subject: Financial Help For Disabled Mothers - Programs Designed To Help The Disadvantaged [print this page] Financial Help For Disabled Mothers - Programs Designed To Help The Disadvantaged
Single mothers have the difficult task of making ends meet every month to provide for the basic needs of her family. It becomes more challenging if a single mother is disabled and unable to perform jobs that could pay her well. It does not mean, however, that if you are a physically challenged single mother, you should lose hope and keep thinking that you are unable to provide for your family's needs. There are various forms of financial help for disabled mothers available both from the government as well as from non-profit organizations.
There are now about 41 million Americans who are disabled and a big bulk of them are women. Disabilities encompass the wider scope of impairments beside the physical. The word "disabled" also includes those who are learning impaired or mentally disadvantaged. The government protects the right of the disabled through the American Disabilities Act. This Act helps even disabled mothers to carry on with their lives and be productive citizens, without experiencing bias in their work environments.
If you got disabled while you were on the job, you may avail of some disability benefits from your employer. If you were unemployed, however, you can tap on government financial assistance through the federal agencies that have programs designed specifically for the disadvantaged.
Government programs such as the TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and the SSI (Supplemental Security Income) help in providing financial assistance to disadvantaged families. Both have strict implementing rules, one of which is not allowing people to claim benefits from both programs at the same time. There are other programs that you can look into, and your best source will be the Department of Human Services in your state.
Financial help for disabled mothers can also come from non-profit organizations that are engaged in helping people with disabilities. Examples of these organizations is your local United Way and the Easter Seals which both provide services specifically meant to enhance the lives of disabled persons.
Education grants and scholarships for disabled mothers are also available through universities and private companies who make it part of their social responsibility initiatives. The search for financial help for disable mothers may be a long, arduous task, and one that may require you to fill countless applications forms. However, you should not lose hope, because certainly, there are several ways you can find the help you need, if you exercise patience and persistence.
You can start by making an appointment with your local Department of Human Service and when you get your appointment, come to the office on time. Be prepared to fill up forms and be interviewed as these are just normal procedures that the DHS officers have to go through in order to offer you the right assistance. Bring all relevant documents such as your social security cards, birth certificates (yours and your children's), custody papers, if any, and court orders related to child support.
Remember that you are not alone in your struggle for financial freedom. There are millions of single mothers who are in the same situation as you are who are bravely facing the challenges of every day life.
