To qualify for WIC in Washington state, you must meet certain income requirements and be a resident of the state. You must also be pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for a child under the age of five. Additionally, you must provide proof of income, proof of identity, and proof of residence. You can apply for WIC at your local WIC clinic or online at the Washington State Department of Health website.
Eligibility Requirements for WIC in Washington
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides nutrition and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and children under the age of 5. In Washington, WIC is administered by the Washington State Department of Health.
To be eligible for WIC in Washington, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a pregnant woman, a new mother, a breastfeeding woman, or a child under the age of 5.
- Have a low income. Income limits for WIC vary depending on family size.
- Reside in Washington state.
You can apply for WIC online, by phone, or in person at a local WIC clinic. The application process is confidential and you will be asked to provide documentation to verify your eligibility, such as proof of income, proof of residency, and a health history.
Once you are approved for WIC, you will receive a WIC card. You can use your WIC card to purchase WIC-approved foods at authorized WIC vendors. WIC-approved foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, cheese, eggs, and beans.
In addition to food assistance, WIC also provides nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support. WIC staff can provide you with information on healthy eating, infant feeding, and breastfeeding. They can also connect you with other resources in the community, such as food banks and health care providers.
If you are a low-income pregnant woman, new mother, breastfeeding woman, or a child under the age of 5, you may be eligible for WIC. Apply today and get the nutrition and support you need to stay healthy.
Income Limits for WIC in Washington
The following table shows the income limits for WIC in Washington, as of October 1, 2023:
| Family Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|—|—|
| 1 | $2,678 |
| 2 | $3,592 |
| 3 | $4,506 |
| 4 | $5,419 |
| 5 | $6,332 |
| 6 | $7,246 |
| 7 | $8,159 |
| 8 | $9,072 |
| Each additional person | Add $1,079 |
If your family income is at or below the limit for your family size, you may be eligible for WIC. To apply for WIC, visit the Washington WIC website or call 1-800-322-0229.
Income Guidelines for WIC in Washington
To qualify for WIC in Washington, you must meet certain income guidelines. The income guidelines are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The FPL is a measure of income that is used to determine eligibility for many government programs.
The following table shows the income guidelines for WIC in Washington for different household sizes.
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $21,980 |
| 2 | $29,650 |
| 3 | $37,320 |
| 4 | $44,990 |
| Each additional household member | $7,670 |
- The income guidelines are updated annually.
- You can apply for WIC at your local WIC clinic.
- You will need to provide proof of income when you apply.
- If you are eligible for WIC, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to buy food at authorized WIC stores.
Documentation Needed for WIC Application in Washington
To determine WIC eligibility and process your application, the following documentation is needed. Originals or copies of the following documents are accepted.
- Proof of Identity: Driver’s license, State ID card, photo ID card, Tribal ID card, or Passport
- Proof of Address: Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, rent receipts, driver’s license with current address, or voter registration card
- Proof of Income: Two consecutive pay stubs, Social Security or Supplemental Security Income award letter, unemployment benefits stub, or self-employment income and expenses
- Proof of Pregnancy: Medical records showing you are pregnant or a statement from your healthcare provider
- Proof of Child’s Age/Birth: Birth certificate, hospital records, passport, or immunization records
- Proof of Residency: Most recent tax return, Tribal enrollment card, or statement from service provider
- Proof of Student Status: Current class schedule, enrollment, or tuition statement
Additional Documents
If you are applying for WIC benefits based on medical or nutritional risk, you may also need to provide the following additional documentation:
- Medical records or a statement from your healthcare provider that documents the medical or nutritional risk
- Proof of disability or special needs, such as a Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) award letter or a statement from your healthcare provider
| Proof of Identity | Proof of Address | Proof of Income | Proof of Pregnancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver’s license | Utility bill | Pay stubs | Medical records |
| State ID card | Lease | Social Security award letter | Statement from healthcare provider |
| Photo ID card | Mortgage statement | Unemployment benefits stub | |
| Tribal ID card | Rent receipts | Self-employment income and expenses | |
| Passport | Driver’s license with current address | ||
| Voter registration card |
## Applying for WIC in Washington
The Washington State WIC Program provides nutrition and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. To qualify for WIC in Washington, you must meet the following income and residency requirements:
**Income Requirements**
* Your household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
* For a family of four, this means an annual income of $52,665 or less.
**Residency Requirements**
* You must be a Washington State resident.
* You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
**How to Apply**
You can apply for WIC online, by phone, or in person at a local WIC clinic.
**Online**
* Visit the Washington State WIC website: https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/WIC
* Click on the “Apply for WIC” button.
* Fill out the online application.
**Phone**
* Call the Washington State WIC Information Line at 1-800-322-2588.
* A WIC staff member will help you complete the application over the phone.
**In Person**
* Visit a local WIC clinic.
* A WIC staff member will help you complete the application in person.
**What to Bring to Your Appointment**
When you come to your WIC appointment, please bring the following documents with you:
* Proof of income (such as a paycheck stub, tax return, or bank statement)
* Proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or food stamps card)
* Your child’s immunization records
* Your child’s birth certificate (if you have one)
**What to Expect at Your Appointment**
At your WIC appointment, you will meet with a WIC staff member who will:
* Verify your income and residency eligibility.
* Screen you for anemia and other health conditions.
* Provide you with nutrition education.
* Give you a WIC card that you can use to purchase WIC-approved foods at authorized grocery stores.
**Benefits of WIC**
WIC provides a variety of benefits to eligible families, including:
* Free healthy food
* Nutrition education
* Breastfeeding support
* Referrals to other health and social services
**If you are a low-income pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman, infant, or child under age 5, you may be eligible for WIC. Apply today to see if you qualify.**