How to Get Financial Help During Pregnancy
Pregnancy should be a time of joy, not a time to worry about how you're going to pay for it. Thankfully, many social service agencies and governments recognize that stressing over financial concerns during pregnancy is unhealthy for both mother and child. By taking advantage of the safety net, you can ensure a healthy outcome for both yourself and your new child.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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Inquire at local crisis pregnancy centers and women's aid charities to find out what financial help during pregnancy is available to you. Many centers will help you with baby items, maternity clothes and other necessities. Some have programs to help you make housing payments.
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Apply for help from the state agency that administers the federal Women, Infants and Children program. The WIC program provides grants to states to help women obtain healthy food such as cheese, eggs, milk and bread while you are pregnant and nursing. The program also provides for nutrition clinics, screenings and referrals to specialists. A list of the state agencies that administer the WIC program is available in the Resources section of this article.
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Find out about medical insurance benefits for pregnant women through state-sponsored health plans. If your state has one and you qualify, you will have your medical costs covered for the pregnancy. In general, you can qualify if you make under 133 percent of the federal poverty line. You may still be able to qualify if you lack health insurance and are unable to obtain any.
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Contact your local church, as well as your city's human services department, for financial help during pregnancy. Between private charities and social programs, there is help available for those in need.
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Tips & Warnings
After the baby is born, you will still qualify for much of the same assistance you received during pregnancy.
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References
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Comments
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rumblebug
Dec 06, 2008
Thank you for the article. Very important information especially during these uncertain times. -
Kim Marie
Dec 05, 2008
You can often apply on line and do a phone interview. Makes it very convenient and private. Thanks for the advice, I hope many women in need read this.
