Assistance for Single Moms in New York

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

Food Stamps
Monthly benefits and grants that can be used to purchase food at numerous authorized retail and grocery stores will be issued by the Food Stamp Program, helping single moms, senior citizens, lower income working people, the disable and many others feed their families. 800-342-3009

New York Food Banks and Distribution Centers
The distribution of free food and groceries to people who need help is coordinated by these organizations that can be found across the state as a network of food banks and distribution centers. Call 212-566-7855 to contact the Food Bank for New York City.

Temporary Assistance (TA)
Temporary help is offered by the TA to needy single moms, men and children. TA may be able to pay for your bills, expenses, and debt if you are unable to work, if you can’t find a job in the slowing economy, or if your job does not pay enough to meet your bills. 800-342-3009

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.

Vouchers and Child Care Subsidies
Individuals may qualify for financial assistance for paying their child care expenses if they are parents that are working or seeking employment, attending job training, or in school. A portion of your costs will be paid with the state if New York and federal government funds. Call 518-474-9454 for information.

Vouchers for Paying Rent
The HUD housing choice vouchers are the main resource available. These vouchers are used to subsidize a low income family’s rent costs.

Mortgage and Foreclosure Aid
Programs that can help you pay for mortgage and avoid foreclosure are also offered by the state of New York. Non-profit organizations support New York homeowners while the towns and counties can offer counseling and mediation services. Call 800-382-4663 to contact the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) for help.
You can also find how a HUD approved mortgage counselor can help you get back on track with your mortgage, in addition to the programs mentioned before.

Emergency Financial Assistance
The Salvation Army is one of the leading non-profit agencies to contact when in need of help, having locations all around the state. Rent, utility bills, food and holiday assistance, limited gasoline vouchers, are some of the things that the organization may have funds for.

Community Clinics for Health Care
Either free or low cost health care can be offered to qualified individuals by the several locations and facilities located across New York.
Government sponsored and non-profit programs can offer medical care to families that do not have health insurance. Check-ups, family health care, and medical bill assistance for children are some of the needs for which assistance is available.

Child Health Plus
In order to help reduce medical bills and expenses, New York State has created a health insurance plan for kids. The name of the program is Child Health Plus. Your child may be eligible to join either Child Health Plus or Children’s Medicaid, depending on your family’s total income. Dozens of providers offer both these programs throughout the state. 800-698-4543
Some benefits include:
- Well-child care
- Immunizations
- Physical exams that include diagnosis and treatment of illness and injury as well
- Lab tests and X-Rays
- Outpatient surgery
- If ordered, prescription and nonprescription drugs
- Inpatient hospital medical or surgical care
- Short-term therapeutic outpatient services such as chemotherapy and hemodialysis
- Limited inpatient and outpatient treatment for substance abuse, alcoholism, and mental health
- Dental and vision care

Prescription Saver Card Program
Destined for New York single mothers whose income are too high to qualify for Medicaid, people with disabilities, and individuals who are too young to qualify for Madicare savings this is a statewide prescription drug discount card program. Between 25-40% can be saved on prescription drug prices. Call 800-788-6917 for information.

Healthy NY
For qualified working families and single moms, this is a low cost health insurance plan. To be enrolled in this program participants need to pay a low cost monthly premium and co-pays. Call 866-432-5849 for information.

Dental Assistance
Free or low cost help is given by numerous dental facilities across the state to help aid single moms and their children’s dental needs.

Free Legal Help
For low-income New York single moms LawHelp.org/NY is the one-stop legal information portal. Numerous free services and legal advice is offered.
Advice, representation and other forms of legal assistance is offered to New York state residents by several non-profit law firms. Call 212-577-3300 to contact the Legal Aid Society’s headquarters to ask for help.

Career and Workforce Centers
Focused on helping the unemployed and single mothers find a new job and providing experience and additional training to those who currently hold a position, there are dozens of offices located across New York. All these services come free of charge. To contact the Department of Labor for General Inquiries, please call 518-457-9000.

Employment Programs, Government Grants, Self-sufficiency, and Referrals
Your local community action agency may offer dozens of resources. Career counseling, assistance in gaining new skills, low income assistance, and more, are some of the services included. Direct help for housing, food, and other emergency needs, is what the centers may refer to or provide, if faced with a crisis.

Energy Company Programs
For low income single mothers, many energy companies have their own cash grant, disconnection prevention and weatherization services, in addition to the resources offered in your county. Call 800-342-3009 to contact the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for information on benefits and eligibility.