Family
Marriage, children, separation and family administration.
US United States9 guidesOfficial-source workflowFamily procedures
Browse published guides with quick facts, official-source verification and clear next steps.
Apply for WIC through your state, territory or Tribal WIC agency for healthy foods, nutrition services, breastfeeding support and referrals.
Find your state or territory child care subsidy program, check local eligibility rules and apply for help paying for child care.
Find a local Head Start or Early Head Start program, check your child's eligibility, prepare the documents your program requests, and apply for free services.
Find where to apply for a marriage license before your wedding, what documents may be required, and how local fees, waiting periods and expiration rules work.
Apply for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad to document that an eligible child born outside the United States acquired U.S. citizenship at birth.
An eligible child may receive Social Security benefits on a parent's retirement, disability or survivor record. Applications are made by phone or through a Social Security office.
Find and apply through the correct state or tribal child support agency to establish, change or enforce support, including interstate cases.
Apply in person for a U.S. passport for a child under 16 using Form DS-11, proof of citizenship, parental consent, IDs, a photo and the required fees.
Act quickly if a child may be taken abroad without permission or has already been abducted. Contact the State Department, involve law enforcement, use passport alerts and consider Hague Convention remedies.