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Kansas

Kansas Single Mother Resource Hub

Kansas

Single Mother Survival Guide & Resource Hub

Emergency Contacts

All Resources 2-1-1
Domestic Violence 1-888-363-2287
Child Protection 1-800-922-5330
Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741
Emergency Food Call 2-1-1 for immediate food resources
Salvation Army Call 2-1-1 to find your local Salvation Army

The Reality Check

Here’s how Kansas stacks up. We’ve color-coded the rankings: Green is good (Top 15), Yellow is average, and Red is a major challenge (Bottom 15).

#23 Overall Rank
#28 Single Mother Rank
#32 Healthcare
#16 Education
#25 Economy
#13 Affordability
#28 Safety
#34 Quality of Life
#18 Opportunity
#51 Mental Health

The Brutal Numbers

These are the core financial and legal realities that define the struggle in Kansas.

Single Mother Poverty Rate 31.5%
Food Insecurity Rate 11.5%
Gender Pay Gap 78¢ per $1
Child Support Collection Rate 67.1%
Minimum Wage $7.25/hr
Housing Wage Needed $19.25/hr
Eviction Laws Grade D
Annual Childcare Cost $11544

2025 Income Limits & Benefit Amounts

Family Size FPL (Annual) Max SNAP (Monthly) Max TANF (Monthly)
1 Person $15650 $291 $296
2 People $21150 $535 $356
3 People $26650 $766 $417
4 People $32150 $973 $477
5 People $37650 $1155 $538

Eligibility & How to Qualify

SNAP Eligibility

Typically up to 160% of FPL (household size matters).

Medicaid Eligibility

Typically up to 138% of FPL for parents/caretakers.

Child Care Assistance

Typically up to 63% of State Median Income.

These are high-level thresholds; verify with the state portals above. Rules vary by household size and situation.

Can You Actually Survive? (Family of 3)

This is the bottom-line math. We compare maximum benefits to MIT’s calculated living wage for a single adult with 2 children.

$1183 Max Monthly Benefits (SNAP + TANF)
$4892 MIT Living Wage Required
-$3709 Monthly Shortfall
Even with maximum benefits, you are projected to be $3709 short each month for basic necessities.

SURVIVAL MODE: Your Kansas Strategy

Given the reality, a strategic approach is essential. Here’s a three-stage plan using Kansas’s specific resources.

Immediate Survival

  • Get Food Assistance & KanCare immediately
  • Apply for Successful Families Program cash assistance
  • Get on ALL housing waitlists – expect long waits
  • Find local food banks via 2/1/2001

Bridge Strategies

  • Combine part-time work with childcare subsidies
  • Use WIC benefits for nutritional support
  • Access job training in Aviation/Ag sector
  • Apply for utility assistance programs

Exit Strategy

  • Focus training on high-growth Aviation/Ag jobs
  • Secure child support enforcement
  • Build credit and savings systematically
  • Plan education advancement strategically

Key State Facts

  • State does NOT have a refundable EITC
  • Child Care Subsidy Program helps pay for childcare
  • High-quality affordable state universities
  • Property tax relief programs are available for low-income
  • Medicaid non-expansion state, harder for parents to get coverage

Your Complete Kansas Resource Hub

The Bottom Line

Kansas is tough, but you’re tougher. Focus on immediate survival, stack every benefit, and use the state’s resources to build skills and savings for your next chapter.

Page generated and data updated: September 2025

Data Sources: U.S. News, WalletHub, HHS, USDA, NLIHC, and State Agencies

Disclaimer: This website is an informational resource. While we strive for accuracy, benefit amounts and eligibility rules can change. Always verify information with the official state agency. This site is not affiliated with any government entity.