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 Washington
Washington programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Washington State Health Care Authority
Washington Apple Health
In Washington, Medicaid is called Apple Health.
Apple Health provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Washington residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Health Care Authority
Apple Health for Kids
In Washington, CHIP is called Apple Health for Kids.
Apple Health for Kids provides health coverage to eligible children in Washington.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Department of Health
Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program
WIC provides food benefits and nutrition support to eligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children under five.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Basic Food
In Washington, SNAP is called Basic Food.
Basic Food helps eligible households pay for groceries.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Employment Security Department
Paid Family and Medical Leave
Paid Leave provides partial wage replacement for eligible workers taking time away for qualifying family or medical reasons.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaper
Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Working Connections Child Care
WCCC helps eligible families pay for child care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF provides temporary 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.
Food banks, shelters, clinics and more near you are in Help nearby. Open Help nearby
Talk to a person
- Washington 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