Can dads or grandparents apply for WIC?

The short answer

No. WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children) is only for pregnant women, women up to 6 months after pregnancy (up to 1 year if breastfeeding), infants, and children under age 5.

Dads and grandparents cannot be the main applicants for WIC. But they can help a mother or caregiver apply for an eligible child.

Who can apply for WIC

You can apply for WIC if you are:

• Pregnant
• A woman up to 6 months after pregnancy (or up to 1 year if breastfeeding)
• An infant
• A child under age 5

A parent, guardian, or other caregiver applies on behalf of a child or infant.

What dads and grandparents can do

If you are a dad or grandparent, you can:

• Help a mother or caregiver gather documents for the application
• Go to the WIC clinic appointment with them
• Help manage the household budget to use WIC benefits

WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care.

How to apply

The eligible person (mother, caregiver, or guardian) applies through a local WIC clinic or agency. They will need to show they live in the state where they apply and meet the income limit. Income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. People who get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF automatically meet the income rule.

Applying is free, and only the WIC agency decides who qualifies.