To get your WIC balance, you can contact your local WIC office. Each state has its own eligibility requirements and application process for WIC, so it’s best to check with your local office for specific instructions. Generally, you will need to provide proof of income, residency, and household size. You can also check your WIC balance online if your state offers this service. To do this, you will need to create an account on your state’s WIC website. Once you have created an account, you can log in to view your balance and other account information.
WIC Eligibility Requirements
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal assistance program that provides supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk.
To be eligible for WIC, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of the United States.
- Be pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum (up to six months after delivery).
- Have an income that is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (see table below).
- Have a nutritional need as determined by a health professional.
| Household Size | 185% of Poverty Level |
|---|---|
| 1 | $26,650 |
| 2 | $35,830 |
| 3 | $45,010 |
| 4 | $54,190 |
| 5 | $63,370 |
| 6 | $72,550 |
| 7 | $81,730 |
| 8 | $90,910 |
In addition, children under age 5 are eligible for WIC if they are:
- Underweight or overweight for their age and height.
- Anemic.
- At risk for developmental delays.
- Have a disability.
Steps to Apply for WIC
1. Find a Local WIC Office
* Visit the Food and Nutrition Service website to find the closest WIC office: https://search.fns.usda.gov/fns/
* Call your local health department or hospital for assistance.
2. Schedule an Appointment
* Contact your local WIC office to schedule an appointment.
* Bring proof of identity, income, and residency.
3. Complete WIC Application
* Fill out the WIC application, providing information about your household size, income, and nutritional needs.
* Submit your completed application to the WIC staff.
4. WIC Interview
* Attend a scheduled WIC interview.
* Meet with a WIC nutritionist to discuss your nutritional history and dietary needs.
5. Nutrition Education
* Participate in WIC nutrition education sessions to learn about healthy eating habits, breastfeeding, and childcare.
6. Benefits Issued
* If you are eligible for WIC, you will receive a WIC EBT card or vouchers that can be used to purchase specific foods from approved retailers.
Using Your WIC Benefits
Once you have been approved for WIC, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase food at authorized grocery stores. You will need to show your WIC card and ID at the checkout counter. The cashier will scan your card and deduct the cost of the food from your balance.
- You can use your WIC benefits to purchase the following foods:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Whole grains
- Peanut butter
- Canned fish
- Infant formula
- Baby food
You will receive a certain amount of money each month on your WIC card, depending on your family’s size and income. The amount of money you receive will vary from month to month, depending on the prices of food.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | $47 per month |
| Milk | $162 per month |
| Cheese | $24 per month |
| Yogurt | $24 per month |
| Eggs | $24 per month |
| Whole grains | $24 per month |
| Peanut butter | $9 per month |
| Canned fish | $9 per month |
| Infant formula | $134 per month |
| Baby food | $67 per month |
You can use your WIC benefits to purchase any brand of food that is in the WIC food package. You do not have to purchase the cheapest brand of food. However, you may want to compare prices to get the best deal.
If you have any questions about using your WIC benefits, you can contact your local WIC office.
How to Get WIC Benefits
The WIC program is a federal program that provides food assistance to women, infants, and children. To qualify for WIC, you must meet certain income and nutritional risk criteria. If you are eligible for WIC, you will receive a monthly food package that includes healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, and eggs.
Finding WIC Distribution Centers
To find a WIC distribution center near you, you can use the WIC website or call the toll-free number 1-800-678-4942. The WIC website also has a map that shows the location of WIC distribution centers in each state.
Eligibility for WIC
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- Children under the age of 5
- Children at nutritional risk
Documents Needed to Apply for WIC
- Proof of income
- Proof of residency
- Proof of identity
- Proof of pregnancy or breastfeeding (if applicable)
- Proof of child’s age (if applicable)
WIC Food Packages
| Food Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fruits | 4-6 servings per day |
| Vegetables | 3-5 servings per day |
| Milk | 2-3 cups per day |
| Cheese | 1-2 ounces per day |
| Eggs | 1-2 eggs per day |
Thanks so much for reading! If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to give your local WIC office a call. And be sure to check back later for more helpful posts on everything from budgeting to baby care. Until next time, take care and keep on thriving!