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Having a baby

Health care, food and time off for you and your baby.

What to do first

  1. Check if you can get Medicaid or CHIP for you and your baby.
  2. Apply for WIC for healthy food, formula and nutrition help.
  3. Add your baby to your health plan soon after the birth.
  4. Ask for your baby's Social Security number at the hospital.
  5. Ask your job about leave before the baby comes.

Which state are you in?

We show your state's programs. We remember your state in this browser only.

Talk it through

Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Dates that matter

These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.

  • 60 days

    Health coverage

    A new baby lets you sign up for a Marketplace plan or change yours. You have 60 days after the birth, and coverage can start on the day of the birth.

    Source: HealthCare.gov

Federal help

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • SSA.gov

    Your baby's Social Security number

    The easiest way is at the hospital. When you give the information for the birth certificate, ask for a Social Security number too.

    Official page Call 1-800-772-1213

  • DOL.gov

    Unpaid leave that protects your job

    The Family and Medical Leave Act lets many workers take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a year and keep their job. Reasons include a new baby, your own serious health condition, and caring for a spouse, child or parent who is seriously ill.

    Official page

  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

    HealthCare.gov

    The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.

    Apply online at HealthCare.gov or by phone during open enrollment, or after a big change like losing other coverage.

    Apply on HealthCare.gov Call 1-800-318-2596

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    Head Start and Early Head Start

    Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.

    Find a program near you with the Head Start locator and contact it to apply.

    Find a program near you Official pageCall 1-866-763-6481

Checked on October 9, 2026

Help near you

Checked on October 9, 2026