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Grants for Single Mothers in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania 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 COMPASS – you can get benefits within 1-7 days if you qualify for expedited service
  3. Contact your local food bank – Find locations at Feeding Pennsylvania for immediate food assistance

Quick Summary for Busy Moms

Pennsylvania offers comprehensive assistance for single mothers through 20+ programs. Emergency help available within 1-7 days. Key programs include food assistance for families earning under $4,108/month, educational grants up to $5,260/year, 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 $403/month for family of 3
  • Emergency Housing: Rental assistance and local emergency funds
  • Tax Benefits: EITC up to $8,046/year, Child Tax Credit up to $2,000 per child
  • Education: Pennsylvania State Grant up to $5,260/year + federal Pell Grants

Main Points

According to The Pittsburgh Foundation, approximately 72% of families living below the poverty line in Allegheny County are headed by single women raising children. Many of these families are living on incomes at just 25% of the federal poverty level, even while receiving government assistance.

What you need to know:

  • Real assistance exists – Programs like the Pennsylvania State Grant can provide thousands annually for education
  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days and utility help within weeks
  • Tax credits provide major help – EITC and Child Tax Credit can provide thousands annually
  • Long-term support matters – Education and job training programs can change your family’s future
  • The system is complex – But this guide breaks it down step by step

Reality Check: Some programs have long waiting lists or strict requirements. Apply for multiple programs and don’t get discouraged if the first one doesn’t work out.

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), according to IRS Revenue Procedure 2024-40
  • Who qualifies: Working families with income under $59,899 (single filers with 3+ children) for 2025
  • How to claim: File tax return with IRS Form 1040, even if you don’t owe taxes
  • Reality Check: This is refundable – you get money back even if you pay no taxes

Income Limits for EITC (2025 Tax Year):

Children Single Filer Income Limit Maximum Credit
1 child $47,915 $4,213
2 children $53,057 $6,960
3+ children $59,899 $8,046

Child Tax Credit (CTC)

  • What it provides: Up to $2,000 per child under 17, with up to $1,700 refundable per IRS Topic 602
  • Who qualifies: Single mothers with income under $200,000
  • How to claim: File tax return, may be partially refundable

Child and Dependent Care Credit

  • What it provides: 20-35% of childcare costs, up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two+ children
  • Who qualifies: Working parents paying for childcare to work or look for work
  • How to claim: Keep receipts, file with tax return using Form 2441

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. They’re competitive, but they can completely change your life.

Pennsylvania State Grant Program (Top Choice)

According to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, this is a state-funded financial aid program that provides funding to eligible Pennsylvanians who demonstrate high financial need to attend college.

What they cover:

  • Maximum annual award is $5,260 for 2024-2025
  • Awards vary based on financial need, cost of tuition, and availability of funds
  • No repayment required – this is a true grant
  • Can be renewed for up to 8 full-time semesters

Eligibility requirements:

  • Must be Pennsylvania resident for at least 12 months
  • Must attend approved Pennsylvania college or university at least half-time (6+ credits)
  • Must be pursuing first bachelor’s degree
  • Must demonstrate high financial need through FAFSA
  • Must make satisfactory academic progress

How to apply:

  1. Complete your FAFSA at studentaid.gov by May 1st deadline
  2. Submit State Grant Form through PHEAA’s system if first-time applicant
  3. Apply to Pennsylvania colleges – they will determine your award amount

Program Contact: Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency at 1-800-692-7392

Reality Check: Students are limited to receiving no more than eight full-time semesters’ worth of funding, and you must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Federal Pell Grant

What they provide:

  • Up to $7,395 for 2024-2025 academic year
  • Based on financial need determined by FAFSA
  • No repayment required

Requirements:

  • Must be U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Must be enrolled at least half-time
  • Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • Cannot have bachelor’s degree already

How to apply:

  • Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov
  • Apply early – some funds are limited

Emergency Cash and Basic Needs

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

Cash Assistance (Pennsylvania’s TANF Program)

According to Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, TANF provides temporary cash benefits and supportive services to Pennsylvania’s neediest families with children.

Current benefit amounts (per state guidelines):

Family Size Monthly Benefit (with shelter costs)
1 person $205
2 people $316
3 people $403
4 people Higher amounts available

Income limits:

  • Income must be below the cash grant size: $205 a month for a single person, $316 a month for two people, $403 a month for a family of three
  • Pennsylvania also has a limit on savings of $250 for an individual or $1,000 for more than one person

Important Time Limit Warning: You can receive cash assistance for 60 months (five years) total over the course of your lifetime

Requirements:

  • Must be U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident
  • Must live in Pennsylvania
  • Must have children under 19 (or under 20 if in school)
  • Must participate in employment and training program unless exempt
  • Must sign Agreement of Mutual Responsibility (work plan)

How to apply:

  1. Apply online at COMPASS
  2. Call (800) 692-7462 to request paper application
  3. Visit local County Assistance Office

Processing time: Up to 45 days from application date

Reality Check: Pennsylvania’s TANF benefits are among the lowest in the country, designed to be temporary assistance while you work toward self-sufficiency.

SNAP (Food Assistance)

According to Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, SNAP income and benefit limits were increased following yearly adjustments from the USDA.

Maximum benefit amounts (October 2024-September 2025):

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

Income limits (200% of Federal Poverty Level – PA Expanded Eligibility):

Family Size Monthly Gross Income Limit Annual Gross Income Limit
1 person $2,510 $30,120
2 people $3,408 $40,890
3 people $4,304 $51,640
4 people $5,200 $62,400

How to apply:

  • Online: COMPASS
  • Phone: (800) 692-7462
  • In person: Local County Assistance Office

Emergency SNAP: If you qualify for expedited service, you can get benefits within 1-7 days if you have less than $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in bank accounts.

Reality Check: In 2022, Pennsylvania raised the income limit for SNAP to 200% of the federal poverty level, making more than 420,000 Pennsylvanians newly eligible for assistance.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

According to Pennsylvania’s WIC program, it has improved the nutrition and health of families since 1974 by providing nutrition services, breastfeeding support, health care and social service referrals, and healthy foods.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women (up to 6 months)
  • Children under age 5
  • Income at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Must be at “nutritional risk” (determined by health screening)

Automatic qualification if you receive:

  • SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF

Benefits include:

  • Monthly food packages with items like 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 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467)
  • Find local WIC office at Pennsylvania WIC
  • Apply in person (phone interview not available)

Reality Check: WIC provides specific healthy foods, not cash. Foods are designed to supplement your diet, not provide all nutrition needs.

Real Grant Programs for Single Mothers

Beyond government assistance programs, there are actual grant programs specifically designed to help single mothers.

USDA Rural Development Section 504 Grants

This program provides grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.

What they provide:

  • Grants have a lifetime limit of $10,000, except in presidentially declared disaster areas where they have a $15,000 lifetime limit
  • Loans and grants can be combined for up to $50,000 in assistance
  • Home repairs for health and safety issues

Requirements:

  • To qualify for a grant, the applicant must be 62 or older
  • Must live in eligible rural area
  • Must be very low income
  • Must own and occupy the home

Contact: Find your local USDA Rural Development office at rd.usda.gov

Pittsburgh Foundation Grants for Single Mothers

The Pittsburgh Foundation provides grants to nonprofits serving single women with children, including programs that provide direct assistance to families.

Examples of funded programs:

  • Bethlehem Haven’s Safe At Home program provides short-term financial assistance to single mothers for housing-related expenses and helps prevent eviction
  • Jeremiah’s Place provides free, confidential, emergency child care for children ages six and under when families are in need of temporary assistance

How to access: Contact these organizations directly or call 2-1-1 for referrals to programs in your area.

Local Emergency Assistance Grants

Many local nonprofits, churches, and community organizations provide small emergency grants:

Common types:

  • Emergency rent assistance
  • Utility bill help
  • Car repair assistance
  • Medical bill assistance
  • Emergency food and clothing

How to find them:

  • Call 2-1-1 for local resources
  • Contact local churches and faith communities
  • Check with United Way chapters
  • Contact local community action agencies

Reality Check: These grants are typically one-time assistance with small amounts ($100-$1,000), but they can be lifesavers during emergencies.

Housing Help That Works

Finding safe, affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges for single mothers. Here are programs that can help.

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

According to HUD, the Housing Choice Voucher program helps very low-income families afford decent, safe housing.

Two types available:

  1. Housing Choice Vouchers: You find your own rental, voucher pays portion of rent
  2. Project-based Section 8: Specific apartment complexes with reduced rent

Income limits (30% of Area Median Income for Pittsburgh area):

Household Size Maximum Annual Income
1 person $20,850
2 people $23,800
3 people $26,750
4 people $29,700

How to apply:

  • Contact your local Public Housing Authority
  • Philadelphia: Philadelphia Housing Authority at (215) 684-4000
  • Pittsburgh: Housing Authority of City of Pittsburgh at (412) 456-5000
  • Find other authorities at HUD’s PHA directory

Reality Check: The HCV wait list is currently closed in Pennsylvania. Most housing authorities have waiting lists of 1-3 years. Apply as soon as possible and to multiple authorities if eligible.

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
  • Check with local churches and nonprofits

Philadelphia area:

  • Contact local housing counseling agencies
  • Call (215) 686-0123 for eviction prevention services

Pittsburgh area:

  • Contact ACTION-Housing at (412) 281-2102
  • Emergency assistance through local nonprofits

LIHEAP (Utility Assistance)

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps with electric and gas bills.

Benefits available:

  • Regular heating/cooling assistance
  • Crisis assistance for immediate shut-off threats
  • Weatherization services to reduce energy costs

Who qualifies:

  • Income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Priority for households with elderly (60+), disabled, or children under 6

How to apply:

  • Contact local Community Action Program
  • Call PA LIHEAP at 1-866-857-7095
  • PA LIHEAP will open on November 4 and remain open until April 4, 2025

Reality Check: Funding is limited and available first-come, first-served. Apply early in the program year.

Healthcare for You and Your Kids

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

Medical Assistance (Pennsylvania Medicaid)

According to Pennsylvania DHS, Medical Assistance provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families.

Income limits (138% of Federal Poverty Level for adults):

Household Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,801 $21,612
2 people $2,433 $29,196
3 people $3,064 $36,780
4 people $3,696 $44,364

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Prescription medications
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Hospital and emergency room care
  • Preventive care including mammograms and cancer screenings
  • Maternity care including prenatal and delivery

For children (CHIP): Children 18 and under can get coverage if family income is up to 314% of Federal Poverty Level

How to apply:

  • Online: COMPASS
  • Phone: (800) 692-7462
  • In person: Local County Assistance Office

Processing time: Usually 30 days or less

Emergency Medicaid: Available for emergency medical conditions regardless of immigration status

Childcare Help While You Work or Go to School

Child Care Works

Pennsylvania’s Child Care Works program helps eligible families pay for childcare.

Who qualifies:

  • Working parents (minimum 20 hours/week)
  • Parents in approved education/training programs
  • Income typically up to 200% of Federal Poverty Level

How much you pay:

  • Co-payments range from $5-$60+ per week based on income and family size
  • Lower income families pay less
  • Payments made directly to childcare provider

Approved providers:

  • Licensed childcare centers
  • Licensed family childcare homes
  • Approved relative care (in some cases)
  • Before/after school programs

How to apply:

  • Online: COMPASS
  • Phone: (800) 692-7462
  • In person: Local County Assistance Office

Processing time: 30-45 days if all documents provided

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

Head Start and Early Head Start

Free comprehensive early childhood programs for low-income families.

Head Start (Ages 3-5):

  • Free preschool education
  • Full-day or part-day options
  • 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
  • Parenting education

Income requirements:

  • Family income at or below 130% of Federal Poverty Level
  • Automatic qualification for families receiving TANF, SNAP, or SSI

How to apply:

  • Contact Pennsylvania Head Start Association
  • Use Head Start program locator at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov
  • Call 1-866-763-6481

Reality Check: High-quality programs with waiting lists. Some programs offer year-round enrollment, others have specific enrollment periods.

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
  • Medical Assistance (healthcare) – 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

Additional resources:

  • National Fatherhood Initiative: Resources for single fathers
  • Local support groups: Contact 2-1-1 for father-specific groups

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Special considerations for kinship families:

TANF eligibility:

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

Kinship care support:

  • Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Kinship Care
  • Financial assistance available through relative care programs
  • Support groups and respite care
  • Legal assistance for custody issues

Contact: Call (800) 692-7462 for kinship care information

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

All Pennsylvania state programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination. Additional resources:

Support organizations:

  • LGBTQ Center of Central PA (Harrisburg): (717) 920-9534
  • William Way LGBT Community Center (Philadelphia): (215) 732-2220
  • persadcenter.org (Pittsburgh): (412) 441-9786

Legal protections:

  • Pennsylvania law prohibits discrimination in state programs based on sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Same-sex couples eligible for all family programs
  • Name change and gender marker assistance available

Native American Families

Tribal programs: Pennsylvania has no federally recognized tribes, but Native Americans can access:

  • All state programs listed in this guide
  • Urban Indian health programs in major cities
  • Native American community centers and support groups

Resources:

  • Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan serves some PA Native Americans
  • American Indian Community House (Pittsburgh area)
  • Contact Bureau of Indian Affairs at (202) 208-3711

Rural Pennsylvania Families

Additional challenges in rural areas:

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

Rural-specific resources:

  • Mobile services: Some WIC offices offer home visits
  • Telehealth: Medical Assistance covers telehealth appointments
  • USDA Rural Development: Housing and repair grants
  • 2-1-1: Especially important for finding local resources

Resources by Region

Philadelphia Metro Area

Emergency Services:

  • Emergency food: Philabundance at (215) 339-0900
  • Emergency housing: Office of Homeless Services at (215) 686-0123
  • Emergency assistance: Philadelphia Department of Human Services

Education Programs:

  • Community College of Philadelphia financial aid: (215) 751-8270
  • Temple University support services: (215) 204-8018

Legal Aid:

  • Community Legal Services: (215) 981-3700
  • Philadelphia Legal Assistance: (215) 981-3800

Pittsburgh Metro Area

Emergency Services:

  • Emergency food: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank at (412) 460-3663
  • Emergency housing: ACTION-Housing at (412) 281-2102
  • Emergency assistance: Allegheny County DHS

Education Programs:

  • Community College of Allegheny County: (412) 237-2700
  • University of Pittsburgh financial aid: (412) 624-7488

Legal Aid:

  • Neighborhood Legal Services: (412) 255-6700
  • Just Harvest (benefits advocacy): (412) 431-8960

Central Pennsylvania (Harrisburg Area)

Emergency Services:

  • Emergency food: Central Pennsylvania Food Bank at (717) 564-1700
  • Emergency housing: Contact 2-1-1
  • Emergency assistance: Local Community Action Programs

Education:

  • Harrisburg Area Community College: (717) 780-2300
  • Penn State Harrisburg: (717) 948-6250

Other Regions

Call 2-1-1 for local resources in:

  • Northeastern Pennsylvania (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre)
  • Northwestern Pennsylvania (Erie)
  • Southeastern Pennsylvania (Chester, Delaware, Montgomery counties)
  • South Central Pennsylvania (York, Lancaster)

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 ($4,304/month for family of 3)
  • Medical Assistance: Up to 138% of poverty level ($3,064/month for family of 3)
  • Childcare assistance: Up to 200% of poverty level
  • LIHEAP: Up to 150% of poverty level

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

  • SNAP: 1-30 days (1-7 days if emergency)
  • TANF: Up to 45 days
  • Medical Assistance: Usually 30 days or less
  • Housing vouchers: Months to years due to waiting lists
  • Childcare assistance: 30-45 days

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once?
A: Yes! COMPASS allows you to apply for SNAP, TANF, and Medical Assistance 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 30 days. Common reasons for denial include missing documents or income calculation errors. Contact Community Legal Services at (215) 981-3700 (Philadelphia) or (412) 255-6700 (Pittsburgh) for help with appeals.

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

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

Q: Can undocumented immigrants get help?
A: Some programs are available:

  • Emergency Medicaid: Emergency medical care only
  • WIC: WIC does not require proof of citizenship or alien status
  • Food banks: Most don’t require documentation
  • Emergency assistance: Many nonprofits provide help regardless of status
  • Call 2-1-1 for guidance on what’s available in your situation

Q: What if I live in rural Pennsylvania?
A: Rural residents face additional challenges but have options:

  • USDA Rural Development programs for housing and repairs
  • Mobile services from some agencies
  • Medical Assistance covers telehealth appointments
  • 2-1-1 is especially important for finding local resources
  • Many programs have special provisions for rural residents

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

  • County Assistance Offices: Staff provide in-person help
  • 2-1-1: Can connect you with local navigators
  • Community Legal Services: (215) 981-3700 or (412) 255-6700
  • Local Community Action Programs: Case managers often help with applications

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

  • All state programs provide free interpreters
  • COMPASS website available in Spanish
  • Call (800) 692-7462 and request Spanish interpreter
  • 2-1-1 has bilingual operators
  • Request interpreter when scheduling appointments

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

  • Pennsylvania State Grant: Up to $5,260/year for college
  • Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395/year
  • TANF work requirement: Education/training counts as work activity
  • Childcare assistance: Available for parents in approved education programs

Emergency Resources and Crisis Numbers

Immediate Crisis Help

Food emergency:

  • 2-1-1: Find local food pantries and soup kitchens
  • Feeding Pennsylvania: Find local food banks at feedingpa.org
  • Emergency SNAP: Apply at COMPASS or call (800) 692-7462

Housing emergency (eviction/homelessness):

  • 2-1-1: Emergency shelter and rental assistance
  • Philadelphia: Office of Homeless Services at (215) 686-0123
  • Pittsburgh: ACTION-Housing at (412) 281-2102

Utilities shut-off:

  • LIHEAP Emergency: Call 1-866-857-7095
  • Utility company hardship programs: Call your utility provider directly
  • Local emergency assistance: Contact Community Action Programs

Medical emergency:

  • 911: Life-threatening emergencies
  • Emergency Medicaid: Available regardless of immigration status
  • Community health centers: Sliding fee scale, call 2-1-1 for locations

Crisis and Mental Health Support

Crisis intervention:

  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • Pennsylvania Crisis Helpline: 1-800-273-8255

Domestic violence:

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
  • Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 1-800-932-4632
  • Local shelters: Call 2-1-1 for immediate shelter options

Legal Emergencies

Eviction and landlord issues:

  • Community Legal Services: (215) 981-3700 (Philadelphia)
  • Neighborhood Legal Services: (412) 255-6700 (Pittsburgh)
  • Pennsylvania Legal Aid: Find local office at palegal.org

Family law and custody:

  • Legal aid societies: Contact through 2-1-1
  • Self-help centers: At all courthouse locations
  • Domestic Relations Court: For child support issues

Resources and Important Phone Numbers

Statewide Resources

Primary contact numbers:

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral service (24/7) – Your first call for any crisis
  • COMPASS Application System: compass.state.pa.us
  • DHS Customer Service: (800) 692-7462
  • Child Support Services: (800) 932-4636

Emergency Numbers

Immediate crisis:

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

Food assistance:

  • Emergency SNAP: (800) 692-7462
  • WIC Program: 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467)
  • Find food banks: feedingpa.org

Legal and Advocacy Help

Free legal assistance:

  • Community Legal Services (Philadelphia): (215) 981-3700
  • Neighborhood Legal Services (Pittsburgh): (412

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