Becoming a parent can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re worried about money. The good news is that emotional and financial support is available for new and expecting parents. We’ve put together a list of healthcare, food, housing, and material assistance for families who need it:
Healthcare Assistance
Pregnant women and babies need a lot of medical care, and without insurance, the costs add up quickly. Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income families and to eligible pregnant women and children. Nearly every state now offers Medicaid coverage for a full 12 months after birth, up from the federal minimum of 60 days.
Medicaid also covers mental health services. This can be especially helpful for parents adjusting to life with a new baby and for moms experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety.
Food Assistance
With a growing family, grocery bills add up. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to buy food. Click here to find your state’s SNAP office.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals. It serves pregnant women, breastfeeding and postpartum moms, infants, and children up to age 5. Click here to learn more or apply.
Many eligible families can receive both SNAP and WIC benefits.
Housing Assistance
For expecting parents facing housing insecurity, Volunteers of America can help. VOA’s affordable housing network includes more than 500 properties in 42 states and Puerto Rico, from urban apartment communities to small rural developments. VOA also assists first-time homebuyers and people experiencing homelessness.
VOA’s housing services also include emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing.
Material Assistance
There are about 2,775 pregnancy centers across the country, according to the Charlotte Lozier Institute’s 2025 National Pregnancy Center Report. Along with pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and parenting classes, many centers continue supporting families after the baby is born, often with diapers, formula, clothing, car seats, cribs, and more. Click here to find a pregnancy center near you.
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is federally funded and run by each state. It provides temporary financial help, along with job-search support, that can be used for needs like food, clothing, housing, utilities, and medical supplies.
Low-income families with children are typically eligible, and many states also serve pregnant women. Each state sets its own eligibility rules. Click here for more information.
Embrace Grace, Walking with Moms in Need, and HerPlan are just a few of the many private charities that provide help 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).