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Having a Baby in Oregon: Your Benefits Checklist and Timeline
Having a baby comes with a lot of paperwork on top of everything else. This checklist walks through the programs that matter most, roughly in the order you'll need them — starting during pregnancy and running through your child's first years.
You don't have to do everything on this list, and you don't have to do it alone. A few of the programs below, like the Oregon Health Plan, unlock other benefits automatically once you're enrolled, so it helps to start there.
During pregnancy
Apply for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), or report your pregnancy if you already have OHP
OHP covers prenatal visits, delivery, and newborn care, and being on it also makes your household automatically income-eligible for WIC.
Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid)
Apply for WIC for food and breastfeeding support
WIC provides food benefits, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support that can start during pregnancy, not just after your baby arrives.
WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
Sign up for free home visits through Healthy Families Oregon
A nurse or family worker can start visiting during pregnancy and keep supporting you through your child's early years, at no cost.
Nurse-Family Partnership / Healthy Families Oregon
Right after birth
Look into Paid Leave Oregon for paid time off to bond with your baby
It replaces part of your income while you're off work, and if you've worked for your employer at least 90 days, your job is protected while you're on leave.
Paid Leave Oregon
Enroll your baby in the Vaccines for Children program at your clinic
It covers recommended childhood vaccines at no cost for kids who are uninsured, on OHP, or Native.
Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program
Ask about free diapers, wipes, and formula from Baby Promise or PDX Diaper Bank
Baby Promise pairs free infant and toddler child care with free diapers, wipes, and formula for families who meet ERDC's income limits, and PDX Diaper Bank can help with supplies on its own through a partner agency.
Baby Promise · PDX Diaper Bank
In the first months
Apply for ERDC if you're working, in school, or in job training
ERDC pays your child care provider directly for the hours you're at work or school, and it can work alongside Head Start to cover hours Head Start's schedule doesn't.
Employment Related Day Care (ERDC)
Look into Head Start or Early Head Start for free early education
These programs offer free early childhood education plus health, nutrition, and family support from birth to age 5, and kids in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or on TANF or SSI qualify no matter their income.
Head Start & Early Head Start
If you notice a developmental delay or your child has a serious disability, ask about EI/ECSE therapy and SSI for Children
EI/ECSE gives free evaluation and therapy — speech, physical, and occupational — for kids from birth to kindergarten, and SSI for Children is a monthly cash payment for a disabled child in a low-income household; qualifying kids in Oregon also get OHP.
Early Intervention / Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE) · SSI for Children
Put your name on preschool lists early for when your child turns 3
Preschool Promise is free for lower-income 3- and 4-year-olds statewide, and Multnomah County families can also use Preschool for All, which has no income limit.
Preschool Promise · Preschool for All (Multnomah County)
At tax time
Claim the federal Child Tax Credit
It's worth up to $2,200 per child under 17, and up to $1,700 of it is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe little or no tax.
Federal Child Tax Credit
Claim the Oregon Kids Credit
It's a separate, refundable credit worth up to $1,050 per child ages 0 to 5, for up to five children, if your income is under the state's limit.
Oregon Kids Credit
Keep copies of your baby's birth certificate, Social Security card, and any approval letters you get — you'll need them again for preschool, tax filing, and renewals.
Not sure which of these fit your household? Answer a few questionsand we’ll rank everything for you.
Every program for this moment
Free infant and toddler child care
Program: Baby Promise
Free early care for infants and toddlers with no copays, plus free diapers, wipes, and formula.
Who it’s for: Homes making under about $2,660 a month (for 1 person) — families with a child from 6 weeks to 3 years who meet ERDC income limits
See the rule
“Baby Promise further supports families by not requiring copays or additional program fees while also supplying diapers, wipes, and formula at no cost.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-06 · Report incorrect information
Free therapy and support for young kids with delays
Program: Early Intervention / Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE)
Free evaluation and services — speech, physical, and occupational therapy and special instruction — for infants and young children with developmental delays or disabilities.
Who it’s for: Children from birth to kindergarten who have a developmental delay or disability
See the rule
“Special education screening, evaluation, services and support are provided to children and their families at no cost.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-06 · Report incorrect information
Help paying for childcare
Program: Employment Related Day Care (ERDC)
Child care subsidy
Who it’s for: Homes making under about $2,660 a month (for 1 person), and families with kids — parents who are working, in school, or in job training, with a child under 13
Apply online (ONE.Oregon.gov)By phoneIn personAccount needed
See the rule
“These amounts are 200% of federal poverty level. ... These amounts are 250% of federal poverty level or 85% of state median income, whichever is higher.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-06 · Report incorrect information
Up to $2,200 back per child at tax time
Program: Federal Child Tax Credit
A tax credit for each child under 17 — up to $2,200 per child, and up to $1,700 of it is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe little or no tax. Separate from the Oregon Kids Credit.
Who it’s for: Families with kids — families with a child under 17 who has a Social Security number; the refundable part needs at least $2,500 of earnings; income up to $200,000 ($400,000 married)
Apply onlinePaper form
See the rule
“You qualify for the full amount of the Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child if you meet all eligibility factors and your annual income is not more than $200,000 ($400,000 if filing a joint return).” Official site ↗
“The Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child. ... the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), up to $1,700 per qualifying child depending on your income. ... You must have earned income of at least $2,500 to be eligible for the ACTC.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
Free early education for low-income families (birth to 5)
Program: Head Start & Early Head Start
Free early childhood education plus health, nutrition, and family support for children from birth to age 5.
Who it’s for: Homes making under about $1,330 a month (for 1 person) or people who already have TANF cash help or SSI — families with a child under 5 (kids in foster care, homeless, or on TANF/SSI qualify regardless of income)
By phone
See the rule
“children in foster care, homeless children, and children from families receiving public assistance (TANF or SSI) are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start services regardless of income.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-06 · Report incorrect information
Free home visits for new and expecting parents
Program: Nurse-Family Partnership / Healthy Families Oregon
Free in-home visits from a nurse or family worker through pregnancy and early childhood.
Who it’s for: People who are pregnant or families with kids — new and expecting parents (Nurse-Family Partnership is for first-time moms 28 weeks pregnant or less who meet income limits)
By phone
See the rule
“Nurse-Family Partnership is FREE to all eligible women.” Official site ↗
“All HFO sites will screen families using the New Baby Questionnaire (NBQ)” Official site ↗
“Families choose to participate in weekly home visits for six months or longer, depending on what they need and want. The visits can continue for up to three years.” Official site ↗
“Call DELC at: 1 (800) 556-6616” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
Free or low-cost health coverage
Program: Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid)
Health coverage (Oregon Health Plan / Medicaid)
Who it’s for: People who already have SSI or the Oregon Health Plan or homes making under about $1,840 a month (for 1 person)
Apply online (ONE.Oregon.gov)By phonePaper formIn personBring: SSNs, immigration status, income info, contact info
See the rule
“Adults age 19 through 64 ... Children age 1 through 18 ... Income limit is 133% of Federal Poverty Level (FPL)” Official site ↗
“Oregon Health Plan (OHP) (0-138%)” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
$1,050 per young child at tax time
Program: Oregon Kids Credit
Refundable $1,050-per-child tax credit for kids ages 0-5 (up to 5 kids) — full amount if your modified AGI is $26,550 or less, phasing out above that
Who it’s for: Families with kids, and homes making under about $2,210 a month — families with children ages 0 to 5
Apply onlinePaper form
See the rule
“The Oregon Kids Credit is a refundable credit for people with young dependent children. For 2025, if your adjusted gross income (AGI) after Oregon additions and subtractions (your modified AGI) is $26,550 or less, the full credit is $1,050 per child for up to five dependent children ages 0 to 5 at the end of the tax year.” Official site ↗
“$0 at a modified AGI of $31,550” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
Paid time off for a new baby, illness, or safety
Program: Paid Leave Oregon
Weekly income replacement while you're off work to bond with a new child, deal with a serious health condition, or take safe leave from domestic violence or assault — up to 12 weeks a year (14 weeks for some pregnancy-related needs), with your job protected if you've worked for your employer at least 90 days.
Who it’s for: Workers in Oregon who earned at least $1,000 in Oregon in the year before applying (their base year)
Apply online (Frances Online)Paper formBy phone
See the rule
“You earned at least $1,000 in your base year or alternate base year before you apply for benefits.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
Free diapers and diapering supplies
Program: PDX Diaper Bank
Free diapers, wipes, and diapering or incontinence supplies through partner social-service agencies.
Who it’s for: Low-income or houseless families with kids (also older adults and people with disabilities) in the Portland metro, through a partner agency
In person
See the rule
“provide no cost diapers and diapering supplies to low-income and houseless families with children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities residing in the Portland metro area” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-06 · Report incorrect information
Free preschool for every 3- and 4-year-old in Multnomah County
Program: Preschool for All (Multnomah County)
Free preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds, no matter your income, with free help choosing a provider in many languages.
Who it’s for: People who live in Multnomah County — families with a child who is 3 or 4 by Sept 1
Apply online
See the rule
“There are no income eligibility requirements to apply for Preschool for All.” Official site ↗
“The family application for the 2026-2027 school year will open on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 10AM.” Official site ↗
“Preschool for All includes center-based preschools, home-based preschools, preschools in elementary school buildings, and Head Starts.” Official site ↗
“Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) is a supplemental program that primarily offers child care subsidies to qualifying families with children between the ages of 0-13... ERDC does not offer families high-quality preschool, it does help some low income families access child care.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
Free preschool for lower-income Oregon 3- and 4-year-olds
Program: Preschool Promise
A free, high-quality preschool spot, enrolled through your regional Early Learning Hub.
Who it’s for: Homes making under about $2,660 a month (for 1 person) — families with a child who is 3 or 4 years old
See the rule
“Preschool Promise is available to families with incomes at or below the 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-06 · Report incorrect information
Free or reduced-price school meals
Program: National School Lunch & Breakfast (Free & Reduced-Price Meals)
Free or cheap breakfasts and lunches at school for your kids. Many high-poverty schools serve free meals to ALL students with no application (Community Eligibility) — check your child's school.
Who it’s for: Families with kids, and people who already have SNAP (food benefits) or TANF cash help or homes making under about $2,460 a month (for 1 person)
Apply online
See the rule
“At or below 130 percent of the Federal poverty line can receive a free lunch. Between 130 and 185 percent of the Federal poverty line can receive a reduced-price lunch. Above 185 percent of the Federal poverty line can receive a low-cost, full-price lunch.” Official site ↗
“Students automatically qualify for free meals if they receive SNAP, foster care benefits, or participate in the Migrant Education Program or McKinney-Vento (homeless services). ... Meal applications cannot be collected before July 1 for the school year beginning that summer.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-19 · Report incorrect information
Monthly cash for a low-income family raising a child with a serious disability
Program: SSI for Children
A monthly federal cash payment for a disabled or blind child in a low-income household. Qualifying children in Oregon also get the Oregon Health Plan.
Who it’s for: Families with kids — a child under 18 with a serious, lasting disability, in a household with low income and savings
See the rule
“To apply for SSI for a child, you can start the process online.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-06 · Report incorrect information
Free childhood vaccines for uninsured or underinsured kids
Program: Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program
Free recommended vaccines for children through participating clinics and county health departments.
Who it’s for: Children 18 and under who are uninsured, on the Oregon Health Plan, or Native (underinsured kids qualify at community health centers)
See the rule
“To be eligible for VFC, a child (age 0-18 years) must fit one of these categories: Enrolled in Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan; Uninsured; or American Indian/Alaskan Native.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-06 · Report incorrect information
Food & support for pregnant people & young kids
Program: WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
Food benefits, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant/postpartum people, infants, and kids under 5
Who it’s for: People who already have the Oregon Health Plan, TANF cash help, SNAP (food benefits), or fdpir or homes making under about $2,460 a month (for 1 person) — someone pregnant, a new parent, or with a child under 5
By phoneIn person
See the rule
“Applicants must meet four criteria to be eligible for WIC: Live in Oregon. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit. (Individuals who can prove Fully eligible for Medicaid/Oregon Health Plan, TANF, SNAP/Food Stamps or FDPIR are automatically income eligible for WIC.) Have a nutritional need or risk.” Official site ↗
This is a candidate, not a decision. Funding and application windows change and are not published anywhere we can check — confirm directly with the program before you rely on it.
Last verified 2026-07-05 · Report incorrect information
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