If money is a problem
Help for families just getting started.  Life with a baby is expensive.  If you aren't
yet settled with a job and a regular income, there are places you can get help now.  
These government services can help you to care for your child and get a better start for your family:

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (or TANF), which some people call "welfare",
    serves over 2 million families each month.  If you qualify, TANF can pay your family a small
    monthly check for up to two years at a time, while also helping you to find or get ready for a
    dependable paying job.  To learn more about your state's assistance program, including
    where to apply, click here.
     
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps,
    helps over 28 million families each month put food on the table.  If your family qualifies, you'll
    get a monthly debit card, which you use like a bank debit card to buy food at any major
    grocery store.  To find the office nearest you, click here.

    to help women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have recently given birth, and children up
    to their 5th birthday, serves over 8 million people each month.  
    To find out where to apply in your community, click here.   

  • Medicaid helps many low income families with children, and also many low income pregnant
    women, by paying all or most of their medical bills.  To learn more, including where to go in
    your state and if you qualify, click here.

    but is available to some families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.  
    You can learn more about your state's program, including where to apply, by clicking here.  

  • Free or low cost housing may be available in your community, either in a family shelter or a
    subsidized apartment.  Later, after you're employed, you can also check out programs to help
    employed but limited income families to buy their own home.  You can learn what's available
    in your state by clicking here.



Help with a friendly touch. There also may be groups in your community that can help your family
with specific needs.  These may include:

  • Community groups. Non-profit service groups such as community centers, local food banks,
    Toys for Tots or others may be able to provide you with food, clothing, baby supplies,
    children's school supplies, holiday food and gifts, and other needed items.  You can call their
    local offices, explain your situation, and ask if they can help.

  • Religious groups. Local churches, temples, or mosques may also have service programs to
    involve their members in helping others, offering food, shelter, clothing, children's programs,
    or other help, often in a friendly, caring way.  You can call houses of worship in your
    neighborhood, and ask if they can help.   

Community and religious groups can provide practical help, and can also be a great link to caring
people.  Remember, today you may get help -- but tomorrow you may be one of their best
volunteers.  As you get settled and make your way, it may feel great someday to help along
another, newer family.    
Strengthening Young Families