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Grants for Single Mothers in Montana

Montana Single Mother’s Guide to Benefits, Grants, and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Emergency Help

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:


  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more in Montana
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at apply.mt.gov – you can get benefits within 1-3 days if you qualify for expedited service
  3. Contact Montana Food Bank Network at (406) 721-3825 for emergency food assistance locations statewide

Quick Summary for Busy Moms

Montana offers assistance for single mothers through 20+ programs. Emergency help available within 1-3 days. Key programs include food assistance for families earning under $4,303/month, educational grants, and emergency housing support.

Top Programs by Urgency:

  • Emergency Food: SNAP benefits up to $768/month for family of 3
  • Emergency Cash: TANF up to $725/month (Montana increased benefits in 2023)
  • Emergency Housing: Section 8 vouchers and emergency rental assistance
  • Healthcare: Medicaid for families earning under $3,064/month (family of 3)
  • Education: Federal Pell Grants up to $7,395/year, Montana University System scholarships

Main Points

Single parenting in Montana comes with unique challenges, especially with the state’s rural geography and harsh winters. According to Montana Healthcare Foundation, approximately one of every five Montanans is enrolled in Medicaid (21%), and nearly two of every five children and youth are covered by Medicaid (38%).

What you need to know:

  • Real help exists – Montana expanded Medicaid and increased TANF benefits significantly in recent years
  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days and utility help within weeks
  • Geographic challenges are real – Rural areas have fewer services but mobile programs exist
  • Education support matters – Montana offers tuition waivers and various scholarship programs
  • The system is complex – But this guide breaks it down step by step

Reality Check: Montana’s Medicaid expansion will end in mid-2025 unless lawmakers choose to extend it, which could affect almost 80,000 people. Apply for programs as soon as possible and stay informed about policy changes.

Emergency Cash and Basic Needs

When you need help paying bills or buying food, these programs can provide immediate relief.

Cash Assistance (Montana’s TANF Program)

According to Montana DPHHS, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides temporary financial assistance to needy families with children under 18.

Current benefit amounts: Montana increased its benefit from $588 to $725 in 2023, a $137 increase and its largest increase to date. For a family of three with little or no income, maximum benefits are now $725 per month.

Income limits: In Montana, a family is considered “needy” when their gross countable income is less than $1,092 a month for a family of three.

Requirements:

  • Must be U.S. citizen or legal resident
  • Must live in Montana
  • Must have children under 19 (or under 20 if in school)
  • Must participate in Pathways Program (work training) unless exempt
  • Assets must be under $3,000

Work requirements: If you are a single mother with a child under age 6, you are expected to participate in approved work activities for at least 27 hours per week.

How to apply:

  1. Apply online at apply.mt.gov
  2. Call (888) 706-1535 for paper application
  3. Visit local Office of Public Assistance

Processing time: Up to 45 days from application date

Reality Check: Montana has a 60-month lifetime limit for adults receiving TANF benefits. Plan for transitioning off assistance through education or work training.

SNAP (Food Assistance)

According to Montana DPHHS, Montana’s SNAP program provides monthly food benefits to eligible low-income families.

Maximum benefit amounts (2025):

  • 1 person: $292/month
  • 2 people: $536/month
  • 3 people: $768/month
  • 4 people: $975/month

Income limits (200% of Federal Poverty Level):

Family Size Monthly Gross Income Limit Annual Gross Income Limit
1 person $2,510 $30,120
2 people $3,407 $40,880
3 people $4,303 $51,640
4 people $5,200 $62,400

How to apply:

  • Online: apply.mt.gov
  • Phone: (855) 415-5558
  • In person: Local DPHHS office

Emergency SNAP: If you qualify for expedited service, you can get benefits within 1-3 days if you have less than $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in bank accounts.

Reality Check: Montana applies asset limits to most SNAP applicants: $2,750 in countable resources for most households, or $4,250 if at least one household member is age 60+ or disabled.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

According to Montana DPHHS, Montana’s WIC program provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women and children under 5.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women
  • Children under age 5
  • Income at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Level ($4,108/month for family of 3)
  • Must be at “nutritional risk” (determined by health screening)

Automatic qualification if you receive:

  • Medicaid
  • TANF (Cash Assistance)
  • SNAP (Food Assistance)

Benefits include:

  • Monthly food packages with milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, baby formula
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans
  • Referrals to healthcare and social services

How to apply:

  • Call Montana WIC: (800) 433-4298
  • Find local WIC office at dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/wic
  • Apply in person (phone interview not available)

What to bring:

  • Photo ID
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of address
  • Children’s immunization records

Healthcare for You and Your Kids

Montana expanded Medicaid, which means more single mothers can get comprehensive health coverage.

Montana Medicaid

According to Montana DPHHS, Montana Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families.

Income limits (138% of Federal Poverty Level):

Household Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,801 $21,597
2 people $2,433 $29,180
3 people $3,064 $36,763
4 people $3,696 $44,346

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Prescription medications
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Hospital and emergency room care
  • Preventive care including cancer screenings
  • Pregnant women with household incomes up to 162% of the federal poverty level, with coverage continuing for 12 months postpartum

For children: Children up to 18 years old qualify with family income up to 148% of the federal poverty level

How to apply:

  • Online: apply.mt.gov
  • Phone: (855) 415-5558
  • In person: Local DPHHS office

Processing time: Usually 30 days or less

Important Warning: Medicaid expansion in Montana will end in mid-2025 unless lawmakers choose to extend it during the 2025 legislative session. Stay informed about policy changes.

Housing Help That Works

Finding safe, affordable housing is challenging in Montana’s competitive market.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

According to Montana Department of Commerce, the Housing Choice Voucher Program helps low-income families afford housing in the private market.

How it works: Families receiving assistance pay approximately 30% of their adjusted gross monthly income for rent and utilities, subject to payment subsidy standards.

Income requirements: To be eligible, you must qualify under HUD income limits – typically households earning less than 50% of Area Median Income.

Current status: The Montana Department of Commerce announced that its statewide Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list will re-open on July 1, 2025, at 8 a.m.

Reality Check: Due to decreased federal funding, Montana closed the program’s waiting list on August 15, 2024, leaving approximately 3,000 households in limbo. Apply immediately when the list reopens.

How to apply:

  • Online: commerce.mt.gov starting July 1, 2025
  • Wait times: Typical wait times in Montana range from 6 months to 18 months, depending on the location and the applicant’s priority level

Emergency Rental Assistance

Several programs can help if you’re behind on rent or facing eviction:

Statewide resources:

  • Call 2-1-1 for local emergency rental programs
  • Contact local Community Action Programs
  • Churches and faith-based organizations often have emergency funds

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance) Montana’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program assists eligible residents with heating and cooling costs. Eligible households may receive a one-time credit of up to $3,765.

Who qualifies: Priority granted to households with income not exceeding 60% of State Median Income.

Contact: Call (866) 494-1981 for LIHEAP assistance

Child Support Enforcement

Don’t overlook this important source of financial support.

Montana Child Support Services Division (CSSD)

According to Montana CSSD, the Child Support Services Division helps single mothers get support from the other parent.

What they provide:

  • Locate absent parents using federal databases and employment records
  • Establish paternity through genetic testing
  • Establish and modify support orders through court system
  • Collect and distribute support payments automatically
  • Enforce support orders through wage garnishment and asset seizure

Who qualifies:

  • Any parent or caregiver who has custody of a child
  • No income requirements or restrictions
  • Available regardless of marital status

How to apply:

  • Online: dphhs.mt.gov/cssd
  • Phone: 1-800-346-5437
  • Email: childsupport@mt.gov (for general questions only)

Costs:

  • $25 non-refundable application fee applies
  • No other costs – services are free

What to expect:

  • Case opening: 1-2 weeks
  • Locating absent parent: 30-90 days
  • Establishing paternity: 60-120 days
  • Setting support order: 90-180 days

Reality Check: Even if the other parent doesn’t have a job now, establishing support orders helps when their situation changes.

Childcare Help While You Work or Go to School

Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarships

According to Montana DPHHS, the Early Childhood Services Bureau offers child care scholarships to qualified low-income families.

Who qualifies:

  • Working families
  • TANF recipients
  • Parents in high school, college, or pursuing a GED
  • Family income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level at time of initial application. For a family of three, that’s about $3,981

How much you pay: Families participating in the program are required to make co-payments based on a sliding fee scale that takes into account a percentage of the family’s gross monthly income.

How to apply:

  • Complete scholarship application and submit to local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency
  • Apply online at apply.mt.gov for expedited processing
  • Call (406) 444-1788 for information

Processing time: 30-45 days if all documents provided

Reality Check: Waiting lists are common. Apply as early as possible, even before you start work or school.

Educational Grants and Scholarships

True grants and scholarships that can change your life – money you never have to pay back.

Federal Pell Grant

The basic educational grant available to low-income students.

Benefits:

  • Maximum award: $7,395 for 2025-26 academic year
  • No repayment required
  • Can be combined with other aid

Requirements:

  • Must demonstrate substantial financial need
  • Must be enrolled at least half-time
  • Must be working toward first bachelor’s degree

How to apply: Complete your FAFSA at studentaid.gov by December 1st for priority consideration.

Montana University System Scholarships

According to Montana University System, several scholarships are available to Montana residents:

Montana University System Honor Scholarship:

  • Four-year tuition waiver (average value $20k) for Montana high school seniors
  • Must attend accredited Montana high school
  • Merit-based selection

STEM Healthcare Scholarship:

  • $1,000 first year, $1,500 second year, $1,500 third year, and $2,000 fourth year for qualifying Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) or Healthcare majors

2 Plus 2 Honor Scholarship:

  • Tuition waiver for graduates from eligible 2-year campuses transitioning to 4-year MUS campus
  • Up to four continuous semesters

How to apply: Visit Award Montana Portal to apply for MUS scholarships.

Private Scholarships for Single Mothers

Several national organizations offer scholarships specifically for single mothers:

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation:

  • Up to $5,000 for low-income women and mothers
  • Based on financial need and educational goals

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund:

  • Awards for women 35 and older pursuing education
  • Preference for those with financial need

Application tip: Start early and apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances of receiving aid.

Support for All Types of Single Parent Families

Single Fathers

Most programs in this guide also serve single fathers raising children alone:

Available programs:

  • SNAP (food assistance) – same eligibility and benefits
  • TANF (cash assistance) – same income limits and requirements
  • Medicaid – full family coverage available
  • Child support services – help collecting from other parent
  • Housing assistance – Section 8 and emergency rental help
  • Childcare assistance – same work/school requirements

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

TANF eligibility:

  • Income limit may be different when grandparent applies only for grandchild
  • Grandparent’s needs not always included in benefit calculation
  • May qualify even if grandparent receives Social Security

Additional support:

  • Contact local DPHHS office for kinship care support
  • Legal assistance available for custody issues

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

All Montana state programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination.

Support organizations:

  • Montana Human Rights Network: (406) 442-5506
  • Pride Foundation (serves Northwest including Montana)

Legal protections:

  • Montana law prohibits discrimination in state programs
  • Same-sex couples eligible for all family programs

Native American Families

Tribal TANF programs: Many Montana tribes operate their own TANF programs with different rules than state programs. You cannot receive both state and tribal TANF simultaneously.

Contact your tribal government:

  • Blackfeet Nation: (406) 338-3822
  • Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes: (406) 675-2700 x.1234
  • Chippewa Cree Tribe: (406) 395-4176
  • Fort Belknap Indian Community: (406) 353-4230

Indian Health Service:

  • Healthcare for enrolled tribal members
  • Available regardless of income
  • Contact your tribal health clinic

Rural Montana Families

Additional challenges:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer service providers
  • Longer travel distances to offices
  • Harsh winter weather conditions

Rural-specific resources:

  • Mobile food pantries serve rural areas
  • Telehealth covered by Medicaid
  • Some WIC offices offer home visits
  • 2-1-1 especially important for finding local resources

Resources by Region

Western Montana (Missoula Area)

Housing:

  • Missoula Housing Authority: (406) 728-4100
  • Human Resource Council: Section 8 services

Food Resources:

  • Missoula Food Bank: (406) 549-0543
  • Food pantries throughout Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, and Sanders counties

Contact: Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana: (406) 758-5431

Central Montana (Helena/Great Falls Area)

State Services:

  • Most state DPHHS offices located in Helena
  • Central processing for many programs

Food Resources:

  • Helena Food Share: (406) 443-3663
  • Great Falls Rescue Mission: (406) 761-2653

Eastern Montana (Billings Area)

Housing:

  • Billings Housing Authority
  • Action Inc. provides housing assistance in several counties

Food Resources:

  • Yellowstone Valley Food Bank: (406) 259-2856
  • Family Promise of Yellowstone Valley

Northern Montana

Tribal Resources:

  • Multiple reservations with specific programs
  • Blackfeet, Fort Belknap, Little Shell, and Assiniboine & Gros Ventre communities

Rural Support:

  • Bear Paw Development Corporation serves several counties
  • Mobile services available

How to Apply: Your 4-Week Action Plan

Week 1: Immediate Emergency Needs

Day 1-2:

  1. Apply for Emergency SNAP at apply.mt.gov
  2. Call 2-1-1 for immediate crisis resources in your area
  3. Contact Montana Food Bank Network: (406) 721-3825 for emergency food

Day 3-4: 4. Apply for Medicaid – same application as SNAP 5. Call utility companies if behind on bills – many have hardship programs 6. Contact local churches/nonprofits for emergency assistance

Day 5-7: 7. Gather required documents (see list below) 8. Follow up on SNAP application if no response within 3 days 9. Apply for WIC if you have children under 5

Week 2: Cash Assistance and Support Programs

Day 8-10:

  1. Apply for Cash Assistance (TANF) through apply.mt.gov
  2. Apply for LIHEAP utility assistance: (866) 494-1981
  3. Contact child support services: 1-800-346-5437

Day 11-14: 4. Apply for childcare assistance if working or in school 5. Research Head Start programs for children 3-5 6. Contact local food banks beyond emergency assistance

Week 3: Housing and Legal Support

Day 15-17:

  1. Prepare for Section 8 application – list reopens July 1, 2025
  2. Contact landlord/tenant assistance if facing eviction
  3. Research emergency housing options

Day 18-21: 4. File taxes or contact VITA program for EITC/Child Tax Credit 5. Contact legal aid if needed: Montana Legal Services Association 6. Apply for additional local emergency assistance programs

Week 4: Long-term Planning and Education

Day 22-24:

  1. Research educational opportunities at Montana colleges and universities
  2. Complete FAFSA for educational grants at studentaid.gov
  3. Contact community colleges about programs and support services

Day 25-28: 4. Apply for Montana University System scholarships 5. Follow up on all pending applications 6. Create ongoing plan for managing benefits and requirements

Documents You Need (Prepare These First!)

Keep copies of these documents ready for all applications:

Personal identification:

  • Montana driver’s license or state ID
  • Social Security cards for all family members
  • Birth certificates for all children
  • Immigration documents (if applicable)

Income and employment:

  • Pay stubs from last 30 days
  • Unemployment benefits statement
  • Self-employment records
  • Child support payment records
  • Any other income documentation

Housing and expenses:

  • Current lease or mortgage statement
  • Rent receipts for last 3 months
  • Utility bills (electric, gas, water, phone)
  • Childcare payment receipts

Financial information:

  • Bank statements for last 3 months (all accounts)
  • Vehicle registration and insurance
  • Medical bills and expenses
  • Court orders (custody, child support, if applicable)

Health and family:

  • Medical records for family members
  • Pregnancy verification (if applicable)
  • Disability documentation (if applicable)
  • School enrollment verification for children

Common Questions Single Mothers Ask (FAQs)

Q: Can I get help if I’m working? A: Yes! Most programs allow working families to qualify:

  • SNAP: Up to 200% of poverty level ($4,303/month for family of 3)
  • Medicaid: Up to 138% of poverty level ($3,064/month for family of 3)
  • Childcare assistance: Up to 185% of poverty level

Q: What if I live in rural Montana? A: Rural residents have options despite geographical challenges:

  • Mobile food pantries serve rural areas
  • Medicaid covers telehealth appointments
  • Some WIC offices provide home visits
  • 2-1-1 is especially important for finding local resources
  • Many programs have special provisions for rural residents

Q: How long do applications take to process? A: Processing times vary by program:

  • SNAP: 1-30 days (1-3 days if emergency)
  • TANF: Up to 45 days
  • Medicaid: Usually 30 days or less
  • Housing vouchers: List reopens July 1, 2025; then months to years due to waiting lists
  • Childcare assistance: 30-45 days

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once? A: Yes! apply.mt.gov allows you to apply for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid with one application. You can also apply for other programs separately at the same time.

Q: What if I get denied? A: You have the right to appeal any denial within a specific timeframe. Common reasons for denial include missing documents or calculation errors. Contact Montana Legal Services Association at (406) 442-9830 for help with appeals.

Q: Do I have to pay anything back? A: Most programs don’t require repayment:

  • Never repay: SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, LIHEAP
  • Educational grants: Sometimes have requirements like staying in Montana after graduation
  • Overpayments: If you receive too much due to unreported income changes, you may need to repay the difference

Q: How do I get help filling out applications? A: Free application assistance available:

  • DPHHS offices: Staff provide in-person help
  • 2-1-1: Can connect you with local navigators
  • Montana Legal Services Association: (406) 442-9830
  • Local Community Action Programs: Case managers often help with applications

Q: What about tribal members? A: Tribal members have additional options:

  • Tribal TANF programs (separate from state programs)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
  • Indian Health Service healthcare
  • Contact your specific tribal government for programs and eligibility

Q: Can I get help paying for school while receiving benefits? A: Yes, education is encouraged:

  • Federal Pell Grants: Up to $7,395/year
  • Montana University System scholarships: Various tuition waivers available
  • TANF work requirement: Education/training counts as work activity
  • Childcare assistance: Available for parents in approved education programs

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Scams to Avoid

Grant scams:

  • Red flag: Requests upfront fees for “guaranteed grants”
  • Reality: Legitimate government programs never charge application fees (except $25 for child support)
  • Action: Hang up and report to Montana Attorney General: (406) 444-2026

Benefits card scams:

  • Red flag: Calls asking for your EBT card number or PIN
  • Reality: DPHHS will never call asking for your card information
  • Action: Never give card information over phone; call DPHHS directly if questionable

Program Warnings

Medicaid expansion uncertainty:

  • Montana’s Medicaid expansion expires mid-2025 unless renewed
  • Stay informed about legislative decisions
  • Have backup health insurance plans

Waiting lists reality:

  • Section 8 housing: List closed until July 1, 2025; then long waits expected
  • Childcare assistance: May have waiting lists in some areas
  • Apply early and to multiple programs

Winter challenges:

  • Heating costs can be significant in Montana
  • Apply for LIHEAP early in the season
  • Have emergency heating plans

Resources and Important Phone Numbers

Statewide Resources

Primary contact numbers:

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral service (24/7)
  • Montana DPHHS: (406) 444-5622
  • Apply for benefits: apply.mt.gov or (855) 415-5558

Emergency numbers:

  • Emergency services: 911
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Program-Specific Contacts

Food assistance:

  • Montana Food Bank Network: (406) 721-3825
  • WIC program: (800) 433-4298

Housing crisis:

  • Montana Legal Services Association: (406) 442-9830
  • Local Community Action Programs: Call 2-1-1

Child support:

  • Montana CSSD: 1-800-346-5437
  • Email: childsupport@mt.gov

Education:

Healthcare:

Disclaimer

Important Notice About Information Currency

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates, funding changes, and legislative action. All information in this guide was compiled and verified using official government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Limitations:

  • This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice
  • Individual circumstances vary and may affect program eligibility
  • Processing times and benefit amounts may differ from those listed
  • Some programs may have waiting lists or limited funding not reflected in this guide

Critical Note: Montana’s Medicaid expansion expires in mid-2025 unless renewed by the legislature. Monitor dphhs.mt.gov for updates on program continuity.

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 Montana guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, USDA, HUD, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, USDA, HHS, and Montana University System 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.

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