How To Enroll In WIC

Enrolling in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a simple process that provides access to valuable nutritional resources. Contact your local WIC office to determine eligibility and schedule an appointment. During the appointment, you’ll provide information about your income, family size, and pregnancy or breastfeeding status. If eligible, you’ll receive a WIC card to use at authorized grocery stores. In addition to receiving nutritious food, you’ll also have access to nutrition education and breastfeeding support. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of this free program that supports the health and well-being of participants.

WIC Eligibility

To be considered for WIC, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be a woman who is

  – Pregnant

  – Postpartum (up to 6 weeks after delivery)

  – Breastfeeding (up to 1 year after delivery)

• Have a low income and meet the USDA Poverty Guidelines
• Be at nutritional risk (determined by a health professional that includes the following categories):

  – Inadequate dietary

  – Medical issues with mother or child

  – Pre-term/low birth weight/multiple birth issue

  – Breastfeeding mother who is under or overweight

• Be a legal US Resident

Income Table

Gross Monthly Salary	Family Size	Gross Monthly Salary	Family Size
≤$917	1	≤$1,290	2	≤$1,659	3	≤$2,030	4
≤$1,227	2	≤$1,706	3	≤$2,166	4	≤$2,619	5
≤$1,522	3	≤$2,105	4	≤$2,664	5	≤$3,213	6
≤$1,817	4	≤$2,502	5	≤$3,159	6	≤$3,809	7
≤$2,114	5	≤$2,900	6	≤$3,668	7	≤$4,405	8
≤$2,403	6	≤$3,286	7	≤$4,160	8	≤$5,010	9
≤$2,691	7	≤$3,679	8	≤$4,672	9	≤$5,625	10
≤$2,981	8	≤$4,101	9	≤$5,178	10	≤$6,264	11
≤$3,243	9	≤$4,474	10	≤$5,689	11	≤$6,908	12
≤$3,521	10	≤$4,848	11	≤$6,206	12	≤$7,556	13
≤$3,806	11	≤$5,231	12	≤$6,726	13	≤$8,209	14
≤$4,096	12	≤$5,622	13	≤$7,261	14	≤$8,872	15
≤$4,386	13	≤$6,019	14	≤$7,797	15	≤$9,544	16
≤$4,676	14	≤$6,423	15	≤$8,343	16	≤$10,233	17
≤$4,966	15	≤$6,834	16	≤$8,893	17	≤$10,933	18
≤$5,258	16	≤$7,251	17	≤$9,452	18	≤$11,654	19
≤$5,554	17	≤$7,674	18	≤$10,019	19	≤$12,385	20
≤$5,851	18	≤$8,108	19	≤$10,603	20	≤$13,133	21
≤$6,147	19	≤$8,541	20	≤$11,187	21	≤$13,882	22
≤$6,443	20	≤$8,974	21	≤$11,791	22	≤$14,642	23

Application Process

To enroll in WIC, you will need to gather the following information and documents:

• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, etc.)
• Proof of identity (driver’s license, state ID, etc.)
• Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)
• Proof of pregnancy or breastfeeding (doctor’s note, birth certificate, etc.)
• Child’s birth certificate or Medicaid card (if applicable)

Once you have gathered the necessary information, you can apply for WIC in one of the following ways:

1. Online: You can apply online at the USDA website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/wic-online-pre-application
2. By phone: You can call your local WIC office to schedule an appointment. The phone number can be found on the USDA website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/contact-us
3. In person: You can go to your local WIC office in person to apply. The address can be found on the USDA website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/contact-us

Once you have applied for WIC, you will be contacted by a WIC staff member to schedule an appointment for a screening. At the screening, you will be asked about your income, health, and dietary needs. You will also be given a physical exam and blood test. After the screening, you will be notified if you are eligible for WIC.

WIC Eligibility

Category	Income Limit
Pregnant women	185% of the poverty level
Breastfeeding women	200% of the poverty level
Children under 5	185% of the poverty level

Requirements for WIC Enrollment

To be eligible for WIC, you must meet the following requirements

• Be a woman who is pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding.
• Be an infant or child under the age of 5.
• Have a low income or be in financial need.
• Be at nutrition risk.

Income eligibility

Family Size	Gross Monthly	Net Monthly
1	$1,624	$1,153
2	$2,225	$1,585
3	$2,828	$2,018
4	$3,431	$2,450
Each additional person	Add $503	Add $358

Gross income is before any taxes or other withholdings. Net income is after taxes and other withholdings.

Nutritional risk

• Underweight or overweight for height or length.
• Have anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
• Have a history of pre-term or low birth weight.
• Have a mother who is underweight.
• Have a sibling who has a birth defect.

Benefits of WIC

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a nutrition program that provides healthy food and other benefits to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5.

• Nutritional benefits: WIC provides nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, and infant formula, to help participants meet their nutritional needs.
• Health benefits: WIC participants have access to health screenings and nutrition counseling, which can help improve their overall health and well-being.
• Educational benefits: WIC provides education on healthy eating, breastfeeding, and child development to help participants make informed choices about their health and their children’s health.
• Financial benefits: WIC can help reduce the financial burden of providing for a family by providing free food and other benefits.

Eligibility Requirements	How to Apply
Pregnant women New mothers Children under 5 Low-income households	Contact your local WIC agency Bring proof of identity, income, and residency Complete an application

Thanks for hanging out with us while we covered the ins and outs of enrolling in WIC! We hope this article has given you the confidence to take that next step towards ensuring your family’s health and nutrition. Remember, WIC is a valuable resource that’s waiting to support you – so don’t hesitate to reach out if you qualify. We appreciate you stopping by, and we encourage you to check back soon for more helpful tips and resources related to health, wellness, and family life. Take care, and thanks again!