Grants for Single Mothers in Georgia
Last Updated on August 11, 2025 by Rachel
Complete Guide: Government Assistance and Real Grants for Single Mothers in Georgia
Last updated: August 2025
If you’re reading this in an emergency, scroll down to the “If You Need Help Today” section for immediate assistance.
Being a single mom in Georgia comes with unique challenges, from covering basic needs like housing and food to finding quality childcare while working or going to school. According to recent data, 38% of Georgia’s children live in single-parent families, and 19.5% of children under 18 live in families with income below the federal poverty level. You’re not alone in this journey, and there are real resources available to help.
Main Points
- Emergency help is available immediately through DFCS offices and 2-1-1 Georgia
- TANF provides up to $280 monthly cash assistance for families with children
- SNAP benefits can provide up to $768 monthly for food assistance for a family of three
- Real grants exist beyond government programs – especially for education and childcare
- Housing assistance programs can dramatically reduce your rent burden
- Healthcare coverage is available through Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids
- Educational grants like HOPE can make college tuition-free for qualifying students
If You Need Help Today
Call these numbers right now if you need immediate assistance:
- 2-1-1 Georgia: Dial 2-1-1 for comprehensive resource help
- DFCS Customer Contact Center: (877) 423-4746 for food stamps, Medicaid, TANF
- Georgia Crisis & Access Line: (800) 715-4225 for mental health emergencies
- Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 334-2836
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
If you need food today: Visit 211.org to find local food banks or contact your local DFCS office for emergency food assistance.
If you’re facing eviction: Contact your local Community Action Agency at (404) 657-3427 for emergency rental assistance.
If you need childcare funding to work or attend school: Contact Nana Grants at nanagrants.org – they provide 100% childcare funding for low-income student mothers attending Georgia colleges.
Understanding Georgia’s Assistance Landscape
Georgia offers a mix of federal and state programs designed to help single mothers and their families achieve stability and long-term success. Research shows that poverty rates are significantly higher among children of single mothers compared with children in two-parent households, which is why these programs specifically address the challenges you face.
Reality Check: While help is available, navigating these programs takes time and patience. Most applications require documentation, interviews, and waiting periods. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t qualify for everything – even getting help with one area (like food or healthcare) can free up money for other necessities.
2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Georgia
Understanding income limits is crucial since most programs use percentages of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for eligibility:
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 130% FPL | 150% FPL | 185% FPL | 200% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,650 | $20,345 | $23,475 | $28,953 | $31,300 |
| 2 people | $21,150 | $27,495 | $31,725 | $39,128 | $42,300 |
| 3 people | $26,650 | $34,645 | $39,975 | $49,303 | $53,300 |
| 4 people | $32,150 | $41,795 | $48,225 | $59,478 | $64,300 |
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2025 Poverty Guidelines
Emergency Food and Basic Needs
SNAP (Food Stamps)
The Georgia Food Stamp Program provides monthly benefits to low-income households to help pay for the cost of food. For a family of three, maximum benefits are $768 per month as of 2025 (USDA SNAP benefit amounts).
Who qualifies: Most families in Georgia with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level qualify due to Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE) – that’s $42,300 yearly for a family of three (Georgia SNAP eligibility).
How to apply:
- Online at Georgia Gateway
- Call (877) 423-4746
- Visit your local DFCS office
Processing time: Up to 30 days for regular applications, but expedited benefits are available within 7 days if you have less than $150 in monthly income and liquid resources of $100 or less.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC provides checks or vouchers to buy healthy supplemental foods from WIC-authorized vendors, plus nutrition education and healthcare referrals.
Who qualifies:
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women
- Children under age 5
- Household income less than 185% of the federal poverty level
What you get: Monthly food vouchers for items like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits, and vegetables, plus infant formula if needed.
To apply: Find your local WIC clinic at Georgia WIC or call 1-800-228-9173.
Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP helps supplement diets of low-income individuals by providing emergency food at no cost in all 159 Georgia counties.
Contact your local food bank through Feeding America’s website or call (404) 463-8042.
Cash Assistance and Financial Support
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides monthly cash assistance with an employment services component for low-income families. While the amount is modest, it provides direct cash you can use for any necessity.
Monthly benefits: Georgia’s TANF benefit level is $280 per month for a family of three – one of the lowest in the country (Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, 2024). This amount has remained largely unchanged since the 1990s.
Who qualifies:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident alien
- Must have children under 18 or under 19 if a full-time student
- For a family of three, gross income must be below $784 monthly with countable assets less than $1,000
- Must cooperate with child support enforcement unless good cause exists
(Georgia DFCS TANF eligibility requirements)
Work requirements: All adult recipients must participate in work activities and training for at least 30 hours weekly.
Time limits: Cash assistance is available for a lifetime total of 48 months, though extensions may be granted for domestic violence and physical/mental incapacity.
Reality Check: The work requirement can be challenging when you’re also managing childcare and other responsibilities. However, supportive services including childcare, transportation, medical services, and job uniforms may be available.
Unemployment Insurance
Georgia provides unemployment benefits ranging from $55 to $365 per week for up to 14 weeks for eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own (Georgia Department of Labor).
Apply online at Georgia Department of Labor or visit your local career center.
Healthcare Coverage
Medicaid
Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids provide access to vital health services to nearly two million Georgians, including 1.3 million children.
Coverage includes:
- Doctor visits and hospital care
- Prescription medications
- Mental health services
- Preventive care and wellness services
- Family planning services
Pregnant women: You can complete a short application at your local county health department for Presumptive Eligibility Medicaid, which usually provides coverage immediately. Georgia extended postpartum coverage from six months to one year following pregnancy.
PeachCare for Kids
PeachCare for Kids provides comprehensive health care to uninsured children through age 18 whose family income is too high to qualify for Medicaid but is less than 252% of the federal poverty level.
Cost: Free for children under age six, with sliding-scale premiums for older children ranging from $15-$35 monthly based on family income (Georgia DPH PeachCare for Kids).
Call 1-877-GA-PEACH or apply through Georgia Gateway.
Housing Assistance
Finding affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges single mothers face. These programs can help reduce your housing burden significantly.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
This federal program helps pay rent in private housing. You choose your housing, and the program pays a portion of your rent directly to the landlord.
Requirements:
- Must meet HUD’s definition of family and income limits
- Must qualify based on citizenship or eligible immigrant status
- Must pass screening process
Waiting lists: Most housing authorities have waiting lists, so apply as early as possible.
Georgia Emergency Rental Assistance
Check with your local Community Action Agency for emergency rental assistance programs. Call (404) 657-3427 to find an agency near you.
Low Income Housing Tax Credit Properties
These are privately-owned rental properties that offer reduced rents for qualifying low-income families. Search for properties at Georgia DCA Affordable Rental Housing.
Childcare Assistance
Childcare costs can consume a huge portion of a single mother’s budget, making it difficult to work or attend school.
Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS)
Georgia’s CAPS program assists low-income families with childcare costs while they work, go to school, or participate in other work-related activities.
Who qualifies:
- Children with disabilities
- Families experiencing domestic violence
- Families participating in or transitioning from TANF
- Families with very low income as defined by CAPS
- Minor parents (20 years of age or younger)
Reality Check: Even with CAPS, participants often pay a small co-pay of up to 7% of their income. However, this is still much more affordable than full-price childcare.
Apply through your local DFCS office or Georgia Gateway.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start is a federally-funded program that helps children up to age 5 with school readiness, while Early Head Start serves pregnant women, toddlers, and infants.
Find your local program using the Head Start Center Locator or call 1-866-763-6481.
Real Grants for Single Mothers
Beyond government assistance, actual grant programs exist that provide direct financial support. These are competitive, but worth pursuing.
Educational Grants
| Grant Program | Amount | Eligibility | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | Up to $7,495/year | Based on financial need | Complete FAFSA |
| Georgia HOPE Grant | Varies by school | Georgia residents pursuing certificate/diploma | FAFSA or GSFAPPS |
| HOPE GED Grant | $500 one-time | Recipients of GED pursuing further education | Contact GSFC |
Nana Grants – Childcare Funding for Student Mothers
Nana Grants is a Georgia-based nonprofit that covers 100% of childcare costs for low-income single mothers attending accredited colleges or job training programs.
What they provide:
- Full childcare funding ranging from $1,500 to $16,000 per year, renewable for the length of your program
- Coverage for full-time care, Pre-K, before/after school care, and summer camp
- CAPS Bridge Funding up to $50 weekly for qualifying CAPS recipients
Who qualifies: Low-income single mothers attending HOPE-eligible colleges in Georgia.
Why this matters: Single mothers with only a high school diploma are three times more likely to live in poverty than those with college degrees. For every dollar invested in an associate’s degree, a single mother’s family gets back $16.45 in increased earnings.
Apply at nanagrants.org
Other Grant Resources
Atlanta Women’s Foundation – Women’s Pathway to Success Program Provides multi-year funding and support for programs serving women in disadvantaged communities, including single mothers.
Hope Inc – Rent and Childcare Assistance Provides up to $400 monthly in rent and/or childcare assistance when financial hardships pose barriers to education.
Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) Provides loans from $15,000 to $1,000,000 to help create and grow sustainable businesses.
National Grant Opportunities
| Organization | Grant Type | Amount | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Awards | Education | Up to $10,000 | Single mothers pursuing education |
| The Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation | Education | $5,000 | Low-income women with children |
| P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education | Education | Up to $3,000 | Women returning to school |
| Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program | Business | $10,000 + mentoring | Women starting businesses |
Utilities and Emergency Assistance
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP helps avoid utility shut-offs by providing grants to cover electricity and heating bills. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis by local Community Action Agencies.
Income guidelines: Must be at or below 60% of state median income.
Call (404) 657-3427 to find your local Community Action Agency.
Georgia Power Programs
Utility companies in Georgia have comprehensive assistance programs, including help with electric and summer cooling bills. Call Georgia Power at (888) 660-5890.
Education and Career Training
Education remains one of the most effective ways to improve long-term financial stability.
Georgia HOPE Programs
HOPE provides merit-based scholarships for eligible in-state postsecondary institutions and has helped more than 2.2 million students.
HOPE Scholarship: Available to Georgia residents with demonstrated academic achievement, requiring a minimum 3.00 high school GPA and maintaining 3.00 in college.
HOPE Grant: Available to Georgia residents pursuing certificates or diplomas, with a 2.00 GPA requirement.
HOPE Career Grant: Provides additional assistance for students in career fields identified as strategically important to Georgia’s economic growth.
REACH Scholarship Program
A needs-based mentoring and scholarship program designed to ensure academically promising students have the academic, social, and financial support needed to succeed.
Federal Financial Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov to access:
- Federal Pell Grants (up to $7,495/year)
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
- Work-study opportunities
- Student loans (if needed)
Transportation Assistance
Reliable transportation is essential for work, school, and accessing services.
Local Public Transportation
Many Georgia cities offer reduced-fare programs for low-income residents:
- MARTA (Atlanta area): Low-income fare programs available
- Gwinnett County Transit: Reduced fare options
- Contact your local transit authority about assistance programs
Vehicles for Change
Some areas have programs that help low-income families obtain reliable vehicles at reduced costs. Contact local churches and community organizations for referrals.
Support for Diverse Single Parent Families
LGBTQ+ Single Parents
- Georgia Equality: Provides resources and advocacy for LGBTQ+ families
- PFLAG Atlanta: Offers support groups and family resources
- LGBT Foundation of Atlanta: Emergency assistance and support services
Many mainstream assistance programs in Georgia are inclusive, but if you face discrimination, contact:
- Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity: (404) 656-1736
- ACLU of Georgia: (770) 303-8111
Tribal-Specific Resources
While Georgia doesn’t have federally recognized tribes, Native Americans can access:
- Indian Health Service: Healthcare services for eligible Native Americans
- Bureau of Indian Affairs: Educational and social services
- Native American Family Services: Culturally-specific support programs
Contact the Atlanta Regional Office at (404) 679-7100 for referrals.
Rural Single Mothers with Limited Access
Rural areas often have unique challenges with transportation and service availability:
USDA Rural Development: Offers rural housing, utilities, and business programs
- Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
- Single Family Housing Direct Loans
- Rural Energy for America Program
Georgia Department of Agriculture: Rural development programs and resources
Telehealth Services: Georgia has expanded telehealth options, which can help rural families access healthcare and mental health services.
Single Fathers
While many programs use gender-neutral language, single fathers can access all the same assistance programs:
- TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid eligibility is based on household composition and income, not gender
- Childcare assistance through CAPS
- Housing assistance programs
- Educational grants and scholarships
Single Father Resources:
- National Fatherhood Initiative
- Single Fathers Network
- Local father support groups through churches and community centers
Resources by Region
Metro Atlanta
- Georgia Center for Nonprofits: Resource directory
- United Way of Greater Atlanta: 2-1-1 services
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta: Healthcare assistance programs
- Atlanta Legal Aid Society: Legal assistance for low-income families
North Georgia
- Community Action Partnership: Multi-county assistance programs
- North Georgia Community Action: Energy, housing, and family services
- Salvation Army: Emergency assistance and programs
Central Georgia
- Community Action for Improvement: Comprehensive assistance programs
- Middle Georgia Community Action Agency: Housing, energy, and family services
- Georgia Department of Public Health: WIC and health services
South Georgia
- South Georgia Community Action Council: Regional assistance programs
- Southwest Georgia Community Action: Rural assistance programs
- Coastal Georgia Community Action Authority: Multi-service programs
Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)
Q: Can I receive multiple types of assistance at the same time? A: Yes! You can typically receive SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and housing assistance simultaneously if you qualify for each program individually.
Q: Will receiving assistance affect my immigration status? A: You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident alien to receive TANF. Some programs have different requirements. Emergency medical care and WIC generally don’t count as “public charge.” Consult with an immigration attorney if you have concerns.
Q: How long does it take to get approved for programs? A: SNAP takes up to 30 days (7 days for expedited), Family Medicaid takes up to 45 days, and TANF processing varies by county. Housing assistance can have years-long waiting lists.
Q: What if I’m denied for a program? A: You have the right to appeal any denial. Request a hearing within 30 days of the decision. Contact Georgia Legal Aid at (833) 457-5813 for help.
Q: Can I go to school while receiving TANF? A: Yes, education and training can count toward TANF work requirements. You’ll need approval from your caseworker and may be required to maintain a minimum number of credit hours.
Q: What documents do I need to apply for assistance? A: Generally, you’ll need:
- Social Security cards for all family members
- Birth certificates
- Proof of Georgia residency
- Proof of income (pay stubs, unemployment benefits)
- Bank statements
- Medical documentation (if applicable)
Q: Are there programs specifically for women fleeing domestic violence? A: Yes. Georgia has specific provisions for domestic violence survivors, including exemptions from some program requirements. Contact the Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 334-2836.
Q: Can my ex-partner claim our children on programs if they don’t have custody? A: No. The parent with physical custody of the children applies for and receives benefits. If there’s a custody dispute, bring court orders to your appointment.
Q: Do I have to cooperate with child support enforcement to receive benefits? A: Yes, cooperation with the Georgia Division of Child Support Services is required for TANF unless good cause can be established. Good cause includes domestic violence situations.
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.
This Georgia guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Georgia Division of Family & Children Services, USDA, IRS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.
Information compiled from official Georgia Division of Family & Children Services, USDA, HHS, and Georgia Student Finance Commission sources. Last verified: August 2025.
The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.
Sources of information include:
- Georgia Division of Family & Children Services official publications
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines
- Georgia Student Finance Commission program descriptions
- Verified nonprofit organization websites
- Georgia Department of Community Affairs housing programs
How to use this guide:
- Bookmark this page for future reference
- Print sections relevant to your situation
- Use the phone numbers and websites provided to apply directly
- Share with other single mothers who might benefit
Important reminders:
- Program details can change – always verify current requirements with the administering agency
- Don’t let one denial discourage you from applying for other programs
- Keep copies of all applications and correspondence
- Ask for help – caseworkers, nonprofits, and 2-1-1 are there to assist you
Getting additional help: If you need help navigating these programs or understanding your options, contact:
- 2-1-1 Georgia: Dial 2-1-1
- Georgia Legal Aid: (833) 457-5813
- DFCS Customer Service: (877) 423-4746
Remember: Seeking help is not a sign of weakness – it’s a smart strategy for building a better future for you and your children. Every successful person has used available resources and support systems along the way.
Disclaimer
Program details, income limits, and availability can change. While this guide is updated regularly with the most current information available, readers should always verify program details directly with the relevant agency before applying. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice.
The assistance programs described here are funded by various federal, state, and local sources. Funding levels and program availability may change based on budget allocations and policy decisions.
For the most current information, contact:
- Individual program administrators listed throughout this guide
- Your local DFCS office
- 2-1-1 Georgia for comprehensive resource information
Last verification of information: August 2025
