Assistance for Single Moms in Washington

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

Washington Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Pregnant women, single moms, and young children can get help with eating weal, learning about nutrition and staying healthy from the Washington Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). When two people enroll in your family WIC will provide monthly checks for up to $100 worth of healthy foods. Nutrition tips and breastfeeding support is also provided. In order to qualify, an individual must be a resident of Washington State; a pregnant, breastfeeding and/or postpartum woman; or an infant or child under age 5.

Call 800-841-1410 for more information on the program.

Special Milk Program
Children in schools and healthcare institutions who do not participate in other Federal meal service programs can receive milk from the Special Milk Program (SMP), reimbursing schools for the milk they serve. Children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten program where children do not have access to meal programs can also get milk if their schools belong to the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Program and participate in the SMP. Any child belonging to a school that participates in the program can get milk. For further questions call 360-725-6000.

Washington Summer Food Service
Children who would normally receive free or reduced price meals when school is in session can receive nutritious meals from the Washington Summer Food Service Program. The program will be offered in various locations such as playgrounds, parks, housing authorities, churches, day camps, community centers, and more. To be able to receive the benefits of this program you must be a resident of the state and meet a certain income threshold. If you have questions or would like to apply for the SFSP contact Jennifer Mitchell at 360-725-6056.

Washington School Breakfast and Lunch Program
Designed to promote the health and well-being of children, The Washington School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the School Breakfast Program (SBP) provide nutritious meals to children in public and private schools and residential child care institutions (RCCIs). Including 277 public school districts, 46 private schools, and 56 residential child care institutions, there are currently 379 school food authorities (SFAs) in Washington State that participate in the NSLP/SBP.

Head Start and Early 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.

WorkFirst
WorkFirst is the temporary cash assistance program in Washington State, which has the goal to help low-income single moms stabilize their lives, so they can go to work and take better care of their families. The program was initiated in Washington in August 1997 with the aims to help low-income families reach self-sufficiency by providing them training and support services necessary for parents to get a job, keep it and then move up the career ladder. In a person’s lifetime cash assistance is limited to a maximum of 5 years (60 months). 877-501-2233 for more information on eligibility and the program.

Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
Able to help single moms with paying up to 12 months of rent, the TBRA Assistance Program provides low-income and struggling households with security and utility deposits. For families in transition and the homeless financial aid is made available. 360-725-2943 to contact Mollie Gaspar the TBRA program manager.

Housing Vouchers
Low income single moms can receive partial rent payment assistance from the HUD and the state of Washington allowing clients to live in homes and apartments that are subsidized by the government. To apply for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) call 800-955-2232.

Financial Counseling, Debt Consolidation, and Housing
Resources can help single moms get out of debt, receive housing counseling, and repair their credit. Certified non-profit counseling specialists that operate in the region can always lend a helping hand on civic cases. To contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling call 800-388-2227.

Case Management and Financial Aid
The Salvation Army, one of the nation’s leading charities, has centers throughout Washington State. Low income single moms can use the resources offered by this charity to pay their bills, housing, and address other basic needs.

Medicaid
A joint Federal/State program, Washington Medicaid was established to pay for medical services for people with disabilities, people 65 years and older, children and their caretakers, and pregnant women who meet the programs, financial requirements. For people who meet the Medicaid criteria, the program will provide reimbursement for and assure the availability of appropriate medical care. To learn more about Washington Medicaid call 800-562-3022.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
In Washington State, CHIP is a non-entitlement program. For children with higher income standards, eligibility is determined using the same rules as Medicaid. Children who are eligible for Medicaid, or who have any health coverage, cannot be found eligible for CHIP. For more information on the program and eligibility requirements call 877-543-7669.

Basic Health
Low income single moms can receive low-cost health care coverage and insurance through private health plans from Basic Health, a state sponsored program. The healthcare coverage offered is very affordable. 800-660-9840 for more information on this assistance program.

Legal Assistance
Providing residents and single mothers with free legal aid, the state of Washington offers its residents access to lawyers and non-profit law firms. Pro-bono legal assistance for civil matters is also offered. To contact the Northwest Justice Project for representation call 888-201-1012.

Unemployment Insurance
Workers unemployed through no fault of their own the meet Washington eligibility requirements can receive temporary financial assistance through unemployment insurance benefits. To find more information on how to apply for this program call 800-318-6022.

Washington Telephone Assistance Program (WTAP)
Lifeline is a government program that can help low income single moms with discounts on both cellular and home phone bills. Call 888-700-8880 to obtain more information on the program.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
A network of 26 local community based nonprofit organizations and local municipalities provide Washington Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) services to the public. Energy assistance, furnace repair and replacement, weatherization, and client conservation education are some of the services included. Single mom households must pay for home heating costs (either directly or through rent) and be residents of the state in order to qualify for this benefit program. For more information on Washington LIHEAP, call 360-725-2857.