If you’re pregnant and in need of financial support, there are resources for you. At Clarity, we can provide information about family services to support you through this time because You Matter.
Resources for Pregnant Women in an Immediate Crisis
If you are in an immediate crisis, you should dial 911. If you are in need of temporary housing, you can call Indiana 211 or the hotline number (866) 211-9966. If you are a youth in need of housing, you can contact a special division of services at 317-699-1994. If you are specifically in the Columbus area, you can contact the Turning Point Domestic Violence Services which offers a temporary shelter.
State Assistance for Pregnant Women
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration offers a variety of programs for pregnant women. Foremost, there is WIC, which provides resources to promote access to nutritious foods for pregnant women and young children. In order to enroll in WIC, you visit this list of WIC clinic locations and start a conversation with them. If you are a mother who needs help with childcare costs, you can see childcare vouchers offered in Indiana. There’s also Medicaid. In order to browse most major programs offered by the state, you can go onto their official website.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility for these programs often depends on income level, family size, and specific circumstances. Eligibility for WIC is outlined on the official state website. Income for the childcare vouchers is available here. Eligibility for childcare vouchers are publicly available as well.
Navigating the System
Applying for government assistance can feel overwhelming, but resources are available to help guide you through the process. Local FSSA offices have dedicated staff who can provide personalized assistance and answer questions about eligibility criteria and required documentation. Additionally, community organizations and nonprofits often partner with state agencies to offer support services and ensure that those in need receive the help they deserve.
Child Support
Your child has two parents. Even if you were never married, you are not legally obligated to incur the total cost of raising a child alone. This is especially true if you’re in a financially strenuous situation. If only one parent is living with the child, the other parent can be legally required to contribute funds to support their child. Child support, which can be attained through a legal process, is an option available to you in the case that you and the father are not married.
How do I emotionally process financial hardship through pregnancy?
We consider it our job to help you understand that you have options and support available to you, even during financial hardship throughout pregnancy and motherhood. There’s a lot of people who want to help, starting with us. Financial resources for pregnant women include local and state assistance and nonprofit organizations. Contact us for referrals.