Around 26% of the state population comprises of children under the age of 18. Single parents are bringing up a monstrous 48% of these. This exceptionally high number is the highest in the state and by far surpasses the national average that still stands at 34%. Due to this extraordinary situation, it become even more important for the state of Mississippi to acknowledge and address the concerns of the single mothers in the state of Mississippi. The number of children living in crowded houses is still at a decent 8%. Some of the efforts the state government makes to safeguard single mothers are as discussed under.
Childcare: For single mothers raising kids up to the age of 13, the Mississippi Department of Human Services runs the child care assistance program. The eligibility of the program evaluates the income and financial situation of the parents raising the kids and the size of the family. You should be participating in the temporary Assistance for Needy Families(TANF) to be eligible to claim benefits under this program.
Healthcare: The future of a nation will depend on the health and well-being of its citizens. For low-income single mothers, the state runs the Medicaid program. There is another federal funded program run by the US Department of Health and Human services that protects uninsured children and facilitates health coverage for them. Here is a detailed guide of all the various sanctions run by the state and federal government.
Food & Supplies: The Mississippi Department of Human Services runs The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that helps low-income households to buy healthy and nutritious food. The state of Mississippi also runs the Women, Infants and Children’s Nutrition Program (WIC) program, which is a specialized supplemental food program for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants and children under the age of 5.
Rent Assistance:The state of Mississippi, with assistance from the US Department of Housing and Urban development offers rental assistance programs to the residents of the state. Single mothers also have the option of availing the benefits of the Housing Choice voucher program also working for the same purpose.
Educational Grants: Going back to college can be a tough task if you have a family to support. The state also recognizes the fact and to help and encourage single mothers who take this bold decision, the state and the federal government, both run various support schemes for returning students.
Transportation: A reliable and comfortable public transport system offers multiple benefits to single mothers who have to travel long distances to get to work. Not only is it more economical compared to driving yourself, public transport is usually more faster and safer.
