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Life change guide

I'm adopting or fostering a child

Free guide to Medicaid, CHIP, childcare help, and tax credits for families adopting or fostering.

5 steps, in order4 programs that can helpFree to apply

Where to start

Adopting or fostering a child is a major life change. You may qualify for government help to pay for health care, childcare, and taxes.

The good news: you can apply for these benefits at any time of year. Applying is always free. Only the agency decides if you qualify.

Here's what to do first:

  1. Step 1: Get health coverage for the childStart with Medicaid or CHIP (the Children's Health Insurance Program). Both give free or low-cost coverage.
  2. Step 2: Find affordable childcareIf you work or are in school, you may qualify for help paying for child care.
  3. Step 3: Claim the tax creditWhen you file taxes, claim the Child Tax Credit for the child.

Each step below explains what to do and which program to apply for. Your child's age, your income, and your state all affect what you qualify for. Start with health coverage—that's usually the first priority.

Do these first

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Apply for Medicaid for the child

    Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage. Apply through your state Medicaid agency or at HealthCare.gov. You can apply at any time. Medicaid covers children in most families earning up to a certain amount; income limits vary by state. Applying is free. The state decides if your child qualifies.

    About Medicaid
  2. 2

    Step 2

    Check if CHIP is a better fit

    CHIP (the Children's Health Insurance Program) covers uninsured children in families that earn too much for Medicaid. Some states run it separately; others include it as part of Medicaid. Apply through your state or HealthCare.gov at any time of year. Each state sets its own income limits and costs.

    About CHIP
  3. 3

    Step 3

    Apply for childcare help

    The Child Care and Development Fund helps low-income families pay for care so you can work, look for work, or go to school. Apply through your state. Income limits vary by state but cap at 85% of your state's median income. Children under 13 usually qualify.

    About Child Care Aid
  4. 4

    Step 4

    Claim the Child Tax Credit on your taxes

    When you file your federal tax return, claim the Child Tax Credit for the child. You get this credit whether or not you owe taxes. If the credit is more than your tax bill, you may get money back. Consult a tax professional or use free tax preparation help if you need it.

    About Child Tax Credit
  5. 5

    Step 5

    Update your benefits if your situation changes

    If your income, family size, or where you live changes, report it to Medicaid, CHIP, and childcare assistance. Updates help make sure you get the right benefits. Keep your contact information current so the agencies can reach you.

Programs that can help

MedicaidState-run · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesMedicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state with federal funding, for children, adults, pregnant people, older adults and people with disabilities.Child Tax CreditFederal · Internal Revenue ServiceThe Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit that may lower the tax you owe if you are raising qualifying children.CHIPState-run · Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesCHIP gives low-cost health coverage to uninsured children in families that earn too much for Medicaid.Child Care AidState-run · HHS Administration for Children and FamiliesChild care assistance helps families with low income pay for child care so parents can work, look for work, or go to school or training.