Money For Stay-At-Home Moms: Government Benefits & Grants (2024)

Stay-at-home parents have a critical and gratifying job; raising their children to be responsible, caring, empathetic adults.

However, suppose you want extra cash to support your family, start a business, return to college, or become self-sufficient. Finding government benefits and grants earmarked exclusively for homemakers, in that case, could be challenging.

Instead of searching for clear, apparent labels, cast a wider net and sort through various financial assistance programs that connect with another aspect of your identity.

The stay-at-home mother (SAHM) community finds relevant opportunities every day, and so can you if you know where to look and how to find intersecting points.

Government Money For Stay-At-Home Moms

Stay-at-home mothers can receive government money indirectly through a wide swath of benefits provided they complete the appropriate applications correctly. Cutting expenses is just like getting paid.

Table Of Contents

  1. Government Money For Stay-At-Home Moms
  • Free Money
  • Government Benefits
    • Food Stamps
    • Collect Unemployment
    • Housing Assistance
    • Utility Bills
    • Appliance Replacement
  • Social Security
    • Disability
    • Survivors
    • Retirement
  • Tax Credits
    • Child Credit
    • Earned Income
  • Grants For Stay-At-Home Moms
    • Repair a Home
    • Go Back to School
      • Low Income
      • Military Veterans
      • Scholarships for Women
    • Start a Business

    Free Money

    Stay-at-home parents frequently qualify for free government money because their household has one wage earner rather than the typical two. Income relative to family size is the primary criterion.

    Free money from the government comes in various forms designed to reduce expenses, with the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) being the critical yardstick determining eligibility. Most programs accept applicants near 100% of FPL, which matrixes income by household size as below.

    100% Federal Poverty Level (FPL)

    Household SizeIncome Limit
    1$14,580
    2$19,720
    3$24,860
    4$30,000

    Government Benefits

    The most reliable way for stay-at-home parents to get free government money is to claim benefits that reduce household expenses. A penny saved is a penny earned.

    Food Stamps

    Stay-at-home mothers can often get food stamps to reduce their grocery bills. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government benefit helping low-income families buy food.

    Apply for food stamps by contacting your local SNAP office. Single-earner families often meet the income and resource qualifications established by each state.

    Collect Unemployment

    Some stay-at-home mothers can collect unemployment while most cannot. Unemployment insurance is a government benefit that pays you money if you lose your job through no fault of your own.

    Apply for medical unemployment if you lost your job recently because you need to care for a sick child. Many states, but not all, define a good cause reason to include caring for a family member with a severe health problem.

    Of course, you are eligible only if you paid unemployment insurance premiums through payroll deduction.

    Housing Assistance

    The SAHM community often qualifies for housing assistance to reduce monthly apartment rental expenses. The Section 8 voucher program is a government benefit helping low-income families afford a decent living place.

    Apply for housing assistance by contacting your local public agency. Single-earner families often meet the low-income criteria established by each state.

    Utility Bills

    Homemakers frequently qualify for help paying utility bills. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a government benefit reducing heating and cooling costs.

    Apply for LIHEAP by contacting your local low-income energy office. Single-earner households frequently meet the criteria.

    Appliance Replacement

    The SAHM community is often eligible for financial help when replacing inefficient household appliances such as refrigerators. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a government benefit reducing energy usage.

    Free appliances for low-income families are often available through WAP. Single-earner households qualify based on income and the expected savings-to-investment ratio calculated after an energy audit.

    Social Security

    Stay-at-home mothers can sometimes get free government money through social security, which provides retirement income and benefits for younger adults dealing with a disability.

    Disability

    Stay-at-home moms have at least three different ways to collect social security disability. If eligible, this government benefit program will send you a monthly check.

    Apply for Social Security disability benefits if you meet one of these criteria and cannot perform any substantial gainful activity.

    • You worked and paid FICA taxes before having children to raise (SSDI)
    • You are the surviving (or divorced) spouse of a deceased worker
    • Your resources are less than specific dollar limits (SSI)

    Survivors

    Stay-at-home mothers might also qualify to collect social security survivor benefits after their spouse dies – even if they never worked for an employer. The deceased person must have worked long enough to be eligible.

    Apply for Social Security survivors’ benefits by setting an appointment at an office near your home. You cannot submit an online application. You might be eligible for a lump sum payment and a monthly check if you care for the deceased’s children under sixteen.

    Retirement

    Stay-at-home parents can sometimes collect social security retirement benefits even if they never worked outside the house. If qualified, this government benefit could supplement your monthly income.

    Apply for Social Security retirement benefits any time after your sixty-second birthday, understanding that the size of the monthly check will be the larger of two options.

    1. No work record: one-third to one-half of spouse’s retirement benefit
    2. Work record: the monthly benefit based on FICA taxes paid

    Tax Credits

    Stay-at-home moms can get free money from the government by filing for refundable tax credits sponsored by the IRS. A refundable tax credit creates a negative tax liability.

    Child Credit

    Most stay-at-home mothers should qualify for the Child Tax Credit (CTC), worth up to $2,000 per dependent under seventeen. Single-earner households rarely reach the income limit.

    Claim the child tax credit by completing Schedule 8812 and Form 1040.

    Earned Income

    A homemaker can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) if their spouse works for an employer or runs a small business. The EITC gives low-income families a tax break, averaging more than $3,000 for those with children.

    Claim the earned income tax credit by completing Schedule EITC to give the IRS information about your qualifying children. Each additional child (up to three) increases the money you get back.

    Grants For Stay-At-Home Moms

    Stay-at-home mothers can sometimes receive grants. However, no federal agency provides free money to individuals they do not have to repay.

    Instead, the grant funding flows to universities, state departments, and non-profit organizations. Therefore, apply at these endpoints for specific needs.

    Repair a Home

    Stay-at-home parents can often get grants to repair or improve their residences by applying for benefits at a non-profit or state agency recipient. Single-earner families often meet the criteria for these programs.

    Free grants for homeowners for repairs go to low-income families, funding projects that reduce energy consumption or address health and safety issues. Several government initiatives support these efforts.

    • Weatherization Assistance Program
    • Section 504
    • Inflation Reduction Act Rebates

    Go Back to School

    Stay-at-home mothers often receive grants to help them go back to school to further their education and job prospects for when their children become independent.

    Low Income

    The federal government is the primary source of back-to-school funding for low-income students. Many in the SAHM community fit this category because of their focus on child raising rather than employment.

    Apply for back-to-school assistance by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. You may be eligible for one of these programs.

    • Pell Grants for household income below $30,000
    • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
    • Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants
    • Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)

    Military Veterans

    Federal and non-profit organizations dedicate back-to-school resources for military veterans and their families. SAHM individuals and spouses who are retired service members may qualify for this targeted monetary assistance.

    Apply for college financial aid dedicated to military veterans by completing applications across various opportunities.

    • Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
    • Veterans Administration GI Bill
    • Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
    • American Legion
    • AMVETS
    • Paralyzed Veterans of America
    • Veterans of Foreign Wars

    Scholarships for Women

    Homemakers seeking to enter STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can find back-to-school resources for women since females are under-represented in these industries. Also, future nurses often find helpful resources.

    Online databases can identify scholarship opportunities that match your goals, skills, and situation.

    Start a Business

    Stay-at-home moms might qualify for grants to start or open a new business to supplement their income after their childrearing responsibilities ebb. However, begin with a realistic expectation of what you might find as you will face numerous obstacles.

    • Demand exceeds the financial capacity to fund most requests
    • Capital is more accessible after your endeavor is up and running
    • Foundations favor women who can devote themselves full-time

    Below is a sample of places worth exploring, with the above caveats.

    Money For Stay-At-Home Moms: Government Benefits & Grants (2024)

    FAQs

    Can a stay at home mom get money from the government? ›

    Grants For Stay-At-Home Moms. Stay-at-home mothers can sometimes receive grants. However, no federal agency provides free money to individuals they do not have to repay. Instead, the grant funding flows to universities, state departments, and non-profit organizations.

    How much Social Security does a stay at home mom get? ›

    Social Security Income

    When stay-at-home parents retire, however, they may be entitled to a Social Security spousal benefit. They will receive Social Security income based on their spouse's earned income, up to half of the working spouse's Social Security income amount.

    Can a stay at home mom get Social Security benefits? ›

    Just because you don't bring home a paycheck doesn't mean you're not working. A stay-at-home parent can get a Social Security check just like any other worker.

    How to financially afford to be a stay at home mom? ›

    How can I afford to be a stay at home mom?
    1. Start a flexible career you can work at home. ...
    2. Budget — track spending (and cut expenses) ...
    3. Ask for a raise – and then bank it. ...
    4. Cancel subscriptions to save money. ...
    5. Shop around for insurance rates. ...
    6. Transfer your debt to 0% credit card. ...
    7. Meal plan.
    Feb 10, 2020

    How can a stay-at-home mom make $2000 a month? ›

    Here are some of the best side hustle ideas for earning an extra $2,000 a month from home!
    1. Freelance Writing. ...
    2. Become a Virtual Assistant. ...
    3. Give Direct Sales a Go. ...
    4. Try One of These Side Hustle Ideas. ...
    5. Become a Freelancer. ...
    6. Get Creative. ...
    7. Start a Blog. ...
    8. Become a Proofreader.
    Dec 7, 2022

    Can a stay-at-home mom collect disability? ›

    Can A Stay at Home Mom Collect Social Security Disability Insurance? A disabled stay at home parent may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they worked at an earlier point in their life and earned enough work credits to be eligible for Social Security.

    How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›

    To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.

    Will SSI pay me to take care of my mom? ›

    The SSA does not pay caregivers to take care of their loved ones who are on Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI). You could get paid as a caregiver to take care for a loved one with a disability, though through other programs there are other ways in which you could get paid taking care of a loved one.

    Can my wife get Social Security if she never worked? ›

    Even if they have never worked under Social Security, your spouse may be eligible for benefits if they are at least 62 years of age and you are receiving retirement or disability benefits.

    What are the benefits of having a stay-at-home parent? ›

    Children who have a parent who stays at home may achieve better academic performance. One study found that 10th-grade children who had a parent stay at home when they were young achieved better grades in school than those who had working parents working away from home during early childhood.

    What happens if I don't get 40 credits for Social Security? ›

    You currently have fewer than the 40 credits needed to become fully insured for retirement benefits. You can still earn credits and become fully insured if you work. We cannot pay you benefits if you don't have enough credits.

    When can a homemaker collect Social Security? ›

    At least age 62. Any age and caring for a child who is under age 16 or who has a disability that began before age 22.

    How can I afford to live on my own as a single mom? ›

    11 Key tips on how to survive financially as a single mom
    1. Change your financial mindset. ...
    2. Separate your finances from your ex-partner. ...
    3. Take out insurance for your family. ...
    4. Increase your earnings. ...
    5. Start debt management to survive financially as a single mom. ...
    6. Understand your taxes as a single mom. ...
    7. Make a single mom budget.
    May 7, 2023

    How do I become a stay home mom? ›

    Use These 7 Steps To Afford To Be A Stay At Home Mom
    1. The Only Way To Afford To Live Off One Budget Is To Budget. ...
    2. Find Ways To Save Money To Live Off One Income. ...
    3. Increase Your Income To Stay Home. ...
    4. Working May Be More Expensive Than You Think. ...
    5. Pay Off Debt To Be A Stay At Home Parent.
    Oct 30, 2019

    What is the financial value of a stay-at-home parent? ›

    Know the financial power you bring to the family

    The Mom Salary Survey estimated the average annual value of a stay-at-home parent as $178,201. Attaching a financial value to your household contributions as a primary caregiver is important.

    How can I make $5000 a month working from home? ›

    Top 10 Ways to Make 5K a Month
    1. Freelancing with Skills You Already Have.
    2. Blogging or Content Creation.
    3. Virtual Assistant.
    4. Start an Amazon FBA Business.
    5. Taking Pictures and Selling Stock Photos.
    6. Proofreading or Editing.
    7. Facebook Marketing.
    8. Self-Publishing Books on Amazon KDP.
    Mar 23, 2023

    Can you live on your own making $1000 a month? ›

    Bottom Line. Living on $1,000 per month is a challenge. From the high costs of housing, transportation and food, plus trying to keep your bills to a minimum, it would be difficult for anyone living alone to make this work. But with some creativity, roommates and strategy, you might be able to pull it off.

    What qualifies as a disabled dependent? ›

    The eligible dependent must have a qualifying diagnosis from a physician stating the dependent suffers from a disabling condition. The dependent must be unable to support himself/herself financially and must have at least six (6) months of creditable coverage as defined in the Evidence of Coverage booklet.

    What are DAC benefits for Social Security? ›

    Disabled Adult Child (DAC)

    An adult who becomes disabled before age 22 may be eligible for “child's” benefits if a parent is deceased or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits. Social Security considers this a child's benefit because it is paid on a parent's Social Security earnings record.

    Does a disabled dependent have to live with you? ›

    Generally speaking, he must also live with you for at least half of the year (although there are a number of exceptions to that requirement), you must provide at least half of his support, and he cannot be claimed as a dependent on anyone else's tax return. These rules apply to your child, biological or adopted.

    How do I get the $16000 Social Security bonus? ›

    How to Get a Social Security Bonus
    1. Option 1: Increase Your Earnings. Social Security benefits are based on your earnings. ...
    2. Option 2: Wait Until Age 70 to Claim Social Security Benefits. ...
    3. Option 3: Be Strategic With Spousal Benefits. ...
    4. Option 4: Make the Most of COLA Increases.
    Apr 21, 2023

    How can I get extra Social Security money? ›

    Additional work will increase your retirement benefits. Each year you work will replace a zero or low earnings year in your Social Security benefit calculation, which could help to increase your benefit amount. Social Security bases your retirement benefits on your lifetime earnings.

    What is the highest amount you can get from Social Security? ›

    3 steps to claiming the $4,555 max monthly Social Security benefit.

    What states pay you to take care of a family member? ›

    STATE PROGRAMS THAT PAY SPOUSES AS CAREGIVERS (UPDATED JUNE 2021)
    StateProgram
    New JerseyMedicaid Managed Long Term Services and Support and the New Jersey Assistance for Community Caregivers
    North CarolinaIn-Home Aide Program
    North DakotaFamily Personal Care under the Aged and Disabled Waiver
    12 more rows

    Can I pay myself to care for my parent? ›

    One of the most frequent questions asked at Family Caregiver Alliance is, “How can I be paid to be a caregiver to my parent?” If you are going to be the primary caregiver, is there a way that your parent or the care receiver can pay you for the help you provide? The short answer is yes, as long as all parties agree.

    Can you get paid for being a caregiver to your spouse? ›

    Some long-term care insurance policies allow family members to get paid as caregivers. Contact your insurance agent and ask for a written confirmation of benefits.

    Will I lose my ex husband's Social Security if I remarry? ›

    If you have since remarried, you can't collect benefits on your former spouse's record unless your later marriage ended by annulment, divorce, or death. Also, if you're entitled to benefits on your own record, your benefit amount must be less than you would receive based on your ex-spouse's work.

    Can two wives collect Social Security from one husband? ›

    Can I claim benefits on either one's record? Yes, you can. Notify the Social Security Administration that you were married more than once and may qualify for benefits on more than one spouse's earnings record. They will be able to tell you which record provides the higher payment and set your benefit accordingly.

    What changes are coming for Social Security in 2023? ›

    Social Security recipients will get an 8.7% raise for 2023, compared with the 5.9% increase that beneficiaries received in 2022. Maximum earnings subject to the Social Security tax also went up, from $147,000 to $160,200.

    Does a stay-at-home mom qualify for Medicare? ›

    For example, stay-at-home-moms are eligible for Medicare even if they haven't worked and paid Medicare taxes. As long as their husbands have, they may enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period.

    Is the government sending money to parents? ›

    Most families will receive the full amount: $3,600 for each child under age 6 and $3,000 for each child ages 6 to 17. To get money to families sooner, the IRS is sending families half of their 2021 Child Tax Credit as monthly payments of $300 per child under age 6 and $250 per child between the ages of 6 and 17.

    Are stay-at-home moms employed? ›

    The thing about being a mom is that it's a job in and of itself. Whether you identify as a stay-at-home mom, a working mom, or something in between, raising children is a full-time job.

    How do I get financial assistance? ›

    To find out if you are eligible for financial aid and other programs, visit benefits.gov. You can take an eligibility questionnaire, learn more about programs, and find state and local contact information. Learn More: List of HHS assistance programs.

    Can my wife get Medicare if she never worked? ›

    Yes, in most cases your spouse is eligible for Medicare at age 65, even if he or she never worked. Your spouse might have to pay a monthly premium for Medicare Part A if you or your spouse hasn't worked long enough to qualify for premium-free Part A.

    Can I get Medicare if I don't have enough work credits? ›

    You can still get Medicare Part A coverage, even if you don't fully meet the work requirement of 40 credits. Here's what you'll pay in 2022: If you have 30 to 39 credits, your Part A premium will cost $274 per month. If you have fewer than 30 credits, your Part A premium will cost $499 per month.

    Can a housewife who never worked get Medicare? ›

    Anyone who meets Medicare eligibility requirements can get Medicare, including spouses.

    How do I get a $10000 tax refund 2023? ›

    How to Get the Biggest Tax Refund in 2023
    1. Select the right filing status.
    2. Don't overlook dependent care expenses.
    3. Itemize deductions when possible.
    4. Contribute to a traditional IRA.
    5. Max out contributions to a health savings account.
    6. Claim a credit for energy-efficient home improvements.
    7. Consult with a new accountant.
    Jan 24, 2023

    Are we getting stimulus in 2023? ›

    Internal Revenue Service declared in Nov 2022 that many people are eligible to receive the benefit of Stimulus Check 2023. According to information released by the Federal Revenue Service late in 2022 on its official portal irs.gov, it is possible to get benefits in 2023.

    Is the government giving you money? ›

    The government does not offer "free money" for individuals. Federal grants are typically only for states and organizations. But you may be able to get a federal loan for education, a small business, and more. If you need help with food, health care, or utilities, visit USA.gov's benefits page.

    What is a stay-at-home mom job called? ›

    SAHM is an acronym for a stay-at-home mom. Typically, a SAHM is a woman who cares for the children while the other partner is working outside the home. Similar, more antiquated terms are a homemaker or housewife, although some people still embrace these monikers for this role.

    How many hours a day do stay-at-home moms work? ›

    According to the survey, the typical stay-at-home mom works almost 97 hours a week, spending 13.2 hours as a day-care teacher; 3.9 hours as household CEO; 7.6 hours as a psychologist; 14.1 hours as a chef; 15.4 as a housekeeper; 6.6 hours doing laundry; 9.5 hours as a PC-or-Mac operator; 10.7 hours as a facilities ...

    What is the meaning of cash assistance? ›

    Cash and voucher assistance helps people to prepare, prioritize and take care of their families based on their own preferences and decisions. It supports them to address a wide range of needs such as rent and food, as well as education and healthcare costs.

    What does financial assistance available mean? ›

    official help given to a person or organization in the form of money, loans, reduced taxes, etc.: Without financial assistance, the state program will be forced to shut down by December.

    What is one reason why the government would provide financial assistance? ›

    meet a social need and improve the economy.

    customers needed to make a profit on a good.

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