The maximum income that a household can have to be eligible for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children program) varies depending on the state of residence and family size. In general, the income limit is set at 185% of the federal poverty level, which is adjusted annually. For a family of four, the maximum income limit for WIC in 2023 is $53,856 per year. Households with incomes above this limit may still be eligible for WIC if they meet certain other criteria, such as being homeless or having a disability. It’s worth checking with the WIC office in each state for specific income eligibility guidelines.
Eligibility Requirements for WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal nutrition program that provides food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other health care services to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.
To be eligible for WIC, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of the United States.
- Be a pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman, or an infant or child under the age of 5.
- Meet the income eligibility guidelines.
- Be at nutritional risk, as determined by a health professional.
Income eligibility for WIC is based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The FPL is a measure of poverty that is used to determine eligibility for a number of federal programs. The FPL is updated each year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
| Household Size | 2023 FPL |
|---|---|
| 1 | $14,580 |
| 2 | $19,920 |
| 3 | $25,260 |
| 4 | $30,600 |
| 5 | $35,940 |
| 6 | $41,280 |
| 7 | $46,620 |
| 8 | $51,960 |
For households with more than 8 members, add $5,340 for each additional member.
Pregnant women, postpartum women, and breastfeeding women are eligible for WIC if their income is at or below 185% of the FPL. Infants and children under the age of 5 are eligible for WIC if their income is at or below 130% of the FPL.
WIC is a valuable program that can help to improve the health and well-being of low-income women, infants, and children. If you think you may be eligible for WIC, please contact your local WIC clinic.
Income Guidelines for WIC
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, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as to infants and children under the age of five. To be eligible for WIC, applicants must meet certain income guidelines. The income guidelines are based on the federal poverty level (FPL), which is a measure of poverty used by the U.S. government. The FPL is updated annually.
The income guidelines for WIC are as follows:
- Pregnant women: 185% of the FPL
- Breastfeeding women: 185% of the FPL
- Postpartum women: 185% of the FPL
- Infants: 185% of the FPL
- Children under age 5: 185% of the FPL
Income is calculated based on the applicant’s household size and income. Household size includes the applicant and all of the applicant’s dependents. Income includes all sources of income, such as wages, salaries, tips, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, and child support.
Applicants who meet the income guidelines may still be eligible for WIC if they have certain risk factors, such as:
- Pregnant women who are underweight or overweight
- Breastfeeding women who have low milk supply
- Infants and children who are underweight or overweight
- Children who have developmental delays
| Household Size | 185% of the FPL |
|---|---|
| 1 | $25,710 |
| 2 | $34,860 |
| 3 | $44,010 |
| 4 | $53,160 |
| 5 | $62,310 |
| 6 | $71,460 |
| 7 | $80,610 |
| 8 | $89,760 |
Maximum Allowable Income for WIC
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income women, infants, and children.
To be eligible for WIC, applicants must meet certain income requirements. The maximum allowable income for WIC varies depending on the applicant’s household size and location.
- For a household of one, the maximum allowable income is 185% of the federal poverty level.
- For a household of two, the maximum allowable income is 200% of the federal poverty level.
- For a household of three, the maximum allowable income is 215% of the federal poverty level.
- For each additional household member, the maximum allowable income increases by 15%.
| Household Size | Maximum Allowable Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | 185% of the federal poverty level |
| 2 | 200% of the federal poverty level |
| 3 | 215% of the federal poverty level |
| 4 | 230% of the federal poverty level |
| 5 | 245% of the federal poverty level |
To find out if you are eligible for WIC, you can contact your local WIC clinic. You can also visit the WIC website at https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic.
Financial Assistance for Pregnant Women
Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a special supplemental food program that provides healthy food, health care, and parenting education to low-income women who are:
- Pregnancy
- Postpartum
- Breastfeeding
- Have children up to the age of 5
WIC benefits include
* Checks or benefits card to purchase healthy food such as:
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Whole Grains
- Meat
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Infant formula
Breastfeeding support
- Breast pumps
- Lactation counseling
Health care services
- Immunization Screening
- Health Education
- Referrals to other health care and social services
Income Eligibility Limits
Eligibility for WIC is based on your family’s income and the number of people in your household. The following table shows the maximum income limits for WIC in each state:
| State | Income Limit for a Family of 4 |
| :— | —-: |
| State 1 | $48,739 |
| State 2 | $50,693 |
| State 3 | $57,444 |
| State 4 | $64,185 |
If your family’s income is at or below the limit for your state, you may be
eligible for WIC benefits.
How to apply for WIC
To apply for WIC, you can visit your local WIC office or call the toll-free number 1-800-328-4204. You can also apply for WIC online at the WIC website.
Documents you will need to provide
To apply for WIC, you will need to provide the following documents:
* A photo ID
* A proof of income
* A proof of your household size
* A proof of your status (pregnant, postpartum, or
breastfeeding)
How long can you receive WIC benefits
You can receive WIC benefits up to the following:
* Pregnancy: Up to 6 weeks postpartum
* Postpartum: Up to 6 months
* Breastfeeding: Up to 12 months
* Children: Up to the age of 5
Other financial assistance programs for
pregnant women
In addition to WIC, there are a number of other financial assistance programs available to low-income women who are
pregnant. These programs include:
* Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income individuals and
families that covers:
- Prenatal Care
- Labor and delivery
- Postpartum care
- Well-child care
* Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that
provides financial assistance to low-income
individuals who are:
- Aged 65 or older
- Blind
- Disabled
* Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is a
federal program that provides financial assistance to
low-income families with children.
If you are a low-income woman who is planning to be or have recently been
pregnant, you may be able to benefit from one or more of these financial assistance
programs.
Thanks for reading about the WIC income limit. I hope this information has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to help. In the meantime, be sure to check back for more updates on WIC and other programs that can help you and your family. Take care!