Options Magazine » Single Parenting Articles

Where to Go for Help

Government and Private Assistance Programs
As soon as you discovered you were pregnant, you probably began worrying about your options: Can I keep this baby? Should I create an adoption plan for my baby, or is marriage an option? Is abortion a choice for me? And will my parents support my decision? Whatever choice you make should have your best interest at heart, so you should be the one making the decision. The good news is that many government and private agencies are available to help you, and you can begin receiving these benefits immediately.

First Things First
Even before you make any final decisions about how to handle your pregnancy, you should begin to seek medical care. This is particularly vital for young mothers, who tend to have a high incidence of early births, low birth weights, and complications in pregnancy. Because of this, you will need to begin receiving prenatal care at the earliest possible time.

Every community has access to a county health department (listed in your phone book), where you can get information about prenatal care as well as government assistance, including Medicaid (free health care), which is available to most unmarried women who are pregnant.
 
Family planning centers and pregnancy counseling agencies are also excellent resources for young mothers because trained counselors are available to answer your questions regarding your pregnancy and all your available options. They can also offer limited medical aid or tell you where you can receive other services. To find these agencies, look in your yellow pages under “Pregnancy Counseling and Information.”

Other Assistance
W.I.C. - Women, Infants and Children is a federal nutrition program provides food items such as cheese, cereal, juice, eggs, peanut butter, and milk.

www.fns.usda.gov/wic/

A.F.D.C. - Aid to Families with Dependent Children is a form of welfare, which provides payments to families on a temporary basis. Families may receive AFDC, Medicaid, and other forms of assistance simultaneously. Childcare is also available if you qualify.

acf.dhhs.gov/programs/afdc/

Medicaid - is a government funded medical care program provided to those who qualify for welfare benefits. Medicaid enables you to receive free prenatal care and hospitalization for labor and delivery.

cms.hhs.gov/default.asp

The American Red Cross - offers programs that assist low income families with payment of their utilities (gas, electric, etc.) in the case of a verifiable medical emergency or when an individual is disabled or handicapped.

www.redcross.org

Food Stamps - are vouchers that enable you to purchase foods to eat at home, seeds and plants for your garden, and meals at approved locations.

www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/

J.T.P.A. - the Job Training Partnership Act helps low-income workers enter the work force through a combination of education and on-the-job training.

Earned Income Credit - for individuals with two or more children who earn less than a specific amount of money they may be eligible for income credits through the Internal Revenue Service, when they file their federal tax return.

www.irs.gov

S.S.I. - is temporary or permanent government assistance provided to people responsible for the care of a severely disabled infant or child. It is also available to disabled individuals or those having a severe mental or physical condition that limits their work or prevents them from working. For this benefit, contact your local Social Security Administration office.

social-security-benefits.com

Subsidized Housing - is available through your local Housing Authority. You will need to contact this agency right away because there are long waiting lists of people wanting assistance with housing costs.

Alcoholics Anonymous - is a free support group found in most communities. If you currently have a problem with substance abuse (drugs or alcohol), it is vital that you receive counseling and medical attention while pregnant. You would not want your actions to harm your baby in any way, so it is important to remain clean and sober throughout your pregnancy. Help is available free of charge through any number of AA groups or by calling your local drug hot line.

alcoholics-anonymous.org

Help After Pregnancy
Once your pregnancy is over, you may need further assistance from government or private agencies specially designed to help young women in your situation. Or you may need help getting back into school. Most high schools or colleges have counselors who will be able to help you design a program so you can complete your education. If your area does not have such counselors try speaking with the clergyman at your church and ask him for a referral to someone who will be able to help you.

These various agencies employ patient and caring people who are trained to assist you with your immediate as well as long-term needs. But you must make the first move to contact them. Try not to get frustrated if the first call requires you to make a second or even third call before you find the right person to talk to. Someone is waiting to talk with you right now.

Government financial aid is designed for short-term, temporary situations and will never on its own allow you to rise very far above the poverty level. But it does help those who really need it. With this in mind, it is your responsibility to use this aid irresponsibly to advance your education and employment status. Remember this as you work toward financial independence.

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