Skip to content
OwedFinder

Life change guide

I'm having a baby

Find programs you may qualify for when you're having a baby. Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Child Tax Credit, and more.

6 steps, in order6 programs that can helpFree to apply

Where to start

Congratulations on your growing family. A new baby brings joy, and also new costs for food, health care and child care. Getting help set up early can take some of the stress off.

Some programs can help while you are still pregnant. WIC serves pregnant women. Medicaid covers pregnant people, and some states also cover pregnancy through CHIP. Once your baby is born, your household gets bigger. That can change what you qualify for, so it is worth checking again even if you were turned down before.

Most of these programs are run by your state, and each one decides who qualifies. Keep your baby's birth certificate and Social Security number in a safe place. Many applications will ask for them.

Do these first

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Apply for WIC

    WIC gives healthy foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children under age 5. Contact your local WIC clinic to apply.

    About WIC
  2. 2

    Step 2

    Get health coverage for you and your baby

    Medicaid covers pregnant people and children, and you can apply at any time of year. Apply through your state or HealthCare.gov.

    About Medicaid
  3. 3

    Step 3

    Ask about CHIP for your child

    If your family earns too much for Medicaid, your child may still qualify for low-cost coverage through CHIP.

    About CHIP
  4. 4

    Step 4

    Apply for SNAP or report your new baby

    A new baby adds a person to your household, which may change whether you qualify for SNAP or how much you get. Apply or report the change to your state.

    About SNAP
  5. 5

    Step 5

    Plan for child care costs

    If you will work, look for work or go to school, your state's child care assistance program may help pay for care. Your state sets its own income limit.

    About Child Care Aid
  6. 6

    Step 6

    Get ready for the Child Tax Credit

    Get a Social Security number for your baby, then claim the credit when you file your federal tax return. The IRS decides if you qualify.

    About Child Tax Credit

Programs that can help

SNAPState-run · USDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.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.WICState-run · USDA Food and Nutrition ServiceWIC gives healthy foods, nutrition education and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and young children with low income.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.