How to Qualify for WIC

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, commonly known as WIC, is a federal assistance program designed to support the health and nutrition of low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five.

WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and access to healthcare referrals.

If you or your family might benefit from WIC, understanding how to qualify is the first step to accessing this valuable resource.

What is WIC?

WIC is a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and operated by state and local agencies. It provides financial assistance to help eligible families purchase healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, cheese, and baby formula.

Additionally, WIC offers nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and social services.

The program is designed to help pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as infants and children under the age of five, who are at nutritional risk due to low income.

Who is Eligible for WIC?

To qualify for WIC, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Categorical Eligibility

Pregnant Women: Women who are pregnant and up to six weeks postpartum.
Postpartum Women: Women who have recently given birth and are up to six months postpartum.
Breastfeeding Women: Women who are breastfeeding and up to the infant’s first birthday.
Infants: Infants from birth to their first birthday.
Children: Children up to their fifth birthday.

Residential Eligibility

Applicants must reside in the state where they are applying for WIC. WIC benefits are provided through state programs, so eligibility requirements may vary slightly depending on where you live.

Income Eligibility

To qualify for WIC, your household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The exact income limits depend on the size of your household and may vary by state. In some cases, if you or your family members are already receiving other forms of assistance, such as Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you may automatically meet the income requirements for WIC.
Income eligibility is determined by the gross income (before taxes) of all household members. This includes wages, unemployment benefits, child support, and any other sources of income.

Nutritional Risk

To qualify for WIC, an applicant must be determined to be at "nutritional risk" by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, or nutritionist. Nutritional risk is assessed through a simple health screening that includes factors like diet, medical history, and body measurements (e.g., height, weight).
Common nutritional risks that may qualify an applicant for WIC include poor dietary habits, low birth weight, anemia, or risk of underweight.