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While judges across the nation try to make sure that all divorce proceedings are fair, a woman likely ends up suffering financially because she had decided to be a stay home mom or a stay home wife. It makes it even worse if she has signed a prenup. Contrary to the popular belief that women steal a man's entire wealth after the divorce, men usually end up seeing a significant improvement in their living standard while women see a decline by 25-50%. They are the ones who end up requiring additional financial assistance. It becomes even worse if they have children. Women can take several steps down the road to survive a financial setback and have a bright future. Meanwhile, they will need some financial help to keep them afloat. The good news is that there are several programs that can help them get free child care, education, food, housing, and medical treatment. Below is a list of the programs:
Divorced women who have no or very low income or are mothers with young kids and receive no child support are the ones who are at a higher risk of homelessness. If they have been completely abandoned by an ex or are facing homelessness, they can apply for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers at their local public housing agency (PHA) or housing and urban development (HUD) office. Several landlords have agreements in place that allow low-income individuals to pay their rent with these vouchers. Depending on the woman's status whether she is living alone or with kids she can decide if she would like to live in an apartment, condo, or a house.
Several cities and states have homeless hotels and shelters that a divorced woman with or without kids facing homelessness can temporarily use. They are much safer than living on the streets.
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) is a federal program that works through various local agencies including state, territorial and tribal to offer monthly support payments to families for a limited period. The program can specifically help divorced women with children. They also provide employment and any necessary training to become employed. It is one of the requirements to receive TANF. To apply women can go to their local welfare or social services office.
Many divorced women with no or low income may qualify for the SNAP program also known as the food stamps program. This federally funded and locally managed program allows them to buy groceries for themselves and their kids. The SNAP amount is approved based on the number of kids and the total income and other financial resources. Women can apply for Food Stamps at the local social services or welfare office.
Medicaid comes in very handy, especially if the woman has kids and her ex doesn't have any health insurance coverage. She can qualify for Medicaid even if she doesn't have any kids and lacks resources to pay for her medical treatment. Almost all doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies accept Medicaid as an insurance option. A divorced woman can apply for Medicaid at their local social services office.
Most low-income single mothers can qualify for child care vouchers to pay for the subsidized daycare while at school or work.
Several charities, non-profits, and religious establishments have programs to support low-income divorced women and their children. For example, by visiting a Sikh Gurudwara they can feed themselves and their kids for free. Similarly, a church may be handing out free clothes and groceries. Divorced women should explore all available resources in their area to benefit from them.
Divorced women with low income can also qualify for grants and scholarships to get a free college education. They can also see if family and friends are willing to contribute to a 529 College Savings Plan to fund their education. The plan will allow the family and friends to get a tax break, and divorced women can pay for their education tax-free. This will allow A college degree in healthcare or technology can significantly increase their income.
Divorced women who are looking to buy a home can also qualify for a HUD grant. If you were not the primary wage earner of the family you may qualify for a Displaced Homemaker grant under the Section 529 of HUD rules. It can allow you to purchase a home with a lower interest rate and a smaller down payment. To qualify you must be:
In addition to the HUD grant, you may also qualify for the American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) grant through your state's first time home buyer's assistance program. If you qualify, you can purchase a single family home with the down payment and closing costs grant.
Divorced women who are displaced homemakers can qualify for the free WIOA program. Through this program you can earn certificates and degrees to become eligible for a better paying job. You can also get skills assessment, job training, resume help, and interview coaching. The program is offered through your state's unemployment office.
Related:
Holiday budgeting tips for divorced women
Can your soon to be ex withdraw money from a joint bank account?
Warning: This post is neither financial, health, legal, or personal advice nor a substitute for the advice offered by a professional. These are serious matters, and the help of a professional is recommended as it can impact your future.