To apply for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Illinois, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements and provide specific documents. Eligibility is based on income, nutritional risk, and residency. The required documents may include proof of income, such as pay stubs or a tax return, proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or passport. The application process typically involves filling out a form and providing the necessary documents at a local WIC clinic or authorized agency. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase WIC-approved foods at authorized grocery stores.
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Eligibility Criteria for WIC in Illinois
The Illinois WIC program, known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), provides nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5. To be eligible for WIC in Illinois, applicants must meet specific criteria:
Income Eligibility
- Pregnant women must meet income guidelines based on household size and monthly gross income.
- Postpartum and breastfeeding women must meet income guidelines for up to 6 months after the baby’s birth.
- Infants and children up to age 5 must meet income guidelines based on household size and monthly gross income.
Residency
Applicants must reside in Illinois for the duration of their WIC benefits.
Nutritional Risk
Applicants must be at nutritional risk. This is determined by a healthcare professional based on factors such as:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Dietary intake assessment
- Height and weight measurements
Other Eligibility Factors
In addition to the above criteria, applicants may also be eligible for WIC if they:
- Are receiving Medicaid or SNAP benefits
- Are living in a foster home or group home
- Are experiencing homelessness
Income Eligibility Table
The following table outlines the income guidelines for WIC eligibility in Illinois:
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,343 |
| 2 | $3,153 |
| 3 | $3,963 |
| 4 | $4,772 |
| 5 | $5,582 |
| 6 | $6,391 |
| 7 | $7,199 |
| 8 | $8,008 |
Income limits are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Illinois WIC website or contact your local WIC clinic.
WIC Office Locations
To apply for WIC in Illinois, you will need to visit a local WIC office. You can find a list of WIC office locations by visiting the Illinois WIC website or by calling the Illinois WIC hotline at 1-800-842-8964.
- Chicago WIC Office: 826 West Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608
- Cook County WIC Office: 3400 West Cermak Road, Cicero, IL 60804
- DuPage County WIC Office: 421 North County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187
- Kane County WIC Office: 719 South Batavia Avenue, Geneva, IL 60134
- Lake County WIC Office: 100 North County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085
- McHenry County WIC Office: 1001 Country Club Road, Woodstock, IL 60098
- Will County WIC Office: 1401 Theodore Street, Joliet, IL 60435
Please note that WIC office hours may vary, so it is always best to call ahead to confirm before visiting.
Application Process Details
To apply for WIC in Illinois, you will need to gather the following documents:
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, state ID card, passport)
- Proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns)
- Proof of address (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement)
- Proof of pregnancy or breastfeeding (e.g., doctor’s note, birth certificate)
- Child’s immunization records (if applicable)
Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can apply for WIC online, by phone, or in person at your local WIC clinic.
To apply online, visit the Illinois WIC website at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/wic/apply.html. To apply by phone, call the WIC hotline at 1-800-323-6189. To apply in person, visit your local WIC clinic during business hours.
The WIC application process typically takes 1-2 weeks. Once your application is approved, you will receive a WIC card that you can use to purchase eligible food items at authorized grocery stores.
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Yes |
| Proof of income | Yes |
| Proof of address | Yes |
| Proof of pregnancy or breastfeeding | Yes |
| Child’s immunization records (if applicable) | Yes, if applicable |
Hey there, thanks for sticking with me until the end! I hope this article gave you all the info you needed about applying for WIC in Illinois. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out. And don’t forget to come back soon for more helpful tidbits. I’ll be here, waiting to dish out the knowledge. See you later!