Financial Help and Grants for Single Mothers to Pay Bills, Buy Uniforms and More

Those single mothers resident in the UK and indeed throughout Europe, will be all too familiar with the terms recession, economic downturn and financial crisis, without me having to elaborate further.

There is no shortage of commentary regarding the effects of recession on women and children, and one would not have to have obtained a degree in economics to understand the financial difficulties which are encountered by single mothers on a daily basis.

Recent changes in eligibility for Working Family Tax Credits have further exacerbated the financial difficulties that many single parents face, pushing more and more women out of the labour market and leaving them completely dependent on benefits.

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So, who can single mothers turn to for help? Assuming that single parents have already claimed both in work and unemployment benefits to which they may be entitled, the resources listed on this page offer further financial assistance in terms of aid and free grants which are available to unemployed single mothers and those single mothers who are in receipt of low incomes. For help with writing a funding application, please see this page. 

Although many charities prefer that an application is made through a third party, if your situation is very urgent it may be worth contacting the charity directly, to clarify whether your application needs to be endorsed by a third party. Every attempt has been made by the author to provide contact numbers, website and postal addresses where ever possible.

If you have found the information on this page helpful, or you have obtained financial assistance because of the information that you have gleaned here, please feel free to share this article with others in a similar situation, and if possible leave a comment.

The Talisman Charitable Trust awards one off and recurrent grants for residents of the UK who are in receipt of a very low income. The trust aims to provide financial assistance for the relief of poverty, housing, disablement or disability.

An application needs to be supported by a third party such as the Citizens Advice Bureau, charitable organisation or the applicants local authority. Applications need to be in writing and must include; the applicants name and address, an outline and details of the applicants financial situation, what the grant is needed for and how much money the applicant needs.

Contact details:

The Talisman Charitable Trust,

Lower ground floor office,

354 Kennington Road,

London. Se11 4LD.

www. talismancharity.org

Family Service Units can be found in the inner cities of England and Scotland and offer capital grants of up to £300. Their aim is reduce poverty and assist families in need.

In order to establish if there is a family service unit in your area you will need to contact them on the telephone number below.

Telephone: 0207 402 5175 

Norwich Consolidated Charities award grants to people on low incomes who permanently reside in the City of Norwich.Grants are usually only made available to families with dependents.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate however, that they have applied for, and been rejected for, a social fund loan. Grants from £50 to £500 are awarded for white goods, carpets, furniture and help with child care costs for low income single parents.

Applications should be made thorough a Social Worker, Citizens Advice Bureau or other agency. In some circumstances the charity will accept applications from an individual.

Contact details: 

Norwich Consolidated Charities,

1, Woolgate Court,

St Benedicts Street,

Norwich. NR2 4AP. 

Tel: 01603 621023

Norwood usually awards grants to Jewish children and families. Nevertheless, approximately one quarter of grants are awarded to mixed faith families.

Grants are offered according to individual needs and are generally awarded for occasional holidays, Jewish religious festivals and social need.

Although Norwood is a national charity their main focus is on families residing in the South East of England and London.

Applications should be made in writing and addressed to:

Norwood,

80-82 The Broadway,

Stanmore,

Middlesex.

HA7 4HB.

www.norwood.org.uk

Wood Street Mission.

Wood Street Mission offer free toys and gifts at Christmas for the children of families in need; those who are in receipt of benefits, receive a low income or are struggling to cope financially for whatever reason.

The charity also offers food parcels and Easter eggs during the relevant holiday. Only families who are resident in the Greater Manchester or Salford areas are eligible to receive the Christmas gifts, food parcels and Easter eggs.

Applications must be made via a Health worker, Probation Officer, Social Worker or through the Citizens Advice Bureau.

 Wood Street mission,

If you are able, please read and share this article; Occupy Wall Street will pay write off your debt. At the time of writing, this OWS initiative is for US citizens only, however, by sharing this page will you will help to spread the word to those who are also in need.