There are many who believe that these two groups of women are one in the same. Indeed, there are low-income single moms who receive welfare benefits. Some receive more than others.
Many of these women, however, only receive partial benefits. For some of these women, this is in the form of medical insurance. Others may also receive some amount of SNAP (food stamps), but not enough to pay for all of their families food. Others may even be lucky enough to receive help with paying for childcare. These women work, and do not qualify for full benefits.
There are plenty of other single moms who get no financial help at all, other than medical insurance (if they qualify). These women also hold jobs, often ones that do not pay enough. Sometimes they may only earn $30.00 more than the income guidelines allow, and cannot afford everything there family needs. Still, they earn just enough that they do not qualify for any other help. These women are also low-income.
Then there the single moms with jobs, who earn significantly more than the moms in the examples above. They do not feel the need to apply for benefits, mainly because they have what they need. However, these women may not ever be able to afford anything than an old trailer to live in, or a substandard apartment. They are making it on their own, and that is all that matters to them. These are the lucky ones, even though they do not have a lot of money. These women are also low-income.
No, not all low-income single moms are welfare recipients and, many of those who are receive surprisingly little financial help. But each and every one of these women deserve a level of respect, for working hard and taking care of their children.
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