How to Apply for WIC: What to Bring and What to Expect

Who can get WIC

WIC serves:

• Pregnant women
• Women up to 6 months after pregnancy (or up to 1 year if you're breastfeeding)
• Infants
• Children under age 5

Your income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. If you already get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you automatically meet the income requirement.

What WIC provides

WIC gives you:

• Healthy foods like milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal and fresh fruits and vegetables
• Nutrition education
• Breastfeeding support
• Referrals to health care

Step 1: Find your local WIC clinic

Each state runs its own WIC program. Call your state health department or search online for your state's WIC office. You can also search for a WIC clinic near you using your state's WIC website.

Step 2: Schedule an appointment

Contact your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment. Many clinics can schedule you quickly. Some may offer virtual or in-person visits.

Step 3: Gather documents before your appointment

Bring documents that prove:

• Who you are: A driver's license, passport, state ID, or birth certificate
• Where you live: A recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other proof of your current address in your state
• Your income: Recent pay stubs, tax returns, a letter from your employer, bank statements, or a benefits statement from SNAP, Medicaid or TANF
• Household size: Birth certificates for your children or proof of who lives with you
• Pregnancy or postpartum status (if applying for yourself): A letter from your doctor confirming your pregnancy or recent birth
• Breastfeeding status (if applying): A statement from your doctor or health care provider if you're breastfeeding

Call your local clinic ahead of time to ask exactly what documents they need. Requirements may vary by state.

Step 4: Go to your appointment

During your visit, the WIC clinic will:

• Check your income and make sure you live in the state
• Weigh and measure you and your children (if applying for them)
• Check your nutrition risk by asking about your diet and health
• Ask health and background questions

A WIC staff member will explain the program and teach you about healthy foods and nutrition.

Step 5: Get approved and receive benefits

If you're approved, you'll get a WIC card or vouchers to buy approved foods at grocery stores that accept WIC. The clinic will explain how to use your benefits and where you can shop.

What to know about applying

Applying is free. WIC staff will never charge you to apply.

Only the WIC agency decides if you qualify. Meeting the income and other requirements does not guarantee approval. The clinic also checks your nutrition risk.

You must be seen by a WIC clinic. You cannot apply by mail or phone alone. You need to visit a clinic for an in-person evaluation.

You must live in the state where you apply. You cannot apply for WIC in one state and use it in another.

If you're having trouble

If you can't find a WIC clinic near you or need help applying, contact your state's WIC program directly. Each state's health department can connect you with local services.