It is not easy to be a single parent, meeting household expenses and also providing basic necessities for a child/children with a single income is quite a challenge and can be very stressful. The United States government has various provisions to help a single parent by providing grants and financial aid. These are provided as second income with the aim of reducing the financial difficulties and avoid defaulting on payments, thus eliminating the stress of single parenting. The most popular aid or grants availed by single parents are the educational grants. These grants provide financial assistance to single parents who wish to continue or restart their education in order to improve their employment prospects, which can lead to financial independence and stability. Single parents can also avail of a housing grant. Being able to afford appropriate housing on a single income can be difficult at times. In such situations, housing grants are available to assist in making a down payment, monthly mortgage, or closing cost on a home purchase. Also, there are grants that help pay for modernizing a home, home improvements or bringing them up to safety standards. However, a single parent has to meet the low-income requirements that are necessary to avail these grants. The government also helps single parents gain financial independence by assisting them in starting a business or supporting an existing one. In a business world primarily dominated by men, these business grants can help single mothers succeed in their business aspirations and become financially secure. Every single parent can apply for government grants and financial aid. However, there are times when an application for single parent grant is not approved. Grants are made available on the basis of an individual's annual income and the size of his/her family. Financial aid is given only to people with serious financial problems. ▶ If you are financially secure or you are receiving a certain amount annually as child support, then you will not be eligible for single parent grants and financial aid. ▶ Financial aid is not granted to a single parent if foster parents or grandparents raise the child. ▶ The government also takes into account certain factors, such as the educational qualification and assets, such as property, of the applicant. ▶ Grants are provided to single parents not only to raise children but also to those who wishes to continue his/her education. ▶ Financial aid is also granted if either of the spouses is bed-ridden, handicapped or seriously ill and is not in a position to support the family. Now let's take a closer look at how to find federal grants for single parents. ✦ The first thing to do is determine the category of grants that you wish to apply for, be it education, business, health care, or housing. ✦ Once you figure out the type of grant you require, apply accordingly. Approach various offices and apply for as many grants as possible. ✦ If you wish to avail an education grants, you may have to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Likewise, for a healthcare grant, you may have to check out your state's health insurance program. ✦ To ascertain which grant programs or assistance is appropriate for you. Contact your local human services office. You can also find more information under the Grants/Funding section of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website. If a single parent is interested in continuing his/her higher education and is not in a position to fund for the education, the single parent can apply for the following grants or scholarships. Federal Pell Grant Program This grant is specifically designed for students (undergraduates and postgraduates) from low-income family. This financial aid is also granted to a single parent on the basis of the total family income and size of the family. It will also take into account the cost of the tuition fees and the enrollment status of the candidate (full-time or part-time). The grant is directly given to the educational institution where the single parent has enrolled. The institution credits the amount into the account of the student or issues a check once every semester. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) The FSEOG also provides assistance for students with exceptional financial need. This program is funded by both the federal government and the school offering the grant. Like the Pell Grant the eligibility will be determined in part by filing a FAFSA application. JRF Scholarship Program Jeannette Rankin Foundation grants this scholarship program every year to 500 women. This scholarship is available to all women candidates, irrespective of color, creed and marital status. However, there are certain criteria that must be fulfilled to avail this financial aid - you should be a US citizen, 35 years old, and from a low-income family. Many single parents are not aware of the government grants and financial aid. There are around 900 different types of government grants and financial aid for single parents. Some grants need not be repaid. Apart from the grants and financial aid made available by the US government, each and every American state also provides grants for single parents. Visiting related websites will yield information regarding the specific requirements and criteria to avail grants and financial aid. Being a single parent and raising kids all alone can seem daunting, but that does not mean the end of the road for their dreams and aspirations. The federal government is ready to support such individuals with help and resources, single parents should consider utilizing them to achieve their goals in life.