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 California
California programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
California Department of Health Care Services
Medi-Cal
In California, Medicaid is called Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Californians.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Health Care Services
Medi-Cal for Children and Teens
In California, CHIP is called Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal covers eligible children and teens who meet the program rules.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Public Health
California WIC Program
WIC provides food benefits, nutrition education, and support to eligible pregnant people, new parents, and young children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
California Department of Social Services
CalFresh
In California, SNAP is called CalFresh.
CalFresh helps eligible households buy food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Health Benefit Exchange
Covered California Health Insurance Marketplace
In California, the health insurance marketplace is called Covered California.
Covered California helps residents compare and enroll in private health plans and financial assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Employment Development Department
Paid Family Leave
Paid Family Leave provides temporary wage replacement when eligible workers care for family or bond with a new child.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaper
California Department of Social Services
Child Care and Development Programs
California helps eligible families pay for child care through local agencies and programs.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
California Department of Social Services
CalWORKs
In California, TANF is called CalWORKs.
CalWORKs provides cash assistance and services 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 California
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