Assistance for Single Moms in Montana

Single moms can receive aid and assistance in all cities and counties across the state of Montana. Assistance programs help with free food, housing costs, rent, energy bills, mortgages, free health care, and more.

Montana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
In order to provide eligible households an opportunity to obtain a more nutritious diet by supplementing their food budget, Congress passed the Food Stamp (now SNAP) Act of 1977. The amount of SNAP assistance a household receives is determined by various factors such as income, household size, and income. The state of Montana and the U.S. Department of Agriculture administer the program. 800-221-5689 for more information.

School Breakfast and Lunch Program
Schools now have the possibility to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each day, using the funding provided by the School Breakfast Program. By providing nutritious school meals every day, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation’s children. Schools can offer a nutritious school lunch with the funding provided by the NSLP. Provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards, schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast and lunch they serve. 406-44-2501 for more information.

Montana Special Milk Program
Children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible cams that do not participate in the Federal child nutrition meal service program are provided with milk from the Special Milk Program. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, can participate in the Special Milk Program for half-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children who do not have access to a school meals program. Schools and institutions are reimbursed for the milk they serve. Please call the Montana Office of Public Instruction at 406-444-2501 for more information.

Montana Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Low-income pregnant, breastfeeding postpartum women and single moms, infants and children up to the age of 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk can receive supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, from the WIC Program. Applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be a nutritional risk in order to be fully eligible for the program. For more questions about the WIC program call Montana NHS at 800-392-8209.

Summer Food Service
Throughout the summer months when they are out of school, free, nutritious meals and snacks are provided by the Summer Food Service Program to help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need. For each meal and snack served, they receive reimbursement from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA may donate commodities to sponsors as well. 888-231-9393 to call the Montana Nutritional Health and Services department for more information.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Public assistance programs for low-income families and single moms receive support from the Montana Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program formerly known as the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) was replaced by TANF. The program serves to: provide assistance to needy families; prevent and reduce out of wedlock pregnancies; and reduce out of wedlock pregnancies. To contact the Montana TANF program for more information, please call 855-415-5558.

Head Start
Head Start is a Federal program that aims to enhance the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from birth to age five from low income families making sure they are school ready. Language, literacy, and social and emotional development are some area where the program can support a child’s growth. The role of parents is emphasized by the program as their child’s first and most important teacher. To find a Head Start or Early Head Start program near you, call 866-763-6481.

Rental Vouchers
Very low income single moms as well as income qualified disabled residents and the elderly can receive help. Section 8 and other Housing and Urban Development resources can help pay for a portion of an applicant’s rent. 406-841-2830 for more information on how to apply for this benefit.

Credit Services
Single moms can get help to pay and reduce debts, be offered housing counseling, and be administered general budgeting and financial advice from a number of non-profit organizations across the state of Montana. To contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling call 800-388-2227.

Financial Assistance
Single moms can contact the Salvation Army if they have nowhere else to turn to. Emergency financial assistance, social services, and other aid is provided to low income families, children, senior citizens, and others by the numerous centers across the state of Montana. Those who are most at risk are the main focus of the charity in Montana.

Medicaid
With a priority for those most in need, Montana Medicaid seeks to facilitate access to a set of basic health care benefits for all Montana citizens and create an environment where all recipients take an active role in their individual health care. Call the Medicaid Recipient Hotline for more information on the program at 800-362-8312.

Healthy Montana Kids Plan
Single moms can get free or low-cost health insurance for their children up to age 19 with the help of the Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) Plan. Services include medical, eyeglasses, dental, and other related services. Please call 877-543-7669 or 877-418-4533 for more information in regards to benefits and eligibility.

Legal Assistance
Low to moderate income single mothers, the elderly and the disabled can receive free legal assistance from the numerous non-profit law firms that operate across the state of Montana. Call the Montana Legal Services Association HelpLine at 800-666-6899 for help with legal issues.

Unemployment Insurance
If eligibility requirements are met, financial assistance is provided through unemployment insurance benefits to workers unemployed through no fault of their own. You must have worked in Tennessee during the past 12 to 18 months and have earned at least a minimum amount of wages, in order to qualify for this benefit program.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
Eligible Montana single moms can get help with their heating and cooling costs from the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). The Department of Health and Human Services helps fund the program. Funding level are established annually by the Federal government. Call 800-332-2272 for more information.