WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infant, and Children, is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under the age of 5. To be eligible for WIC, applicants must meet certain income and residency requirements. Income limits vary by state, but generally, applicants must have a household income that is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Residing in a WIC-approved area is also a requirement, which means that the applicant must live in a state or county that has an authorized WIC agency. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Proof of pregnancy or having at least one child under the age of 5 is also necessary. Meeting these qualifications allows individuals to access the nutrition, health care, and support services offered by the WIC program.
Program Requirements
- Be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman.
- Have a child under the age of 5.
- Meet income guidelines.
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
Income guidelines are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For example, a family of four with an income below 185% of the FPL is eligible for WIC.
To apply for WIC, contact your local WIC agency. You will need to provide proof of income, identity, and residency.
| Income Level | WIC Eligibility |
|—|—:|
|100% FPL or below |Eligible|
|185% FPL or below| Income-eligible |
|Over 185% FPL |Not eligible|
Income Guidelines
WIC follows the USDA income guidelines to determine eligibility. To qualify for WIC, your gross household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The FPL is adjusted each year based on the cost of living. For example, in 2023, a household of four with a gross income of $53,173 or less would be eligible for WIC.
Here is a table with the income guidelines for WIC in 2023:
| Household Size | Income Limit (185% of FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $28,859 |
| 2 | $38,961 |
| 3 | $49,064 |
| 4 | $53,173 |
| 5 | $57,283 |
| 6 | $61,393 |
| 7 | $65,503 |
| 8 | $69,613 |
| Each additional person | $4,110 |
WIC Qualifications
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that provides food and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to children under the age of 5 who are at nutritional risk.
- To qualify for WIC, you must meet the following income guidelines:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,213 |
| 2 | $2,963 |
| 3 | $3,713 |
| 4 | $4,463 |
| 5 | $5,213 |
| 6 | $5,963 |
| 7 | $6,713 |
| 8 | $7,463 |
| For each additional person, add | $750 |
You must also meet one of the following risk factors:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a child under the age of 5 who is at nutritional risk
- Have an income that is at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
Residency Restrictions
WIC is available to eligible individuals in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Pacific Islands. There are no residency restrictions for WIC.
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