fixed, it is possible that you will receive a grant that meets or exceeds your assessed need amount, in which case you will not need a student loan.

For example, if your application for a Canada Student Loan assesses your need at $1400,  and you qualify for this Low Income grant, the grant amount of $2000 makes any loan unnecessary. You do not have to pay back the difference.

Grant for Students from Middle Income Families

Available for undergraduate studies only.

This grant is also based on family size and income, as determined by Table B in this matrix. It is also for full-time students engaged in at least two years of study at an eligible post-secondary institution (you will have to contact your student financial assistance office to make sure your institution qualifies).

The award is $100 per month of study, up to $1200 per academic year, and is also disbursed twice per academic year. Similar to the grant for Low Income Families, if your assessed need is lower than the grant amount, you will not have to contract for a student loan to finance your education.

Grant for Students with Dependants

Available for studies beyond the undergraduate level.

With this grant, the type of program you are enrolled in expands. It can be a degree, certificate or diploma program of at least 12 weeks within a period of 15 consecutive weeks. You are eligible if your family qualifies as low income and you have at least one dependant under age 12 at the beginning of the study period.

If you have a dependant child over age 12 who is disabled, you may also qualify for this program.

The grant amount is $200 per month of study for each dependant child. This grant program builds on the Grant for Students from Low Income families—the amount for your dependant children is added to the $250 per month you already qualify for under that program.

Grant for Part-Time Studies

Available for studies beyond the undergraduate level.

Students from low-income families enrolled in a part-time program of at least 12 weeks within 15 consecutive weeks qualify for this grant, which provides up to $1200 per academic year.

This grant is different from those listed earlier in that it will not exceed your assessed need: if your need is evaluated at $800, you will receive that amount, not a fixed amount of $1200.

Grant for Part-Time Students with Dependants

Available for studies beyond the undergraduate level.

Eligibility for this grant is the same as for the Grant for Part-Time Studies, except that:

• You have a dependant younger than age 12 at the beginning of the study period (exceptions for older children who are disabled)
• Your assessed needs exceeds the Grant for Part-Time Studies (maximum of $1200)
• You have borrowed at least $4000 in Canada Student Loans

If those criteria are met, you will receive a maximum of $1920 per academic year, depending on the number of dependants you claim. The grant is calculated on a per-week basis ( up to $40 per week of study for one or two dependants; up to $60 for three or more). The grant amount will not exceed your assessed need.

Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities

Available for studies beyond the undergraduate level.

This grant offers $2000 per academic year for disabled students enrolled in a part-time or full-time program of 32 weeks or more.

Proof of your permanent disability is supplied with any of:

• A medical certificate
• A psycho-educational assessment
• Documentation that you receive federal or provincial disability assistance

As with all the other grants, your course of study must be taken at a designated post-secondary educational institution.

Find the student financial assistance office for your area to verify your eligibility for this grant and to apply.

Grant for Services and Equipment for Students with Permanent Disabilities

Available for studies beyond the undergraduate level.

If you qualify for the Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities, and in addition can provide written confirmation and the exact cost of necessary education-related services and/or equipment, you may be eligible for a grant of up to $8000 per academic year to fund those exceptional expenses.

Saving for Education

Planning ahead for your child’s education costs can save you big money down the road. The first, and easiest, step is to make use of the programs the Federal government has in place to help.

Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)

Having an RESP in place makes your child eligible for various grants that can then be deposited into the RESP. Income generated from the contributions is not taxable as long as it remains in the RESP. Parents, relatives, and friends of a beneficiary may also contribute, up to a lifetime limit of $50,000 per child.

Funds from the RESP are disbursed for qualified educational purposes: full- or part-time studies in an apprenticeship program, a CEGEP, trade school, college or university. Students will pay taxes on income disbursed from the fund, but not on contribution amounts.

The RESP account remains open for 36 years from inception, so there’s no pressure on you or your child to start or finish school on a tight schedule. If for some reason the funds are not used for your child’s education, the contributions are returned to you as tax-free income.

Eligibility:

Both the subscriber and the beneficiary(ies) must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

How To Apply:

You (the subscriber) need to choose a promoter (the entity that will administer the savings plan and disburse funds). Information on RESP application procedures is available from most financial institutions.

• Important: research your options first. Some promoters may not offer all the programs for which you are eligible. This can mean giving up free money for your child, or embarking on a longish process of changing promoters and transferring your account. Visit this website to see what you need to know before choosing a promoter.

Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)

This federal grant makes a payment of 20% on RESP contributions for an eligible beneficiary, up until the age of 17.

For families with low to middle-income, there is also an Additional CESG (A-CESG) over and above the basic CESG described above. This grant will add either 10% or 20%, depending on family income, to the first $500 contributed to the beneficiary’s RESP each calendar year, up until the end of the year in which the child turns 17. Year 2010 income limits are $41,544.00 (for the 20% grant) and $83,088 (for the 10% grant).

Eligibility:

All children up to age 17 are eligible for the basic CESG, as long as they are Canadian residents and have an RESP. There are special rules for children age 15-17. These rules and other information can be found at the link above.

How To Apply:

Your RESP provider should automatically ensure that the basic CESG grant is being deposited in your child’s RESP.

One of the considerations when choosing a provider (also known as a promoter) is to ensure they offer the A-CESG if you qualify by income. If you’ve already opened an RESP and your provider does not offer this grant, you will have to transfer the RESP to one who does, in order to apply.

Canada Learning Bond (CLB)

Another incentive program from the federal government to help make starting an RESP an easy choice for families on a limited budget.

This program will deposit $500 into your child’s RESP regardless of any contributions you do or do not make. Each year thereafter until your child reaches age 15, $100 will be deposited into the RESP. (An extra $25 will be provided to help offset any costs associated with setting up the RESP.) That’s up to $2000 plus interest provided for your child’s education after high school.

Eligibility

To qualify for this bond program:

• · Your child must have been born after December 31, 2003
• · You receive the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) as part of the Canada Child Tax Benefit (also known as “family allowance” or “baby bonus”).

How To Apply

Just open an RESP for your child (a SIN will be required). When selecting an RESP provider/promoter, remember to verify that they offer this bond first. If you anticipate contributing to your child’s RESP at any point in the future, make sure the RESP provider also offers the A-CESG if you believe your income will qualify you for that additional grant amount.

HOUSING

Emergency Repair Program

This program funds emergency housing repairs to homeowners and tenants in rural areas.  Your application for aid must be approved before any repairs are carried out.

There are two types of eligibility to be considered:

• Your income must be below the ceiling established for the area in which you live
• The repairs must be necessary for safety reasons, such as to chimneys, heating systems, doors and windows, foundation, plumbing or electrical systems.

Grant amounts vary based on geographic location and type of repair; maximum amounts available are:

• Southern Canada: $6000
• Northern Canada: $9000
• Far Northern Canada: $11,000

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation administers this grant, and has other similar programs for home modification or renovation for the disabled and elderly. A pre-qualification tool can be found at their website to see more details on these programs and their requirements.

Energy efficiency grants and incentives

You may qualify for federal grants for home improvements that lower energy costs, improve comfort and reduce environmental impacts.

You will need to procure an energy advisor to conduct an audit of your home or multi-unit residential building first. Their evaluation of the buildings energy use will highlight retrofits to improve efficiency, which are used as a basis for determining grant amounts.

The maximum grant amount for a home is $5000 (for a multi-unit residential building, $5000 per unit).

Some of the retrofits provided under this program are replacing heating system units, cooling system units, insulation for walls, floors, attics and more, air sealing, doors, windows and skylights, and water conservation improvements.

A complete list of eligible retrofits, as well as application and eligibility information, is available at the link above.

From child care assistance to University savings plans, there is likely some program that can help you manage more easily the expenses associated with raising your children and keeping your family strong. There are even programs to ensure your retirement or disability payments make provisions for your children.

Note that  these are CANADIAN FEDERAL ASSISTANCE programs and NOT PROVINCIAL ASSISTANCE. If you are looking for provincial assistance, take a look at the Canadian Provincial Assistance page.

Take a look through the list below and see what programs can benefit you.

(This listing focuses on family-related services. For a full listing of benefits, programs and services, see the websites of Benefits Canada or Service Canada.)

Education Savings

Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP)

Toll-Free: 1-800-267-3100 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-267-3100 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

An RESP is a great way to start saving early for your child’s education. For one thing, having an RESP in place makes your child eligible for various grants that can then be deposited into the RESP; for another, income generated from the contributions is not taxable as long as it remains in the RESP. Parents, relatives, and friends of a beneficiary may also contribute, up to a lifetime limit of $50,000 per child.

Funds from the RESP are disbursed for qualified educational purposes: full- or part-time studies in an apprenticeship program, a CEGEP, trade school, college or university. Students will pay taxes on income disbursed from the fund, but not on contribution amounts.

The RESP account remains open for 36 years from inception, so there’s no pressure on you or your child to start or finish school on a tight schedule. If for some reason the funds are not used for your child’s education, the contributions are returned to you as tax-free income.

Eligibility:

Both the subscriber and the beneficiary(ies) must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

How To Apply:

You (the subscriber) need to choose a promoter (the entity that will administer the savings plan and disburse funds). Information on RESP application procedures is available from most financial institutions.

• Important: research your options first. Some promoters may not offer all the programs for which you are eligible. This can mean giving up free money for your child, or embarking on a longish process of changing promoters and transferring your account. Visit this website to see what you need to know before choosing a promoter.

Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG)

Toll-Free:1- 800-622-6232 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1- 800-622-6232 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

This federal grant makes a payment of 20% on RESP contributions for an eligible beneficiary, up until the age of 17.

For families with low to middle-income, there is also an Additional CESG (A-CESG) over and above the basic CESG described above. This grant will add either 10% or 20%, depending on family income, to the first $500 contributed to the beneficiary’s RESP each calendar year, up until the end of the year in which the child turns 17. Year 2010 income limits are $41,544.00 (for the 20% grant) and $83,088 (for the 10% grant).

Eligibility:

All children up to age 17 are eligible for the basic CESG, as long as they are Canadian residents and have an RESP. There are special rules for children age 15-17. These rules and other information can be found at the link above.

How To Apply:

Your RESP provider should automatically ensure that the basic CESG grant is being deposited in your child’s RESP.

One of the considerations when choosing a provider (also known as a promoter) is to ensure they offer the A-CESG if you qualify by income. If you’ve already opened an RESP and your provider does not offer this grant, you will have to transfer the RESP to one who does, in order to apply.

Canada Learning Bond (CLB)

Toll-Free:1- 800-622-6232 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1- 800-622-6232 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Another incentive program from the federal government to help make starting an RESP an easy choice for families on a limited budget.

This program will deposit $500 into your child’s RESP regardless of any contributions you do or do not make. Each year thereafter until your child reaches age 15, $100 will be deposited into the RESP. (An extra $25 will be provided to help offset any costs associated with setting up the RESP.) That’s up to $2000 plus interest provided for your child’s education after high school.

Eligibility

To qualify for this bond program:

• · Your child must have been born after December 31, 2003
• · You receive the National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS) as part of the Canada Child Tax Benefit (also known as “family allowance” or “baby bonus”).

How To Apply

Just open an RESP for your child (a SIN will be required). When selecting an RESP provider/promoter, remember to verify that they offer this bond first. If you anticipate contributing to your child’s RESP at any point in the future, make sure the RESP provider also offers the A-CESG if you believe your income will qualify you for that additional grant amount.

Pension and Employment

Child Rearing Drop-Out Provision (CRDP)

Toll-Free: 1-800-277-9114 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-277-9114 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

When you retire or become disabled, you become eligible to receive basic benefits from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). In the event of your death, these benefits transfer to your partner and/or children. Naturally, you will want this monthly benefit to be calculated to your advantage wherever possible.

The benefit amount is calculated on how much and how long you paid into the pension plan; however, certain life events cause people to “drop out” of earning at their full potential for some period of time. One of these events is child rearing. The CRDP is a provision to exclude such a period from your earnings calculations, so that your ultimate CPP benefit is not reduced

Eligibility

The CRDP can only be used for months where:

• Your family received National Child Benefit Supplement (also known as “family allowance” or “baby bonus”) payments or were eligible for the Canada Child Tax Benefit (even if you did not receive the benefit)

And

• Your earnings were lower because you either stopped working, or worked fewer hours to be the primary caregiver of a dependent child under the age of seven

And

• That child was born after December 31, 1958

How To Apply

Apply for the CRDP at the same time you apply for any CPP benefit. You should apply at least six months before you would like to start receiving the benefit.

Applications are available online here.

You may also stop at any Service Canada Centre for a kit. Find the Centre nearest you.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Children’s Benefits

Toll-Free: 1-800-277-9914 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-277-9914 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

CPP Children’s Benefits provide a monthly benefit to the dependent children of disabled or deceased contributors. Your rates will vary based on your parent’s contributions, but averages and maximums can be investigated at this link.

Eligibility:

For you to be eligible for Children’s Benefits, your parent must have made sufficient contributions to the CPP. Also, if you are between 18 and 25, you must be attending school full time at a recognized institution. Children under 18 do not have to be in school to be eligible.

How To Apply

You should apply when you first become aware that your parent has applied for a disability benefit, or should your parent die.

Information and links to application forms can be found here.

Employment Insurance (EI)

Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-206-7218 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Employment Insurance provides regular benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs) and are available for and able to work, but can’t find a job. There’s no way to tell in advance of application what your benefit will be, but the basic rate is 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings. At present, the maximum amount is $468 per week (based on the maximum yearly insurable amount of $44, 200).

Benefits are provided for a period of from 14 to 45 weeks, depending on unemployment rates in your region and the number of insurable work hours you accumulated during the 52 weeks preceding your claim. If you should find work before exhausting your benefit, the remainder can be “reactivated” for you to use again should another layoff occur.

While you are receiving benefits, you must be actively looking for work and keeping a written record of employer contacts.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for this benefit if you:

• Have paid EI premiums (through paycheck deductions during periods of employment)
• Lost your employment through no fault of your own
• Have been without work and pay for at least seven consecutive days in the last 52 weeks
• Have worked for the required number of insurance hours in the last 52 weeks or since the start of your last EI claim (whichever is shorter)

How To Apply

The application for EI regular benefits is completed online (whether you do it from home, from a Service Canada Centre, or from some public internet access point) and could take up to an hour. Review the instructions beforehand to make sure you have all required information and documentation.

Employment Insurance Family Supplement

Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-206-7218 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Family Supplement is a feature of Employment Insurance (EI) that provides additional benefits to low-income families with children when a caregiver loses his or her job.

The maximum Family Supplement will reach as high as 80% of your average insurable earnings.

As your income level rises, the Family Supplement gradually decreases, so that when the maximum income of $25,921 is reached no supplement is payable.

Eligibility

If your family receives the Canada Child Tax Benefit, then you are eligible to receive the supplement on qualifying income levels.

How To Apply

No application is necessary—if you are eligible, the Family Supplement will automatically be added to your EI benefit.

Child Care

Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB)

Toll-Free: 1-800-387-1193 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-387-1193 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Canada Child Tax Benefit is a tax‑free, monthly payment made to eligible families to help them with the cost of raising children under age 18. The amount of this benefit is calculated using the information you provide on your income tax returns. The benefit comprises two parts:

1. The National Child Benefit Supplement (NCBS), the federal government’s contribution to the National Child Benefit.
2. The CCTB may also include the Child Disability Benefit (CDB), a monthly benefit for qualified families caring for children with severe and prolonged mental or physical impairments.

Eligibility:

• Child must be under age 18
• Child must live with you and you are the child’s caregiver (there are provisions for shared and temporary custodianship)
• You must be a resident of Canada
• You (or your partner) must be a Canadian citizen or a recognized legal resident with a period of established residency (more information at the program website).

How To Apply:

You should apply for the CCTB as soon as possible after any of these events:

• Your child is born
• A child begins to live with you
• You become a resident of Canada

Don’t assume you are ineligible because your family income seems too high. The eligibility calculations can be complex and you might be missing a detail that qualifies you. Apply regardless and see what the agency comes up with.

There are three ways to apply for the CCTB:

1. If you consented to use the Automated Benefits Application Service (ABA) on the birth registration form when your child was born, you should have all the information you need to apply using this service. It is important to verify whether or not you provided this consent—if you apply for benefits using one of the next two methods, and you are already a registered ABA user, your benefits may be delayed. See how to use the ABA here.
2. You can fill out a form and mail it in. For the form and address, see here.
3. You can apply online here.

For the CDB (the benefit for families having a disabled child), see more information below.

Child Disability Benefit (CDB)

Toll Free: 1-800-387-1193 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-387-1193 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Child Disability Benefit (CDB) is a tax-free benefit, paid monthly, of up to $2470 per year ($205.83 per month) for families who care for a child under age 18 with a major disability. This could be a physical or mental impairment that can be classified as “severe and prolonged” (lasting, or expected to last, at least 12 months).

Eligibility

Families who are eligible for the Canada Child Tax Benefit will receive the CDB only if the child is also eligible for the disability amount, also known as the Disability Tax Credit. Determining eligibility for the disability amount is the first step, and requires a doctor’s certification that the child’s impairment meets certain conditions.

How To Apply

A special form must be completed by both you and a qualified practitioner attesting to the child’s disability. If Canada Revenue Agency approves that form, then the CDP payments will begin.

The special form to complete is called T2201 Disability Tax Credit Certificate, and can be found here.

Send the completed form to your tax centre after you have filed your taxes for the year, to avoid a delay in assessment.

Universal Child Care Benefit

Toll-Free: 1-800-622-6232 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-622-6232 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

This taxable benefit is paid to parents in monthly instalments of $100 per month per child under the age of six. The benefit is available to any Canadian family with young children, no matter where you live or what your financial situation. You can use the payment for any child care-related expense, whether it be out-of-home care, to help pay for pre-school programs or educational materials, or even apply it toward an education fund (RESP or RDSP).

Payment is made monthly directly to the lower-earning parent. The “taxability” of the benefit has recently been improved so that single-parent families receive tax treatment comparable to two-parent families. Joint custody provisions will soon be added to make it easier for parents to share the amount received.

Eligibility:

• You must be the primary caregiver of a child under 6 years of age on or after July 1, 2006
• You must be a resident of Canada

How to Apply:

If your family is already receiving/has qualified for the Canada Child Tax Benefit then you will automatically receive the UCCB. There is no need to apply separately.

There are three ways to apply:

1. Through the Canada Revenue Agency website.
2. At a Service Canada Centre. Find the centre closest to you.
3. By phoning 1-800-387-1193 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-387-1193 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Health, Wellness, Educational Access

Nobody’s Perfect

General Inquiries: 1-613-952-1220 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-613-952-1220 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Nobody’s Perfect is a parenting education and support program for parents of young children. Parents who are young, single, isolated geographically or socially, or who have low income and education levels may not have had access to the kind of parenting information that will help their child thrive. This program, offered as a series of six to eight weekly group sessions, is designed for just such parents.

Materials are free, and trained facilitators (community workers, other parents and public health nurses) help participants work together to discover positive parenting techniques. The program is based on the principles of adult education—building on what these capable adults already know and do, then involving them in the learning process to expand on those capabilities. The network formed by this learning process provides a source of advice and support that can carry well beyond the weekly meetings.

Eligibility

Parents of children age birth to 5 years

How To Apply

Contact a provincial coordinator at this website.

Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities

General Inquiries: 613-952-1220 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 613-952-1220 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities Program is a community-based children’s program delivered by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). It focuses on early childhood development for First Nation, Inuit and Métis children and their families living off-reserve.

The program is individually developed for each community where it exists, but typically will include the following components in a structured half-day preschool format:

• Aboriginal culture and language
• Education and school readiness
• Health promotion
• Nutrition
• Social support
• Parental involvement

The program is free.

Eligibility

Any family from one of the populations mentioned who lives off-reserve is eligible to apply. There is a similar program in place for on-reserve families, the Aboriginal Head Start On-Reserve.

How To Apply

To see if programs exist in your area, and to inquire about registration and transportation, contact the PHAC regional office nearest you.

The problem seems to be finding the funding that will enable moms to continue the onward progress of their dreams. The ability to pay for an education will, for most people, determine whether they can get education in the first place! Now as a single mom, it’s TOUGH to make ends meet. Something like college can seem quite impossible. But if you are willing to work hard, there are some ways to make ends meet that will allow single moms (and single dads) to attend college or some sort of training program to better their career prospects.

The best hope is to get scholarships funding. Now there are numerous scholarships and grants available to aid in such moms and dads who want to head back to school. The trick seems to be knowing where and when to look for them. This article is dedicated to the plight of women who are trying to make a decision to continue their education. Many colleges offer scholarships and grants that have been specifically designed to help with post secondary education. The powers that be has seen the needs of single moms and responded in kind.

Single mothers are shouldering the full responsibility of their households are not looking for a hand out they want, need a helping hand. Scholarships and grants offer these mothers the advantage of being able to get the funds for college without the burden of having to repay a loan at exorbitant interest rates. The grants are for any woman of low income their backgrounds and ages are not a factor for most of them.

Scholarships are harder to get because of the numerous applicants for each single one. Like grants once it is awarded there is no need to worry about repayment. It is important that you get organized and have all the necessary information gathered before starting your application process. Most scholarships and grants have application deadlines, so when you are considering one you must adhere to these deadlines in order to be considered.

So lets look at the scholarship options out there.

Online Scholarship Giveaways

There are a number of online “sweepstake scholarships” as you might call them. You fill out a quick application and get entered into a 10k Scholarships for Moms. If you manage to win the scholarship, the money can be used towards any education expense. There are a number of these programs out there that are worth applying for, since it’s free to do so. For another such program, look at 10k Scholarships for Working Adults for another scholarship sweepstake you can apply for.

Listings of Some Available Scholarships

Now that you know what to look for in a scam here are a few programs that are above board. They will each contain a link to provide you with detailed information.

• If you live in the State of Arkansas you could apply at http://www.aspsf.org/, for the Single Parent Scholarship Fund awards a scholarship to residents of over 70 counties in the state of Arkansas. Once you go to the website you can look up your county on the locator map.

• In 1978, the Jeannette Rankin Foundation has been awarding scholarship to eligible women. You may apply from November thru February. Only 500 women will be granted awards so the earlier you apply the better. http://www.rankinfoundation.org/, click on this link for more information.

• Congresswoman Patsy Mink made a huge step to see the realization of one of the causes she was most passionate about. She started the Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation to aid low income, especially single mothers to further their education. Click for more information.

• It is a horrible commentary on society but the fact is that a lot of single mothers are also a domestic abuse survivor. The R.O.S.E scholarship is for women who have already completed one full year of undergraduate classes in the New England area. For more information go here.

Government Sponsored Grants

The government also has several grants that you can apply for. The Pell grant is open to all residents but you have to apply for it by starting with the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which can be applied for here. This one application will open other doors of possible funding.

Government Financial Aid Requirements (FAFSA requirements)

• Be a U.S Citizen or an eligible non citizen
• A social Security Card
• Registered with the selective service program
• Have a high school diploma, GED or pass an entrance examination
• Be enrolled in a school that participates in the program
• Not have any drug convictions while you were receiving federal grant monies
• Not be in default on a student loan
• You must be able to show that you have financial need

Most of the single mothers in America can show financial need easily. If you are living at or below the poverty level your need is apparent. Even if for some reason you are denied Federal Aid you may still be accepted for some of the State and Local grant programs.

As a single parent you should also be aware that there are some local churches and civic organizations that also offer grants at various times during the year. These are a little harder to find and will require that you be diligent in your search. Start calling local groups or Googling them to see if they have a information about grants on their websites.

Another overlooked source of funding is the colleges themselves. Some have scholarships and grants for various groups and degree programs. Women going into typically male dominated fields qualify for a wide range of scholarships. With the high need for teachers in the United States there are several Grants that are aimed at getting more people to enter that field. They come with a few strings attached but hey what doesn’t. The TEACH grant for example requires that you contract to teach in an elementary or high school in a low income high need area for a number of years post graduation. If you do not then the grant is treated as a loan and interest will be attached. You will have to pay it all back. The following link takes you directly to the website for more information. It is worth at least reading the offer.

Child Care Assistance

Going back to school or continuing your education brings with it all new set of concerns including that of childcare. Even if your kids are older and spending a full day in school there is the after school care that is needed sometimes while you are in transit. Childcare cost have skyrocketed in the past few years and single mothers are having it harder than most. There is also funding available for that if you know where to look. One source of funding can be through the Department of Children and Families. If you follow this link, it will take you directly to the landing page for their childcare program. You will find all the information you need to know to apply in your state.

How to Avoid Scholarship Scams

There are a number of phony scholarship programs out there that rip people off. Don’t fall victim to these programs. Here are a few things to look for to avoid getting scammed:

1. Scholarships are not won or are a part of some type of drawing. You apply for all of the legitimate scholarships. So if you get something by email, snail mail or a phone call saying you won a scholarship, do not believe it.

2. If you get a correspondence of any kind and its from a company or other concern offering to apply for scholarships on your behalf do not give out your personal information. These are usually identity theft scams.

3. Any offer of a scholarship that claims everyone is eligible cannot be legit as most scholarships set applicant criteria.

4. If the program is asking for any type of up front fee you can bet it’s a scam. Oh, they may have given out a thousand or two to some people, but this was only to make them look legitimate. They make more on the ones who get bamboozled into sending them the fee than they ever give away.

5. Never pay a consulting or matching service. Any information they would give you can be found by you, if you only take the time to do a few Internet searches.

These are just a few of the most popular scams to look out for. The main thing is to be vigilant and to research any organization before giving them your personal information.

The Final Word on Scholarships for Single Moms

It does not matter if you are returning to finish a long put off career choice, enhancing a degree you already possess or are looking for vocational training on a short term basis, there are grants and scholarships available to help with all of these. Knowing that you are not alone in this struggle can give you comfort and courage you need to proceed in the face of adversity. There are several websites that provide a place for mothers to chat with others, not unlike themselves to share their knowledge, strength and hope. Websites like singlemoms.org are valuable Internet resource that was started in an effort to consolidate the information out there into a easy format and provide assistance to single mothers who are in need of help in all areas. Not only do they provide valuable links to other sites they have pages that cover everything from parenting to finance and housing. It is worth it to bookmark this site for your personal use in the future. They have also started their own scholarship program. It is advisable for you to take the time and give the site the once over, as a single mom you are sure to find topics that interest you. They offer an extensive list of links to various grant and scholarship applications as well.

Another font of valuable site to bookmark for future reference is the government student website. This link will take you directly to a page listing various scholarships and grants with information about where and how to apply. It is important that you check for reputable sites such as the ones listed here. A sad but true fact is that there are scholarship scams on the web. In order to help you recognize these scams here are a few tips describing what you should be on the look out for.

Ok, first off, the primary financial assistance programs available comes down to the following: grants, scholarships, loans, and government (welfare) programs. But this list is by no means comprehensive. This article will try and cover all the major financial help for single mother options, though by no means is the information all inclusive.

Grants for Single Mothers

This topic has quite a bit of misinformation written about it. Grants are considered need-based awards. This means they are given out to people or organizations with financial need. Now first off: most government grants are given out to organizations and not to individuals. Government grants for individuals, at least from the federal government, are unusual, the exception being school grants and business grants.

If you are looking for business grants (which you may, if you are trying to start a business as a single mother), you may want to visit the government business website. You can also view a list of some of the government grants here.

Government grants, as stated, are usually for businesses, organizations, or students. You may be able to find state grants that are given out as financial assistance.

A Quick Look at some website giveaway programs of interest

You can however find a wide range of private scholarships for individuals. These are given out by schools, non-profit organizations, and even businesses. You may find specific scholarships just for single moms in the private sector. One recommended program is the 10k Scholarship for Working Adults. This is a free-to-sign up sweepstake giveaway offered by a website that gives out $10,000 each month to single moms, dads, or any working adult for school expenses. Considering that it only takes a couple minutes to fill out, it’s worth the time. There is even a similar program for dads, called the 10k Scholarship for Dads. And if you want one more such program, the 10k Scholarship Zone program is another.  These are only three such scholarship programs you can find in the private sector.

There are some other “private” programs that you can sign up for to get some help. I recommend signing up for the free PlanningFamily.com membership. Doing so will get you free baby stuff, printable grocery coupons, a parenting newsletter, helpful parenting articles and a chance of winning free diapers for a year. Worth signing up for that free stuff as there is no cost and every bit “helps” when you are struggling.

Another means of getting a chance at some “free stuff” is to fill out a quick survey for a website and get entered into a draw for some prize (you usually get some discount coupons too). If you have a bit of time, here are some “mom-related” giveaways you can take advantage of:

• Fill out a simple survey and get entered into a $50k scholarship draw for school
• Do You Have a CuteKid? Submit photo for a chance to win 25k if you’re kid is the cutest!
• Complete a brief survey out for a chance to win a $3500 shopping spree
• Fill out a survey and get a chance to win a $1500 gas card
• Win a $3500 dollar nursery makeover for you baby by filling out a survey
• Get a Free $250 Gift Card to your Favorite Baby Store
• Get ready for school with $1,500 shopping spree — short survey

How to Apply for Government Grants

This is a topic that merits a post itself. Well here is the basic process:

1. Find a grant you qualify for and is still currently available
2. Fill out the grant application, providing all request information and any supplemental information required (you sometimes may be required to write a proposal or essay about what you will do with the funding, etc). You should buy a book on grant writing to help guide you through this process.
3. Send out the grant proposal and wait.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 with other grants you may qualify for

And that’s how you apply for a government grant. Now the main questions people ask here is WHERE to apply for a grant. Good questions indeed.

Here are a few sites to start with:

• Grants.Gov (THE place to go for government grants for organizations and business. Not for individuals though)
• http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ (The source for government student grants)
• http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/grants.jsp (Another source for student aid grants)
• Free Grant Approval Guide (sign up for a free (yes) guide that will help you find grants)

How to Apply for Private Grants

Private grants are harder to find, but potentially more lucrative in that they are given out to individuals. Your best bet is to do a web search for some of the private grant programs. I’ve already mentioned a few private grant programs like the 10k Scholarship for Moms.  You also might try looking at a scholarship searching website like scholarships.com or grab a list of scholarship programs for a college financial aid office.

NOTE: BEWARE OF GRANT SCAMS. There are a hideous amount of grant scams out there that take advantage of the desperate. I want to make this clear: there are no such thing as OBAMA GRANTS. There are government grant programs that are legit, but as stated, most federal grant programs target businesses and non-profit organizations, not individuals. So be very wary of any website or organization offering you some type of government grant. Very very few federal grants of this nature actually exist. Any website asking you for MONEY  to apply for a grant or claiming to offer guaranteed grants is flat out lying! You’ll simply lose the money you pay out for this “grant.”

One of the biggest scams is to get you to sign up for a grant program (which really offers you nothing you can’t get for free or do yourself), then get rebilled 50-100 bucks a month. While these are not really “scams” in that you don’t get ripped off, you are paying for something you don’t need to pay for and if you don’t cancel, you end up paying each month.

Scholarships for Single Mothers

These are like grants in the way that they are free money that does not need to be repaid. They differ than grants, however, in the way that scholarships are given out. A scholarship in the truest definition of the word is a merit-based award. Grants are need-based. Now there may be scholarships that are a combination of need and merit based, but a traditional scholarship is given out for something like academic excellence. Scholarships are usually offered either by schools themselves (many colleges have entrance scholarships and high GPA scholarships for students) or by scholarship Foundations. Some corporations may give out scholarships to employees who want to go back to school too.

You might look at applying for a web sweepstake giveaway like the ScholarshipZone’s 10k Scholarship. Note this sort of scholarship is NOT a “scholarship” but a sweepstake though.

How to Apply for a Scholarship?

It can be tricky getting a scholarship. Basically, you need to fill out as many scholarship applications as possible. This can be time consuming, but potentially lucrative. You also need to (usually) have good grades. While you may be able to qualify for some scholarships without good grades, the vast majority of the traditional scholarships reward academic excellence. You should start by educating yourself how to properly fill out a scholarship application. There are web tutorials on the subject and there are countless books written on how to write a scholarship application. Indeed, do yourself a favor and buy “how to get a scholarship” book on amazon or check one out from the library. There is quite an art to applying for a scholarship; knowing what to do can do a great deal towards helping you qualify for one.

The one sure piece of advice I can offer to you moms looking to get a scholarship is that you need to apply for as many of them as you can. Don’t apply for a couple and thing you are going to be assured any money. You need to get your hands on as many applications and start shooting them off. You should be able to grab a list of current scholarships from any college financial aid office (call them or visit the school’s website). And don’t forget to try your hand at the web-based scholarship giveaways either.

Government Financial Help Programs for Single Mothers

No doubt as a single mom, you are looking for some concrete financial aid programs that you can apply for. There are a lot of websites out there that just give fluff information that doesn’t help you get the help you need. Now, are there some legit government aid programs? The answer is yes, the government makes available some aid programs for the needy. The thing is, many of these programs are scattered around and it’s up to you to find one that you qualify for. There is no one stop financial help for single mothers application you can just fill out and get home assistance, food assistance, and monetary assistance (in the US…Canada has the welfare program which covers the basic financial and housing needs of every person…),

Food Stamp Program

This is the cornerstone of America’s unofficial welfare program. Each year, millions are given out in food stamps to financially needy families. Chances are, if you are a single mom in need, you will qualify for food stamps from the government.

Note these are only some of the government financial help programs out there. You can find out how to apply for these programs at your local Department of Human Services office. Note that each state has their own DHS website.

Families First/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

A very popular program that gives out small cash funds to families who are in need of money. The program specifically targets families that are struggling to make ends meet. Families that qualify usually have children. Keep in mind that this is not just “free money.” A parent must either work or train for a job for at least 30 hours each week and kids must be put into school and receive all the usual vaccinations kids at that age receive. So you might think of this program as a sort of supplement income for struggling families.

CHIP Program

Stands for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. This is a government insurance initiative to provide insurance for every child in every US state. The program is really designed for parents who simply lack the financial resources to pay for medical insurance for their children. The CHIP provides dental, vision, and medical coverage for kids. You pay a very small fee or no fee at all, depending on the situation.

Free or Reduced Meals Program

A large percentage of children only ever eat a properly nutritious meal at a school lunch. The government recognizes this and has developed a meal program to ensure kids get the proper food they need – even if they don’t get it at home. If a family makes less than a certain figure each year, they may qualify for this program. Children of qualified families will get either free or greatly price-reduced meals at lunchtimes.

WIC Program

The Women, Infants, and Children program is one of the more popular and successful government funded programs out there. This program targets financially needy moms. The way the program works is each month, coupons are given out for free items. These coupons can be traded in for basic necessities that children and pregnant/nursing mothers might need. The government backs this program with more funding than most other programs, so it’s easier to qualify for the WIC than other programs.

You may also find more financial help programs at the official government help website. Most of these programs will require you too look at your state assistance website to apply. I’ll try and post a list of state assistance contact info later, but for now, you’ll just have to google for your state’s state assistance info.

Private Financial Help Programs

If you’ve exhausted your government supply of financial help, it’s a good idea to look at what the private sector can offer you. I want to make this clear: you are far more likely to get “aid” in the form of goods and not money. It’s rather unlikely that you are going to find a private organization that’s just going to hand you a wad of cash. It may be possible through some sort of private grant for single mothers, but don’t bank on this. It’s far more likely that you will get  food items, clothing, counseling , job-training, and maybe even a temporary place to stay while you get your life on track. But direct cash? Unlikely.

Here are some potential “private” aid sources you can seek out.

Web-Based Giveaways

I talk a lot about these because it’s a legit way to get some “free stuff.” Now to be clear here, many of the websites that offer something for free are doing so because they eventually want you to buy something. That’s fine, but you can certainly sign up and get the free stuff and not buy anything.

I’ve mentioned the ScholarshipZone 10k Scholarship already, in which you enter into a draw for $10,000 to be used for school.

You can also get free stuff like baby samples of stuff, grocery coupons, etc. by signing up for a FamilyPlanning.com membership (don’t panic, it’s completely free). There are a number of other such website giveaway programs you can find online. It’s worth your time if you can get something free out of it.

Some more web-giveaways that may appeal to moms:

• There is another web giveaway contest where you fill out a survey and then get entered into a $50k scholarship draw for school
• Another survey giveaway where you  get a chance to win a $1500 gas card
• Win a $3500 dollar nursery makeover for you baby by filling out a survey
• Get a Free $250 Gift Card to your Favorite Baby Store
• Get ready for school with $1,500 shopping spree — short survey
• Do You Have a CuteKid? Submit photo for a chance to win 25k if you’re kid is the cutest!
• And here’s one where you fill out survey and get a ton of grocery coupons for online savings

Financial Help for School Programs

If you want to go back to school, it is possible. It’s going to be hard as a single mom to go to college, but if you are willing to put in the work, you can do it. Realistically, as much as we’d love to just say there’s a sure-fire way of getting financial help to pay for ALL of your school, there really isn’t. You are going to probably have to get student loans, government financial aid, work a part time (or full time job), and apply for every scholarship under the sun.

A good place to start is the government financial aid website. Here are a couple useful links to help:

• Government Student Loans
• Government Financial Aid
• FAFSA Website

One possible alternative is to look at getting a degree online. I’m not talking about those bogus degrees where you pay money and get a “degree”, but a real, accredited online university. You can do your coursework from the comfort of your home (at more flexible hours) and it’s MUCH cheaper than attending a regular college. If you are a single mom, you should look into this. We recommend looking at Classes and Careers to help you find an online school. They also offer possible financial aid assistance for students too.

Food Banks for Single Mothers

If you need food and don’t have the cash, you don’t have to starve. One certain way to get some food as a single mother is to visit your local food bank. What is a food bank? It’s basically a center where people donate food. That food is given for free to people in financial need — people like yourself. These are a great resource for moms who need to feed a hungry family. Where to find a foodbank? I’ll compile a list in the future, but for now, you can go here to search for a local foodbank.

Charities for Single Mothers

There are a number of private charity programs. These programs aim at lending a helping hand to the needy — be it in the form of food, clothing, or advice. Many are religious-based.

• Catholic Charities USA
• Salvation Army USA
• The Nurturing Network (Pregnancy Assistance)
• Angle Food Ministries (buy foods for discounted price if you are in financial need)

This list is not exhaustive but rather gives a good overview of some of the more popular charity programs.

Your Local Church/Religious Organization

Many church organizations do offer assistance in the form of women’s shelters, charity aid, free foodstuff and so on. You should do a search in your area for churches and contact them (phone or website) to see if these services are offered. Don’t be too proud to seek out help! These places are a good way to get a helping hand when you need it.

Our Resource List

We have compiled a seriously HUGE resource list for mothers (and single parents) including things like healthcare, food, daycare, and charity that you will no doubt find useful.

Loans for Single Mothers

I generally advise single moms to stay away from loans unless they have a very specific reason why they are taking out a loan: starting a new business or going to school or some sort of temporary emergency. Outside of these reasons, you can land yourself in a world of trouble if you get a loan and don’t repay it. So beware.

Loans and Your Credit History: What’s the Relationship
Loans are also linked with your credit history. Basically the relationship between loans and credit history is this: if you have good credit, you can get hassle free loans with very good interest rates; if you have bad credit, you will (usually) have trouble getting a loan and/or your will get stuck with a very high interest rate. If you have any plans on getting a loan other then a payday or student loan, try,try,try to maintain a good credit score. Generally, good credit is considered a score of 640 and higher. A credit score of 620 is generally the dividing line between good and bad credit. If you don’t know your credit score, you MUST find out to see where you stand. You can check your credit score for free online or you can write a request to all 3 of the major credit score agencies and ask for a report to be sent to you (this can take a while, but it’s free at least). You can request one free one each year from all three major credit agencies (equifax, etc).

There are generally a few basic categories of loans out there.

Payday Loans

These are a big one and popular. These are also called cash advance loans or paycheck loans. In principle they are to “tide” you over between paychecks. You usually write a post dated check to the payday loan company and the company cashes the check at that period. Sometimes you simply take out the loan and make the payment directly. Payday loans do have their place – you can take out a cash advance to pay for some emergency medical/dental procedure or fix up your car so you can go to work. One online payday loan lender that has a good reputation is 60 Minute Payday which is a no credit check online payday loan lender.

Now, it’s imperative that you repay your payday loan as soon as possible. Payday loans have the highest interest rates out of any loans and if you miss payments, it only takes a few months for your interest to overtake the actual principal amount of your loan! If this happens, payday loan consolidation is about the only way you can get out of financial difficult here.

An alternative to a payday loan is to take out a credit card cash advance, which functions like payday loan. However you still pay high interest (usually 19-23 percent or whatever rate your credit card gives out).

The best solution is to usually take out a personal line of credit which has the lowest interest rate. But you ability to do this will often depend on your credit history and relationship with a bank.

Auto Loans

These are loans you can get that will help you buy a car. You get these from an auto loan dealership, bank, or online auto loan company. Credit history here is pretty important since it will determine your interest rate on the loan. If you have bad credit, you may find you cannot take out a traditional loan from a bank or car dealership. If this is the case, you can use an online bad credit auto loan lender.

Home Loans

Also called mortgage loans. It used to be easier to take out these kind of loans, but the 2008-2010 recession has made it extremely difficult to get a mortgage. These days, you need to have really good credit and a solid employment history to get a mortgage loan. There are options if you have bad credit, but very few. If you have good credit and a stable job, then your best bet is to talk to a bank you’ve had a relationship with about your loan options. It’s hard to get credit in this economy with the Great Recession still in full force, but loans are still possible if you meet the now strict requirements.

If you have bad credit and you want a mortgage loan, your best bet will probably the FHA Home Loan. You can check with LendingTree.com to see if you qualify.

If you are a single mother seriously looking at a mortgage, we suggest you read our full blown mortgage guide for single mothers.

Student Loans

The only loans I suggest single moms get are student loans. This is because you don’t have to have any sort of credit history to get a federal student loan (in both Canada and the US). A student loan is also an investment in your education – you get a degree which will help you qualify for a better job and better support your children. Federal student loans have the lowest interest rates out of any loan and have a flexible repayment schedule.

If you are an American, you can apply for federal student loans by filling out the FAFSA application. If you are a Canadian, you can visit the Canada Student Loan Program to apply. There are also a host of private student loans you can apply for such as Signature student loans and Chase student loans (both in the US). Keep in mind, if you want one of these loans, you generally either need to have good credit history or have a cosigner with good credit cosign for you. US Federal Student Loans (and the Canadian version of them) don’t require good credit.

If you have bad credit, then you can look at a private student loan lender who may lend to you despite your credit problems. You can use a service like PrivateStudentLoans.com to help you find such a student loan.

Work at Home Jobs

Another source of financial help for single moms is…the single mom herself. If you can supplement your income with a part time job of sorts, it can make a world of difference. Now, if you are working full time, you might not have time to get another part time job, but there are some work at home opportunities to bring in some extra coin. Here are some ideas:

• Web Content Writer — you write articles for websites. You can hire yourself out on places like RealWritingJobs.com. It’s easy to build up a part time income if you write articles for web sites. If you are a good writer, you can build up a good list of regular clients. It’s freelance work, but you can pay the bills. Keep in mind when you start out, you are going to have to hustle for some work.
• Work At Home Programs (Paid surveys, Online businesses etc)– there are plenty of work at home programs out there that you can try out. Most are complete crap and scams, but a few are legit. I personally recommend looking at the Paid Surveys program. This is basically a program where you are hired online to fill out surveys. Each survey you fil out nets you a certain amount of money — the more you fill out, the more money you make. It’s not a passive income, but if you spend the time, it’s money. Be leery of anything else — I haven’t seen too much out there that’s legit and doesn’t just take your money and offer nothing in return.
• Website Development — this takes some training, but it’s possible to learn how to develop websites and work part time on the side. If you can’t go back to school or do night classes at your local community college, then consider an online university which offers more schedule flexibly than an ordinary school. Websites like FindMyDegree.com are great for matching you with an online school that you can training for a new career (such as website development).
• Internet Marketing — this involves creating websites and marketing products of some sort on them. This is a growing field today with lots of information available online about the topic. It’s takes a lot of time and effort to generate an online income from websites, but it’s possible if you know what you are doing. Again, internet marketing requires some real work ethic and creativity on your part in many cases, but the payoff can be a new, lucrative career. There are a ton of such programs around, but frankly, most of them are crap and scams and you’ll never make a dime. One LEGIT program, if you are keen, is The Keyword Academy. You’ll pay 30 bucks a month to be a member, but it’s the only real online training program out there that actually teachings people how to make a legit living online.

So there we go, probably the web’s finest and most comprehensive article on getting financial assistance for single mothers! I hope you moms found it useful! If you have any more suggestions as to work at home programs of financial aid programs, let me know! Be sure to check out some of the other helpful pages, such as the single mother resources page.

When it comes to buying cars many would have to agree that men might have the edge. It has nothing to do with intelligence or ability. It’s only for the fact that men tend to have more experience and practice in this area. That isn’t to say that women can’t learn to be just as shrewd as men in this area. For the single mother, being able to negotiate the car buying process is quite essential. Every penny saved is money that can go back into other essentials for her family. In this article we will attempt to help with this fact as we offer some tips on buying cars for single mothers.

Try to make a list of what you need before even stepping into a dealer’s showroom. Have a good idea of the type of car, features and above all price. Dealer will try to get you to purchase what they want, not what you need. Remember these people work on a commission so the more they sell the more they make.

Another tip on buying cars for single mothers is to do some research. Compare prices of various models and investigate features. www.cars.com is a fantastic resource to do some comparison shopping. Find out what people are actually paying for the cars you are interested in, don’t just go with the sticker price.

Even if you know the sales person well keep in mind that business is business. It doesn’t matter if they are your best friend, brother or sister; they are there to make money. That isn’t to say that all sales men are dishonest crooks but they are likely going to put their financial interests before yours. Do your research and negotiate hard.

Try to get your financing pre-approved through your own bank or credit union. This will serve two purposes. First, you are far more likely to get a better rate of interest through your own institution that through what the dealer offers. Second, you’ll have a piece of paper with a number on it with you when you walk through the door. This will reduce the chances of them trying to push more car then you can afford on you.

Consider all your maintenance costs. You may want to think long term on this as well. Remember what fuel prices were 5 years ago compared to what they are now? You also need to consider costs for repairs and insurance. These extras need to be budgeted in before you sign on the dotted line for that car.

Now if you are trying to get funding, there are a couple ways to go about this. Most people will need to take out a car loan of some sort. You can get one through the bank or through the dealership. Credit history is a big deal here — if you have bad credit, it will be difficult to secure a vehicle, though it’s possible if you put a large downpayment. If you can’t secure a car loan through one of these traditional mediums, you can look at some of the bad credit auto loans available online — these are specifically tailored for people who don’t have good credit.

Buying a car is a bit of an art form and over the years men tend to have gotten more practice with this than women. However, there is no reason that women cannot become just as savvy as men in this area. By following the tips for buying cars for single mothers you’ll be well on your way to securing your first good deal.

There will never be any greater pressure in life than finding yourself in the situation where you have to care for your child as well as concentrating on your own life. This can create huge levels of pressure and stress that can be eradicated with a successful grant application. Caring for a child covers a lot of areas. Money will be needed to feed them, clothe them and pay for their education.

Therefore it is important that you are fully aware of the grant programs on offer and the way to go about applying for them. Never forget that grants are there to help you and although it may seem like the process is not designed in your favor, it really is.

School scholarships or grants are a great way to help out with education. They can even benefit both you and your child. If you earn a very low income then there is a good chance that your child will be put through school at no expense to you. You yourself could even apply for one because it will allow you to take that step back into further education and enhance your qualifications in order to apply for better and more lucrative jobs.

Never forget that scholarships and school grants will require evidence if very specific things. You will need to prove that you are hard up and earning a low income. In order for your child to qualify as well you will need to prove that they are very intelligent and they may even be subjected to one or two small tests.

Some Web-Based Sweepstake Programs

Sign up for an Educational Sweepstake Giveaway

There are also some private scholarships specifically for moms who would like to go back to school. These are web-based “contest” scholarships that function kind of like a sweep stakes — you apply and get a chance of winning money for school. Let me be clear here: these are NOT grants of any sorts. They are sweepstake contest — you fill out the application and get entered into a monthly scholarship draw for $10,000 to be used for school.

Here are the top ones:

ScholarshipZone’s 10k Scholarship and the 10k Scholarship for Working Adults. These are sweepstakes — you visit the website and fill out a 5 minute form. Once you do, you get entered into a once-a-month scholarship drawing. There is even a similar program for dads called the 10k Scholarship for Dads.

Online Membership Giveaways

There are a whole wack of websites that are eager to get people to sign up for their online (free) memberships. You sign up and basically get free stuff to do so. One program that caters specifically to moms is the FamilyPlanning.com membership. You sign up for their free online membership and get free baby samples, grocery discount coupons, a weekly newsletters with helpful articles just for moms, and more stuff.

Survey-Based Giveaways

Another form of the web-giveaway is to fill out a small survey and get something free for your time or a chance to win something (or maybe a combination of both). There are a lot of these programs around on the web, but here are a couple that may appeal to moms:

• There is another web giveaway contest where you fill out a survey and then get entered into a $50k scholarship draw for school
• Another survey giveaway where you  get a chance to win a $1500 gas card
• Win a $3500 dollar nursery makeover for you baby by filling out a survey
• And here’s one where you fill out survey and get a ton of grocery coupons for online savings
• Win a $3500 dollar nursery makeover for you baby by filling out a survey
• Get a Free $250 Gift Card to your Favorite Baby Store
• Get ready for school with $1,500 shopping spree — short survey
• Do You Have a CuteKid? Submit photo for a chance to win 25k if you’re kid is the cutest!

There are other programs out on the web that you can find if you search online.

In terms of concrete grants you have a few options.

Private Grants for Single Mothers

One of the best sources of financial help for single moms is to look to see what sort of private financial help you can find. Many many grants are actually given out by organizations and businesses. You might be surprised at what sort of grants you can get.

Employer Grants/Scholarships

For example, many corporations may offer some type of educational grant or scholarship to employees. Then there are the whole wack of grants given out by grant foundations. There are usually requirements in place that you will have to meet before you can qualify for private grants. For example, McDonalds offers their own scholarship program.

Organizational Grants

Many of the so called private grants are aimed at students or people who want to start businesses. Keep in mind that you are going to have to prove why you need the grant and in many cases, just needing “money” will not be enough. You will have to show you are going to school and have financial need or you are starting a business and have a concrete business plan, etc.

You can look at something like this site to help find grants.

Government Grants for Single Mothers

There is a lot of talk about so called government grants for single moms that I’ve seen passed around on the web. The truth is that there really is no such grant available for moms in need. Let me be even more frank: getting any sort of grant, in the traditional sense, is very very hard. Despite all these claims you see where the government is tossing out billions of dollars a year in grants, the government is actually not doing so. I’ve stated this in other articles here, but let me say it again: the government only gives out grants to students, business, and non profit organizations. So called “personal government grants” are pretty much non existent. Still, there are grants that you might be able to qualify for.

If you are dead set on qualifying for a “government grant” then here are the types of entities that can apply for grants listed on grants.gov:

Government Organizations

• State Governments
• Local Governments
• City or Township Governments
• Special District Governments
• Native American Tribal Governments (federally recognized)
• Native American Tribal Governments (other than federally recognized)

Education Organizations

• Independent School Districts
• Public and State Controlled Institutions of Higher Education
• Private Institutions of Higher Education

Public Housing Organizations

• Public Housing Authorities
• Indian Housing Authorities

Non-Profit Organizations

• Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
• Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education

So if you can’t fit yourself under one of the categories listed above, don’t bank on getting financial assistant grants from the federal government. Now just because you can’t get grants from grants.gov does not mean the government doesn’t have some funding. Let’s take a look at at your options:

Federal Government Grants for Students

You can find out some more specific single mother grant programs on our financial help section.

There are federal grants given out to students. These are real and actually quite easy to qualify for.

• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH Grant)
• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
• The National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant
• (National SMART Grant)
• Institutional Grants
• Irag and Afghanistan Service Grant

• New Mexico Student Incentive Grant Award (up to $2500 dollars)
• Kansas Comprehensive Grants (up to $1100 dollars)
• New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program (up to $5,500 dollars)

Institutional Grants

State Assistance for Single Mothers

Another area you might want to look into if you are seeking financial help is state help. These are programs that are offered by your state in combination with the federal government (some). If you need “financial help now” then these programs are a very very good bet and should be where you first put your efforts. Unlike government grants, these programs ARE for financial need.

• Food Stamp Program — A program where stamps are given out each month. Stamps can be traded in for food at specific locations. Apply at your state DHS website
• Families First/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families — Money given out to struggling families. Must meet qualifications to receive funds, however.
  
• CHIP Program — A health insurance program for children. CHIP provides dental, vision, and medical coverage for children.
• Free or Reduced Meals Program — free lunches for kids going to school
  
• WIC Program – coupons given out each month for stuff.
  

For more information about these programs, you should look at the government financial help website.

Private Financial Assistance for Single Mothers

There are a number of ways to get assistance from private sources. The sources might be charities, women’s shelters, and religious organizations. Here is a small list of some of the more major programs out there that offer financial assistance, be it shelter, food, job counseling, or emotional support:

• Catholic Charities USA
• Salvation Army USA
• The Nurturing Network (Pregnancy Assistance)
• Angle Food Ministries (buy foods for discounted price if you are in financial need)

This list is not exhaustive by any means — do a web search to find more.

Final Word on Grants for Single Moms

Grants are a good way to pay for school, but don’t bank on getting ton’s of free money. If you want to seek out government grants, we suggest you put most of your energy into qualifying for state assistance programs as listed in this article. If you wish to go back to school as a single mother, then you have a good chance of qualifying for government grants such as the Pell Grant. And certainly look at other ways of getting financial help such as applying for web-based giveaways (such as the 10k scholarship for school) and seeking help from charities. Another option is to look at getting a part time job. If there are no jobs in your areas, then consider a work at home job as an option.

It must be said that as a single mother, getting an education is perhaps your BEST ticket to improving your life, both socially and financially. This can take years of work, but the effort is well worth it in the end.

In recent years the number of home grants for single mothers has fallen. The amount of money and grants made available has stayed the same or even increased, the problem is that grant money is slowly being taken from the individual and given over to companies. To make things more complicated, different grants will alter from state to state. Most grants as well require a long qualification process but there are still several places that one can look. In this article, we will look at where one can possibly find home grants for single mothers and some of the criterion that apply.

HUD or the department of housing and urban development is one place to start looking. HUD specializes in the reselling of foreclosure properties in an effort to make housing available at a low cost. HUD does also make available some grant money however this money is given out only to companies and organizations that provide housing assistance to individuals. Before participating in the HUD program all applicants must register at www.grants.gov.  There is also a specific set of criterion depending on the company HUD grants the funding to.

The catalogue of federal domestic assistance is another excellent resource for finding home grants for single mothers. It is literally an online catalogue of the various grants that the government make available. They don’t just apply to single mothers or to homes so sifting through can be a rather tedious chore. Along with the specific grants that are available, the site also lists the criterion under which one must qualify. This again can be a tedious process to sift through but all the information one needs is right there on the site.

Both the Freddie Mac and Fannie May programs are excellent places to look for home grants for single mothers. Similar to HUD, they only make funds available to organizations not to individuals. They do however publish their list of grant recipients which may prove useful in where to locate the specific funding you might need. The amount is numerous so be prepared to do some heavy research.

Finally the Nehemiah program, which is privately funded, is one of the largest grant giving organizations in the country. The Nehemiah program works with primarily first time homebuyers but repeat buyers are not totally excluded from their program. To work with the Nehemiah program one has to go through an approved lender. If the entire criterion is met the program can gift up to 6% of the purchase price of the house. Although not specifically tailored to single mothers, they can certainly benefit from what they offer.

Unfortunately, the government is cutting back on the grant money given to individuals and slowly giving it over to organizations. Although the actual amount of grant money may have increased in recent years, this process can make searching out the right grant a very lengthy and tedious process. However, with some perseverance and a little luck it is still possible to find some good home grants for single mothers.

The reason it is so important to know where to find information on financial assistance is because unemployment for a single mother can be devastating. Bringing up a child, putting clothes on their back and food in their stomachs all costs money. However, it is not all doom and gloom as there are many organisations that are working for single mothers and can provide professional advice with very little notice.

As a single mother, being able to raise your child without stress or worry is the ideal situation to be in. Careers are often left shattered and relationships with other people damaged, due entirely to the financial stress that is created by being a single mother. Financial assistance is not in place to confuse you, it is there to help and create a situation that allows you to view every thing as a single mother in black and white, with your child at the top of the list.

The first step before actually applying for a grant or loan is to get a better understanding of what is available. This can be done by visiting a child support officer or a careers adviser. However, there is an easier and much quicker first step. Websites such as ‘Uncle Sam’s Money’ give detailed information on the grants that are quickly available. The website will also offer advice on short and long term prospects on how to get your hands on a lot of money such as increasing your education and applying for better jobs.

The government has a high number of agencies and programs that will easily confuse the bewildered bystander. This is why it is so important to do a little bit of research before taking the decision on which financial assistance package to apply for. This sort of website will detail the main ones that will be relevant to you and the boxes that you will need to cross off if you want to successfully apply for them.

If you do not qualify for a grant then there is no point in applying for it in the first place. The website will give tips on how to organise your documents and fill in grant forms.

Here are a few tangible emergency assistance programs:

• Federal Welfare
• Payday Loans (use with caution)
• Food Stamp Programs
• Government Aid Programs

Emergency financial assistance for single mothers is there to make your job simple and easy. It will take away the burden of stress and give you freedom to raise your child in a happy and nourished environment. Never forget to do your research.

Sometimes life as a single mother can get very tough, it is easy to feel stressed out and worried about a number of things. Therefore you will need a release because if the pressure gets too much and you do not have anyone to turn to then the results can be catastrophic for you and your child. Charity is there, not to undermine your role as a single mother, but to help you fight for your independence.

This article will take a close look at one or two of the charities that exist for single mothers and the services that they provide. They will always encourage you to seek help if you cannot cope and although you may feel as though you have something to prove, there is no shame to be had by stretching out a hand to someone who wants to provide guidance.

Gingerbread is a charity with the slogan of: single parents, equal families. This charity will help you fight for the rights that you are entitled to. They will help you make sure that you are getting the right level of financial assistance from not only the government but the father of your child as well. Some fathers still do not pay child support fees when they are legally told to do so by the government.

This organisation will also help you with applications for scholarships and grants as you try to take advantage of some good financial deals that are out there for single mothers. Members of the charity can talk you through an entire process, tell you what sections mean and are required for and tell you what to do if you do not have the necessary information. All of these things will help you massively as a single mother because it stops you worrying about little issues and allows you to focus on your child.

There is also a help line that you can use in the case of emergencies or when you feel the stress and pressure may be getting too much. The beauty of Gingerbread is the fact that they try to get as many single mothers to work their phones as they possibly can so that if you ring up, then you are more than likely going to be talking to someone with similar experiences to yourself.

Here are some other charity programs that you might want to look at:

• Catholic Charities USA
• Salvation Army USA
• The Nurturing Network (Pregnancy Assistance)
• Angle Food Ministries (buy foods for discounted price if you are in financial need)

Keep in mind that the above list is NOT all the help that you can find in terms of charity aid — so it’s worth your time to do your own search. I also suggest you read our comprehensive single mother resource list for an actual list of links to organizations that provide specific aid to single parents — be it money aid, clothing, food, shelter, financial advice, or even counseling.

Charity for single mothers is there to help you, it is not there to make you feel as though you are not up to the job of being a single mother. The point is that when you need that help they will be there and they will always be there. The charity is designed specifically to help you and your child.

Although it may be a generalization, many single mothers haven’t received their college degree yet and don’t have the time or money to pursue one, so they are often left to take the kinds of jobs that don’t pay well.

There are just as many options for women who are trying to stay in their home, such as subsidized housing.

Not only is the government trying to help these single mothers, but there are also a variety of not for profit groups who offer aid in these situations.

The best place to start looking for housing aid is on the internet, where there is a plethora of information available. Check back often, because the type and amount of aid that is offered changes from time to time, and a better offer may be there next year. With a certain amount of fortitude and proper online research, a single mother can find a sufficient amount of housing aid to use for herself and her family. So spend some time looking for single mother assistance online and you should turn up some leads.