Unemployment and Pregnant in Wisconsin: What You Need to Know

Navigating unemployment during pregnancy in Wisconsin can feel overwhelming, but help is available. Whether you’re wondering what assistance you qualify for, how you can care for your baby, or what your long-term options are, there are supportive solutions for you.

One option many women don’t realize is available is adoption, which can provide financial and emotional relief while creating a brighter future for you and your child.

In this guide, you’ll learn about financial support, unemployment benefits, state assistance, medical leave laws, and how adoption in Wisconsin can offer security and hope during this challenging time. Anytime you are struggling to navigate unemployment and pregnancy, you can always call 1-800-ADOPTION or fill out this online form to speak with a specialist about your options.

Financial Support Options when Unemployed and Pregnant

Facing an unplanned pregnancy while unemployed can create financial stress, but Wisconsin offers various support programs:

• Unemployment Benefits: If you’ve been laid off or lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits—even while pregnant.
• WIC Program: Provides food assistance and nutrition support for pregnant women and young children. Learn more here.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Offers financial help to low-income pregnant women.
• Housing Assistance: Programs like the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program (WERA) can help cover housing costs.
• Medicaid/BadgerCare Plus: Offers free or low-cost healthcare, including prenatal care. Apply here.

Additionally, working with a licensed adoption agency like American Adoptions can provide financial assistance for rent, groceries, utilities, and more during your pregnancy. You can also learn more about birth mother financial assistance and how it can ease your financial burden.

Benefits of Adoption While Pregnant and Unemployed

Adoption can be a life-changing option, especially when unemployment adds stress to an unplanned pregnancy. Here’s how:

• Financial Assistance: Adoption agencies often cover living expenses, medical bills, and essentials during your pregnancy.
• A Brighter Future for Your Baby: Adoption offers your child stability, love, and opportunities you may not feel ready to provide right now.
• Control & Choice: You get to choose the adoptive family, stay in touch through open adoption if desired, and make a personalized plan.
• Ongoing Support: Receive counseling, legal guidance, and emotional support at no cost to you.

Discover more about how adoption in Wisconsin works and why it may be the right choice for you.

Unemployment when Pregnant in Wisconsin

Can I get unemployment if I'm pregnant and can't work?

Yes, in some cases. Wisconsin’s unemployment insurance is based on your employment history—not your pregnancy status. You may qualify if:

• You’ve lost your job involuntarily (e.g., laid off).
• You’re physically able and available to work.
• You’re actively seeking employment (exceptions may apply if medically unable).

Pregnancy alone doesn’t disqualify you. However, if you’re pregnant and too tired to work, or medically unable, you may not meet the criteria for actively seeking work. Speak with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development for clarification and specific eligibility rules.

State Assistance if You are Unemployed and Pregnant Wisconsin

The state of Wisconsin provides several programs tailored for unemployed and pregnant women:

• FoodShare Wisconsin: Helps with grocery costs through monthly benefits on an EBT card. You can learn more and apply here:
• Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP): Covers heating and energy bills for eligible households. Find out if you qualify.
• Prenatal Care Coordination (PNCC) Program: Offers case management, health education, and support services for prenatal health.
• Wisconsin Works (W-2): Provides employment preparation and temporary cash assistance for low-income parents, including pregnant women.
• Local Community Support Services: Many local non-profits offer additional resources for single, unemployed, and pregnant women, including shelters, job training, and emergency assistance. Contact your county’s human services office to find programs near you.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. These programs exist to provide relief and help you focus on your well-being and your baby’s health.

Wisconsin Medical Leave if You are Pregnant and Can’t Work

If pregnancy-related health conditions prevent you from working, the following laws may apply:

• Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Act (WFMLA): Allows up to six weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for the birth of a child, including prenatal complications. Details here: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/civilrights/fmla/
• Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Offers up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for eligible employees. Learn more at: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla

For those unable to return to work, combining unemployment benefits with state assistance can help bridge the gap. If you are also considering adoption, know that agencies like American Adoptions can handle the legal and emotional aspects while providing ongoing financial help.

Choose a Brighter Future

If you’re pregnant and unemployed in Wisconsin, know that you have options. From financial support programs to the life-changing path of adoption, resources are available to ensure you and your baby are taken care of.

Explore how adoption can offer financial assistance, emotional support, and control over your future. Contact American Adoptions today to speak with an adoption specialist.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.