Resources
Benefits and government programs, housing help, your rights at work, and trusted guides and videos on caring for your baby. Every link goes to an official or long-established source.
Applying is always free
A real government program never charges a fee to apply, and never asks for gift cards or a payment to release a grant. If someone does, it is a scam.
About grants
Money that goes directly to mothers almost always comes through the benefit programs listed here, not one-off grants. Local charities sometimes give small emergency grants: in the United States, call 211; in Mexico, ask at your municipal DIF office.
Answer a few questions and see which federal benefits you may qualify for. It doesn't save your answers. A good first stop if you don't know where to begin.
USA.govOpen the site ↗
Healthy food, breastfeeding support and health referrals for pregnant and postpartum women, babies and children under five. You apply through your state or local WIC office.
USDAOpen the site ↗
A monthly benefit on a card you can use at grocery stores. Each state runs its own application; the site explains who qualifies and links to your state.
USDAOpen the site ↗
The Earned Income Tax Credit can mean money back at tax time for workers with low or moderate income, more if you have children. The IRS site has a tool to check whether you qualify.
IRSOpen the site ↗
Find your state's child care financial assistance and how to apply, along with what to look for when choosing care.
ChildCare.govOpen the site ↗
Free early learning, health and family support. Early Head Start serves pregnant women and children up to age three. Use the locator to find the program near you and ask about the waiting list.
HeadStart.govOpen the site ↗
A federal cash-support program for the children of working mothers, single fathers and guardians. Who qualifies, how much it pays and when registration opens change each year, so check the official site or ask at a Bienestar office.
Secretaría de BienestarOpen the site ↗
If you are insured through IMSS, you can receive a single certificate covering 84 days of paid leave around the birth. See your family doctor at your clinic during pregnancy to start the process. On the IMSS site, look for the maternity (“Maternidad”) section.
IMSSOpen the site ↗
The DIF runs food support, early-childhood centers, legal help and protection services for mothers and children. What is offered depends on your state and municipality, so ask at your local DIF office.
Sistema Nacional DIFOpen the site ↗
The national network of food banks, with member banks in most states. Contact the one nearest you to ask how families can receive food.
Red BAMXOpen the site ↗
Links opened and checked in November 2026. Programs, amounts and rules change, so confirm the details on each official site. Local programs and city rules vary; see Places for help near you.