In our last blog, we discussed the importance of laying down the tracks of emotional and medical support to make you feel more secure and to help make your months of pregnancy more healthy, stable, and even melodious. In addition to having an emotional and medical network in place, feeling secure financially is an essential part of feeling like you can not only bring another life into the world but support that new life once your baby has arrived.
Financial Support and Insurance
Pregnancy and raising a child can be financially challenging. During this time, it’s important to explore options for financial assistance, such as applying for government programs, seeking employment opportunities, or reaching out to local charities or organizations that provide financial aid to pregnant women.
Where to turn for financial assistance
The state of Ohio has programs in place to benefit Ohioans in need. Learn more about food, cash, medical, and childcare assistance programs by visiting https://benefits.ohio.gov/. Single moms and moms-to-be may also find some helpful resources and programs here: Help for Single Mothers in OHIO.
If you need to open a child support case or establish the parentage of your child, you can start by visiting the office of child support website at Office of Child Support | Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. This document provides information on how to obtain child support in Ohio.
Sometimes you might need just a little assistance to make ends meet. See our blog on food banks for a listing. Providing for Women is an organization that provides feminine hygiene products to low income women. Find out how you can benefit at https://www.providingforwomen.org/.
How to find work
In addition to obtaining financial help from the other parent, you may find that you need a job as well. Working while pregnant may seem daunting, but it can offer numerous benefits. Not only does it provide financial stability, but it also empowers you with a sense of independence and control over your future. Earning an income can give you the means to support yourself and your child, providing a foundation for a fulfilling and secure life.
When considering employment opportunities, it’s essential to prioritize your health and well-being. Seek job options that offer flexibility, understanding, and accommodations for your pregnancy needs. Explore remote work, part-time positions, or freelance opportunities that provide a balance between work and preparing for the arrival of your baby.
Job sites such as https://ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov/or https://www.indeed.com/ are helpful to find opportunities that could work for you. If you prefer in-person assistance, each Ohio county has a job center with staff to help you with job-search related questions and tasks. To find a job center near you, visit https://ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov/job-seekers/find-a-job/local-help.
How to get medical insurance
Navigating the complexities of healthcare coverage can be overwhelming, especially when finances are tight. However, ensuring access to quality prenatal care is vital for the well-being of both you and your baby. Medical insurance provides a safety net that allows you to receive essential medical services, screenings, and treatments without the burden of excessive financial strain.
Ohio Medicaid offers three programs for children, pregnant women, and families with limited income to get health care.
The Medicaid program is available to:
- Insured or uninsured children (up to age 19) in families with income up to 156% of the federal poverty level
- Pregnant women in families with income up to 200% of the federal poverty level
CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) is available to:
- Uninsured children (up to age 19) in families with income up to 206% of the federal poverty level
Healthy Families is a Medicaid program available to:
- Families with income up to 90% of the federal poverty level and a child younger than age 19
Follow this link to learn more about providers and eligibility, or call the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline at (800) 324-8680.
Housing support
Ensuring stable and safe housing is important for the well-being of both you and your baby. Ideally, every expectant mom and young mother would have a safe place to call home. When this isn’t the case, local housing programs, shelters, or community organizations can help you find affordable housing or provide temporary shelter if needed.
Sometimes you might need to stay with a parent or a friend until you figure things out. When you’re ready to (or need to) be on your own, the Greater Dayton Apartment Association site provides links to rental assistance, shelter, and temporary housing options.
At Hope Rising, we are here to help you feel less overwhelmed and to have hope in the future you can provide for both you and your child. We can help you find the financial and housing support you need to experience well-being during your pregnancy and beyond.