Becoming a parent can be overwhelming, but Benefits.gov is here to help! Our site has over 1,100 benefits to help you find government benefits based on your needs. In this article, we will share five benefit programs for new parents.
Early Childhood Development
The first few years of a child’s life are very important for their health and development. During this time, children begin to develop foundational skills for their future learning, behavior, and health.
The Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide early childhood development services for low-income families. These programs help children develop social skills, school readiness, and support healthy physical development. As a parent, you can also get help in meeting your own goals so that you can provide a stable home environment for your child.
Early Head Start helps pregnant people and new parents by providing hands-on care and education at local centers. You can also get help with parenting skills, child development, healthy eating habits, emotional support, housing assistance, and job training.
If you think this might be something your family needs, use the Head Start Center Locator to contact your local center. Your local center can help you understand what you need for enrolling your child. They will answer your questions, make sure you have the right forms, and tell you what documents you need to apply.
Child Care Resources
Childcare can be expensive, but necessary for many working parents. Luckily, we have information on childcare benefits that can help you. The Child Care and Development Fund helps low-income families with children under 13 afford childcare. The program helps make sure that children are safe, healthy, and growing while their parents are working or attending school.
Additionally, the Child Care Resource and Referral Services program helps find childcare programs that meet your needs. You can also find information about childcare payments available through other programs like the Child Care Development Fund mentioned above.
Vaccinating Your Child
Are you worried about how you will afford vaccinations for your kids? The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program is a great way to get your child vaccinated for free.
This program provides free vaccines to children under the age of 19 if health insurance doesn’t cover them or if they don’t have health insurance. If something is not covered under VFC check your state’s immunization program.
If you’re not sure if your child qualifies for VFC coverage, check with your local health department or the VFC eligibility criteria. To locate a provider, contact your state’s VFC Coordinator. They will be able to give you a list of doctors enrolled in the program.
Nutrition Help for Your Family
If you are a new parent, you’ll need to make sure your baby is receiving enough nutrition in their food. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is an excellent resource for parents.
WIC is used by pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and offers support for parents with children under the age of five.
WIC provides nutrition education, vouchers, and coupons to help you buy healthy foods. You can also get breastfeeding help and referrals for other programs that provide health care services.
Use the WIC Prescreening Tool and view the WIC Eligibility Requirements to see if you are eligible for this benefit.
If you’re looking for more benefits for your family, browse the Family and Children Services category on Benefits.gov. Check out the Benefit Finder to find other benefit programs you may be eligible for.
