After staring at a positive pregnancy test you are likely conflicted by a number of feelings and emotions. You may also be asking yourself a number of practical questions like "How can I afford a baby?" or "If I were to move forward with this pregnancy, where would I be able to find resources and support?" You may even be considering an abortion because of financial hardship. Babies are expensive, but they also add a lot of meaning and joy to your life, and the story of your unplanned pregnancy does not have to end here. Explore the three resources below to find out how you can receive the financial support needed to continue your pregnancy, every step of the way.
The staff at Obria Medical Clinics are here to help you. We listen with empathy, then help supply you with resources to meet your needs. Obria can help you get signed up for Medicaid/MediCal.
Have you ever googled for pregnancy financial help and come up empty?
Client advocates are connected to local resources that might not have a strong presence on Google. Staff can help connect you with free community resources.
For example, if you don't have insurance, we can provide you with a complimentary ultrasound. STD/STI testing is available on a sliding scale based on income for those without insurance.
Plus, Obria can help you sign up for WIC to get financial help with getting food.
Obria has complimentary baby items for parents in need.
Food through WIC and free baby items can ease your financial strain.
Obria's parenting classes include information on budgeting. This can help you cut hidden costs. Get budgeting tips tailored to your situation.
One time, a couple did not even have a bank account, so a client advocate guided them through the process of opening one.
Grow your
support system
and stretch your dollars!
2. Government Assistance for Pregnant Women
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), TANF, and other government resources help low-income individuals afford basic necessities like food, health insurance, housing, and more.
Let's start with food.
Both SNAP and WIC help you afford groceries. Once you’re connected to SNAP, you can use your EBT card to shop on Amazon! No membership required. But if you want a discounted Prime membership, EBT qualifies you for that, too.
If you are pregnant and lack health insurance, you probably qualify for Medicaid. Make sure you count your unborn baby as a member of your household on the application. Bigger households raise the income limit, so it can help to get a free ultrasound to check for twins or triplets. PRCs can refer you for a free ultrasound.
Often, women say “I need to get a job interview early before I start showing.” You cannot be discriminated against in job interviews. (Employers are not allowed to ask if you are pregnant.) You cannot be fired for being pregnant. Depending on the department, they may have work programs you can do while pregnant. Some programs help with transportation to jobs.
Programs will cover, or partially cover, child care costs, saving you money. (Get started early. Top rated child care facilities have long waitlists.)
If you’re not sure where to start,
talk to us at Obria Medical Clinics about which agencies serve your needs.
United Way advances the common good through health, education and financial stability. They keep current lists of local charities and services for your needs. It’s basically a genie in a bottle.
The fastest way to access this network is to call their partner, 2-1-1 (24/7) or go online. 211 can help with financial assistance. They can point you to transportation assistance, including basic car repair, bus pass help, and sometimes fuel cards.
You are not limited to these three financial resources for pregnancy! There are many more charities and churches that serve single moms and women with unplanned pregnancies. But your local Obria is first on the list for a reason. You got this, and we got you.
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