Just Had a Baby? 9 Government Benefits Your Family Can Get

If you just had a baby, your family may qualify for WIC, Medicaid, ACA marketplace plans, tax credits, and 5 other federal programs. The most urgent step: apply for WIC so your infant can receive free formula right away, and confirm your newborn's Medicaid coverage. You also have 60 days to add your baby to an ACA marketplace plan through healthcare.gov. Combined benefits can exceed $18,000 per year for a family of three. Every program on this page is free to apply for. Use our free benefits screener to check all 9 programs at once.

What to Do First

The first week after your baby arrives is busy, but a few steps can save your family thousands of dollars this year. Health coverage and nutrition assistance are the top priorities.

Start with Medicaid. If you had Medicaid during pregnancy, your newborn is automatically eligible in most states. But "automatically eligible" does not always mean "automatically enrolled." Call your state Medicaid office or check your state's online portal to make sure your baby is covered. In states that do auto-enroll newborns, you still need to confirm that a card or member ID has been issued. If you did not have Medicaid during pregnancy, you can still apply for your baby through medicaid.gov. Children qualify at higher income limits than adults in every state.

Apply for WIC at your local WIC office. WIC provides free infant formula, baby food, fruits, vegetables, milk, and eggs. Infants are categorically eligible for WIC, meaning they qualify based on age alone (income limits still apply to the household, but they are generous: up to 185% of the federal poverty level). Many WIC offices can process your application and issue benefits the same day. Find your local WIC office at wic.fns.usda.gov.

If you have an ACA marketplace plan, a new baby triggers a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. Go to healthcare.gov to add your baby to your existing plan or switch to a family plan. Subsidies may increase with a larger household. Do not let this 60-day window close. If you miss it, you will have to wait until open enrollment to add your child.

Programs You Can Apply For Right Now

Your family has access to 9 different programs after having a baby. Here is how they fit together.

WIC and SNAP both help with food costs, but they cover different items. WIC provides specific foods for infants and mothers (formula, baby food, cereal, milk, eggs). SNAP gives you a monthly balance to buy any food at grocery stores. You can receive both at the same time. A family of three can get up to $766 per month from SNAP plus WIC benefits for your infant.

Medicaid and ACA marketplace plans both cover health insurance, but your eligibility depends on income. If your household income is below your state's Medicaid threshold, Medicaid covers your baby with zero premiums and zero copays. If you earn too much for Medicaid, ACA subsidies can reduce your marketplace premium significantly. Your baby needs health coverage from day one, so do not delay this step.

The Child Tax Credit and EITC are both claimed on your tax return. The CTC provides up to $2,000 per child, and up to $1,700 of that is refundable (you get it back even if you owe nothing in taxes). The EITC is based on your earned income and family size. With one child, the EITC can reach $4,213. With two children, it can reach $5,980. You claim both credits when you file your taxes, so keep records of your baby's Social Security number and birth date.

Child care assistance through the federal CCDF program helps pay for day care, in-home care, or after-school programs. If you are returning to work or attending school, your state may cover most or all of your child care costs. Eligibility and benefit amounts vary by state. Contact your state child care agency to apply.

Head Start and Early Head Start provide free early education for children from birth to age 5. Early Head Start accepts infants and toddlers. Programs also include health screenings, dental checkups, and family support. Enrollment is income-based (generally at or below the federal poverty level), and spots fill up. Apply early at your local Head Start center.

Free school meals will matter later. When your child starts pre-K or kindergarten, they may qualify for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch based on your household income. If you receive SNAP, your child is automatically eligible for free meals.

Key Deadlines You Can't Miss

The most time-sensitive deadline is the 60-day ACA Special Enrollment Period. Mark the date on your calendar. WIC has no hard cutoff, but every week you wait is a week of free formula and food your family does not receive.

Can You Get Multiple Programs at Once?

Yes. These programs are designed to work together, and receiving one often makes you eligible for others.

Here is a real example. A family of three (two parents, one newborn) earning $35,000 per year could receive:

• WIC: Free infant formula and food for the baby (worth about $1,200/year)
• Medicaid for the baby: Free health coverage including well-child visits and vaccinations ($4,000+/year)
• SNAP: Up to $459/month in food benefits ($5,508/year)
• Child Tax Credit: $2,000 on their next tax return
• EITC: Up to $4,213 on their next tax return
• Child care assistance: Subsidized day care if both parents work ($5,000+/year)

That adds up to roughly $21,900 per year in combined benefits. All from programs you can apply for within the first few months of your baby's life.

Use our benefits screener to see which combination you qualify for based on your specific household size, income, and state.

Common Mistakes New Parents Make

Not confirming Medicaid enrollment for the newborn. Many parents assume their baby is automatically covered because they had Medicaid during pregnancy. In most states, the baby is eligible, but you still need to take a step to activate coverage. Call your state Medicaid office before your first pediatrician visit.

Skipping WIC because they think they earn too much. WIC income limits are higher than SNAP limits. A family of three can earn up to about $55,500 per year (185% of the federal poverty level) and still qualify. Many middle-income families are surprised to learn they are eligible.

Missing the 60-day ACA window. Life with a newborn is exhausting, and paperwork falls to the bottom of the list. But if you need to add your baby to a marketplace plan, that 60-day clock runs whether you are sleeping or not. Set a reminder for day 45 if you have not acted yet.

Forgetting to get a Social Security number for the baby. You can request a Social Security number at the hospital when you fill out the birth certificate paperwork. If you skip this step, you will need to visit a Social Security office in person later. You need the SSN to claim the Child Tax Credit and EITC.

Not applying for child care assistance early enough. Many states have long waitlists for subsidized child care. If you plan to return to work, apply months before you need care. Do not wait until you have a start date.

Assuming Head Start is only for preschoolers. Early Head Start serves children from birth to age 3. If your family meets income guidelines, your infant can participate in home visiting programs or center-based care at no cost.

Where to Get Help

WIC offices. Find your local WIC clinic at wic.fns.usda.gov. You can call ahead to schedule an appointment and ask what documents to bring. Most offices need proof of income, identity, and your baby's birth certificate.

State Medicaid office. Apply for your baby's Medicaid coverage through your state Medicaid agency or through healthcare.gov. The marketplace application automatically checks Medicaid eligibility. You can also call 1-800-318-2596 for help.

Healthcare.gov. Use the federal marketplace at healthcare.gov to report your new baby and update your ACA plan during your 60-day Special Enrollment Period.

IRS.gov. For information about the Child Tax Credit and EITC, visit irs.gov. Free tax filing options are available for families earning under $84,000 through IRS Free File.

211 hotline. Dial 2-1-1 from any phone to connect with local assistance programs, including child care referrals, diaper banks, and family support services. This service is free and available 24/7 in most areas.

BenefitsUSA screener. Our free eligibility screener checks all the programs on this page at once. It takes about 5 minutes and does not ask for your Social Security number or any identifying information. You get results immediately, with direct links to apply for each program you qualify for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my newborn automatically covered by Medicaid?

In most states, yes, if you had Medicaid during pregnancy. Your baby is deemed eligible for one year from birth. However, you may still need to contact your state Medicaid office to complete enrollment and receive a member ID card. Do not assume coverage is active without confirming.

How do I apply for WIC for my baby?

Contact your local WIC office or find one at wic.fns.usda.gov. Bring proof of income, identification, and your baby's birth certificate. Many offices can approve your application and issue benefits the same day. WIC covers infant formula, baby food, and other nutritious foods.

Can I get both WIC and SNAP at the same time?

Yes. WIC and SNAP are separate programs that cover different needs. WIC provides specific foods for infants and mothers. SNAP provides a monthly balance for general grocery purchases. Receiving one does not reduce your benefits from the other.

What is the ACA Special Enrollment Period for a new baby?

Having a baby is a qualifying life event that opens a 60-day window to enroll in or change your ACA marketplace plan. You can add your baby to your current plan, switch to a family plan, or enroll for the first time. Apply at healthcare.gov within 60 days of birth.

When can I claim the Child Tax Credit for my new baby?

You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file your federal tax return for the year your baby was born. Even if your baby was born in December, you can claim the full $2,000 credit for that tax year. You will need your baby's Social Security number to file.

Do I qualify for the EITC with a new baby?

If you have earned income, adding a child to your household can make you newly eligible for the EITC or increase your credit amount. A family with one qualifying child can receive up to $4,213. Income limits are higher for families with children than for single filers with no children.

How do I get a Social Security number for my newborn?

The easiest way is to request it at the hospital when you complete the birth certificate paperwork. The hospital submits the application to the Social Security Administration, and you receive the card by mail in 2 to 6 weeks. If you did not do this at the hospital, visit your local Social Security office with the birth certificate.

What is Early Head Start and when can my baby start?

Early Head Start is a free program for pregnant women and children from birth to age 3. It provides early education, health services, and family support. Your newborn can start as soon as a spot is available. Eligibility is based on household income (generally at or below the federal poverty level). Contact your local Head Start center to apply.