Benefits You Can Claim When Pregnant and Unemployed

If you’re pregnant, let us congratulate you on your growing family. While it’s an exciting development, it’s also a big change. So, we’d understand if you were uncertain about finding income support during pregnancy and accessing the benefits you can get while pregnant.

We have the answers to your questions, including the most important one: “What benefits can I claim when pregnant and unemployed?”

Rest assured, you can likely access benefits for pregnant and single women now and after your baby is born. Let’s find out what they are.

Government Benefits

In many cases, no-income and unemployed pregnant women are eligible for government benefits that provide temporary financial support and resources. Here are a few options for assistance if you are pregnant with no job or money.

Unemployment Benefits

If you lost your job through no fault of your own and are actively seeking work, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits. Most states allow you to apply for unemployment benefits online; approved filers will receive monthly temporary financial assistance.

Each state has specific requirements regarding the minimum amount of time worked and the minimum number of wages earned in that period. Self-employed workers and independent contractors are not eligible to receive these benefits.

Welfare Programs

The federal government also has programs that offer income support during pregnancy. These programs can provide financial assistance for groceries and housing. Each state has its own eligibility rules for these programs, but they generally require women to meet income and household requirements.

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides temporary financial help for pregnant women to help pay for food, housing, home energy, and child care. This program also provides job training services to help you regain your stability and independence.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides pregnant women who qualify with debit cards to purchase groceries.
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program offers food packages, food education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children who are nutritionally at-risk.

If you’re struggling to pay your utility bills or afford housing, you can turn to the following resources for help:

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer by providing resources to ensure your home heats and cools properly. While eligibility guidelines vary, pregnant women receiving TANF or SNAP benefits will qualify.
• Maternity Group Home Program (MGH) supports state-based programs that provide local, adult-supervised transitional housing for young pregnant people between the ages of 16 and under 22.
• Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) can subsidize rent by 70% for pregnant women who meet income requirements.

Healthcare Assistance

Healthcare assistance programs can allow you to access important benefits while pregnant and ensure you and your baby receive the medical care you need. They can help cover prenatal care, labor, delivery, and postpartum care costs.

Consider the resources below for benefits you can claim when pregnant and unemployed.

Marketplace Insurance

Health plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace® cover pregnancy and childbirth, even if your pregnancy begins before you enroll. Suppose you don’t currently have health coverage. In that case, you may qualify for coverage through a Special Enrollment Period, which can be triggered following a loss of health coverage, moving, getting married, or if you meet certain income requirements.

If you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can apply within 60 days of your child’s birth.

Medicaid

Medicaid covers all healthcare costs related to pregnancy if you use a Medicaid provider. If you meet income or household requirements, Medicaid will cover services such as:

• Prenatal care, including regular check-ups, screenings, and necessary treatments to ensure a healthy pregnancy
• Labor and delivery, including hospital costs and physician fees
• Postpartum care, like follow-up visits and medical care after delivery, to ensure you are healthy and recovering well. Care coverage extends up to 60 days after giving birth, but most states (46) offer extended coverage up to 12 months postpartum.

Every state offers a Medicaid program, but eligibility requirements will vary. You can also apply for the program at any time during the year.

If your income is too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance, some states (not all) offer Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage to children and pregnant people.

State Health Insurance Programs

Depending on where you live, you can access one of your state’s health insurance programs specifically designed to assist low-income pregnant women. For instance, California residents may benefit from the Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP). It offers prenatal care, labor, and delivery services.

Illinois residents can apply for the Moms & Babies program, which pays for Medicare care during pregnancy and after birth, as well as services for babies for the first year. Applicants do not need a Social Security Number or be a U.S. citizen to access the program, but they do need to meet income requirements.

In Florida, expecting mothers can turn to Healthy Start, a program that offers prenatal care, nutrition counseling, and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new mothers, and infants.

Financial Support Programs

Pregnant women who are currently unemployed and need money desperately can take advantage of financial support programs that can offer quick assistance during pregnancy and after birth.

Emergency Financial Assistance

Many emergency financial assistance programs can give you the immediate help you need when faced with financial problems. For example, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and Local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) all provide emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and other basic needs.

For nutritional support, USDA National Hunger Clearinghouse representatives can help you locate meal sites, food banks, and other nutrition assistance programs near you.

Childcare Subsidies

As a new mom, you may need to find affordable daycare services. Help is available through childcare assistance programs like the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), Head Start, and Early Head Start. Many of these programs require parents to be employed or enrolled in school or a job training program to receive the voucher.

Many states also fund their own childcare assistance programs. For instance, California’s Alternative Payment Program (APP) and New York’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) help eligible families cover childcare expenses.

Additional Help Resources When You Are Pregnant With No Job

Here are additional resources to help get you the care and support you need during pregnancy.

Non-Profit Organizations

Beyond emergency financial aid, non-profit agencies like Catholic Charities and The Salvation Army support new moms with prenatal and parenting classes, nutrition education, job readiness training, and access to baby supplies like diapers and clothing. March of Dimes also offers neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) support.

If you are a veteran or a spouse of active military personnel, Operation Homefront can help you with your family finances, housing, and baby care items.

Community Resources

We also encourage you to research local services available in your community for help. Locate CAAs, food banks, and community health clinics for broad-spectrum support. If you need help accessing food, contact your local food bank.

• Feeding America is an online directory that can pinpoint food banks near you.
• Your local social services office and org will connect you with local food, housing, utility, and health resources.
• Community health clinics offer medical care at no cost or at reduced costs. Check your local health department or online directories like the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics to find one near you.

If you’re pregnant with no job or money, it’s important to contact the resources presented in this list as soon as possible. Applications and approval timelines vary, and you’ll want to do everything possible to support yourself and your baby quickly. We wish you a safe, easy delivery and a healthy baby.

FAQ

How Can I Get Financial Help While Pregnant?

If you need financial help while pregnant, check whether you qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). You can also contact local charities and non-profit organizations like Catholic Charities and The Salvation Army.

How Can I Apply for Unemployment Benefits if I Am Pregnant?

You can apply for unemployment benefits while pregnant in person or online at your local employment services center. To apply, you’ll need your Social Security number, details of your work history, income and compensation statements, and banking information.

Can You Get Disability if You Are Unemployed and Pregnant?

If your healthcare provider certifies that you are unable to perform essential work functions due to pregnancy, you may be eligible for temporary disability insurance.

Can I Receive Medicaid Coverage While Pregnant and Unemployed, and How Do I Apply?

Yes, you can receive Medicaid coverage while pregnant and unemployed. If you apply and are deemed eligible, approved persons will receive coverage for healthcare services throughout the pregnancy and for a short while after birth.

Your application must include a document from your health care provider confirming you are pregnant, as well as proof of income, identity, and state residency. You can apply in person by visiting a local services office or online through your state’s Medicaid office or HealthCare.gov.