BabyTime+

Your personalized checklist

Your matches: support & essentials

Based on your answers, you likely qualify for the strongest set of family programs the U.S. offers — most families never claim all of them. Work down this list in order; the first three alone are typically worth thousands of dollars a year.

Disclosure: some links below are partner links — we may earn a commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. It never affects which programs we show. How we make money

  1. 1.WIC — free groceries & breastfeeding support

    ≈$50–$120/mo per person

    WIC covers milk, eggs, produce, whole grains, formula, and breastfeeding support for pregnant and postpartum moms and kids under 5. The income limit is 185% of the federal poverty line — about $61,000/yr for a family of four under the 2026 guidelines — and if you're on Medicaid or SNAP you're automatically income-eligible. Apply through your state WIC office; bring proof of pregnancy, income, and address.

    USDA: Apply for WIC ↗

  2. 2.Medicaid & CHIP pregnancy coverage

    Prenatal + delivery covered

    Pregnancy Medicaid uses higher income limits than regular Medicaid in most states, covers prenatal care and delivery, and now continues for a full 12 months postpartum in 49 states plus DC. If you were denied before pregnancy, apply again — the math is different now.

    Medicaid eligibility ↗

  3. 3.SNAP — your newborn counts on day one

    Up to $785/mo (family of 3, FY2026)

    A new baby increases your household size immediately, which raises both the income limit and the monthly benefit. For a family of three, the gross income limit is about $2,888/month and the maximum benefit is $785/month in FY2026. If you were just over the line as a household of two, re-apply after the birth.

    Apply via your state SNAP office ↗

  4. 4.Free diapers — 240+ diaper banks

    ≈$80/mo saved

    There's no federal diaper benefit, but the National Diaper Bank Network has 240+ member banks across all 50 states serving hundreds of thousands of kids monthly. Dial or text 211 to find the closest one — many also stock wipes and formula.

    Find a diaper bank ↗

  1. 5.Free breast pump through your insurance

    $100–$300 value

    The ACA requires most plans — including Medicaid in the large majority of states — to cover a breast pump at $0 out of pocket. You order through a medical supplier that checks your coverage and handles the prescription; it takes about two minutes to check eligibility.

    Check my pump coverage

  2. 6.Hospital bill help (charity care)

    Bills reduced or erased

    Every nonprofit hospital is legally required (IRS section 501(r)) to have a written financial assistance policy. Many forgive bills entirely below roughly 200% of the poverty line and discount on a sliding scale above it — and you generally have at least 240 days after the first bill to apply. Ask the billing office for their "financial assistance application."

    How 501(r) assistance works ↗

  3. 7.Earned Income Tax Credit — up to $8,231

    Up to $8,231/yr

    Working families with children can claim the EITC on top of the Child Tax Credit: for tax year 2026 the maximum is $4,427 with one child, $7,316 with two, and $8,231 with three or more. It's refundable — you get it even if you owe no tax. Free filing help is available through IRS VITA sites.

    IRS: EITC ↗

  4. 8.Child Tax Credit — $2,200 per child (2026)

    $2,200/yr per child

    The Child Tax Credit is $2,200 per qualifying child for tax year 2026, with up to $1,700 refundable even if you owe little tax. A baby born any time during the year counts for the full amount — just make sure you get a Social Security number for them (apply with the birth-certificate paperwork at the hospital).

    IRS: Child Tax Credit ↗

  5. 9.Lifeline — discounted phone & internet

    $9.25/mo discount

    If you're on Medicaid, SNAP, or WIC-qualifying income, the federal Lifeline program discounts your phone or internet service. Small, but it's set-and-forget money.

    Check Lifeline eligibility ↗

  6. 10.Free registry welcome box

    $35+ in samples

    Creating a free baby registry unlocks a welcome box of samples (bottles, diaper brands, wipes) once you add a handful of items — no shower or purchases required, and the completion discount helps later with anything left on the list.

    Create a free registry

  7. 11.Paid surveys for idle minutes

    $20–$50/mo realistic

    Not a benefit — but a legitimate, modest way to add grocery money during night feeds. Expect coffee money, not rent money.

    Try Swagbucks

Common questions

Can I get WIC and SNAP at the same time?

Yes. WIC, SNAP, and Medicaid stack — and being on one often auto-qualifies you for the others. Millions of eligible families claim only one of the three.

Does applying for these programs affect immigration status?

WIC and CHIP are not considered in public-charge decisions, and rules for other programs are specific — check with your state agency or a legal aid organization for your situation.

How long does Medicaid cover me after the birth?

As of 2026, 49 states plus DC extend pregnancy Medicaid for 12 months postpartum (Arkansas is the holdout). Your baby is typically covered by Medicaid/CHIP for at least the first year.

Situation different than these answers? Retake the quiz — or browse our in-depth guides.

Program rules, income limits, and amounts change (WIC and SNAP tables update annually) and vary by state. Figures reflect 2026 guidance at time of writing. Always confirm details with the official program before making decisions. Nothing on this page is legal, tax, medical, insurance, or financial advice.