Who can get WIC in Texas

To get WIC in Texas, you must be pregnant, breastfeeding, or the parent or caregiver of a child under age 5. You also have to live in Texas and be a U.S. citizen, national, or may have access to non-citizen. Your household income must fall at or below the income limit set by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

The income limit changes each year on July 1st. Right now, a household of four can earn up to a certain amount and still be within the limit — but that amount varies by family size. You can call your local WIC office or visit the HHSC website to find the current limit for your household size.

You do not need to be on other information programs like SNAP or Medicaid to get WIC, though many people are on both. WIC looks only at your household income and your family composition.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for a child under 5, and live in Texas as a U.S. citizen or may have access to non-citizen.
  • Your household income must be at or below the limit set by HHSC, which changes every July and depends on your family size.
  • You will need to bring proof of income, residency, and your child's age or pregnancy status when you contact your local WIC office.
  • Texas WIC offices are located in every county and can tell you the exact income limit for your household in one phone call.

Income limits by household size

WIC uses a federal income scale that HHSC applies to Texas. The limit is set at 185 percent of the federal poverty line. Because the poverty line itself changes each year, the WIC income limit also changes — usually on July 1st.

A single person with one child has a different limit than a family of four. The more people in your household, the higher the income limit goes. You can find the current limits on the HHSC website, or your local WIC office can tell you over the phone whether your income falls within the range.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support. It does not include WIC benefits themselves, SNAP benefits, or housing information. If you are unsure whether a particular source of income counts, ask your WIC office — they see these questions every day.

What documents to bring to your WIC appointment

Bring proof of your household income. This can be recent pay stubs, tax returns, a letter from your employer, or a benefits statement if you receive unemployment or Social Security. If you are self-employed, bring tax documents or a profit-and-loss statement.

Bring proof that you live in Texas — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works. Bring your child's birth certificate or a medical record showing their date of birth. If you are pregnant, bring a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming the pregnancy, or bring your Medicaid card if you are on Medicaid for pregnancy.

Bring your Social Security number and proof of citizenship or may have access to non-citizen status. This can be a passport, birth certificate, green card, or work permit. If you do not have these documents, ask your WIC office what alternatives they accept — they may be able to work with you.

How to contact your local WIC office in Texas

Every Texas county has a WIC office. You can find yours by calling 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1 on any phone) and asking for WIC, or by visiting the HHSC website and using their office locator tool. You can also search online for "[your county name] WIC office" and call directly.

When you call, tell them you want to know whether your household income is within the limit. They can answer this question in a few minutes. If it is, they will schedule you for an appointment. Some offices let you start the process over the phone; others require you to come in person.

Appointments usually happen within two to three weeks. Some offices have walk-in hours. Ask when you call whether you need an appointment or can drop in.

Citizenship and immigration status requirements

You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or may have access to non-citizen to get WIC. may have access to non-citizens include people with a green card, refugees, asylees, people with a work permit (Employment Authorization Document), and certain other immigration statuses. Your local WIC office can tell you whether your status qualifies.

You will need to show proof of your status. A green card, passport, birth certificate, work permit, or refugee/asylee documentation all work. If you are unsure whether you may have access to, bring whatever immigration documents you have to your appointment and let the WIC office review them.

What happens after you meet the income requirement

Meeting the income limit is the first step, but WIC also checks whether you or your child has a nutrition-related health issue. This is called a nutrition risk. Common nutrition risks include anemia, being underweight, being overweight, or having a diet that lacks certain nutrients.

The WIC office will ask you health questions and may do a quick health screening — usually just measuring your child's height and weight, or checking your blood pressure if you are pregnant. They may also ask to see your child's medical records or ask your doctor to fill out a form.

Most people who meet the income limit also have a nutrition risk that qualifies them. If the office says you do not have a nutrition risk, you can ask what that means and whether you can reapply later.

Recertification and changes to your income

Once you are on WIC, you will need to recertify every 12 months. The office will send you a notice telling you when to come back. You bring the same documents — proof of income, residency, and your child's age — and the process repeats.

If your income goes up during the year, you do not have to report it right away. But if it goes above the limit, you will lose WIC when you recertify. If your income drops, tell your WIC office — it does not hurt your case and may help you if you need to recertify early.

If your family size changes — a new baby, a child leaving the household, or someone moving in — tell your office. They will update your case and may recalculate your income limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be on SNAP or Medicaid to get WIC?

No. WIC looks only at your income and family size. You can be on SNAP, Medicaid, or neither — it does not matter. Many people are on all three programs, but you do not have to be on the others to get WIC.

What if my income is just above the limit?

If you are over the income limit, you do not meet the requirement for that year. You can reapply after July 1st when the new limit takes effect, or if your income drops during the year. Some offices let you reapply sooner if your circumstances change — call and ask.

Can I get WIC if I am not a citizen?

Yes, if you are a may have access to non-citizen — which includes people with a green card, work permits, refugees, and asylees. Bring whatever immigration documents you have to your appointment. Your WIC office can tell you whether your status qualifies.

How long does it take to learn about I meet the income requirement?

Your local WIC office can tell you over the phone in a few minutes if your household income is within the limit. If it is, they will schedule an appointment to complete the rest of the process, which usually takes two to three weeks.

What if I do not have all my documents?

Call your local WIC office and ask what they can accept instead. Many offices work with people who do not have perfect documentation. Bring what you have and ask what alternatives they allow — they may accept a letter from your employer, a bank statement, or other proof.