Signing up for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) in Louisiana can be done by following a few simple steps. First, gather the necessary documents, including proof of income, proof of residence, a photo ID, and proof of pregnancy or having a child under the age of 5. Next, locate your local WIC office using the WIC website or by calling the toll-free number. Schedule an appointment and bring the required documents. During the appointment, you will meet with a WIC staff member who will review your eligibility, verify your information, and provide you with a WIC e-card that can be used to purchase WIC-approved foods at authorized grocery stores.
## Program Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for WIC in Louisiana, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a woman, infant, or child.
- Be a Louisiana resident.
- Meet income guidelines (see table below).
- Have a nutritional need, as determined by a health professional.
Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under 5 years of age are automatically considered to have a nutritional need.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,903 |
| 2 | $2,546 |
| 3 | $3,190 |
| 4 | $3,833 |
| 5 | $4,476 |
| 6 | $5,120 |
Required Documentation for WIC Application
To apply for WIC in Louisiana, you will need to provide the following documentation:
- Proof of income (such as a paycheck stub, tax return, or Social Security statement)
- Proof of identity (such as a driver’s license, ID card, or passport)
- Proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement)
- Proof of pregnancy or a child under age 5
- Proof of income (such as a paycheck stub, tax return, or Social Security statement)
- Proof of identity (such as a driver’s license, ID card, or passport)
- Proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement)
- Proof of pregnancy or a child under age 5
| Required Document | Acceptable Forms |
|---|---|
| Proof of Income | • Paycheck stub • Tax return • Social Security statement |
| Proof of Identity | • Driver’s license • ID card • Passport |
| Proof of Residency | • Utility bill • Lease agreement • Mortgage statement |
| Proof of Pregnancy or a Child Under Age 5 | • Doctor’s note • Birth certificate • Child health record |
Locating WIC Offices in Louisiana
There are several ways to locate WIC offices in Louisiana:
- Visit the Louisiana Department of Health’s website:
https://www.ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/1401 - Call the Louisiana WIC Hotline at (800) 256-4277
- Use the WIC Clinic Locator on the USDA website:
https://maps.nal.usda.gov/wic
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for WIC in Louisiana, you must meet the following requirements:
* Be a pregnant woman, a new mother, or a child under the age of 5
* Meet income guidelines (see table below)
* Live in Louisiana
| Family Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $22,270 |
| 2 | $30,140 |
| 3 | $38,010 |
| 4 | $45,880 |
| Each additional family member | + $7,870 |
Application Process
To apply for WIC in Louisiana, you can:
1. Visit a WIC office in person
2. Apply online at the Louisiana Department of Health’s website:
https://www.ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/1401
3. Mail the completed WIC application form to:
**WIC Program**
** Louisiana Department of Health**
**P.O. Box 60630**
**New Orleans, LA 70160**
Documents Required
When you apply for WIC, you will need to provide the following documents:
* Proof of income (such as a pay stub or tax return)
* Proof of identity (such as a driver’s license or birth certificate)
* Proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement)
* Proof of pregnancy or childbirth (if applicable)
* Child’s immunization records (if applicable)
Benefits and Services Offered by WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritional support and other services to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under five at low income levels. By WIC attendance, participants receive:
- Nutritious foods to help improve the health of pregnant women, new mothers, and children
- Nutrition education, recipes, and breastfeeding support
- Referrals to other health and social services, such as prenatal care, parenting classes, and family planning
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for WIC in Louisiana, you must:
- Be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman
- Have an infant or child under the age of five
- Meet income guidelines (185% of the Federal Poverty Level)
- Have a nutritional risk, as determined by a healthcare professional
How to Apply
To apply for WIC in Louisiana, you can:
- Visit your local WIC clinic
- Call the WIC hotline at 1-888-942-4536
- Apply online at https://applyforwicebt.com/la
Required Documents
When you apply for WIC, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
- Proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, lease)
- Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns)
- Proof of pregnancy or breastfeeding (e.g., doctor’s note)
- Proof of child’s age (e.g., birth certificate)
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Breastfeeding support
- Referrals to other health and social services
Benefits Provided
WIC participants receive a variety of foods, including:
| Food Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits and Vegetables | Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables; 100% fruit juice |
| Dairy Products | Milk, cheese, yogurt |
| Whole Grains | Brown rice, oatmeal, whole wheat bread |
| Protein Foods | Beans, lentils, eggs, meat, fish, poultry |
| Infant Formula | For infants who are not breastfeeding |
In addition to food, WIC participants also receive:
Well, folks, there you have it! Signing up for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Louisiana is a breeze. Remember, this program is here to provide nutritional support and education for you and your little ones. So, if you’re eligible, don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of this valuable resource. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit us again soon if you have any more questions or need additional information.