Benefits Enrollment Calendar

November 1 – January 15 (each year)

The annual window to enroll in or change a health plan through healthcare.gov. Enroll by December 15 for coverage starting January 1. Miss this window? You need a qualifying life event to enroll.

Within 60 days of a qualifying life event

If you lose job-based insurance, get married, have a baby, move states, or gain citizenship, you have 60 days from the event to enroll outside of open enrollment.

Year-round — no open enrollment period

Medicaid has no open enrollment window. You can apply any day of the year and coverage can begin the same month if approved. Apply immediately if your income drops.

Year-round — no open enrollment period

Like Medicaid, CHIP for children has no enrollment period. Apply through your state Medicaid agency or healthcare.gov at any time.

3 months before, the month of, and 3 months after your 65th birthday (7-month window)

Your one chance to enroll in Medicare Parts A and B without penalty. Missing it means a permanent 10% Part B premium increase per year late — unless you have qualifying employer coverage.

October 15 – December 7 (each year)

Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, or change your Part D drug plan. Changes take effect January 1.

January 1 – March 31 (each year)

Switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare, or change your Medicare Advantage plan. Limited options — not the same as the fall Annual Enrollment Period.

Within 8 months of losing employer coverage

If you delayed Medicare because you had employer insurance, you have an 8-month window after that coverage ends to enroll in Parts A and B without penalty.

October 1 (for the following academic year)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens October 1 each year. Filing early maximizes your Pell Grant and institutional aid eligibility — some schools award aid on a first-come, first-served basis.

Varies by school — often November through February

Each college sets its own priority deadline for financial aid. Missing your school's deadline can mean less institutional grant money even if you file before June 30.

June 30 (for current academic year)

The final federal deadline to submit FAFSA for the current school year. State and school deadlines are typically much earlier.

Typically October – March (varies by state)

Most states open LIHEAP heating applications in October or November. Apply as early as possible — funds are limited and run out in most states by January or February.

Typically May – August (varies by state)

Many states offer a separate summer cooling assistance program. Apply early in the cooling season — funding is more limited than heating assistance in most states.

Year-round emergency component

Most states have an emergency LIHEAP component for households facing imminent utility shutoff. Available year-round for qualifying emergencies — contact your local Community Action Agency immediately.

Late January – April 15 (each year)

File your federal tax return to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and other refundable credits. The IRS begins accepting returns in late January. The standard deadline is April 15.

February – April 15 (most sites)

IRS VITA sites offer free federal and state tax preparation for households with income below ~$67,000. Sites open in February — find one at irs.gov/vita or by calling 2-1-1.

October 15 (if you filed for an extension)

Filing for an extension gives you until October 15 to submit your return. Note: an extension to file is not an extension to pay — taxes owed are still due April 15 to avoid penalties.

Year-round (no enrollment period)

SNAP has no open enrollment period. Apply immediately when your income drops. Expedited benefits can be issued within 7 days for qualifying households in urgent need.

Every 6–36 months (date set at approval)

SNAP benefits must be renewed at the end of each certification period — typically 6-12 months for working-age adults, and 24-36 months for seniors and people with disabilities. Missing your recertification date causes a benefit interruption.

June – August (at participating sites)

Free meals for children 18 and under at community sites during the summer when school is out. No application or income verification required at most sites.

Year-round — apply when circumstances change

WIC has no open enrollment period. Pregnant women should apply as soon as possible, ideally in the first trimester. Eligibility is recertified every 6 months.

Apply any time

Social Security disability programs and Medicaid have no enrollment windows. Apply immediately when you become eligible — benefits are generally not retroactive past the application date.

Apply when waitlists open (varies by PHA)

Housing waitlists open and close independently at each Public Housing Authority. Check your local PHA website regularly — some waitlists open for only a few days each year.

Apply any time

VA disability compensation, healthcare, GI Bill, and home loan benefits can be applied for any time. The effective date for compensation goes back to your application date, not approval, so apply immediately.

Typically accepting in spring for fall start (varies)

Head Start programs often enroll in spring for programs beginning in fall. Contact your local Head Start program directly to get on the waitlist as early as possible.