The total amount spent by all levels of government in the U.S. on single mothers and their children annually can be estimated based on spending on specific programs aimed at low-income families, single parents, and children. These programs include direct cash assistance, housing subsidies, food assistance, Medicaid, and tax credits. Here's a breakdown:

1. Federal Spending:

Medicaid and CHIP: Approximately $70 billion goes to children and single parents, out of the ~$700 billion annual Medicaid budget (about 10%).

SNAP (Food Stamps): Roughly $70 billion annually, with a significant portion going to households headed by single mothers.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Around $16 billion yearly, mostly targeting single mothers.

Housing Assistance (e.g., Section 8): $45 billion annually, with single mothers representing a large share of beneficiaries.

Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Combined, over $120 billion annually.

2. State and Local Spending:

States contribute additional funds, often matching federal spending in Medicaid and TANF. Education spending for children in low-income households (including single-mother families) is a significant share of the $700 billion spent annually on K-12 education.

3. Total Estimate:

Combining federal, state, and local expenditures, direct and indirect spending on single mothers and their children likely exceeds $300 billion annually.

This estimate focuses on major programs and does not include indirect costs, such as enforcement of child support or broader poverty alleviation programs. Would you like a deeper dive into specific categories or statistics?

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5638964&forum_id=2#48371710)