If you’re a mom, you might be breathing a sigh of relief that the summer is winding down. The end of August means signals the start of school, which means that the kids are back in the care of the teacher and out of the house. But where does this leave you? Taking care of a family in these tough times can be a struggle for even the most resilient of us. Life is full of little financial struggles—doling out money for food, rent, and clothing can really take a lot out of you!

Millions of moms are examining their options and wondering how they can balance their budgets. You know that you work hard, and you deserve a larger salary. The best way to eliminate your family’s financial burdens, land a better job, and earn more money is to get an education. Thanks to President Obama, moms have been given the educational opportunity of a lifetime. When he came into office, the President immediately released his intentions to help moms go to college with more scholarships and incentives. So, do YOU qualify to receive federal help?

Here are some grants and scholarships that are worth checking out:

Federal Pell Grants

When he came into office, President Obama made refurbishing the Pell Grants a high priority. The grant was initially $4,050, but he has since increased it to $5,100 for low income students. This is great news for moms who want to go to college, but don’t think they can afford to pay for it! To apply for a Federal Pell Grant, simply fill out the online FAFSA form.

Tax Benefits for Studying Moms

Through the American Opportunity Tax Credit program, you can get your first $4,000 of education fees waived. That’s a free $4,000! We’re sure that all you moms out there can find some good uses for that money.

Online Study Grants

Many parents opt to attend an online college or university because it’s a great way to earn your degree without changing your lifestyle! By attending an online school, you will be able to go to class and do your homework on your own schedule. Online learning is a wonderful option for moms because you can still earn a college degree without leaving your kids at home! Online learners are certainly eligible to receive government scholarship money, so don’t let that stop you from applying!

If you don’t qualify for any of these grants, don’t worry! There are still plenty of opportunities to receive scholarships. In fact, single and working mothers have access to literally hundreds of outside grants and scholarships. By taking advantage of the money that is just waiting to be claimed, you will be able to get your degree sooner and get started on a rewarding career.

Despite the fact that the economy is not doing so well at the moment, we will definitely see a re-bound sooner or later. Don’t let a poor job market deter you from going back to school! When the jobs start appearing again, your college degree will put you well ahead of the pack. College graduates have the problem-solving skills and knowledge that employers want—which makes you deserving of a higher pay-check!