The amount of formula California WIC provides varies depending on the age and needs of the child. Infants (from birth to 12 months) receive either 45.2 ounces of iron-fortified formula or 13.3 ounces of concentrated liquid formula per day. Toddlers (12 to 36 months) receive 32 ounces of milk or plain yogurt per day and may also be eligible for 16 ounces of iron-fortified formula per day if the family income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Children with special medical needs may be eligible for additional formula through WIC. To find out how much WIC formula you qualify for, contact your local WIC office.
WIC Formula Eligibility in California
To be eligible for WIC formula benefits in California, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of California.
- Be a woman who is pregnant, breastfeeding, or has recently given birth.
- Be an infant or child under the age of 5.
- Meet income guidelines. For example, a family of four with an income of $52,846 or less per year is eligible.
If you meet these requirements, you can apply for WIC at your local WIC clinic. You will need to provide proof of identity, income, and residency. Once you are approved, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase formula at authorized retailers.
Formula Benefits
The amount of formula you receive each month from WIC will vary depending on the age of your child and whether you are breastfeeding. Here is a general overview of what you can expect:
| Age of Child | Breastfeeding | Not Breastfeeding |
|---|---|---|
| 0-6 months | 2 cans of formula per day | 3 cans of formula per day |
| 6-12 months | 1 can of formula per day | 2 cans of formula per day |
| 12-24 months | Not eligible for formula | 1 can of formula per day |
If you have any questions about WIC formula benefits, please contact your local WIC clinic.
Formula Types Covered by WIC
The WIC program in California provides a variety of formula types to meet the needs of different infants. These include:
- Cow’s milk-based formula
- Soy-based formula
- Hypoallergenic formula
- Lactose-free formula
- Premature infant formula
- Specialized formula for infants with certain medical conditions
The type of formula that your infant receives will depend on their individual needs and eligibility requirements set forth by the WIC program in California.
| Formula Size | Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 8-ounce can | 12 cans |
| 13-ounce can | 8 cans |
| 16-ounce can | 6 cans |
| 32-ounce can | 3 cans |
It’s important to note that WIC benefits can change, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local WIC office for the most up-to-date information.
Amount of Formula Provided per Month
The amount of formula that WIC provides each month varies depending on the age of the child and the type of formula prescribed. WIC provides two types of formula: iron-fortified formula for infants and toddlers, and non-iron-fortified formula for premature infants and infants with specific medical conditions.
For infants under 12 months of age, WIC provides the following amounts of iron-fortified formula per month:
- 0 to 3 months: 1440 ounces (4 boxes of 12-ounce cans)
- 4 to 6 months: 1680 ounces (4 boxes of 12-ounce cans)
- 7 to 12 months: 1920 ounces (5 boxes of 12-ounce cans)
For infants under 12 months of age who are prescribed non-iron-fortified formula, WIC provides the following amounts per month:
- 0 to 3 months: 1080 ounces (3 boxes of 12-ounce cans)
- 4 to 6 months: 1260 ounces (3 boxes of 12-ounce cans)
- 7 to 12 months: 1440 ounces (4 boxes of 12-ounce cans)
For toddlers 12 to 24 months of age, WIC provides the following amounts of iron-fortified formula per month:
- 12 to 18 months: 1200 ounces (3 boxes of 12-ounce cans)
- 19 to 24 months: 960 ounces (2 boxes of 12-ounce cans)
It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. The actual amount of formula that your child needs will vary depending on their individual needs. Your child’s healthcare provider will be able to determine the correct amount of formula for your child.
WIC Income Guidelines
To qualify for WIC in California, your family’s income must meet certain criteria. The guidelines are based on your family’s gross monthly income (before taxes or other deductions) and the number of people in your household.
The following table shows the WIC income guidelines for California for Fiscal Year 2023-2024:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $3,178 |
| 2 | $4,272 |
| 3 | $5,366 |
| 4 | $6,460 |
| 5 | $7,554 |
| 6 | $8,648 |
| 7 | $9,742 |
| 8 | $10,836 |
| Each additional person | $+1,094 |
If your family’s income is below the guidelines, you may be eligible for WIC benefits.
And that’s a wrap! To all the parents out there navigating the world of formula with WIC, I hope this article has given you some clarity and peace of mind. Remember, every family’s needs are different, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your WIC clinic if you have any questions or concerns. Until next time, thanks for tuning in, and keep making memories with your little ones!