Find Grants for Single Moms

Grants and Assistance Programs for Single Mothers in Arkansas

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Key Takeaways

  • Arkansas offers multiple housing assistance programs including Section 8 vouchers and public housing through local housing authorities
  • The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides an average of $258 monthly per household in Arkansas as of 2024
  • WIC serves approximately 72,000 Arkansas women and children monthly, providing nutritional support for those earning up to 185% of the federal poverty level
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with utility bills, with eligible households receiving between $200-$500 in assistance
  • TEA (Transitional Employment Assistance) provides temporary cash assistance and employment support for families in need
  • Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund offers financial aid specifically designed for single parents pursuing education
  • Multiple childcare assistance programs exist, including vouchers that can cover up to 90% of childcare costs

Introduction

Single mothers in Arkansas are probably having many financial challenges while raising children independently. Several assistance programs exist at the federal, state, and local levels designed to provide support with essentials like housing, food, healthcare, education, and childcare. This guide compiles information about grants and assistance programs available to single mothers in Arkansas,along with ligibility requirements, application processes, and how to maximize benefits.

Whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or simply looking to optimize your financial options while raising your family, understanding these resources can make a difference in your life and may lead to future opportunities.

Housing Assistance Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental assistance to low-income families, helping them afford safe and sanitary housing in the private market.

Eligibility:

  • Income must be at or below 50% of the area median income
  • Priority given to extremely low-income families (30% of area median income or below)
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant
  • Must pass background checks

Benefits:

  • Vouchers cover the difference between 30% of a family’s monthly adjusted income and the actual rent
  • In Arkansas, the average Section 8 voucher value is approximately $600 per month as of 2024
  • Participants can choose any housing that meets program requirements

How to Apply: Contact your local Public Housing Authority (PHA) to apply. Be aware that many PHAs have waiting lists.

Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) Programs

ADFA offers several programs to help low-income families with housing needs:

HOME Program Down Payment Assistance:

  • Provides up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance
  • Must be a first-time homebuyer
  • Income must be at or below 80% of area median income
  • Property must be located in Arkansas
  • Contact: (501) 682-5900, www.arkansas.gov/adfa

Arkansas Affordable Housing Trust Fund:

  • Offers development funding for affordable housing
  • Benefits renters and potential homeowners with low incomes
  • For information: (501) 682-5900, www.arkansas.gov/adfa/programs

Emergency Solutions Grant Program

This program helps prevent homelessness and provides emergency assistance to those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Services:

  • Rental assistance to prevent eviction
  • Security deposits for new housing
  • Utility payments to prevent service disconnection
  • Emergency shelter services

How to Apply: Contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services at (501) 682-1001 or visit www.humanservices.arkansas.gov

Arkansas Weatherization Assistance Program

This program helps low-income households improve energy efficiency in their homes.

Benefits:

  • Free home energy audits
  • Installation of insulation
  • Air sealing
  • Heating and cooling system repairs or replacements
  • Average benefit per home in Arkansas is approximately $6,500

Eligibility:

  • Income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
  • Priority given to elderly, disabled, and families with children

Contact: Arkansas Energy Office, (501) 682-7319, www.arkansasenergy.org

Food Assistance Programs

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides monthly benefits to eligible low-income families to purchase food.

Eligibility:

  • Monthly gross income generally at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
  • For a family of three in Arkansas, this is approximately $2,495 per month as of 2024
  • Resource limits apply ($2,750 for most households, $4,250 for households with elderly or disabled members)

Benefits:

  • Average monthly benefit per household in Arkansas is $258
  • Benefits are provided via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card
  • Can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers

Application Process:

  1. Apply online at access.arkansas.gov
  2. Visit your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office
  3. Call (800) 482-8988 for application assistance

As of early 2024, there are approximately 328,000 individuals receiving SNAP benefits in Arkansas, including many single-parent households.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

WIC provides nutritional support for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children up to age 5.

Eligibility:

  • Must be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have children under 5
  • Income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
  • Must be at nutritional risk (determined by health screening)
  • For a family of three, the maximum monthly income is approximately $3,577

Benefits:

  • Nutritious foods specific to the participant’s needs
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support
  • Referrals to healthcare and other services
  • Average monthly food package value is approximately $45-60 per participant

How to Apply: Contact your local health unit or call the Arkansas WIC Program at (800) 235-0002. You can also visit www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/wic

WIC currently serves approximately 72,000 women, infants, and children in Arkansas each month.

Arkansas Food Bank and Local Food Pantries

The Arkansas Food Bank and its network of partner agencies provide emergency food assistance to families in need.

Services:

  • Emergency food boxes
  • Mobile pantries in rural areas
  • Summer feeding programs for children
  • Senior food programs

How to Access:

  • Call the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance at (501) 399-9999
  • Visit www.arkansasfoodbank.org to find a local food pantry
  • Text FOOD to 844-381-3663 to find nearby food resources

Cash Assistance Programs

Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA)

TEA is Arkansas’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, providing cash assistance and employment support to low-income families with children.

Eligibility:

  • Must have children under 18
  • Income and resource limits apply
  • Must participate in work activities unless exempt
  • Time limit of 24 months of assistance

Benefits:

  • Cash assistance (average monthly benefit of approximately $204 for a family of three)
  • Employment and training services
  • Support services including transportation and childcare assistance
  • Extended support services after leaving TEA for employment

How to Apply: Apply online at access.arkansas.gov or visit your local Department of Human Services office.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps low-income households with home energy bills, energy crises, and weatherization needs.

Eligibility:

  • Income at or below 60% of Arkansas median income
  • For a family of three, this is approximately $29,580 annually
  • Priority given to households with elderly, disabled, or young children

Benefits:

  • Regular assistance ranges from $200-$500 based on household size, income, and energy costs
  • Crisis assistance up to $600 for emergency situations
  • Cooling assistance during summer months
  • Weatherization referrals

How to Apply: Contact your local Community Action Agency or call the Arkansas LIHEAP office at (501) 682-8722. You can also visit www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/liheap.aspx

Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF)

ASPSF provides financial assistance specifically to single parents pursuing education.

Eligibility:

  • Must be the custodial parent or legal guardian of a minor child
  • Income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level
  • Enrolled or accepted in a career-focused certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree program
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress

Benefits:

  • Scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,400 per semester
  • Additional emergency funds for unexpected financial crises
  • Mentoring and career development support

Application Process:

  1. Visit www.aspsf.org
  2. Complete the online application during open application periods
  3. Submit required documentation
  4. Interview with local scholarship committee

ASPSF has awarded over $25 million in scholarships since 1990, helping thousands of single parents in Arkansas achieve economic independence through education.

Healthcare Assistance

ARKids First

ARKids First provides health insurance for children from low-income families.

Eligibility:

  • Children under 19
  • ARKids A: Family income up to 142% of federal poverty level
  • ARKids B: Family income between 142% and 211% of federal poverty level

Benefits:

  • Well-child checkups and immunizations
  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Hospitalization
  • Prescription medications
  • Dental and vision care
  • Mental health services

How to Apply: Apply online at access.arkansas.gov or call (888) 474-8275.

Medicaid for Parents/Caretakers

Arkansas offers limited Medicaid coverage to low-income parents and caretakers.

Eligibility:

  • Must be parent or caretaker of dependent child under 18
  • Income limits vary based on household size
  • For a family of three, income must be below approximately 16% of the federal poverty level (about $330 per month)

How to Apply: Apply online at access.arkansas.gov or visit your local DHS office.

Arkansas Works (Medicaid Expansion)

Arkansas expanded Medicaid eligibility through the Arkansas Works program.

Eligibility:

  • Adults aged 19-64
  • Income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level
  • For a single parent with two children, this is approximately $32,500 annually

How to Apply: Apply online at access.arkansas.gov or call (855) 372-1084.

Community Health Centers

Federally qualified health centers throughout Arkansas provide care on a sliding fee scale.

Services:

  • Primary care
  • Preventive healthcare
  • Dental services
  • Mental health services
  • Pharmacy services in some locations

To Find a Center: Visit www.arhealthcenters.org or call (501) 374-8225.

Childcare Assistance

Child Care Assistance Program

This program helps low-income families pay for childcare while parents work or attend school.

Eligibility:

  • Income at or below 85% of the state median income
  • Parents must be working, in training, or in school
  • Children must be under 13 (or 19 if disabled)

Benefits:

  • Subsidies covering up to 90% of childcare costs
  • Choice of providers, including centers, family homes, and relative care
  • Average monthly benefit of approximately $360 per child

How to Apply: Contact the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education at (501) 682-8590 or apply at your local DHS office.

Head Start and Early Head Start

These federally funded programs provide early childhood education and comprehensive services to low-income families.

Eligibility:

  • Head Start: Children ages 3-5 from families with incomes below the federal poverty level
  • Early Head Start: Pregnant women and children from birth to age 3
  • Automatic eligibility for families receiving TANF or SSI and for children in foster care

Services:

  • Early education services
  • Health screenings and follow-up
  • Nutrition services
  • Family support services
  • Parent involvement opportunities

How to Apply: Contact the Arkansas Head Start Association at (501) 371-0740 or visit www.arheadstart.org to find local programs.

Education and Training Opportunities

Arkansas Career Pathways Initiative

This program helps low-income parents pursue education leading to high-demand, high-wage careers.

Eligibility:

  • Current or former TEA recipient, or income below 250% of federal poverty level
  • Parent or caretaker of children under 21
  • Enrolled or eligible to enroll in a participating community college

Benefits:

  • Tuition assistance
  • Childcare assistance
  • Transportation assistance
  • Books and supplies
  • Career counseling and case management

How to Apply: Contact the Career Pathways office at your local community college or visit www.arpathways.com.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Programs

WIOA provides job training and employment services to eligible individuals.

Services:

  • Career assessment and counseling
  • Job search assistance
  • Skills training
  • On-the-job training opportunities
  • Supportive services including childcare and transportation assistance

How to Access: Visit your local Arkansas Workforce Center. Find locations at www.dws.arkansas.gov or call (855) 225-4440.

Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) Program

ABC provides high-quality early education for children from low-income families.

Eligibility:

  • Children ages 3-5
  • Family income below 200% of federal poverty level
  • Priority given to children with developmental delays, disabilities, or other risk factors

How to Apply: Contact the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education at (501) 682-9699 or visit www.humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/child-care-early-childhood-education/abc-program

Legal Assistance and Child Support

Legal Aid of Arkansas

Legal Aid provides free civil legal assistance to low-income Arkansans.

Services:

  • Family law (divorce, custody, domestic violence protection)
  • Housing issues
  • Public benefits
  • Consumer law

Contact:

Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE)

OCSE helps establish and enforce child support orders.

Services:

  • Locating non-custodial parents
  • Establishing paternity
  • Establishing and enforcing child support orders
  • Modifying existing orders when circumstances change

How to Apply: Contact your local OCSE office or call (501) 682-8398. You can also visit www.childsupport.arkansas.gov.

Tax Benefits

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The EITC is a refundable tax credit for low to moderate-income working individuals and families.

Benefits:

  • For tax year 2023, the maximum credit for a single parent with two children was $6,164
  • Average EITC amount received by Arkansas families is approximately $2,700

Where to Get Help:

  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites provide free tax preparation
  • Find locations by calling (800) 906-9887 or visiting www.irs.gov/vita

Child Tax Credit

This credit provides financial assistance to families with qualifying children.

Benefits:

  • Up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 17
  • Partially refundable up to $1,500 per child

How to Claim: File a federal tax return. VITA sites can provide free assistance.

Emergency Assistance Programs

Community Action Agencies

These agencies provide various emergency assistance programs.

Services:

  • Emergency rental assistance
  • Utility bill assistance
  • Food assistance
  • Case management
  • Financial coaching

To Find Your Local Agency: Contact the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association at (501) 372-0807 or visit www.acaaa.org.

Arkansas 211

This information and referral service connects people with local resources.

Services:

  • Referrals to food pantries
  • Housing assistance programs
  • Utility assistance
  • Healthcare services
  • Other social services

How to Access: Dial 211 from any phone in Arkansas or visit www.arkansas211.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What assistance is available for single mothers in Arkansas who are facing eviction?

Several resources can help:

  • Emergency Solutions Grant Program provides rental assistance to prevent eviction
  • Community Action Agencies offer emergency rental assistance
  • Arkansas Legal Aid can help with eviction defense
  • Some local churches and nonprofit organizations provide emergency financial assistance

Contact Arkansas 211 by dialing 211 for referrals to specific programs in your area.

How long does it take to receive Section 8 housing assistance in Arkansas?

Wait times for Section 8 vouchers vary significantly by location, but most Arkansas housing authorities have waiting lists ranging from 6 months to several years. Some housing authorities temporarily close their waiting lists when they become too long. It’s advisable to apply at multiple housing authorities if possible and to explore other housing options while waiting.

Can a single mother in Arkansas receive both SNAP and WIC benefits?

Yes, eligible families can receive both SNAP and WIC simultaneously. The programs are complementary, with SNAP providing general food assistance and WIC focusing specifically on nutritional needs of pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. Applying for one does not impact eligibility for the other.

What childcare options are available for a single mother attending college in Arkansas?

Several programs can help:

  • Child Care Assistance Program provides subsidies for childcare costs
  • Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance that can be used for childcare
  • Career Pathways Initiative provides childcare assistance for eligible students
  • Many colleges have on-campus childcare centers, some with subsidized rates
  • Head Start programs may be an option for children 3-5 years old

How can I apply for multiple assistance programs at once?

Arkansas has streamlined the application process for many programs through the Access Arkansas system. By visiting access.arkansas.gov, you can apply for SNAP, Medicaid, ARKids First, and TEA with a single application. For other programs, contact Arkansas 211 for guidance on efficient application processes.

What should I do if my application for benefits is denied?

Every program has an appeals process:

  1. Request a written explanation for the denial
  2. Review the eligibility requirements carefully
  3. Gather documentation that might support your case
  4. File a formal appeal within the specified timeframe (usually 30-90 days)
  5. Consider contacting Legal Aid of Arkansas for assistance with the appeals process

How can I receive child support if the father of my children lives in another state?

The Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement works with other states through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA):

  1. Open a case with your local OCSE office
  2. OCSE will coordinate with the other state to establish or enforce a child support order
  3. Payments will typically be processed through the Arkansas Child Support Clearinghouse

For assistance, contact OCSE at (501) 682-8398.

Are there special programs for single mothers who are veterans?

Yes, veteran single mothers may qualify for additional benefits:

  • VA healthcare for themselves and potentially their children
  • GI Bill education benefits
  • VA home loan guarantees with no down payment required
  • Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program for housing stability

Contact the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs at (501) 683-2386 or visit www.veterans.arkansas.gov.

Summary and Additional Resources

Navigating the system of assistance programs can be challenging, but the benefits are substantial for those who qualify. As a single mother in Arkansas, taking advantage of these resources can provide crucial support while you work toward long-term financial stability.

Remember these key strategies:

  • Apply for all programs you might qualify for, even if you’re unsure about eligibility
  • Keep documentation of your income, expenses, and family situation readily available
  • Stay in contact with your caseworkers and inform them of any changes in your circumstances
  • Consider combining multiple programs to create a comprehensive support system
  • Look into education and training opportunities that can lead to better employment

Key Contacts and Resources

Comprehensive Resources:

Housing Resources:

Food Assistance:

Education and Training:

Healthcare:

Legal Assistance:

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