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 New Jersey
New Jersey programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
New Jersey Department of Human Services
NJ FamilyCare
In New Jersey, Medicaid is called NJ FamilyCare.
NJ FamilyCare provides health coverage to eligible New Jersey residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Jersey Department of Human Services
NJ FamilyCare Children's Health Insurance Program
In New Jersey, CHIP is called NJ FamilyCare.
NJ FamilyCare covers eligible children who do not qualify for Medicaid coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Jersey Department of Health
New Jersey WIC
In New Jersey, WIC is called NJ WIC.
WIC provides food benefits and nutrition services to eligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
New Jersey Department of Human Services
NJ SNAP
NJ SNAP helps eligible households buy food.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
GetCoveredNJ
In New Jersey, the health insurance marketplace is called GetCoveredNJ.
GetCoveredNJ is the state's marketplace for comparing and enrolling in individual health coverage.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Temporary Disability Insurance
Also: Family Leave Insurance
Temporary Disability Insurance pays benefits to eligible workers who cannot work because of a non-work-related illness or injury.
Ways to apply:Online
New Jersey Department of Human Services
Child Care Assistance Program
CCAP helps eligible families pay for child care while they work, attend school, or train for a job.
Ways to apply:Online
New Jersey Department of Human Services
Work First New Jersey Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
WFNJ/TANF provides temporary cash assistance and support services to eligible families with children.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn 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
- NJ 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