Has anyone done anything like this?

Question

I am 25 weeks pregnant and I am working a very good job, one that most people have to go to school for, so I am very fortunate and thankful for that, but I was wondering if anyone has heard of or accepted grants for college, rent, food stamps, health insurance, basically the whole 9 yards.

I am unmarried and my fiancee would continue to pay as much as he could with his check although it would come no where near covering everything, but I would really like to go to school and this is the only way I can think of to be a stay at home mom and accomplish my dream. I have no intent of abusing the government, in fact I want to work for a non-profit organization with teens in drug treatment but I need a degree to do so....would it be wrong of me to even look into this?

I was just thinking, I could take online courses at home, be a stay at home mom, and eventually contribute back to society....do you know where I could find information on this?

Answer 1

I don't know why you are feeling guilty at the least bit about this! This sounds PERFECT for you. My friend got grants for college and got into UCLA and still received the grants. Now, she has graduated with honors and is starting law school. She could of not done it without this help.
For you...it sounds perfect (for a lack of better words). You will be able to stay home, take care of yourself AND your baby. It's beautiful! Don't hesitate!
Also, you want to work for a non profit org. to help. I am thinking that this program is just like the same thing. You'll be giving back when it's all over.
Go get it!

Answer 2

The government sponsors financial aid programs for those who want to go to college that can show financial need. These funds can be used for tuition, books, housing and food.

Financial aid comes in two forms. Grants are monies that never have to be repaid. Student Loans are obviously funds that must be repaid.

The major grant program that most student's used is called a Pell grant. You can qualify for up to $3500 per year. This money is disbursed twice over the school year with half of it disbursed at the beginning of the first semister and half at the beginning of the second.

A subsidized Stafford Loan is a loan that is guaranteed by the governement. You don't have to have good credit to get it all you have to do is qualify. You can qualify for up to $2600 per year and the loan company will charge you an origination fee so you won't recieve the entire amount. These funds are disbursed in the same manner as a Pell Grant. You don't make any payments on this loan and the government pays the interest for you until 6 months after graduation or after you stop going to school.

There is an Unsubsidized Stafford program that requires good credit. You can get up to $4,000.

As far as food stamps and public assistance (Welfare) that is disbursed through state agencies.

My advice is that you go for the grants, avoid the loans and if you can, continue working. You won't be the first single mother to work, go to school and raise a child. It won't be easy but there really isn't an easy way given your circumstances.

Answer 3

Go to your local Department of Children & Families. And also look for your local WIC (Women & Children) office. The Department of Children & Families will help you to apply for Food Stamps, Health Insurance, and POSSIBLY Cash Assistance. You do have to have a limit as to what you make. Right now I am in the same situation. I am a stay at home mom, going to school. I do part time jobs here and there, but mainly I only make about $400.00 a month and they say that is way too much in order for me to receive cash assitance! So my advice is only give information they absolutely need. Good luck! And congrats on tryin to go back to school :)

Answer 4

Unless your fiancee doesn't make very much money, the government assistance is out with the exception of student loans. People borrow enough $$ from the government to cover their income while they're in school. Of course, you have to pay it back, but it's low interest and the payments are manageable.

The way to get your information is to look at schools, choose one, and contact their financial aid department. They will make sure that you get all the $$ you're entitled to.

TX Mom

Answer 5

I am in the same boat your in, girl! Go to your local Department of Family and Child Services to get help with food stamps, health insurance, and maybe even Welfare and contact your schools financial aid dept. about paying for the schooling. You may be qualified for some scholarships that would help too (no matter your age). You are on the right track as far as knowing what needs to be done, so good luck with your "dream-chasing"!!

Answer 6

Most grants are only enough to cover tuition. If any money is left over after that, then you may use the money for books and cost of living. You can also take out students loans, but you must pay them back after you graduate. You would make monthly payments. I know of no grants that cover health insurance or any of the other services you listed. Have you applied for WIC? WIC gives you vouchers for milk, eggs, cheese, and peanut butter. It also provides formula for the baby after birth. You can do so at your local health department. You can also apply for MEDICAID, and it will pay for your baby for 1 year after birth, and it will pay your medical expenses up to your 6 week check-up.

To apply for the PELL GRANT, you much fill out a FAFSA. You may find out more information, or fill it out on www.fafsa.ed.gov

Answer 7

To get a grant you have to fill out a fafsa (federal aplication for student aid) I have one and it pays for all my classes, my books, and about $900 extra dollars per semester for living expenses. I have never applied for welfare or food stamps but you just have to make an appointment with the Department of Human Assistance in your state. WIC is another program that you would probably qualify for, It helps with the cost of food, formula and vitamins for pregnant women and children up to the age of 5. Some colleges also have free daycare for low-income parents that attend classes at that school. My college does.

Answer 8

I am a full-time mom and a full-time student online. I go to a community college and I get pell grants. I also have medicaid as well as my daughter. I am going to school to be a doctor and I do not feel as though I am 'using' the government. Once I get a job, I will probably no longer have medicaid and will have to pay a lot to go to all of my doctors. ( I have multiple health problems) Good Luck.

Answer 9

First step would to be to go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and fill out the application for federal student aid. This form is used by the college that you wish to attend to determine your eligibility for grants, loans, and other types of aid from the federal, state and local levels. You might want to look into other scholarship type aid that is offered by your school.

Hope this helps!

Answer 10

Contact your local Community Action. There is WIC (Women Infants Children), Food Stamps, and other things offered there. As for grants and scholarships, check fastweb.com