WIC (Women, Infants & Children)

What is WIC?

WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to health care. It is a federal program run by states. Applying is free.

Who qualifies

You qualify if you are:

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

And your income is at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines for your family size. Your state's poverty guidelines vary slightly. Check our state pages to find the exact income limit where you live.

If you already get SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), you automatically meet the income rule.

You must also live in the state where you apply.

How much does WIC pay?

WIC does not pay cash. Instead, you receive vouchers or a card to buy specific healthy foods at approved stores. The foods include:

• Milk and cheese
• Eggs
• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Beans and nuts
• Infant formula and baby food
• Breastfeeding support items

The amount of food you get depends on your age and household members. A WIC clinic can tell you exactly what you qualify for.

How to apply

Step 1: Find your local WIC clinic

Your state runs WIC through local clinics or agencies. Use our state pages to find the clinic near you.

Step 2: Make an appointment

Contact the clinic. Many let you call, email or apply online. Some take walk-ins.

Step 3: Go to your appointment

Bring:

• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or a letter from your employer)
• Proof of address (utility bill or lease)
• Proof of who lives in your home (birth certificates, school records)
• Proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or state ID)
• Proof of Social Security Number (card or tax return)

If you receive SNAP, Medicaid or TANF, bring proof of that instead of income.

Step 4: Get screened at the clinic

A WIC worker will:

• Check your income
• Measure the height and weight of children
• Check a blood sample (usually a simple finger prick) to see if there is a nutrition need
• Ask questions about diet and health
• Answer your questions about food and feeding

Only the WIC clinic can decide if you qualify. Eligibility is based on income and nutrition risk.

Step 5: Receive your benefits

If you qualify, you will get a card or vouchers to use at approved grocery stores. The clinic will show you how to use them.

What happens after you apply

Once approved, you will get:

• A WIC card or vouchers to buy food
• Nutrition education from a WIC dietitian or educator
• Breastfeeding support if you need it
• Help finding health care, dental care, and other services

Your benefits start right away in most states.

Renewing your benefits

WIC benefits expire. You must renew to keep them. Your clinic will tell you when to renew—usually once a year. You must:

• Go back to your clinic for a new appointment
• Bring proof of income and address again
• Get screened for nutrition risk again

If you miss your renewal deadline, your benefits will stop. Contact your clinic as soon as you can to renew.

Common mistakes

Missing your appointment. Write down the date and time. Call ahead if you cannot go.

Not bringing the right documents. Bring originals or copies. If you get SNAP, Medicaid or TANF, bring proof of that—you don't have to prove income again.

Thinking WIC is just for formula. WIC covers many healthy foods for the whole family. You may qualify even if you are breastfeeding or feeding your child solid food.

Not asking about nutrition education. WIC offers free classes and one-on-one help with feeding and cooking. Ask your clinic about classes.

Related help

If you need food assistance beyond what WIC provides, you may also qualify for:

• SNAP, which gives cash-like benefits to buy any food
• TANF, which provides cash assistance for families with children
• Medicaid, which covers health care for pregnant women, children, and families
• Referrals to WIC clinics, which can connect you to doctors, dentists, and other health services

WIC clinics can help you apply for these programs too.

Find your state's WIC program

Each state runs WIC differently and may have different forms or timelines. Find your state's WIC page to learn the details where you live.

Learn more from the USDA