Financial Assistance for Single Moms in Montana – Grants, Loans

Do you feel alone and wonder how you are going to make ends meet? Whether you are currently living in a big city like Great Falls, Missoula or Billings you may or may not be aware of the assistance available to you from the state and federal government for grant money, food and cash assistance. If you live in small communities like Wolfe Point, Glendive, Havre, Browning or any other small community, you still have the same services available to you.
CASH – If you have just lost your job or had your hours cut way back, you might be eligible for the Montana Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. You will need to contact the nearest Department of Health and Human Services to find out if you can qualify. If you already know you do not qualify, you may need to consider getting a loan through a family member, especially if you have never done so in the past and you are in an emergency situation.
FOOD – The Montana Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help you get food stamps for you and your kids if you qualify. There are food banks in Billings, Helena, Missoula, Great Falls and Flathead. St. Labre Food Pantry, Butte
Emergency Food Bank, McCone Food Bank, Beaverhead, Tobacco Valley, Glasgow, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, Lewiston, Philipsburg, Plains, Seeley, Stevensville, Victor and Whitefish are just some of the locations that have area food banks. Go to
http://mfbn.org/partner/citymap for more info.
UTILITIES – In the winter it is especially difficult to keep up with paying the heating bill. The Montana Low Income Energy Assistance Program may be able to help you. You can call 800-332-2272 for more information.
GRANTS – If you want to get some training for jobs that are still available, you may be eligible for the Federal Pell grant. The best time to apply is at the beginning of the year. You can also contact a college or university and find out through their financial aid administrator what you may be eligible for as a single parent.