Single Parent Grants and Financial Aid

Single parent is a person who is legally separated from his/her spouse or whose spouse is no more. Single parenting is truly a challenge because meeting household expenses and also providing the basic necessities for a child/children with a single income is stressful. The United States government has developed a number of programs to help a single parent by providing grants and financial aid. These are provided as second income with the aim of reducing the financial difficulties and eliminating the stress of single parenting.

Every single parent can apply for government grants and financial aid. However, there are times when an application for single parent grant is not approved. Before applying for a single parent grant, you should be aware of the fact that these grants are made available on the basis of your annual income and the size of your family. This financial aid is given only to people with serious financial problems.

If you are financially secured or you are receiving a certain amount annually as child support, then you will not be eligible for single parent grants and financial aid. Financial aid is not granted to a single parent if foster parents or grandparents raise the child. The government also takes into account certain factors, such as the educational qualification and the assets such as property of the applicant. The single parent grants are provided not only to raise children but also to a single parent who wishes to continue her education. Financial aid is also granted if one of the spouses is bed-ridden, handicapped or seriously ill and is not in the position to support the family.

Federal Pell Grant Program

If a single parent is interested in continuing higher education and is not in a position to fund for the education, the single parent can apply for the Federal Pell Grant Program. This grant is specifically designed for students (undergraduates and postgraduates) from low-income family. This financial aid is also granted to a single parent on the basis of the total family income and size of the family. It will also take into account the cost of the tuition fees and the enrollment status of the candidate (full-time or part-time). The grant is directly given to the educational institution where the single parent has enrolled. The institution credits the amount into the account of the student or issues a check once every semester.

JRF Scholarship Program

Jeannette Rankin Foundation grants this scholarship program every year to 500 women. This scholarship is available to all women candidates, irrespective of color, creed and marital status. However, there are certain criteria that must be fulfilled to avail this financial aid - you should be a US citizen, 35 years old, and from a low-income family.

Many single parents are not aware of the government grants and financial aid. There are around 900 different types of government grants and financial aid for single parents. The grants need not be repaid. You should search online for the information regarding the grants and financial aid or contact the financial aid office of the school you plan to attend. The latter would be able to guide you regarding the aid and grants that are specifically designed for single parents who are facing financial difficulties. Apart from the grants and financial aid made available by the US government, each and every American state also provides grants for single mothers. While filling out an application ensure that you enter only the accurate information.