Single parents have an even tougher time raising kids than those who are married. The purpose of this article is to explain the assistance that Texas provides for single moms.
Grants are free money that you do not have to repay, which single moms frequently seek out when looking for financial assistance. Grants to individuals for personal use are not awarded directly by the federal government, except for college financial aid.
You can apply for benefits from any of the federal agencies that are run by the state of Texas. It is crucial to know the correct names of these resources if you are trying to locate them.
You did not have to do any hard work finding programs that can help find affordable housing since we did it for you. Read on to learn more about the programs that could best suit your needs.
Important Texas Single Mother Statistics
Single mothers in Texas struggle economically and domestically, as shown by the following statistics by the US Census Bureau. Almost 17 percent of single mothers (over 2.6 million single mothers) in Texas live below the poverty line. Single mothers in Texas earn an average of $20,914 per year.
The average monthly rent for a single mother in Texas is $837. The state of Texas provides housing assistance to over one million single mothers. Each month, Texas single mothers receive $717 in housing assistance.
Housing Assistance In Texas For Single Mothers
If you are seeking housing assistance in Texas for single mothers, look no further. In the following sections, we have detailed some government programs that can assist you in finding affordable housing options.
Mary Lee Foundation
The Mary Lee Foundation provides housing in a safe community to those in need. A total of 213 affordable units are located in their eight affordable-housing apartment buildings. A household income of at least two times the rent is usually required to qualify for affordable housing.
Their HUD-subsidized properties have even lower income guidelines. A security deposit and a $25 application fee are required. Single mothers will need to meet their income criteria, pass background and credit checks, and must demonstrate a good renting history.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
A TANF grant may only be awarded to single mothers who meet both the resource and income requirements. The HHSC compares the applicant's family income and the family’s expenses including utility bills, rent, and child care.
The assets you own, such as your car, bank account, and cash on hand, are also taken into consideration. TANF will provide cash payments for six months to help families deal with bills and debt. When receiving TANF benefits, families can also apply for Medicaid.
Children and their parents or relatives living with their parents or grandparents are eligible to receive temporary cash assistance under TANF.
A single mother of two, for instance, may be able to receive $303 per month in cash benefits. Lone Star Cards are used to distribute cash benefits in Texas. TANF beneficiaries can use this card at an ATM to withdraw cash or make purchases at authorized retailers.
TANF grants will provide one-time cash payments of $1000 to single mothers in short-term crisis situations. An individual who qualifies for the grant may only receive it once every twelve months. A short-term crisis like the following can qualify for this grant:
- The loss of their job.
- Inability to work due to lack of vehicle repairs.
- Loss of child support.
- Unemployment after graduation.
- Eviction from their home.
- The need for health care or medical attention.
Benefit applications are simple. All Texas residents can apply for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, CHIP, and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program through YourTexasBenefits.com.
Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund
COVID-19 has caused many homeowners to miss mortgage payments. The Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund can help you. Families who qualify could receive up to $45,000 each to pay off past-due mortgage payments and up to $25,000 to cover property taxes, property insurance, and other costs related to home ownership. The pandemic-related financial hardship must have occurred after Jan. 21, 2020, to qualify for this assistance.
Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC)
Potential buyers who have difficulty qualifying for conventional mortgages can take advantage of grants and loans provided by TSAHC. Mortgage interest tax credits, down payment assistance grants, and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are all offered by this lender. Moreover, they will assist you in connecting with a real estate agent who participates in the program.
The eligibility quiz can be taken online to determine if you qualify. Grant money can only be obtained after taking a homeowner's education course. Despite not being specifically for single mothers in Texas, this program can offer grants for those seeking to buy a home in the state.
Texas Section 8
Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) are available for Texas residents who need housing assistance. Families who qualify for the program can rent a home on the private market of their choice with the help of a rental subsidy.
The amount of income earned by the applicant’s household, the size and composition of the family, the presence of elderly or disabled family members, and their citizenship status are factors that determine the family’s eligibility for Section 8 rental assistance.
Families with children who are extremely low-income are given priority. Family incomes below 30% of the local area median income are considered to be extremely low income according to eligibility guidelines.
Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements for HUD subsidized housing assistance should contact one of the following HUD Regional Offices:
- Houston: (713) 718-3199
- Fort Worth: (817) 978-5700
- San Antonio: (210) 475-6806
Frequently Asked Questions:
Affordable housing options for single mothers in Texas include public housing, the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties, and nonprofit or community organizations that provide housing assistance or transitional housing programs.
To apply for public housing or the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8), single mothers should contact their local Public Housing Agency (PHA) in Texas. The PHA can provide information on eligibility requirements, application procedures, and waiting lists. Applications typically require personal, financial, and household information to determine eligibility.
To find LIHTC properties or other affordable housing options in Texas, single mothers can use resources like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) affordable apartment search tool, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs' (TDHCA) housing locator, or local nonprofit organizations and community assistance programs that specialize in housing support.
Various government programs and charities are available to help single mothers in Texas. Non-profit and church groups can also provide housing assistance in Texas for single mothers, as can a number of other private organizations if you do not qualify for any of the programs mentioned above.
Want to apply for low-income housing but don’t want to wait in line? Read our comprehensive article on how to apply for low-income housing with no waiting list to learn more.
To get more information, visit the rest of Gov-Relations and read our blog post on churches that help with rent and housing.
