Becoming a parent is already a little scary and intimidating without the financial burdens of supporting a new life. However, there is emotional and financial support out there for new and expecting parents. We’ve compiled a list of healthcare, housing, food, and material assistance for those in need. Here are a few incredible resources for new parents:
Healthcare Assistance
Pregnant women and babies require extensive medical attention. Without insurance, the cost of healthcare is burdensome. Fortunately, our federal and state governments offer Medicaid. This program provides healthcare coverage to low-income families and qualified pregnant women and children.
In addition to general healthcare, Medicaid also covers mental health services. This is especially beneficial for parents struggling to adjust to their new normal or postpartum women dealing with depression and anxiety.
Food Assistance
With a few extra mouths to feed, groceries add up. Fortunately, there are resources for those requiring food assistance. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the food stamp program, provides a monthly cash amount on a preloaded Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card for food purchases. Click here for your state’s SNAP office information.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). provides supplemental foods, healthcare referrals, and nutrition education. This program is designed for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. Click here to learn more or apply for assistance.
Often an eligible pregnant woman can receive both the SNAP program and WIC program benefits.
Housing Assistance
For expecting parents with housing insecurity, there is assistance available through Volunteers of America. VOA is connected with an affordable housing network of over 500 properties nationwide. These properties include large urban complexes, small rural developments, multi-family housing, and more. VOA assists first-time homebuyers and those without homes.
VOA’s housing assistance also extends to emergency sheltering, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing.
Material Assistance
There are now almost 3000 pregnancy centers across the nation. In addition to offering pregnancy and STD testing, ultrasounds, and birthing/parenting classes, these centers now routinely provide assistance for 2-3 years following the birth of a child. Often, they provide material items such as diapers, formula, clothes, highchairs, car seats, cribs, and more. Click here to locate a pregnancy center near you.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is federally funded but administered by states. TANF provides temporary financial assistance along with assistance finding a job. The financial aid can be used to purchase food, clothing, housing, utilities, and medical supplies.
Low-income families with children and pregnant women who are in the last three months of pregnancy are typically able to receive these benefits. Each state has specific eligibility requirements. Click here for more information.
Embrace Grace, Walking with Moms in Need, and HerPlan are just a few of the many private charitable organizations that provide assistance nationwide.
Learn more about the various stages of fetal development (conception, first, second, and third trimester) and don’t forget to follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok).