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 Virginia
Virginia programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
Medical Assistance
Virginia Medicaid covers health care for eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan
In Virginia, CHIP is called FAMIS.
FAMIS provides health coverage for eligible children and pregnant people.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Virginia Department of Social Services and Virginia Department of Health
Women, Infants, and Children
Also: Virginia WIC
In Virginia, WIC is called Virginia WIC.
WIC provides food, nutrition support, and referrals to eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Virginia Department of Social Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for groceries.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Virginia State Corporation Commission
Virginia's Insurance Marketplace
Virginia's Insurance Marketplace lets residents compare and enroll in private health plans and check eligibility for financial help.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Virginia Employment Commission
Virginia Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program
Virginia's paid leave program is being developed and is scheduled to begin paying benefits in December 2028.
Virginia Department of Social Services
Child Care Assistance
Child Care Assistance helps eligible families pay for child care while they work or attend school.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Virginia Department of Social Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides monthly cash assistance to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn 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.
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
- 211 Virginia
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