Misconceptions

• When a woman seeks financial assistance during pregnancy, she is sometimes viewed as being irresponsible. However, most federal financial assistance programs offer help with a five-year limit, and financial assistance may be sought due to low income, homelessness, job loss due to a pregnancy-related illness, death of a spouse, separation/divorce or not having health insurance.
  
  

Types

• Financial assistance for pregnancy is given by federal and state programs such as Medicaid; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Women, Infants and Children (WIC); Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and Social Security.
  The United Way, Salvation Army and Healthwell Foundation are nonprofit, charitable organizations that assist with community development and medical prescriptions.
  Pregnant widows may apply for federal benefits if they have lost a spouse during or after active service through the Department of Veterans Affairs and military relief societies.
  
  

Considerations

• Before applying for financial assistance, most programs will require that all other resources have been exhausted first. Consider how soon the aid is needed, as applications may take time to file. Maintain accurate records of finances and documents.
  
  

Warning

• Fraud is taken seriously in this area. It is the responsibility of the recipient to report any changes in her financial status . Fraud is punishable by imprisonment and fines.
  
  

Benefits

• Relief assistance programs are designed to stabilize the emotional and financial life of a family in times of need. Many of these programs have come to the aid of many pregnant widows of 9/11, the Iraqi war and to many victims of the 2009 economic crisis.