Having a Child: Benefits and Administrative Checklist

Congratulations on your growing family! When you're expecting or have recently welcomed a new baby, there are important benefits and administrative tasks to complete. This guide will help you navigate the essential steps.

Before Baby Arrives

Review Your Coverage

• Understand your current health insurance coverage for prenatal care and delivery
• 12 weeks paid family leave, additional unpaid FMLA available
• Plan for Healthcare FSA contributions for upcoming medical expenses
• Consider childcare options and Dependent Care FSA enrollment

Immediate Actions After Birth

Health Insurance Enrollment

• Add your new baby to your health insurance plan
• Complete enrollment within 30 days of qualifying event
• Contact your benefits team to begin enrollment
• Provide required documentation (birth certificate)

Other Insurance Coverage

• Enroll your child in dental and vision insurance plans
• Mid-year changes allowed for qualifying life events
• Consider increasing Dependent Care FSA for childcare expenses

Payroll and Tax Updates

Tax Withholding Changes

• Update your W-4 to reflect additional dependent
• Submit changes through ADP portal or contact payroll
• Review impact on take-home pay and tax liability

Life Insurance Updates

• Add your new child as a beneficiary on life insurance policies
• Consider increasing life insurance coverage for your growing family
• Update beneficiary percentages and designations

Important Documents

Government Documentation

• Birth certificate available 2-4 weeks after birth
• Apply for Social Security card for your new baby
• Consider passport application if needed for travel

Medical Care

• Choose a pediatrician within your health insurance network
• Schedule required newborn screenings and vaccinations
• Keep detailed records of immunizations and medical history

Estate and Financial Planning

Estate Planning Updates

• Update will and estate planning documents
• Ensure new child is included in inheritance planning
• Consider guardianship designations

Education Planning

• Open 529 education savings plan as early as possible
• Research state-specific education savings benefits
• Consider automatic contribution plans

Important Deadlines

Time-Sensitive Actions

• Health insurance enrollment (Complete enrollment within 30 days of qualifying event)
• Social Security card application (as soon as birth certificate is available)
• Tax withholding updates (next available payroll cycle)
• Life insurance beneficiary updates (immediately)

Getting Support

For questions about benefits enrollment, leave policies, or administrative processes:

• 📞 HR Department: (555) 123-4567
• 📧 Benefits Team: benefits@acmecorp.com
• 🌐 Employee Portal: https://portal.acmecorp.com
• 📋 Payroll Services: payroll@acmecorp.com

Helpful Resources

Government Resources

• Social Security Administration for Social Security cards
• IRS Child Tax Credit information
• State vital records office for birth certificates

Financial Planning

• 529 Plan information for education savings
• Child Care Aware for childcare resources
• Financial advisors for family financial planning

Remember that welcoming a new baby involves both celebrations and important administrative tasks. Many of these steps can be prepared in advance during pregnancy to reduce stress after your baby arrives.