If you’re a mom to be looking for a little financial support, we’ve got you covered. From free money for pregnant moms to be to free baby supplies, this guide will help you prepare for your new arrival!
Free Money For Pregnant Moms To Be
The main sources of grants for pregnant women are the federal and state programs that support low-income and unemployed families.
- WIC (money for healthy food)
- TANF (monthly cash grants)
- SNAP (money for groceries)
- Medicaid (free healthcare)
- CHIP (free health care for children and pregnant women)
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
When you sign up for prenatal care with your doctor or clinic, ask your provider about other local grant and benefit programs you might be eligible for.
Women Infants And Children (WIC) Grants
WIC is a federal program that provides nutritional support to pregnant women, new mothers, and children up to age five.
Participants receive free healthy food allowances, nutritional counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other healthcare services.
The food allowance varies by state. During pregnancy, the average amount is $100 – $130/month. Once baby arrives, the amount will increase.
WIC benefits allow pregnant women and moms to buy staples like milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula.
Income eligibility for WIC is set at 185% of the federal poverty level and is based on your household size. For example, a single mom-to-be can qualify with an income under $27,861 while a family of 3 can earn up to $47,767.
Apply through your local WIC agency or County Health Department.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF (Welfare) is a program that provides financial aid to low-income families and pregnant women. The program is also a source of pregnancy grants for unemployed women. Benefits include cash assistance, job training, and childcare support.
Eligibility depends on income, family size, and specific state guidelines. Pregnant women may qualify if their income falls below the state threshold, even if they don’t have children yet. To apply for TANF you’ll need to provide proof of pregnancy and income verification.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP is another federal program pregnant women on a low income can qualify for. SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Card (EBT) each month enabling recipients to purchase food items in supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers markets.
The amount of financial assistance you qualify for depends on your income and household size.
A single mom-to-be can get up to $292 per month, and a 2 person family can get up to $536 per month. The amount you will receive increases with each additional family member.
Use the SNAP calculator to see how much you could get.
Medicaid
If you’re on a low income and don’t have health insurance, the Medicaid program in your state can provide free, comprehensive healthcare for you and your baby.
Eligibility depends on the rules and income limits in your state, but pregnant women whose household income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level will qualify – that’s approximately $1,800 per month for a single mom.
Some states have expanded Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women on higher incomes.
For example, the qualifying income limit in Colorado is 195% of the federal poverty level or approximately $28,431 for a single-person household. Check with your state’s Medicaid Agency to see if you qualify.
State Medicaid Agencies: https://www.medicaid.gov/about-us/where-can-people-get-help-medicaid-chip/index.html
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
CHIP is a government-funded healthcare program for children but some states extend CHIP healthcare cover to pregnant women.
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid but still need affordable cover, check your state’s guidelines to find out if you qualify for CHIP.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
With a Housing Choice Voucher, the amount you contribute towards your rent is capped at 30% of your income.
The Section 8 program accepts low-income households who meet the income and eligibility requirements set by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).
Choose to rent publicly owned housing (housing projects) or rent from private landlords whose property passes a Section 8 inspection.
Waiting lists are common in most areas but pregnant women without secure housing may be given a higher priority on the waiting list or allocated an Emergency Housing Voucher.
Find your local PHA: https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/public_indian_housing/pha/contacts
The Section 8 program is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD programs can also help you afford your own home by offering down payment grants and home loans for borrowers with low incomes or bad credit.
Find out more at: https://www.usa.gov/buying-home-programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
This program provides financial assistance to help cover heating and cooling costs. To qualify, you must meet your state’s income and asset requirements. Funding for LIHEAP is limited, so make sure you note the program start date and submit your application early.
Apply through a LIHEAP partner agency: https://www.liheap.org/directory.
You may also qualify for your supplier’s energy discount programs. Depending on your income and circumstances, these discounts can help you save substantial amounts on your energy bills. Contact your provider for details.
Maternity Leave Grants
If you work in one of the nine states that provide temporary disability insurance to pregnant women, you could qualify for a maternity leave grant.
The amount you’ll qualify for is calculated as a percentage of your income while working and the state’s program cap.
| State | Percent Limit | Weekly Maximum |
| California | 60% | $1,300 |
| Connecticut | 95% | $900 |
| Colorado | Varies | $1,100 |
| Hawaii | 58% | $650 |
| Massachusetts | Varies | $850 |
| New Jersey | 85% | $903 |
| New York | 50% | $170* |
| Rhode Island | 60% | $887 |
| Washington | Varies | $1,000 |
*Pregnant women working in New York can get a higher maternity leave grant through the Paid Family Leave program which has a weekly maximum of $1,068.
Assistance From Charities And Pregnancy Support Organizations
Many charities and nonprofit organizations help moms-to-be with a range of support services. You can access healthcare, parenting classes, counseling, temporary housing, and grants, as well as free baby supplies, clothing, and equipment.
The March for Life project has a handy state-by-state listing of free pregnancy resource providers at https://marchforlife.org/pregnancyhelp/. You can also call the free 2-1-1 helpline to connect with charities in your local area.
Some notable charities and nonprofits helping moms to be include:
National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN): Local diaper banks that provide free diapers and wipes – https://nationaldiaperbanknetwork.org/
Baby2Baby: Distributes essentials like diapers, clothing, and baby gear to low-income families – https://baby2baby.org/
Cribs for Kids: Free portable cribs to ensure babies have a safe place to sleep – https://cribsforkids.org/
Salvation Army: Many local branches provide baby items like clothes, formula, and car seats. Small grants to help with rent and utility bills may also be available – https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/
Catholic Charities: Assists with maternity and baby supplies, housing, and other resources – https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/
Good Counsel Homes: Maternity homes for homeless pregnant women and their children offering accommodation, employment support, parenting classes, and more – https://www.goodcounselhomes.org/
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