What benefits can I claim if I am a stay-at-home mom?

Asked by: Natasha Schumm  |  Last update: February 2, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (7 votes)

Even if you don't earn a traditional income, you may still qualify for stay-at-home parent tax credits that can significantly lower your tax bill. One of the most beneficial credits to consider is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), designed to provide financial assistance to low and moderate-income families.

Can I get benefits for being a stay-at-home mom?

If you're a stay-at-home mom, you might be able to collect Social Security Disability benefits based on your work history. You may even qualify without a recent work history if you meet certain requirements. You might be able to receive these benefits even if you're divorced.

Can you get money as a stay-at-home mum?

There are a variety of ways to make money online as a stay-at-home mom. You could start a blog or website about a particular topic that you are passionate about, do freelance writing or virtual assistant jobs, sell products online, do online tutoring, take surveys, or start an online business.

Can a stay-at-home mom get money from the government?

Social Security for Stay-at-Home Moms (and Dads): How to Qualify for Benefits. Just because you don't bring home a paycheck doesn't mean you're not working. A stay-at-home parent can get a Social Security check just like any other worker.

Can a stay-at-home mom get disability benefits?

Income and Resources

In sum, stay-at-home parents can be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. If you meet the criteria for your disability and can provide sufficient evidence, help may be just around the corner.

Is It Financially Wise To Be A Stay-At-Home Mom?

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How does Social Security work if you are a stay-at-home mom?

Social Security Income

When stay-at-home parents retire, however, they may be entitled to a Social Security spousal benefit. They will receive Social Security income based on their spouse's earned income, up to half of the working spouse's Social Security income amount.

Can I get paid to stay home with my disabled child?

IHSS is a California government program that provides financial support for in-home caretakers of impaired elders, persons with disabilities, and children with developmental disabilities including autism.

How can a stay-at-home mom make $2000 a month?

Making an extra $2000 a month is going to take work, that's just how it is. One option is starting a blog in your area of expertise and monetizing it through affiliate marketing or sponsored content. Another option is providing childcare services, working as a nanny, or starting a daycare center in your home.

Can I get paid to stay home with my mom?

Become a paid caregiver through a state Medicaid program

Many states call this a consumer-directed personal assistance program. Each state has different requirements and rules. And the amount the program pays you to care for a family member varies by state. Contact your state's Medicaid office for more information.

Is there a tax break for being a stay-at-home mom?

There are several potential tax credits for stay-at-home parents – the biggest being the Child Tax Credit, which substantially reduces tax liability for qualifying families There is also the Earned Income Tax Credit. This tax credit is specifically designed to benefit taxpayers with lower income levels.

How do stay-at-home moms get paid?

What kind of jobs can a stay-at-home mom get?
  • Freelance writing. ...
  • Working as a social media manager. ...
  • Data entry. ...
  • Finding ways to monetize your own blog. ...
  • Monetizing your craft skills by starting an Etsy shop. ...
  • Creating online courses. ...
  • Remote customer service rep. ...
  • Remote real estate agent.

Can I get paid to stay home with my child?

For qualified families, the state of California has a program called In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), which pays an individual caregiver to stay home and care for a developmentally disabled child.

Can a housewife get SSI?

You may still be eligible even if you are divorced from your spouse or your spouse is deceased. If you're a homemaker or stay-at-home parent, your best option for disability benefits is to apply for supplemental security income. SSI is available to everyone, regardless of your history of paid, taxed work.

Do I get Medicare if I was a stay-at-home mom?

For example, stay-at-home-moms are eligible for Medicare even if they haven't worked and paid Medicare taxes. As long as their husbands have, they may enroll during their Initial Enrollment Period.

Is a stay-at-home mom considered employed?

Some mothers who consider themselves "at home" are counted as "working mothers" due to the definition of "employed person." In the United States, the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showed, in 2021, that labor force participation of mothers with children under 18 years of age was 71.2%, leaving 28.8% to be ...

How can a stay at home mom make $500 a month?

11 ways to make money as a stay-at-home parent
  1. Sell or resell items. ...
  2. Find jobs on Upwork. ...
  3. Start a blog. ...
  4. Create online courses. ...
  5. Start a YouTube channel. ...
  6. Rent out your home or a room. ...
  7. Sell services online. ...
  8. Monetize your craft skills.

How can I afford to live on my own as a single mom?

Here are the 10 most important financial tips a single mother should follow to improve their financial future.
  1. Change Your Financial Habits. ...
  2. Try New Budgeting Methods. ...
  3. Cut off Your Expenses. ...
  4. Move Somewhere More Affordable. ...
  5. Get Health and Life Insurance. ...
  6. Consider Ways to Increase Your Income. ...
  7. Stick to Your Financial Goals.

How to make an extra $2000 a month from home?

7 methods to make an extra $2k per month
  1. Deliver food or groceries. ...
  2. Rent out extra space in your home. ...
  3. Become an online tutor. ...
  4. Set up a profitable blog or YouTube channel. ...
  5. Rent out your car. ...
  6. Sell handmade items. ...
  7. Become a virtual assistant.

Does SNAP know when you get a job?

How the Technologies Work. Public assistance programs like SNAP use The Work Number® from Equifax to instantly verify employment and income. Typically, they perform this step before providing a person benefits.

What disqualifies you from getting food stamps?

Net income, or household income after deductions are applied, must be at or below the poverty line. Assets must fall below certain limits: households without a member aged 60 or older or who has a disability must have assets of $3,000 or less, and households with such a member must have assets of $4,500 or less.

What states pay you to take care of a family member?

Thirteen states—California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington—and the District of Columbia have enacted laws that provide paid family leave for employees who need time off to care for family members who are ill or have ...

What states pay you to stay home with an autistic child?

Yes, in California, you may be eligible to receive In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), which provides financial aid for the long-term care of your autistic loved one. You must meet specific requirements for eligibility, and the money from IHSS is designed to help with expenses related to the individual with autism.

How can a stay-at-home mom get disability?

A stay-at-home mom or dad who has a work history may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). They must have accumulated sufficient work credits through contributions made to the Social Security system, a prerequisite for benefits.