Dear Penny: I’m Pregnant and Need Financial Help. Where Can I Go?

Q: How can I get immediate food assistance while pregnant?

Check local food banks and pantries, apply for SNAP benefits, and contact community charities like the Salvation Army or YWCA for emergency food vouchers and meal programs.

Q: Am I eligible for WIC and how do I apply?

Pregnant people often qualify for WIC based on income and pregnancy status. Apply online through your state’s WIC site or call your local health department to start the enrollment process.

Q: Can I receive cash help before my baby arrives?

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) can provide cash support for eligible households. Contact your county human services office to check eligibility and apply.

Q: What health coverage options exist for pregnancy and newborn care?

Medicaid and CHIP provide pregnancy-related and newborn coverage for eligible families. Visit healthcare.gov or your state Medicaid office to learn about enrollment and benefits.

Q: Where can I get essential baby items like a crib, formula, or diapers?

Look into charities such as Cribs for Kids, local churches, and social service agencies. Some organizations and manufacturers also offer free samples and starter kits for new parents.

Published by

Clara

Jan 15

Dear Penny Im Pregnant And Need Financial Help - Resources

I have no food or drinks at home. I ask my parents to help me, and they tell me no, that they’re not going to help me at all. I’m really needing some money to pay for newborn baby girl stuff and formula, bottles, baby crib… I don’t have anything for my baby. I’m due Feb. 25, and I don’t have anything at home ready before I give birth. Can you please help me? I’m a single momma, and I really need help. I live in Pittsburgh, Texas.

— Mother-to-Be

Dear Mother-to-Be,

I can only imagine how stressful your financial situation must be. The most important thing you can do right now is focus on your own health so you can have a safe pregnancy and give your baby the best start possible.

I’m sorry your family isn’t able to support you, but there are still several avenues you can pursue. A variety of community and government programs are designed to help expectant parents with pregnancy, infant needs and beyond.

Nationally available options include:

Food banks: Locate a nearby food pantry or bank for immediate assistance. FeedingAmerica.org can help you find resources close to you.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Many people qualify for SNAP without realizing it, so check your eligibility. SNAP provides a card loaded monthly with funds to buy food at participating grocery stores and select convenience stores. After your baby arrives you may qualify for larger benefits to cover food for both of you.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This program can offer several months of cash assistance to families whose income falls below program limits.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC):Apply online or contact your state health and human services office to see if you qualify for food and health supports through WIC.
Housing help and vouchers: Reach out to your state housing agency or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for possible rental aid or voucher programs.
Private charities: Groups such as the Salvation Army and St. Vincent de Paul offer many social services, including meals, food vouchers, assistance with bills and clothing for families in need.
Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Visit healthcare.gov or call 800-318-2596 to learn what health coverage you may be eligible for. After birth, your baby could receive coverage through CHIP or children’s Medicaid. If you don’t have other coverage, you might qualify for pregnancy-related care through CHIP (sometimes called perinatal coverage).
Healthy Start: This national initiative offers prenatal care and case management during pregnancy and through your baby’s first 18 months to help you meet essential needs. Search for “Healthy Start programs in [your state or county]” to find local support.
Cribs for Kids: Enter your city or ZIP at CribsforKids.org to locate a distribution site for this national charity. (Be cautious of “pregnancy centers” that require you to take a class to get a crib; many distribution centers provide cribs without those conditions.)
Free samples: You can get an initial supply of diapers, bottles, pacifiers, breastfeeding supplies and other baby items by requesting free samples from companies. (Search “free baby stuff” at Savinly to find a curated list!)

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Public benefits can be complicated, so begin by reaching out to someone who can walk you through the process. Contact your local YWCA (via ywca.org) or your county’s department of human services (try searching “[Camp] County human services”). If you’re under a physician’s care now, bring this up with them — they should be able to point you to resources for prenatal and newborn support.

Our best wishes to you and your growing family!

Alexis Hart is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance®, author and financial journalist. She writesHealthy Rich, a newsletter exploring how economic systems shape the ways we talk about and manage money.