Having a baby
What to do first
- Check if you can get Medicaid or CHIP for you and your baby.
- Apply for WIC for healthy food, formula and nutrition help.
- Add your baby to your health plan soon after the birth.
- Ask for your baby's Social Security number at the hospital.
- Ask your job about leave before the baby comes.
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
Help from North Carolina
North Carolina programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
NC Medicaid
In North Carolina, Medicaid is called Medical Assistance.
NC Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible North Carolina residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
NC Medicaid for Children
In North Carolina, CHIP is called NC Health Choice (now part of NC Medicaid).
Children who qualify get free or low-cost health coverage through NC Medicaid, which now includes the old NC Health Choice program.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
WIC provides food benefits, nutrition support, and referrals for eligible pregnant or postpartum people, infants, and children under five.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Nutrition Services
Food and Nutrition Services helps eligible households buy food using an EBT card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Child Care Subsidy
Child Care Subsidy helps eligible families pay for child care while they work, attend school, or meet other qualifying needs.
Ways to apply:In person
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Work First Family Assistance
In North Carolina, TANF is called Work First.
Work First provides cash assistance and related services to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- NC 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988