Your guide to WIC: How to apply, find an office, & use your benefits

What is WIC?

WIC is a benefits program that helps with your family’s health and nutrition needs during pregnancy and early childhood. The program recognizes these years as critical for growth and development, setting both parents and children up for a healthy future.

Decades of research show that WIC participation helps families improve their health and save money. The program lowers the chance of premature delivery, low birth weight, and hospital intensive care for newborns. WIC also helps kids see doctors and dentists regularly, get vaccinated on time, eat healthier foods, and do better in school.

When you qualify and sign up for WIC, you can get:

• Monthly food benefits worth an average of $60 a month per family
• One-on-one nutrition advice & breastfeeding support tailored to your needs, including breast pumps
• Health screenings for pregnant and new mothers, infants, and children
• Referrals and connections to services like Medicaid, SNAP, Head Start, and other services in your community

WIC is available in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Indian Tribal Organizations, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Each US state or territory has its own federally funded program.

States use their funds to staff WIC offices, which may be part of health centers, hospitals, local health departments, or other community organizations.

Who can get WIC?

Whether you’re married, single, working, or not working, WIC supports all kinds of families. Low-income people who are pregnant, postpartum, or nursing—as well as caretakers for children up to age 5 — can apply for WIC.

To qualify for WIC, your income must meet the guidelines and a healthcare professional needs to check your or your child’s nutritional needs. Most low-income applicants qualify because it’s hard to afford enough healthy food on a tight budget.

The income limits for WIC are higher than you might expect. A family of four can qualify with an income of up to $57,720 per year.

If you already get Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you automatically meet WIC’s income requirements. Even if you think you earn too much to qualify for WIC, it’s worth checking — especially if you’re pregnant. And yes, that means you can use SNAP and WIC at the same time.

While many WIC recipients are mothers, the program supports all kinds of caregivers, including:

• Pregnant people
• New parents (up to 6 months after giving birth)
• Breastfeeding or nursing parents (up to your baby's first birthday)
• Partners caring for kids under 5
• Grandparents raising young children
• Foster parents
• Other guardians of children under 5

WIC helps almost half of all US newborns, but only 50 percent of eligible families participate. Around 6 million people who qualify each month don’t use the program.

WIC income guidelines

If you don’t already receive SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid, your total household income before taxes must be at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify for WIC benefits.

On your WIC application, include income from jobs, self-employment, and other benefits like Social Security, disability, child support, worker’s compensation, unemployment, and pension income.

If someone in your household is pregnant, include the number of expected children in your household size, even if they haven’t been born yet.

WIC income eligibility guidelines from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025:

How long can you stay on WIC?

WIC is meant to be a short-term program that helps you support your family’s and your child’s development when it matters most. The right foods during pregnancy and early childhood build your family’s health for years to come.

You can get WIC benefits for six months after childbirth. If you’re breastfeeding beyond six months, you can get WIC for up to a year after birth. Children are eligible for WIC for one year at a time, and their benefits need to be renewed annually.

How to enroll in WIC

Getting started with WIC is easier than you might think. Many families are referred to WIC when applying for Medicaid, SNAP, or other community services.

If you’re applying to WIC for the first time, look for a form on your state health agency website to start the application process and/or schedule an appointment. Some WIC offices have walk-in hours and flexible scheduling. If you qualify, you can get benefits on the same day you apply at many of these WIC offices.

Some states offer remote appointments for WIC, while others require you to go in person. Regardless of your citizenship status, WIC keeps your personal information confidential. Your WIC office will let you know what information or documents you need to have for your appointment. Some examples include:

Identification (ID)

You’ll need to bring identity documents for every member of your household who will be on the WIC program. Check with your state’s WIC agency for ID requirements.

Proof of address

To prove your address, you can bring a utility bill, a postmarked piece of mail addressed to you, a lease or rent receipt from your landlord, or a driver’s license or other identification card that lists your address.

Proof of income

You only need to show proof of income for WIC if you are not already enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid. A recent pay stub, letter from an employer, or an eligibility letter for one of the other benefit programs all work to prove your income.

The office may only need you to show screenshots or upload a digital copy of your documents, so in many cases you won’t even need to bring paper copies.

At your WIC appointment (in-person or remote), staff will:

• Check your nutrition needs through a quick health screening
• Take measurements and do a simple blood test if needed
• Create a personalized food package based on what works for your family

If you qualify for WIC, you’ll receive an eWIC card in the office or in the mail — sometimes the same day you apply. The eWIC card works just like an EBT card and similarly to a debit card, it will be loaded with money and you can swipe it to use on covered items.

Find WIC offices near you

There are around 10,000 local WIC offices nationwide. WIC services are often located in community health centers, hospitals, and local health departments. Keep in mind that each office can have its own application and appointment process.

Contact your local WIC office to learn about their application process. They can tell you if they offer online, phone, or in-person appointments. In some places, especially in bigger cities, multiple WIC offices may serve your location — you can ask about all your options when you call. Sometimes you aren’t restricted to the office in your immediate area.

Reporting changes to your WIC office

Keeping your WIC benefits active means staying in touch with your WIC office about changes in your life. While it might seem like extra work, reporting changes helps make sure you get all the benefits you qualify for.

Tell your WIC office when:

• You move or get a new phone number
• You become pregnant
• A new baby or child under 5 joins your family
• Your breastfeeding status changes

WIC certification periods are different depending on the stage of pregnancy you’re in or the age of your child. In general, here’s how long WIC certifications last:

For people who are pregnant: Throughout pregnancy and 6 weeks postpartum

For people who are breastfeeding: Up to 1 year postpartum

For non-breastfeeding parents: 6 months postpartum

For infants and children: 1 year at a time until age 5

Most WIC participants have appointments every two to three months. Your WIC office will schedule your recertification appointment during one of your regular visits before your benefits end.

Moving to a new state while on WIC

Each state runs its own WIC program, which means approved foods can vary. For example:

• California might allow certain brands of cereal that New York does not
• Texas might offer different yogurt options than Florida
• Some states might provide more fresh produce options than others

Your WIC case and food package won’t automatically transfer to a new state if you move. Let your WIC office know you’re moving and get a verification of certification (VOC) form.

Your benefits will continue if you show proof that you had WIC before — just make sure to transfer before your current certification period ends. Schedule an appointment in your new state as soon as possible to find out more about that state's approved food options.

If you move to a new state, you'll need to get a new eWIC card. Each state has its own card system and can't accept cards from other states.

What can you buy with WIC?

WIC provides individually-tailored food packages depending on your life stage. WIC benefits for a pregnant person are different from those for a family with an infant or a 2-year-old. The average monthly value of WIC benefits for infants is over $130 per month, while the average benefit for people who are pregnant or postpartum is closer to $40.

Your package is designed specifically for your nutrition needs, whether you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or feeding young children. While WIC won’t cover all of your groceries, it provides foods chosen by medical experts to help fill common gaps in family diets. Keep in mind that each state’s WIC agency chooses which brands and item sizes are approved for WIC food packages.

What you can get with WIC:

• Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables
• Milk, cheese, and eggs
• Whole grain bread, cereal, and other grain products
• Beans and peanut butter
• 100% fruit or vegetable juice
• Baby food and formula if needed

There are seven categories available under the WIC food packages updated in 2024. The latest food packages have:

• More whole grain options for cereal, bread, and other grains
• Yogurt and milk with less sugar
• Foods that fit your culture, diet, and health needs
• Flexible formula amounts to support any amount of breastfeeding
• Different package sizes to make shopping easier

In addition to these staples, WIC also provides “cash value benefits” that are only for fruits and vegetables. From October 2024 through September 2025, the monthly cash value benefit is $47 for pregnant and postpartum WIC recipients, $52 for mostly or fully breastfeeding WIC recipients, and $26 for children.

Have dietary restrictions? WIC has options. Tell your WIC office about:

• Lactose intolerance (they can provide lactose-free milk)
• Food allergies
• Cultural food preferences or restrictions
• Medical conditions needing special foods

Remember: WIC's goal is to help you eat healthy foods in a way that works for you and your family. They'll work with you to find alternatives that fit your needs.

Shopping with your eWIC card

There are around 47,000 WIC-approved grocery stores nationwide, and that often includes stores like Target and Whole Foods. Stores that accept WIC benefits have a WIC logo on the front window. Instead of paper vouchers, WIC recipients now receive eWIC cards that work like debit cards. This makes shopping much simpler and more discreet. Here's how to make the most of your benefits:

Before you shop:

• Download your state's WIC app (30 states use WICShopper) to scan items and check your balance
• Check which brands and sizes your state's WIC program covers

While you shop:

• Look for "WIC Approved" labels on store shelves
• Buy your fruits and vegetables early in the month so you don’t lose any of your produce dollars

At checkout:

• Always use your eWIC card first, before SNAP or other forms of payment
• Let the checkout system sort your WIC items automatically (you don't need to separate WIC items anymore)

Don’t worry if a WIC-approved item gets declined. Sometimes stores just need to update their systems. Ask for a manager, save your receipt, and call your WIC office if you need help resolving the issue—that’s what they’re here for.

Your grocery store may also offer curbside pick-up, drive-through windows, and special WIC food sections.

Can you use WIC for online grocery shopping?

Unlike SNAP benefits, WIC benefits currently cannot be used online. The USDA—the federal agency in charge of WIC rules and regulations— proposed new rule in 2023 to allow online WIC shopping. While this change will take time to roll out across states, progress is happening. For example, New Jersey plans to start exploring online WIC shopping in 2025.

Does WIC cover formula?

WIC provides support for formula based on your specific situation. They understand that every baby is different and will work with you to provide:

• The right amount of formula based on your baby's age and needs
• Special formulas if your baby has medical requirements
• Flexible amounts if you're combining breastfeeding and formula
• Support if you need to switch formulas

WIC staff will work with you to provide what your baby needs.

Breastfeeding support services and nutrition education requirements

WIC offers free breastfeeding support services. Many WIC offices have trained breastfeeding counselors who can help you with questions about breastfeeding and pumping at work or school.

WIC also provides nutrition education to help you make the most of your benefits. Depending on your location, you may have access to:

• Online learning programs about healthy eating and child development
• Virtual nutrition sessions
• One-on-one support from WIC staff

Ask your WIC office what nutrition and breastfeeding support options are available in your area.

What other discounts do you get with WIC?

Participating in the WIC program has other perks apart from the monthly food benefits and support for new parents. Your eWIC card can get you discounts on utility and internet bills, and free or cheaper tickets to thousands of museums and cultural attractions nationwide. Get more information at your WIC office.

Need more help with WIC?

WIC is here to support you and your family. You’re not alone–roughly 6.6 million parents, babies, and young children use the program each month. Ready to get started? Find your local WIC agency now.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I swap items in my food package?

A: You have many choices when shopping with WIC benefits. You can pick which fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, and cereal brands work best for your family. If you need to make changes to your WIC foods due to allergies or health conditions, talk with WIC staff at your next appointment or call them to discuss your needs.

Q: How much formula can I get with WIC?

A: Your WIC formula amount varies based on:

• How you feed your baby (formula only, or combining breastfeeding and formula)
• Your baby's age
• The type of formula (soy-based, milk-based, etc.)
• The form you choose (powder or liquid concentrate)

Your WIC office will help determine the right number of cans to support your feeding choices.

Q: How do WIC online classes work?

A: WIC offers free nutrition tips and healthy eating ideas you can access online from your phone or computer. Ask your WIC office what learning options are available in your area.

Q: How do I get nutritional counseling?

A: At your first WIC appointment, you'll talk with staff about health and nutrition for you and your child. They can help you choose foods that support a healthy pregnancy or help your child grow strong. If you have special dietary needs or medical conditions, such as diabetes, WIC staff can connect you with additional support. Free breastfeeding support and nutrition guidance are available throughout your time with WIC.

Q: Can I get WIC if I’m on Medicaid?

A: Children over the age of one and under five must be enrolled in Medicaid to be automatically eligible for WIC. Medicaid recipients automatically meet WIC’s income requirements if they are pregnant, recently postpartum, or caring for a child under 5.

Q: Can I get WIC if I’m on SNAP?

A: SNAP recipients automatically meet WIC’s income requirements if they are pregnant, recently postpartum, or caring for a child under 5. A child in a household that receives SNAP is income eligible for WIC.