- TANF provides cash assistance, and many states offer a one-time diversion payment for a short-term crisis.
- SNAP, WIC and Medicaid/CHIP free up cash by covering food and health care.
- Ads offering “free government grants for single mothers” are a common scam.
Cash help
| Program | What it gives | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
| TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) | Monthly cash assistance for low-income families with children; work requirements and time limits apply | Your state or county social services office |
| TANF diversion payment | A one-time lump sum in many states to handle a specific crisis (like a car repair or overdue rent) instead of monthly benefits | Ask your TANF office whether your state offers it |
| Child support enforcement | Help establishing and collecting child support | Your state child support agency |
| Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit | Money back at tax time for working parents | File a tax return, even if you owe nothing |
Help that frees up cash
- SNAP: monthly food money on an EBT card. Can be expedited within 7 days if you have very little income or money.
- WIC: healthy food, formula and support for pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children under 5.
- Medicaid and CHIP: free or low-cost health coverage for you and your kids.
- Child care subsidies: state programs help pay for child care while you work or study.
- LIHEAP: help with heating and cooling bills; many utilities also have hardship programs.
- Lifeline: discounted phone or internet service.
Fastest local help
- Call or text 211 for local rent, utility, food and diaper assistance.
- Local charities such as The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and community action agencies often help with one-time bills.
- Food banks and diaper banks can cover essentials the same day.
The government does not offer personal grants for bills through ads, texts or phone calls. Anyone asking for a fee to “release” a grant is a scammer. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you still need to borrow
A credit union payday alternative loan (max 28% APR) or a cash advance app usually costs far less than a payday loan. See all options in 12 ways to get emergency cash.
Tried the free options first?If you still need a small short-term loan, you can send one request to our lender network. Compare the cost carefully.
See loan optionsFrequently asked questions
How can a single mother get emergency cash?
Apply for TANF and ask whether your state offers a one-time diversion payment. Call 211 for local rent, utility and food help, and apply for SNAP, which can be expedited within 7 days.
Are there government grants for single mothers?
Not personal cash grants through ads. Help comes through programs like TANF, SNAP, WIC, child care subsidies and tax credits. “Grant” offers that ask for a fee are scams.
What is a TANF diversion payment?
Many states offer a one-time lump-sum payment to families facing a short-term crisis, instead of ongoing monthly TANF benefits. Ask your local TANF office.