$750 stimulus check for pregnant women: Which states are providing help and how to apply
Pregnancy is a beautiful but challenging time, especially for women who are financially weak. Medical expenses, prenatal care and baby essentials—these costs add up quickly, making it difficult for many women to manage this time.
In view of these problems, some states of America have started an initiative to provide financial assistance to pregnant women. Under a scheme called The Bridge Project, pregnant women in some selected states are being given direct cash assistance of $750 every month. This article will tell who is eligible for this scheme, how to apply, what is its social and economic impact, and whether other states can also start something like this in the future.
| Program Name | The Bridge Project |
|---|---|
| Monthly Payment | $750 |
| Total Benefit | Over $20,000 throughout the program |
| Eligibility Criteria | – Pregnant women (14 weeks or less) – Residents of Ohio, Kentucky, or West Virginia – Household income below $44,000 – Age 18 or older |
| Application Process | Online through the official website |
| Program Expansion | Initially in New York; now extended to Appalachia |
| Official Website | The Bridge Project |
Bridge Project: Monthly assistance of $750
The Bridge Project is a scheme that provides financial assistance to pregnant women from pregnancy to the early years of the child. Started in New York City, this scheme has now expanded to Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia after its success.
Benefits of the scheme:
- Lump sum payment of $1,125 in the fifth month of pregnancy
- $750 per month for the next 15 months
- Then $375 per month for 21 months
- In total, this scheme provides assistance of more than $20,000
Who is eligible for this scheme?
Four main eligibility criteria:
- State residency: Must be a resident of Ohio, Kentucky or West Virginia
- Pregnancy status: 14 weeks or less of pregnancy at the time of application
- Income limit: Annual household income should be less than $44,000
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old
The limit of 14 weeks has been kept so that better care and financial stability can be ensured right from the beginning of pregnancy.
How to apply?
1. Check eligibility – Meet the four criteria given above
2. Get the required documents ready:
- Valid ID (driving license, passport etc.)
- Proof of pregnancy (doctor’s letter or test report)
- Income proof (past payroll slips, W-2 form, bank statement)
3. Visit the official website – The Bridge Project
4. Fill the application form and upload documents
5. Wait for approval – Payments will start within a few weeks if approved
Important: Apply early as there are limited seats available.
Impact of this scheme
1.Improvement in mother and child health: Financial assistance reduces stress in mothers and improves prenatal care
2. Reduction in infant mortality rate: Better nutrition and access to medical services can save children’s lives
3. Improvement in household financial condition: Essential expenses like rent, food, child care can be easily managed
Comparison with other schemes
- Medicaid and CHIP: Help with medical services, but do not provide cash assistance
- WIC: Provides food assistance, but does not help in other essential expenses
- UBI (Universal Basic Income): Some cities have a cash payment scheme for everyone, but not specifically for pregnant women
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will other states also implement this scheme?
At present, this scheme is only in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia, but other states can also implement it in the future.
Will this money have to be spent on anything specific?
No, this is a completely unrestricted fund—meaning it can be spent on anything necessary.
When will the first payment be received?
The first payment is usually received within a few weeks of approval.
Can undocumented immigrants apply?
No, a valid U.S. ID is required to apply.