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Grants for Single Mothers in Texas

Complete Guide: Financial Assistance and Grants for Single Mothers in Texas (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

Being a single mom in Texas comes with unique challenges, but you’re not alone. This guide covers every major assistance program, real grants, and emergency resources available to help you and your family thrive. Whether you need immediate help or are planning for the future, we’ll walk you through what’s actually available and how to get it.


Main Points

  • Emergency help is available today through crisis assistance programs and local organizations
  • Texas offers multiple government assistance programs including TANF (cash), SNAP (food), WIC (nutrition), and Medicaid (healthcare)
  • Educational grants up to $7,395 are available through federal Pell Grants, plus Texas-specific education assistance
  • Real private grants exist but are limited and competitive – we’ll tell you which ones are legitimate
  • Income limits vary by program – many families earning up to $50,000+ annually may still qualify for some assistance
  • Application processes can take 30+ days for most programs, so plan accordingly

If You Need Help Today

Immediate Emergency Assistance

Crisis Cash Assistance

Emergency Food

  • Local food banks: Call 2-1-1 for nearest location
  • Emergency SNAP: Can be processed in 7 days for eligible families
  • WIC emergency services: Call (800) 942-3678

Emergency Utility Help

  • CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program): Up to $2,400 for crisis assistance, plus additional utility help
  • LIHEAP: Up to $7,500 for heating/cooling unit repairs or replacement
  • Combined maximum: These programs together can provide substantial utility assistance
  • Call: (877) 399-8939 to find your local provider
  • Priority given to: Families with young children, elderly, or disabled members
  • Source: Texas Health and Human Services CEAP Program

Emergency Housing

  • Local Salvation Army offices: Immediate shelter assistance
  • 2-1-1 Texas: Comprehensive emergency services directory
  • Community action agencies: Search “community action” + your city name

Crisis Hotlines

  • 2-1-1: General emergency services and referrals
  • Texas Health and Human Services: 1-800-252-8263
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Government Assistance Programs

Cash Assistance – TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

What it provides: Monthly cash payments to help cover basic needs like rent, utilities, food, and clothing.

Who qualifies:

  • Families with children 18 and younger
  • Very low income (varies by family size – see table below)
  • Texas residents
  • Must agree to work requirements, job training, or education

TANF Income Limits (2025) – Source: Texas Health and Human Services

Family Size Maximum Monthly Income
2 people $188
3 people $231
4 people $274
5 people $317

Note: These are very low limits based on countable income after certain deductions. Even with minimal income, you may not qualify.

How much you get: Amount varies by family size and income. Exact amounts are calculated during application.

How to apply:

Texas TANF: Provides temporary cash assistance to very low-income families with children. Texas operates one of the most restrictive TANF programs nationally, with income limits at approximately 15% of the federal poverty level and work requirements for most recipients. The program emphasizes transitioning families to employment through job training and support services.

Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities TANF Analysis

Food Assistance – SNAP (Food Stamps)

What it provides: Monthly benefits loaded onto a Lone Star Card (like a debit card) to buy groceries.

Who qualifies: Families with gross monthly income at or below 165% of federal poverty level.

SNAP Income Limits (2025) – Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service

Household Size Monthly Gross Income Limit
1 person $2,148
2 people $2,904
3 people $3,660
4 people $4,416
5 people $5,172
6 people $5,928

How to apply:

What can stack with SNAP: SNAP benefits work alongside other programs. If you receive TANF, Medicaid, or SSI, you’re automatically eligible for SNAP. WIC benefits don’t affect SNAP amounts, and Medicaid eligibility often overlaps with SNAP qualification.

Processing note: Emergency SNAP can be approved in 7 days for eligible households, or same-day in cases of extreme hardship where families have less than $100 in resources and face urgent need.

Healthcare – Medicaid and CHIP

Medicaid: Free healthcare for very low-income families

  • Income limit: Varies by category (pregnant women, children, adults)
  • Children: Up to 185% of federal poverty level
  • Pregnant women: Up to 198% of federal poverty level
  • Adults: Texas did not expand Medicaid, so very limited coverage for adults

CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program): Low-cost healthcare for children

  • Income limit: Up to 201% of federal poverty level
  • For a family of 3: Monthly income up to $4,419
  • Cost: Free or very low monthly premiums

How to apply:

Nutrition – WIC Program

What it provides: Vouchers for specific healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and health screenings.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women
  • Children under age 5
  • Household income at or below 185% of federal poverty level

WIC Income Limits (2025) – Source: USDA WIC Program

Household Size Annual Income Limit Monthly Income Limit
1 person $28,953 $2,413
2 people $39,128 $3,261
3 people $49,303 $4,109
4 people $59,478 $4,957
5 people $69,653 $5,805

Auto-qualify if you receive: SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF

How to apply: Call (800) 942-3678 or apply online through Texas WIC

Educational Assistance and Grants

Federal Education Grants

Pell Grant: The largest source of grant money for college

  • Amount: $740 to $7,395 per year (2025-2026 academic year)
  • Who qualifies: Based on financial need determined through FAFSA Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculation
  • Important for single mothers: The simplified FAFSA often results in lower EFC calculations for single parents, increasing grant eligibility
  • Apply: Complete FAFSA at studentaid.gov
  • Source: Federal Student Aid

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

  • Amount: $100 to $4,000 per year
  • Who qualifies: Exceptional financial need (must qualify for Pell Grant first)
  • Apply: Through your college’s financial aid office

Texas State Education Grants

TEXAS Grant (Towards Excellence, Access & Success)

  • Amount: Up to $5,387 per academic year
  • Who qualifies: Texas residents with financial need, first undergraduate degree
  • Income requirement: Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $6,656 or less
  • Deadline: FAFSA must be completed by January 15th for priority
  • Apply: Complete FAFSA and contact your college’s financial aid office

Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)

  • Amount: Varies by institution
  • Who qualifies: Texas residents with financial need
  • Apply: Through your college’s financial aid office

Texas State Tuition Grant (TSTG)

  • Amount: Up to $6,000 per year
  • Who qualifies: Texas residents with financial need
  • Apply: Through your college’s financial aid office after TPEG funds are exhausted

How Education Grants Work

  1. Complete the FAFSA: This determines your eligibility for all federal and most state grants
  2. Apply early: Many grants are first-come, first-served
  3. Contact financial aid offices: Each college has different deadlines and processes
  4. Maintain grades: Most grants require satisfactory academic progress

Real Grants for Single Mothers

Important Reality Check: Despite what you may see advertised online, the federal government does not give cash grants to individuals for personal use. However, some legitimate private grants do exist.

Legitimate Private Grants

Jeremiah Program

  • Location: Austin, Texas
  • Amount: Varies
  • Who qualifies: Single mothers committed to earning a college degree
  • Contact: Through their website for Austin location

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation

  • Amount: Up to $5,000
  • Who qualifies: Low-income women with children pursuing education/training
  • Apply: Annual application through their website

Daniel R. Bacalis Striving Solo Parent Scholarship

  • Amount: $1,000 per semester
  • Location: Available to Texas residents
  • Who qualifies: Single parents pursuing higher education
  • Apply: Essay-based application, deadline July 23, 2025

Memorial Assistance Ministry (Harris County)

  • Amount: One-time payment of $1,500
  • Who qualifies: Harris County residents facing emergency expenses
  • Apply: Through their website

Warning Signs of Grant Scams:

  • Promises of “free government money” for personal use
  • Requests for upfront fees
  • Guarantees of approval
  • High-pressure sales tactics

Crowdfunding and Community Support

GoFundMe: Many single mothers successfully raise money for specific needs

  • Tips: Be specific about your need, share your story honestly, use social media to spread awareness
  • Reality: Success varies widely; not guaranteed income

Local Churches and Community Organizations: Many offer small emergency grants

  • How to find: Call local churches, community centers, United Way chapters

Utility and Energy Assistance

Major Utility Assistance Programs

CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program)

  • Crisis assistance: Up to $2,400 annually
  • Regular utility assistance: Additional support available
  • Equipment repairs: Available through LIHEAP for heating/cooling units
  • Who qualifies: Income at or below 60% of state median income
  • Priority: Young children, elderly, disabled household members
  • Apply: Call (877) 399-8939
  • Source: Texas CEAP Program Information

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

  • Equipment assistance: Up to $7,500 for heating/cooling unit repairs or replacement
  • Period: October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025
  • Apply: Through local energy assistance providers
  • Source: HHS LIHEAP

Utility Company Programs

Most major Texas utility companies offer assistance:

  • CPS Energy (San Antonio): Emergency assistance programs
  • Entergy Texas: Payment arrangements, low-income programs
  • Oncor: Various assistance programs

How to access: Call your utility company directly and ask about assistance programs.

Housing Assistance

Federal Housing Programs

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers

  • What it covers: Portion of rent for qualified housing
  • Reality: Extremely long waiting lists (often 2+ years)
  • Apply: Through your local Public Housing Authority

Public Housing

  • What it provides: Affordable rental housing
  • Reality: Limited availability, long waiting lists
  • Apply: Local housing authorities

Texas Housing Programs

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)

  • Programs: First-time homebuyer assistance, rental assistance, home repair programs
  • Contact: Visit tdhca.texas.gov or call 1-800-525-0657

Reality Check: Housing assistance has long waiting lists and limited funding. Apply early and have backup plans.

Childcare Assistance

Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Program

  • What it covers: Childcare costs while you work or attend school/training
  • Who qualifies: Low-income families meeting work/education requirements
  • Apply: Through local Workforce Solutions offices
  • Find locations: Call 2-1-1

Head Start Programs

  • What it provides: Free preschool, health services, family support
  • Ages: 3-5 years old (some programs serve younger children)
  • Who qualifies: Families at or below federal poverty guidelines
  • Find programs: Search “Head Start” + your city name

Transportation Assistance

Medicaid Transportation

  • What it covers: Transportation to medical appointments
  • Who qualifies: Medicaid recipients
  • How to use: Contact your Medicaid managed care plan

Workforce Solutions Transportation

  • What it covers: Transportation assistance for work-related activities
  • Apply: Through local Workforce Solutions offices

Local Transportation Programs

  • Many communities offer reduced-fare or free transportation for low-income families
  • Find programs: Call 2-1-1 or contact your city’s social services department

Specialized Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers

Resource Center (Dallas)

  • Services: Emergency assistance, support groups, referrals
  • Contact: 214-528-0144
  • Website: myresourcecenter.org

Equality Texas

  • Services: Advocacy, resource connections
  • Contact: Through their website for local resources

OutYouth (Austin)

  • Services: Support services for LGBTQ+ youth and families
  • Contact: 512-419-1233

Tribal-Specific Resources

Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas

  • Location: Livingston, Texas
  • Services: Tribal TANF, healthcare, educational assistance
  • Contact: 936-563-1100

Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas

  • Location: Eagle Pass, Texas
  • Services: Social services, healthcare assistance
  • Contact: 830-773-2105

Ysleta del Sur Pueblo

  • Location: El Paso, Texas
  • Services: Tribal services, healthcare, social programs
  • Contact: 915-859-7913

Note: Services are primarily for tribal members, but some programs may assist local community members.

Rural Single Mothers

USDA Rural Development

  • Services: Rural housing assistance, utility programs, business grants
  • Website: rd.usda.gov
  • Contact: Find your local office through their website

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

  • Services: Family financial management education, nutrition programs
  • Contact: Find your county office at agrilifeextension.tamu.edu

Rural Health Clinics

  • Services: Reduced-cost healthcare in rural areas
  • Find clinics: Search “Federally Qualified Health Center” + your area

Rural Transportation Challenges

  • Limited public transportation options
  • Higher costs for utilities and services
  • Solutions: Look into regional transportation authorities, church-based transportation programs

Single Fathers

While this guide focuses on single mothers, single fathers can access most of the same programs:

Key Programs Available to Single Fathers:

  • TANF (if primary caregiver)
  • SNAP food assistance
  • WIC (for children under 5)
  • Medicaid and CHIP
  • Educational grants and assistance
  • Utility and energy assistance

Additional Resources for Single Fathers:

  • Single Father Network: Online support and resources
  • Local father support groups: Check community centers and churches
  • Texas Fathers for Equal Rights: Advocacy and support organization

Resources by Region

Houston Area

  • Houston Food Bank: 713-676-3000
  • Harris County Community Services: 713-696-2500
  • Memorial Assistance Ministry: Emergency grants up to $1,500
  • BakerRipley: Comprehensive family services

Dallas-Fort Worth Area

  • North Texas Food Bank: 214-330-1396
  • Salvation Army DFW: Multiple locations
  • Catholic Charities Dallas: Family services and assistance
  • Helping Hands for Single Moms: Emergency assistance for single mothers

San Antonio Area

  • San Antonio Food Bank: 210-431-8326
  • Family Service Association: 210-299-2400
  • Catholic Charities San Antonio: Multiple assistance programs
  • Green and Healthy Homes: Energy-efficient home improvements

Austin Area

  • Central Texas Food Bank: 512-282-2111
  • Salvation Army Austin: Emergency assistance
  • Foundation Communities: Affordable housing and services
  • Jeremiah Program Austin: Support for single mothers in college

El Paso Area

  • El Pasoans Fighting Hunger: 915-298-0353
  • Salvation Army El Paso: Emergency services
  • El Paso Community Foundation: Various assistance programs

Rural Areas

  • Regional Community Action Agencies: Each area has agencies serving multiple counties
  • USDA Rural Development offices: Find through rd.usda.gov
  • County health departments: Often provide WIC and other services
  • Faith-based organizations: Often primary support in small communities

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

Q: I work full-time but still struggle. Can I get help? A: Yes! Many programs have income limits that allow working families to qualify. For example, a family of three can earn up to $3,660 monthly and still qualify for SNAP, or up to $4,109 monthly for WIC.

Q: How long does it take to get approved for benefits? A: Most programs take 30 days, but emergency SNAP can be processed in 7 days. TANF crisis assistance takes 7-10 days. Plan ahead when possible.

Q: I don’t have a car. How do I apply for benefits? A: Many applications can be completed online at yourtexasbenefits.com. You can also call 2-1-1 for transportation assistance or ask about phone interviews.

Q: Will getting benefits affect my immigration status? A: This is complex and depends on your specific situation. Consult with an immigration attorney before applying. Some benefits may be considered “public charge” while others are not.

Q: I was denied benefits. Can I appeal? A: Yes! You have the right to appeal any denial. Instructions for appealing should be included with your denial notice. Request a fair hearing within 90 days of the denial. You can get free legal help from Texas RioGrande Legal Aid at 1-888-988-9996. Continue applying for other programs while your appeal is pending.

Q: What documents do I need to apply? A: Common documents include: photo ID, birth certificates for children, proof of income (pay stubs, unemployment benefits), proof of expenses (rent, utilities, childcare), bank statements, and Social Security cards. Don’t delay applying if you’re missing documents – caseworkers can help you obtain them.

Q: Do I have to pay back assistance I receive? A: No, most assistance programs (TANF, SNAP, WIC, Medicaid) do not need to be repaid. Educational grants also don’t need to be repaid as long as you meet the requirements.

Q: I’m in college. Can I still get benefits? A: Yes! Being a student doesn’t automatically disqualify you. In fact, being a single parent often makes it easier to qualify for both benefits and educational aid.

Q: What if I live with family members? A: This can affect your eligibility depending on the program. Generally, if you buy and prepare food separately, you can apply as your own household for SNAP. For other programs, rules vary.

Q: I have a disability. Are there special programs? A: Yes! Contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission about disability-specific programs. You may also qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) through Social Security.

Q: Can I get help if I’m undocumented? A: Some programs are available regardless of immigration status, particularly emergency services, WIC for children, and emergency medical care. Many local food banks and churches don’t check immigration status. However, using certain benefits may affect future immigration applications. Contact RAICES at 1-888-839-8571 for free immigration legal advice, or consult with an immigration attorney before applying for government benefits.

About this guide

This guide provides general information about assistance programs available to single mothers in Texas. Every family’s situation is different, and program rules can change. We strongly recommend contacting program administrators directly to confirm current eligibility requirements and application procedures.

Author Note: This guide was researched and compiled by financial assistance specialists with experience helping Texas families navigate benefit programs. Information is current as of August 2025.

Information Sources: This guide is based on official government websites including Texas Health and Human Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Federal Student Aid, and current federal poverty guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. All income limits and benefit amounts are current as of publication date but may change annually.

Getting Help with Applications: If you need help navigating these programs:

  • Call 2-1-1 for general assistance and referrals
  • Contact local community action agencies
  • Visit your local HHSC office for hands-on help
  • Ask family and friends who have used these programs

Staying Updated: Program details, income limits, and application processes can change. Always verify current information with the relevant agency before applying.

Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. These programs exist to help families like yours thrive and build better futures.

Disclaimer

Program details, eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and application processes can change frequently. Income limits are typically updated annually. Application processing times may vary based on demand and specific circumstances.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always verify current program information directly with the relevant agency before applying. Individual circumstances may affect eligibility and benefit amounts.

While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current or complete at the time you read this guide. For the most up-to-date information, always contact program administrators directly or visit official government websites.

Emergency situations require immediate action – don’t hesitate to call 2-1-1 or emergency services if you need immediate assistance.

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