The basic path to WIC
To get WIC, you contact your state or local WIC agency, bring proof of income and residency, and show that someone in your household is pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or a child under five. The agency then determines whether your household income falls within that state's limit — which varies by state and changes yearly — and whether you meet the other rules. If you do, you receive a WIC card or vouchers to buy specific foods at authorized stores.
The process usually takes one to three weeks from process to your first shopping trip. You do not need to be a citizen, but you do need a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each household member explore.
Key Takeaways
- Your state WIC office is the only place that can determine whether you meet income and other rules; you find it through your state health department website or by calling 211.
- You will need recent pay stubs or tax returns, proof of where you live, and proof of identity for each person in the household.
- Income limits are set by each state and change every October, so a household that did not may have access to last year may may have access to now.
- WIC covers only specific foods: infant formula, baby food, milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, whole-grain bread, and some fruits and vegetables.
Who can receive WIC
You can receive WIC if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum (up to six months after birth), or if you have a child under age five in your household. At least one person in the household must fall into one of those categories. You do not have to be the parent or guardian — a grandparent, aunt, or other caregiver can explore on behalf of a child.
Your household income must be at or below your state's limit. Most states set the limit at 185 percent of the federal poverty line, but some states use 200 percent. For example, in 2024, 185 percent of the poverty line for a family of three is roughly $4,000 per month gross income, but your state may differ. You can ask your WIC office what the current limit is for your household size.
You must also live in the state where you are explore. Some states require you to have lived there for a certain amount of time, but most do not.
Income limits and how they are measured
Your state WIC office counts gross income — the money your household earns before taxes are taken out. This includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and some other sources. It does not include tax refunds, one-time payments, or money from food stamps.
The income limit for your household depends on how many people live with you and eat from the same food supply. If you live with a partner and have one child, that is three people. If you live alone and are pregnant, that is one person. Your state sets the limit for each household size, and it changes every October when the federal poverty line updates.
You will need to bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), tax returns from the past year, or a letter from your employer showing your income. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or a profit-and-loss statement. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter or a recent statement showing the amount.
Documents you need to bring
Bring originals or copies of documents that show your income, where you live, and who you are. For income, bring recent pay stubs, a tax return, an award letter for benefits, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead. If you are self-employed, bring your most recent tax return or a profit-and-loss statement.
For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The document must show your address and be dated within the last 60 days.
For identity, bring a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or birth certificate. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that show your name, such as a Social Security card and a utility bill. Each household member who is explore (the pregnant person, the breastfeeding person, or each child under five) needs a Social Security number or ITIN.
How to find your local WIC office
Call 211 or visit 211.org and enter your zip code. The service will show you the WIC office nearest to you, along with the phone number and address. You can also visit your state health department website and search for "WIC" — most states list their local offices by county.
Some WIC offices let you explore in person, by phone, by mail, or online. Call ahead to ask which methods are available and whether you need an appointment. If you explore by phone or mail, the office will tell you which documents to send or bring later.
If you cannot reach your local office, call your state WIC director's office. The USDA WIC website (fns.usda.gov/wic) has a link to each state's WIC program, which includes contact information for the state office.
What happens after you explore
After you submit your process and documents, the WIC office reviews them to confirm your income is within the limit, you live in the state, and someone in your household is pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or under five. This review usually takes one to three weeks. Some offices are faster; some take longer depending on how busy they are.
Once you are approved, you will attend a nutrition education appointment, either in person or by phone. This appointment covers topics like breastfeeding, infant formula preparation, or healthy eating for young children. It usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes. After the appointment, you receive your WIC card or vouchers and a list of authorized stores where you can shop.
You will also get a list of the foods you can buy with WIC. The foods are the same across all states: infant formula, baby food, milk, cheese, eggs, dried beans or peanut butter, whole-grain bread, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. Some states add items like canned fish or whole-wheat pasta. You can only buy these foods with your WIC benefit.
Income changes and recertification
Your WIC benefit lasts for a set period — usually one year for children and six months for pregnant or breastfeeding people. Before your benefit ends, the WIC office will contact you to recertify. You will need to bring updated income documents and confirm that you still meet the rules.
If your income changes during the year and goes above your state's limit, you should tell the WIC office. Your benefit may end, but you can reapply if your income drops back below the limit later. If your income drops, tell the office — you may still be within the limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You do not have to be a citizen to receive WIC. You do need a Social Security number or ITIN for each household member explore. If you do not have either, ask your WIC office whether they can help you obtain an ITIN before you explore.
What if my income is slightly above the limit?
If your income is above your state's limit, you do not meet the income rule and cannot receive WIC at that time. However, income limits change every October, and your state's limit may increase. You can reapply in October or if your household income drops.
Can I explore while I am still pregnant?
Yes. You can explore as soon as you know you are pregnant. You will need proof of pregnancy, such as a letter from your doctor or a hospital record. WIC benefits for pregnant people begin as soon as you are approved and continue for six months after you give birth.
Do I have to go to the WIC office in person?
Not always. Many WIC offices now accept applications by phone, mail, or online. Call your local office to ask which methods they offer. Even if you explore remotely, you will need to attend the nutrition education appointment, though some offices offer that by phone or video.
What if I lose my WIC card?
Contact your WIC office right away. They can issue a replacement card, usually within a few days. In the meantime, ask whether they can provide emergency vouchers so you can shop while you wait for the new card.