<p><em><strong>Where to find help if you recently became a <a href="https://esme.com/voices/perspectives/whats-a-solo-mom" target="_blank" class="wordlink">Solo Mom</a></strong></em></p><p>Many of us are just one crisis away from financial instability. We do just fine with careful budgeting and regular expenses. Then someone gets sick, a car breaks down, or a beloved pet needs care, and suddenly we can’t pay our bills.</p><p>In these situations, it’s smart to seek help sooner rather than later. Many programs and places offer a small amount of financial assistance, but once things start to snowball, these programs are no longer available. Here are some resources that may be able to help.</p><p><strong>Utility bills</strong></p><p>It’s very common for people to need help paying their utility bills, such as electricity and gas. Most utility companies have some sort of “forgiveness plan” that accepts small payments toward your larger bill. The utilities won’t tell you about it, so you will need to ask. </p><p><strong>Departments of social services</strong> </p><p>Departments of social services, often known as DSS, offer “emergency assistance” to people who need help. Different states and communities have their own department, so search for your local DSS online. The department will require you to provide documentation, such as shut-off notices or eviction notices, to receive aid, and will also ask for proof of income and other information. This department is a good place to start if you find yourself in need of emergency financial assistance.</p><p><a href="http://catholiccharitiesusa.org" target="_blank"><strong>Catholic Charities USA</strong></a></p><p>Catholic Charities USA is a national organization with local offices that help people regardless of their religious, social, or economic background. Many Catholic Charities provide emergency financial assistance to people in need. They will require you to provide documentation of the need and of your expenses and income.</p><p><a href="http://www.ywca.org" target="_blank"><strong>YWCA</strong></a></p><p>The YWCA offers numerous programs for women, including financial literacy programs to promote economic empowerment from budget basics to planning for retirement. With the support of the Allstate Foundation, every YWCA in the country has been provided with the Allstate Moving Ahead Through Financial Management Curriculum, a financial literacy course. The YWCA also offers a variety of other programs, including women’s health programs, job training, and early childhood programs. </p><p><a href="http://www.aidforsinglemothers.net" target="_blank"><strong>AidForSingleMothers.net</strong></a></p><p>AidForSingleMothers.net has compiled information from various sources on grants and scholarships available to Solo Moms. The numerous grants listed include those for financial help for divorced women and moms, housing grants, home energy grants, and day care financial help for working Solo Moms. On the website’s homepage, look for the Single Mother Financial Help Information section, which provides links to pertinent information.</p><p>Sometimes, despite all your careful saving and planning, life throws a curveball. These resources should be able to help.</p><hr><p><span style="font-size: 11px;">Photo credit Shutterstock.com</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 20px;"><em></em><em>Know the basics to protect your home and family</em></span></strong></p><p><em><strong><br></strong></em></p><p><em><strong><br></strong></em></p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BBq3_APnmbk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><p><em><strong><br></strong></em></p><p>Eviction is a scary situation. Having at least some basic knowledge of your rights and the process can help ease that fear and let you know your options. Eviction law does differ from state to state, so it is best if you get in contact with a tenants’ rights group familiar with the law in your particular state/town—but here are the basics.</p><p><strong>What is an eviction?</strong></p><p>An eviction is a legal process where a landlord attempts to force a tenant to move out. There are several different types of notices that a landlord can serve. Your landlord may personally deliver the notice to you—it does not need to be served by a sheriff or notarized. The landlord may serve the notice to an appropriate person in your household or post the notice on your door as long as it is also mailed.</p><p><strong>How many days do I have to pay my landlord?</strong></p><p>Usually there is a three-day pay or vacate notice. This means that if you do not pay your landlord the rent in three days, he can proceed with the eviction process. It does <em>not</em> mean you have to be out in three days. If you wish to avoid the eviction process, either pay your full rent or vacate within three days. Avoid paying in cash, if possible. If not possible, then be sure to get a receipt. Avoid drop boxes for rent as well, as sometimes the landlord may not get the rent in a timely manner.</p><p><strong>What if I can only make a partial payment?</strong></p><p>A landlord does not have to accept partial payment for rent during the three-day time frame. If he does accept a partial payment, make sure to have clear documentation. In some states, this may invalidate the eviction process.</p><p><strong>But I have small children—how can they evict me?</strong></p><p>Unfortunately there is no exception in the law for Solo Moms with small children, people who have just lost their jobs, etc. You also cannot withhold rent for unmade repairs or complaints against the landlord.</p><p><strong>What if I don’t move or pay my rent?</strong></p><p>The landlord will have you served, by the sheriff or a process server, with a “Summons and Complaint.” If you do not respond to this paper, you will lose the eviction. You typically have a week to write a response to the court. Read the summons carefully, and follow all directions. If you are having difficulty understanding it, call the court for clarification. Once the court receives your response, they will file for a court date. You will receive notice of the court date. </p><p>Eviction is a serious matter and losing an eviction case can hamper your chances of obtaining housing in the future. Rent should always be the first priority when paying bills. If you still find yourself in this situation, act quickly, and document all steps along the way. Laws vary from state to state, so if you are served with an eviction notice, your best bet is to contact legal aid in your city.</p><hr><p><span style="font-size: 11px;">Image via Shutterstock.com</span><br></p>