ALABAMA
What assistance can a single mother receive in Alabama?
A single mother with two children in Alabama with no income may receive up to $344 in cash assistance, $785 in food benefits, and $580 in utility support, along with child care assistance and Medicaid coverage.
| CASH | $344 |
| FOOD | $785 |
| SUMMER EBT | $240 |
| WIC | $52 |
| LIHEAP | $580 |
| CHILD CARE | ✓ |
| MEDICAID | ✓ |
| PELL GRANT | $7,395 |
For the 2026—2027 academic year, a single mother in a household of 3 in Alabama can earn up to $58,095 and still qualify for the maximum Pell grant of $7,395.
This is an unofficial benefits estimator. No personal data is collected or stored. Actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances, location, eligibility criteria, and recent data updates at the time of application.
Alabama Family Assistance (FA) Program
Alabama’s Family Assistance (FA) Program provides temporary financial assistance for needy families with a dependent child under age 18 whose income must meet the eligibility thresholds.
Alabama has some of the strictest income limits in the nation. To be eligible for cash benefits, a family of three must have a net countable income of $344 or less.
Most adult recipients must participate in the JOBS Program, which offers job skills training, education, and placement services to help parents find employment.
How much does TANF pay in Alabama?
In Alabama, TANF benefits are among the lowest in the country. A family of three that qualifies may receive up to $344 per month in cash assistance.
| Household Size | Payment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $264 |
| 2 | $304 |
| 3 | $344 |
| 4 | $392 |
| 5 | $440 |
| 6 | $488 |
| 7 | $536 |
| 8 | $584 |
How do I apply for TANF in Alabama?
Applications for Family Assistance (FA) Program can be filed in person at the local DHR office in the county where you reside or apply online through OneAlabama .
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Family Assistance Division
(334) 242-1773
Alabama Food Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Food Assistance Program (SNAP) aims to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition by providing monthly benefits to eligible low-income Alabamians to help them afford the food they need for a healthier diet.
The program serves low-income families with children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working or unemployed people of all ages.
SNAP benefit amounts vary based on several factors, including household size, income, and allowable deductions such as housing costs, child care expenses, and certain medical expenses for eligible households.
| Household Size | SNAP Benefits |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $1,789 |
Food assistance benefits are deposited into a chip-enabled EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card each month and can be used, like a debit card, to purchase eligible food at authorized grocery stores.
How do I apply for food stamps online in Alabama?
Applications for the food assistance program are available in all county DHR offices and online through MyDHR which is the only online application portal for Alabama’s public assistance.
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Food Assistance Division
(833) 822-2202
Alabama Medicaid
Alabama Medicaid is the largest program providing medical and health-related services to Alabama’s poorest residents, including families with children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Most adults pay small copays between $0.65 to $50 depending on the service, though children and pregnant women are typically exempt.1
Alabama has some of the most restrictive Medicaid eligibility rules in the nation. There are generally no programs for non-disabled, childless adults aged 19—64.
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Alabama?
As Alabama is not expanding Medicaid coverage, eligibility for non-disabled adults is limited to parents with income below 18% of the federal poverty level. That’s about less than $400 per month for a family of three to qualify. Children and pregnant women are covered at higher income levels.
| alabama Medicaid | 146% | 146% | 18% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,904 | $1,904 | $235 |
| 2 | $2,573 | $2,573 | $317 |
| 3 | $3,242 | $3,242 | $400 |
| 4 | $3,912 | $3,912 | $482 |
| 5 | $4,581 | $4,581 | $565 |
| 6 | $5,250 | $5,250 | $647 |
| 7 | $5,919 | $5,919 | $730 |
| 8 | $6,588 | $6,588 | $812 |
How do I apply for Medicaid in Alabama?
You may apply for Medicaid either online through Insure Alabama or in person at your local County Department of Human Resources (DHR) office.
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Alabama Medicaid Agency
(800) 362-1504
If you are applying for nursing home or a program for the elderly or disabled, you will need to send an application to one of Medicaid’s 11 district offices serving your county.
Alabama ALL Kids
Alabama ALL Kids offers low-cost health coverage for uninsured children under age 19 whose families earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.
ALL Kids delivers services through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL) and its preferred provider network. Depending on income level, families may pay small premiums and co-pay for certain services like doctor visits or prescriptions.
Benefits include:
- 12 months of continuous coverage
- Doctor visits, including checkups
- Mental Health/Substance Abuse services
- Hospital and physician care
- 12 months postpartum coverage
- Immunizations
- Prescriptions
- Dental and vision care
- Emergency services
What is the income limit for Alabama ALL Kids?
ALL Kids covers children under age 19 in families with incomes up to 317% of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, that’s about $7,040 per month.
| Household Size | 317% |
|---|---|
| 1 | $4,134 |
| 2 | $5,587 |
| 3 | $7,040 |
| 4 | $8,493 |
| 5 | $9,946 |
| 6 | $11,399 |
| 7 | $12,852 |
| 8 | $14,305 |
How much does All Kids cost?
ALL Kids premiums depend on the family’s income and fee group. Families pay an annual premium based on their fee group, usually between $52 and $104 per child.2
| PREMIUM | FPL |
|---|---|
| 0 | ≤ 146% |
| $52 | ≤ 156% |
| $104 | ≤ 317% |
How do I apply for All Kids?
ALL Kids shares a joint application with Medicaid. This streamlined process ensures children get coverage, either through Medicaid, ALL Kids, or the Marketplace.
If your child is approved, coverage will begin on the first day of the month after the application is received.
Alabama Department of Public Health
ALL Kids Customer Service
(888) 373-5437
Alabama Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
Alabama Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is the state subsidy program targeted at low-income Alabama families who need help paying for child care.
It provides assistance with payment for child care on a sliding fee basis for families whose income does not exceed 180% of the federal poverty level.
What is the income limit for child care assistance in Alabama?
In Alabama, a family of three qualifies for child care assistance if their monthly income is $3,998 or less at the time of initial application, or up to $4,442 at the time of redetermination.
| Household Size | 180% FPL | 200% FPL |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $3,173 | $3,525 |
| 3 | $3,998 | $4,442 |
| 4 | $4,823 | $5,358 |
| 5 | $5,648 | $6,275 |
| 6 | $6,473 | $7,192 |
| 7 | $7,298 | $8,108 |
| 8 | $8,123 | $9,025 |
Depending on the county you live in, you will need to meet the work requirements and have a child under the age of 13. Some exceptions can be made for those that are disabled.
How do I apply for child care assistance in Alabama?
If you think you’re income eligible, you must download and complete the “Application for Subsidized Child Care” form and mail it to your local Child Care Management Agency that serves your county.
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Child Care Services Division
(334) 242-1425
Alabama Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Alabama WIC helps eligible families in Alabama by providing monthly benefits to buy healthy foods that supplement their diet, along with nutrition education, health screenings, and referrals to medical care.
WIC serves low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children under age 5 who meet WIC eligibility guidelines.
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:
- Live in Alabama.
- Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under age 5.
- Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty level.
- Be certified to be “nutritionally at risk”.
What is the income limit for WIC in Alabama?
WIC is available to families whose income is at or below 185% of the poverty level. For example, a family of three may qualify with a monthly income of up to $4,109.
| Household Size | ANNUAL LIMIT | MONTLY LIMIT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,956 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,804 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,652 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,500 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,348 |
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) defines a family of two as a woman pregnant with one child, or a parent/guardian of one child under 5 years old.
How much does WIC pay per month in Alabama?
In Alabama, children ages 1—4 will now receive $26 per month, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month, and breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.
How do I apply for WIC in Alabama?
To apply for WIC, please call (888) 942-4673 to find a WIC agency closest to you and schedule an appointment.
Montgomery County Health Dept WIC
3060 Mobile Hwy,
Montgomery, AL 36108
(334) 293-6450
Alabama Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Alabama LIHEAP assists eligible households with the costs for heating during winter and cooling during summer through a network of local community action agencies.
Emergency funding is also available for households facing immediate energy crises, such as a utility disconnection notice or a complete lack of fuel.
To receive LIHEAP assistance, the applicant’s gross monthly income must not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level. That’s about $3,331 for a family of three.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,956 |
| 2 | $2,644 |
| 3 | $3,331 |
| 4 | $4,019 |
| 5 | $4,706 |
| 6 | $5,394 |
| 7 | $6,081 |
| 8 | $6,769 |
Priority is often given to households with elderly or disabled members, as well as households with young children under the age of five.
How do I apply for LIHEAP in Alabama?
To apply for assistance with your home heating or cooling bill, contact your community action agency for your area. Applications are accepted each season from October 1 through April 30.
Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
LIHEAP Program Information & Referrals
(800) 392-8098
Alabama Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.
Alabama LIHWAP offers one-time emergency assistance up to $2,000 to help qualified households pay their residential water and wastewater past due utility bills.
Households that meet the LIHEAP income eligibility requirements are also deemed as categorically income-eligible for LIHWAP assistance. Priority is given to households with the elderly, disabled or a young child under age 6.
How do I get help paying my water bill in Alabama?
Alabama’s LIHWAP is administered by 20 local agencies currently accepting LIHWAP applications and determine benefit eligibility. Application must be done in-person through the local agency that administers the program in your county.
Alabama Unemployment Insurance
Alabama Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to Alabama workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.
In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have:
- wages in at least two quarters of the base period, and
- total base-period wages of at least 1.5 times the amount you earned in your highest paid quarter of that base period.
For example, if your highest paid quarter was $4,000, your earnings across the entire base period must be to at least $6,000 ($4,000 x 1.5).
How many weeks of unemployment do I get in Alabama?
Alabama offers up to 14 weeks of benefits for new enrollees, with an additional five-week extension for those enrolled in a state-approved training program. 3
How much unemployment will I get in Alabama?
Benefits per week range from a minimum of $45 to a maximum of $275, which is determined by wages paid during the qualifying period.
How do I file for unemployment online in Alabama?
You may file your claim online through Claimant Portal or alternatively, you can call the Initial Claims Line at (866) 234-5382 if you wish to file by phone.
Alabama Department of Labor
Claimant Assistance Line
(866) 234-5382
Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP)
Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP) is one of the Alabama Student Aid Programs that awards eligible Alabama residents to study at an independent college or university in Alabama.
Students must be enrolled at least half-time and demonstrate substantial financial need. Awards are up to $5,000 per academic year, subject to available funding.
There are currently 80 Alabama institutions participating in the program. To be considered for ASAP, you must first submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the institution’s allocation is exhausted
Alabama Commission on Higher Education
Grants and Scholarships Associate
(334) 353-9151
Alabama Student Grant Program
Alabama Student Grant Program (ASGP) is available only to students enrolled at least half-time in one of the dozen or so “independent” colleges in Alabama.
Unlike the Alabama Student Assistance Program, ASGP is not based on financial need, making it available to students regardless of their income level.
Grant amounts vary from year-to-year based on the availability of funds, but the maximum award is capped at $3,000 per academic year.
This program is currently available only in the following 11 institutions:
- Amridge University
- Faulkner University
- Huntingdon College
- Miles College
- Oakwood University
- Samford University
- Spring Hill College
- South University – Montgomery
- Stillman College
- U.S. Sports Academy
- University of Mobile
Applications are available through the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) or directly from the financial aid office of the participating college.
Alabama Commission on Higher Education
Grants and Scholarships Associate
(334) 242-4466
Single Parent Support Income Tax Credit
Single Parent Support Income Tax Credit is a new state-level financial initiative in Alabama designed to provide direct economic relief to single parents who have carried a pregnancy to term.4
Starting with the 2026 tax year, eligible unmarried, non-cohabiting single parents can claim a $5,000 annual tax credit for each of the first five years of their child’s life.
The credit is fully refundable, meaning if the parent’s tax liability is less than $5,000, they will receive the difference as a refund.
Alabama Department of Revenue
Individual Income Tax Audit and Appeals Division
(334) 353-9770