It is estimated that in America, around 16% of all single-parent households are headed by the father. Today, it is not uncommon for dads to be single fathers who are raising the children, or who have primary custody of them. As many people struggle financially in today’s economy, it leaves many fathers to wonder where to get help from. The good news is that there is help for ex-felons who are single fathers.
As the economy continues to take a hit and leave many families struggling to pay for basic goods, it is even more challenging for those who earn a low income. Many ex-felons who are single fathers need help to make ends meet. There are programs that will help in such situations, with some of them providing short term assistance, and others allowing people to use the program for longer periods of time.
Some of the programs that are available to help ex-felons who are single fathers are also available to anyone who earns a low income. There are programs offered through the federal government, while others are programs that are provided by organizations that are out to help people in the community. None of the programs expect that the money will be paid back, because it is not considered a loan. If you receive help from the programs it is considered a gift and does not need to be repaid.
Programs Offering Help for Ex-Felons Who are Single Fathers ::: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program will help single fathers who need assistance purchasing groceries. The program used to be called food stamps. Those who are approved will be able to use a debit-style card each month to pay for groceries at the store. The amount that you will receive each month is determined by how many dependents are in the home. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how long you can receive help from SNAP, which is a federally funded program. To get more information about signing up for SNAP, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This government-funded program is offered in every state in the country. The program provides those who qualify with a cash benefit each month. The cash can be used to purchase items needed for living, including food, shelter, paying bills, transportation, clothing, food, etc. This program is limited to five years in most states, with some states allowing exceptions. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The amount of cash you will receive each month if approved for the program depends on how many dependents you have. To get more information about TANF, click here.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program offers help for ex-felons who are single fathers by paying for utility bills. Those who need help paying for their utility bill, are facing a cut-off notice, or need help to connect a service may be able to get assistance from LIHEAP. The program is open to those who have a low income and are responsible for paying the utility bill. If you are approved for bill payment assistance, then the funds will be given directly to the provider on your behalf. There is no limit to how many times you can get help through this program, but you do have to re-apply for it each year. To get more information about LIHEAP, click here.
Medicaid – This program will provide help for ex-felons who are single fathers. Medicaid helps people pay for their medical expenses. If you are approved for the program, you and your children will be able to get free healthcare services. This includes visiting the doctor, hospital visits, prescription drugs, specialty doctors, and more. There is no limit to how long you can get help through the Medicaid program. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information about Medicaid, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization provides help for ex-felons who are single fathers, as well as others. They offer a variety of programs, including helping with food, shelter, clothing, counseling, and more. Their offices are found around the country, with locations in each state. Contact the location that is closest to you to inquire about getting help and what type of programs they offer at that location. From providing people with boxes of food to offering assistance with paying some small bills, they will help people in their community who need it. To find a location close to you, click here.
Salvation Army – This is another faith-based organization that provides helpful services for everyone, including ex-felons who are single fathers. They do not expect you to be religious even though they are faith-based. Their programs are open to everyone who needs help. They will give people free hot meals in their soup kitchens, boxes of food from their food pantries, a place to stay in their shelter, free clothing, and more. They will also help with transportation vouchers and work-related assistance. To find a Salvation Army near you, click here.
It is also a good idea to reach out to churches in your local area. Most offer helpful programs to provide assistance to those in their community. You may be able to get help with bill payment services, free food, housing, transportation, clothing, and more. Some will also help with job training.
Most places that offer helpful assistance programs will not keep you from getting help if you are an ex-felon. The programs usually offer help to ex-felons, as well as single fathers. They care more about the fact that you have a low income and need help than they do your record. If they ask for the information about your felony conviction be honest and provide it to them, but if they do not ask about it then there is no reason to offer up the information.
