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Grants for Single Mothers in Ohio

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

Last updated: August 2025

If You Need Help Today

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
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at Ohio Benefits – you may get benefits within 7 days if you qualify for expedited service
  3. Contact your local food bank – Call (866) 244-0071 for the Ohio Food Assistance Program hotline to find immediate food help

Crisis Numbers:

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

Main Points

Ohio offers multiple assistance programs for single mothers, but the benefit amounts are among the lowest in the nation. For a family of three, Ohio Works First (OWF) provides only $608 per month in cash assistance, with families limited to earning at or below 50% of the federal poverty level ($1,076 per month) to qualify. However, combining multiple programs can provide significant support.

What you need to know:

  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days and utility help within weeks
  • Real grants exist – Educational grants like OCOG provide up to $5,000 annually for college
  • Tax credits provide major help – Ohio’s Earned Income Tax Credit is 30% of the federal credit, potentially providing thousands annually
  • The system is complex – But this guide breaks it down step by step
  • Time limits matter – OWF cash assistance is limited to 36 months with a 5-year lifetime limit

Reality Check: Ohio’s benefit levels are among the lowest in the country, with OWF providing just $608 for a family of three. You’ll likely need to combine multiple programs to meet your family’s needs.

Current Benefit Amounts and Income Limits (2025)

Ohio Works First (Cash Assistance)

Family Size Monthly Income Limit Maximum Monthly Benefit
1 person $538 $342
2 people $720 $458
3 people $851 $608
4 people $982 $683

SNAP Food Assistance (2025)

Household Size Monthly Income Limit (200% FPL) Maximum Monthly Benefit
1 person $3,252 $292
2 people $4,392 $536
3 people $5,532 $768
4 people $6,672 $975

Ohio WIC Program Income Limits (2025-2026)

Household Size Monthly Income Limit (185% FPL)
1 person $2,853
2 people $3,853
3 people $4,853
4 people $5,853

Tax Credits and Federal Benefits (Often Overlooked!)

Many single mothers miss these programs that provide significant annual income.

Federal Tax Credits

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

  • What it provides: Up to $8,046 for families with 3+ children (2025 tax year)
  • Who qualifies: Working families with income under specific limits
  • Ohio bonus: Ohio provides an additional credit equal to 30% of the federal EITC
  • How to claim: File tax return with IRS Form 1040, even if you don’t owe taxes

Child Tax Credit (CTC)

  • What it provides: Up to $2,000 per child under 17, with up to $1,700 refundable
  • Who qualifies: Single mothers with income under $200,000
  • How to claim: File tax return, may be partially refundable

Contact for Free Tax Help: IRS VITA Program at 1-800-906-9887

Educational Grants That Change Lives

These are true grants – money you never have to pay back.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) – Top Choice

The OCOG program provides grants to undergraduate Ohio residents with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $3,750 or less and maximum household income of $96,000. Award amounts increased significantly in recent years, now providing up to $5,000 annually at private institutions.

Current award amounts (2024-2025):

  • State universities main campus: $4,000 annually
  • Private non-profit institutions: $5,000 annually
  • Community colleges: Limited eligibility during summer terms

Requirements:

  • Ohio resident for tuition purposes
  • Undergraduate degree-seeking student
  • Student Aid Index (SAI) of $3,750 or less from FAFSA
  • Enrolled at least half-time
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress

How to apply:

  1. Complete FAFSA by October 1st each year
  2. Apply to participating Ohio colleges or universities
  3. Institution automatically considers you for OCOG when awarding financial aid

Contact: Ohio Department of Higher Education at (614) 466-6000

Second Chance Grant Program

This program provides $3,000 grants to eligible students re-enrolling at qualifying institutions to obtain a degree or credential. It’s designed for Ohioans with some college credit but no bachelor’s degree.

Requirements:

  • Ohio resident
  • Some college credit but no bachelor’s degree
  • Demonstrate financial need through FAFSA
  • Be in good academic standing
  • Accept any federal and state need-based grants awarded

How to apply: Contact participating colleges and universities directly

Ohio Work Ready Grant

Provides funding to Ohio residents with the highest financial need for enrollment in qualified programs at community colleges, technical colleges, or state university branch campuses.

Focus areas: Job training programs in high-demand fields

Emergency Cash and Basic Needs

Ohio Works First (OWF) – Cash Assistance

Ohio’s TANF program provides time-limited cash assistance to eligible families. Benefits are limited to 36 months for families with minor children, with eligibility limited to families earning at or below 50% of the federal poverty level.

Current benefits (2025):

  • Family of 3: $608 maximum monthly
  • Income limit: $851 monthly for family of 3

Important warnings:

  • 36-month time limit for families with children
  • 5-year lifetime limit for adults
  • Work requirements: 30 hours/week for single parents

How to apply:

  1. Apply online at Ohio Benefits
  2. Call (844) 640-6446
  3. Visit your local county Job and Family Services office

Processing time: Up to 45 days

Reality Check: At $608 monthly for a family of three, Ohio’s cash assistance is among the lowest in the nation.

SNAP Food Assistance

Ohio’s Food Assistance Program helps eligible low-income families stretch their food budgets. Ohio recently expanded eligibility by increasing the gross income limit from 130% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Income limits (2025):

  • Family of 3: $5,532 monthly (200% FPL)
  • Maximum benefit: $768 monthly for family of 3

How to apply:

  • Online: Ohio Benefits
  • Phone: (866) 244-0071
  • In person: Local county agency

Expedited service: Available if you have less than $150 monthly income and $100 or less in bank accounts – you can get benefits within 7 days.

Ohio Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

HEAP helps income-eligible Ohioans pay heating bills, providing a credit once per winter heating season. Benefits range from $41 to $811, depending on household income and energy costs.

Who qualifies:

  • Household income at or below 60% of State Median Income – for example, a three-person household with monthly income of $4,591 or less
  • Priority for households with elderly, disabled, or children under 6

How to apply:

Program year: Typically runs October 1 through September 30

Healthcare for You and Your Kids

Ohio Medicaid

Ohio expanded Medicaid, providing health coverage to more single mothers and their families.

Who qualifies:

  • Children under 19 in families up to 205% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Adults up to 138% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Pregnant women up to 200% of Federal Poverty Level

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

How to apply:

Ohio WIC Program

WIC helps income-eligible pregnant and breastfeeding women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5. Families must have incomes at or equal to 185% of the poverty level – about $3,981 monthly for a family of three.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women (up to 6 months)
  • Children under age 5
  • Must be at “nutritional risk” (determined by health screening)

Benefits include:

  • Monthly food packages (milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, baby formula)
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans
  • Healthcare referrals

How to apply:

  • Call Ohio WIC: (800) 755-4769
  • Find local clinic: odh.ohio.gov/wic
  • Apply in person (phone interviews not available)

Childcare Help While You Work or Go to School

Ohio Child Care Assistance

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services provides financial assistance for childcare to eligible parents. Depending on your household size and income, you may be required to pay a portion of your childcare costs.

Who qualifies:

  • Working parents, in school, in job training, or homeless families with household income at 142% or less of FPL, or families with special needs children and income at 150% of FPL
  • Child must be U.S. citizen and Ohio resident

How much you pay:

  • Co-payments range from $15-200+ monthly based on income
  • Lower income families pay less
  • State pays provider directly

How to apply:

  • Call Child Care Help Desk: 1-877-302-2347
  • Apply through local county Job and Family Services

Processing time: 30-45 days if all documents provided

Head Start and Early Head Start

Head Start is an anti-poverty program offering healthcare services, educational resources, and counseling to ensure children succeed with schooling and emotional, social, and mental development.

Head Start (Ages 3-5):

  • Free preschool education
  • Meals and snacks included
  • Health and dental screenings
  • Family support services

Early Head Start (Birth to 3):

  • Childcare for infants and toddlers
  • Home visiting programs
  • Pregnant women services

How to apply:

  • Call Ohio Head Start Collaboration Office: (614) 752-1151
  • Use national locator: 1-866-763-6481

Real Grants for Single Mothers

While most “assistance programs” are actually government benefits, there are some true grants available to Ohio single mothers:

Private Foundation Grants

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation

  • Awards up to $5,000 to low-income mothers pursuing education
  • Must be pursuing first undergraduate degree, associate degree, or vocational training
  • Application deadline typically in August

Women’s Independence Scholarship Program (WISP)

  • Provides up to $10,000 for survivors of domestic violence
  • Must be enrolled in education or job training program
  • Applications accepted year-round

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

  • Awards $2,000 scholarships to low-income women 35 and older
  • Must be pursuing technical or vocational education, associate degree, or first bachelor’s degree
  • Application deadline typically in March

Local Scholarship Opportunities

Community Foundation Scholarships

  • Many Ohio community foundations offer scholarships specifically for single mothers
  • Amounts vary from $500 to $5,000
  • Contact your local community foundation

United Way Emergency Assistance

  • Many local United Way chapters provide emergency grants
  • Typically $200-$1,000 for crisis situations
  • Contact your local United Way office

Reality Check: True grants are competitive and limited. Most assistance comes through government programs rather than private grants.

Child Support Enforcement

Don’t overlook this important source of financial support.

Ohio Child Support Program

What they provide:

  • Locate absent parents using state and federal databases
  • Establish paternity through genetic testing
  • Establish and modify support orders
  • Collect and distribute payments automatically
  • Enforce orders through wage garnishment

Who qualifies:

  • Any parent or caregiver with custody of a child
  • No income requirements

How to apply:

  • Online: jfs.ohio.gov/ocs
  • Phone: 1-800-686-1556
  • Visit local Child Support office

Costs:

  • $25 application fee for families not receiving TANF
  • No fee for TANF recipients

Housing Help That Works

Emergency Rental Assistance

Many Ohio counties offer emergency rental assistance programs:

Salvation Army

  • Emergency assistance for rent, utilities, medications
  • Contact your local Salvation Army office
  • Funding limited

Catholic Charities

  • Various assistance programs by location
  • Each branch sets own eligibility criteria
  • Apply through local Catholic Charities

Community Action Agencies

  • Emergency assistance and case management
  • Available in most Ohio counties
  • Call 2-1-1 for local contact information

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

Who qualifies:

  • Very low-income families (typically 30% of area median income)
  • Priority for elderly, disabled, and homeless families

How to apply:

  • Contact local Public Housing Authority
  • Most have waiting lists of 1-3 years
  • Apply to multiple authorities if eligible

Reality Check: Waiting lists are long throughout Ohio. Apply as soon as possible and consider multiple counties.

Food Help Beyond SNAP

Ohio Food Banks

Shared Harvest Foodbank (Southeast Ohio)

  • Phone: (740) 349-6884
  • Serves multiple counties in Southeast Ohio

Cleveland Food Bank

  • Phone: (216) 738-2067
  • Serves Northeast Ohio

Freestore Foodbank (Cincinnati area)

  • Phone: (513) 482-7550
  • Serves Southwest Ohio

Summer Food Service Program

The Ohio Department of Education runs a Summer Food Service Program that supplies children aged 1 to 18 with free meals during summer holidays if registered in the program.

Contact: Summer Food Hotline at 1-866-348-6479

Support for All Types of Single Parent Families

Single Fathers

All programs in this guide serve single fathers raising children alone with the same eligibility requirements and benefits.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

  • May qualify for “child-only” TANF benefits
  • Child support services available
  • Special considerations for kinship care

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

  • All Ohio state programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination
  • Equality Ohio: (614) 224-6257 for additional support and resources
  • PFLAG Columbus: (614) 439-8623 for community support

Tribal Resources

Ohio has limited tribal presence, but Native American families can access:

  • Bureau of Indian Affairs Cleveland Office: (216) 522-4000
  • Indian Health Service programs (if enrolled tribal member)
  • Special considerations for Native families in some programs

Rural Ohio Families

Additional challenges:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer service providers
  • Longer travel distances to offices

Rural-specific resources:

  • Mobile food pantries in some areas
  • Telehealth services through Medicaid
  • 2-1-1 especially important for finding local resources

Resources by Region

Northeast Ohio (Cleveland area)

Food assistance: Cleveland Food Bank (216) 738-2067 Legal aid: Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (216) 687-1900 Emergency assistance: United Way of Greater Cleveland 2-1-1

Central Ohio (Columbus area)

Emergency assistance: Salvation Army (614) 221-6766 Single mother support: Motherful community at 254 Agler Road, Gahanna – pantry open Sundays 10am-12pm Legal aid: Legal Aid Society of Columbus (614) 224-8374

Southwest Ohio (Cincinnati area)

Food assistance: Freestore Foodbank (513) 482-7550 Emergency assistance: United Way of Greater Cincinnati 2-1-1 Legal aid: Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio (513) 241-9400

Southeast Ohio

Food assistance: Shared Harvest Foodbank (740) 349-6884 Emergency assistance: Local Community Action agencies Rural outreach: Many services available through mobile programs

Common Questions Single Mothers Ask (FAQs)

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

  • SNAP: Up to 200% of poverty level ($5,532/month for family of 3) in Ohio
  • Medicaid: Up to 138% of poverty level
  • Childcare assistance: Up to 142% of poverty level

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

  • SNAP: 7-30 days (7 days if emergency)
  • OWF: Up to 45 days
  • Medicaid: Usually 30 days or less
  • Childcare assistance: 30-45 days

Q: What if I get denied? A: You have the right to appeal any denial within 30 days. Contact Ohio Legal Help at (866) 637-5341 for assistance with appeals.

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

  • Never repay: SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, HEAP, tax credits
  • Educational grants: May have requirements like staying in Ohio after graduation
  • Overpayments: Must repay if you received too much due to unreported income changes

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once? A: Yes! Ohio Benefits allows you to apply for SNAP, OWF, and Medicaid with one application.

Q: What about immigration status? A: Some programs are available regardless of status:

  • Emergency Medicaid: Available for emergency care
  • WIC: Available in some areas
  • Food banks: Most don’t require documentation
  • Call 2-1-1 for guidance on what’s available

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

  • County Job and Family Services offices
  • 2-1-1 can connect you with local navigators
  • Ohio Legal Help: (866) 637-5341

Q: What if my English is limited? A: Language assistance available:

  • All state programs provide free interpreters
  • Request interpreter when scheduling appointments
  • Many forms available in Spanish

Emergency Resources and Crisis Numbers

Food Emergency

  • Emergency SNAP: Apply at benefits.ohio.gov
  • 2-1-1: Find local food pantries
  • Ohio Food Assistance Hotline: (866) 244-0071

Housing Emergency

  • Local housing authorities: Contact for emergency assistance
  • 2-1-1: Emergency shelter information
  • Salvation Army: Emergency rental assistance

Utilities Shut-off

  • HEAP Emergency: (800) 282-0880
  • Utility company hardship programs: Contact provider directly
  • 2-1-1: Local utility assistance programs

Crisis Support

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Ohio Mental Health Crisis Line: 1-877-275-4357

Important Phone Numbers and Resources

Statewide Resources

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral (24/7)
  • Ohio Benefits applications: benefits.ohio.gov
  • SNAP/TANF/Medicaid: (844) 640-6446
  • WIC: (800) 755-4769
  • Child Support: 1-800-686-1556

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

Legal and Advocacy Help

  • Ohio Legal Help: (866) 637-5341
  • Legal Aid Society: Contact local office
  • Disability Rights Ohio: (614) 466-7264

Educational Resources

  • Ohio Department of Higher Education: (614) 466-6000
  • FAFSA help: 1-800-433-3243
  • Federal Student Aid: studentaid.gov

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 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

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 Ohio guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, USDA, IRS, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, USDA, HHS, and Ohio Department of Higher Education 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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