In Philadelphia PA, Pregnant women can now apply for a nonrepayable grant of $1,000 per month. Applications are now being accepted for the Philly Joy BUltrasoundank pilot, offering financial support to expectant parents. Participants chosen through a lottery will receive $1,000 per month starting from the second trimester until one year after the birth, totaling to $18,000. Additional voluntary services such as financial advice, home visits, doula services, and lactation support are also available to participating families. Newsweek has reached out to the Philly Joy Bank for further details.

This program is mainly targeting communities In Philadelphia with low birth rates. The goal is to reduce high infant mortality rates in the city, focusing on supporting Black mothers. Participants have the autonomy to use the funds as they see fit, with payments directly deposited into their bank accounts.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health highlighted that among the largest U.S. cities, Philadelphia ranks high in infant mortality rates during the first year of life. They noted a significant disparity by race, with Black infants being more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday compared to white infants. According to the CDC, Pennsylvania’s overall infant mortality rate is 5.69 deaths per 1,000 live births, resulting in 741 infant deaths in 2022.

Dr. Stacey Kallem, director of the Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, informed Newsweek that Philadelphia faces the highest infant mortality and poverty rates among the top 10 largest U.S. cities, with disproportionate impacts on the Black community. She believes the Philly Joy Bank’s unconditional income support for pregnant individuals in Philadelphia will alleviate stress and empower participants to meet their needs during pregnancy and after childbirth, improving overall birth outcomes.

To qualify for the Philly Joy Bank program, applicants must:

  1. Be at least 18 years of age
  2. 12-24 weeks pregnant
  3. Have a total annual household income of less than $100,000.

These neighborhoods were selected because they have the highest rates of very low birth weight, which correlates with infant prematurity. They also have higher levels of poverty and a predominantly Black population, factors that contribute to poorer birth outcomes according to the Philly Joy Bank website.

According to a news release, funding will support around 250 pregnant individuals in Philadelphia with a monthly guaranteed income. Citizenship status is not a requirement for application, and there are no work requirements to qualify for the grants.

To apply for the Philly Joy Bank program, applicants must provide the following documentation:

  1. Proof of identity, such as a passport, driver’s license, or work/school ID.
  2. Proof of residency in one of the eligible neighborhoods, including a copy of your deed or lease, an up-to-date utility bill, voter registration letter, or paystubs.
  3. Confirmation of pregnancy status.

Various income support programs are being implemented across states and cities to address poverty and related inequalities. For example, in Pomona, California, parents with children under four years old may qualify for a $500 monthly stipend for a duration of 18 months.