Government Funding & Support Programs

Comprehensive guide to federal programs and laws designed to provide financial support and resources for underrepresented women and families. These programs offer assistance without requiring repayment.

Know Your Rights

Under federal law, these programs cannot discriminate based on gender, race, religion, or national origin. Many programs specifically prioritize or provide enhanced benefits for women, particularly single mothers, pregnant women, and victims of domestic violence.

Legal Basis: Programs are established under various acts including the Social Security Act, Food and Nutrition Act, Fair Housing Act, and Higher Education Act.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

$200-$500/month

Provides cash assistance to families with dependent children. Priority given to single mothers and pregnant women.

Eligibility: Low-income families with children, pregnant women in their third trimester
How to Apply: State welfare offices or online portals
Repayment: No repayment required

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Up to $6,935 (2023)

Refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income workers, with higher credits for women with children.

Eligibility: Workers earning under $59,187 (married filing jointly with 3+ children)
How to Apply: File tax return with IRS
Repayment: No repayment required

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

$40-$80/month in food benefits

Provides nutrition education, healthy food, and healthcare referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

Eligibility: Pregnant/postpartum women, infants, children under 5 at nutritional risk
How to Apply: Local WIC offices
Repayment: No repayment required

Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG)

Covers 70-90% of childcare costs

Helps low-income working parents pay for child care, particularly supporting single mothers entering the workforce.

Eligibility: Working parents below 85% of state median income
How to Apply: State childcare agencies
Repayment: No repayment required

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program

Pays 70% of rent costs on average

Rental assistance program with priority for female-headed households and victims of domestic violence.

Eligibility: Very low-income families (below 50% area median income)
How to Apply: Local Public Housing Agencies
Repayment: No repayment required

Pell Grants

Up to $7,395 per academic year

Federal grants for undergraduate education, with 60% of recipients being women, especially single mothers.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need
How to Apply: Complete FAFSA application
Repayment: No repayment required

SNAP (Food Stamps)

$200-$400/month for families

Food assistance program serving primarily women and children, with 75% of adult recipients being women.

Eligibility: Households at or below 130% of federal poverty level
How to Apply: State SNAP offices or online
Repayment: No repayment required

Medicaid

Full healthcare coverage

Healthcare coverage with expanded eligibility for pregnant women and special programs for women's health.

Eligibility: Varies by state, expanded for pregnant women up to 138% FPL
How to Apply: State Medicaid offices or Healthcare.gov
Repayment: No repayment required

Women's Business Centers (WBC)

Free or low-cost training and counseling

SBA-funded centers providing training, counseling, and access to credit for women entrepreneurs.

Eligibility: Women interested in starting or growing a business
How to Apply: Contact local WBC directly
Repayment: No repayment required for services

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

$300-$800 per year

Helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, with priority for households with elderly or disabled women.

Eligibility: Households at or below 150% of federal poverty level
How to Apply: State and local LIHEAP offices
Repayment: No repayment required

Additional Resources & Tips

Application Tips

  • • Apply for multiple programs - you may qualify for several
  • • Keep copies of all documentation
  • • Follow up on applications regularly
  • • Ask about emergency or expedited processing if needed

Required Documents

  • • Social Security cards for all household members
  • • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns)
  • • Birth certificates for children
  • • Proof of residence (utility bills, lease agreement)

Women-Specific Priorities

  • • Pregnant women receive priority in many programs
  • • Single mothers often qualify for enhanced benefits
  • • Domestic violence survivors have special protections
  • • Women veterans have additional program access

Get Help

  • • Call 211 for local assistance program information
  • • Visit your local Department of Social Services
  • • Contact community organizations and nonprofits
  • • Use Benefits.gov to find programs you qualify for

Disclaimer: These rules are found in the US. Other countries may have different rules.
Disclaimer: Program benefits, eligibility requirements, and application processes VARY by country and change over time. Always verify current information with official program websites or local offices. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
Please note: This is a work in progress. For more information, Please Contact Officials Directly.