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 185 percent of the federal poverty line — the exact dollar amount depends on your household size and changes each year.

Texas WIC is run by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). You explore through your local WIC office, which is usually located in your county health department or a community health center. The program does not have a waiting list in most Texas counties, though some areas may temporarily close to new participants if funding runs low.

You do not need to be receiving other benefits to get WIC. You can have WIC at the same time as SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, or TANF (Temporary information for Needy Families), but WIC has its own separate income rules and does not count income from other household members the same way those programs do.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or caring for a child under 5, and your household income must be at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty line.
  • Texas WIC income limits change yearly; for 2024, a family of three earning $3,864 per month or less generally meets the income test, but you should confirm the current limit with your local office.
  • You explore at your county health department or local WIC office with proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or a signed statement if self-employed), proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or may have access to non-citizen status.
  • Your child must have a nutrition assessment showing they are at nutritional risk — this is done at your first appointment and is part of how WIC determines who receives the benefit.
  • Once you are found to meet the rules, you receive a WIC card that works like a debit card at participating grocery stores and farmers markets in Texas.

Texas income limits and household size

The income limit for WIC in Texas is 185 percent of the federal poverty line. This means if your household income is at or below that percentage, you may meet the income test. The actual dollar amount depends on how many people live in your household and is updated each July by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For example, in 2024, a household of one person earning $2,389 per month or less, a household of two earning $3,127 per month or less, and a household of three earning $3,864 per month or less generally meet the income limit. These numbers change annually. Your local WIC office has the current limits for your household size, and they will tell you whether your income qualifies when you contact them.

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 self-employed, you may need to provide tax returns or a signed statement of your expected monthly income.

Documents you need to bring to your appointment

When you go to your local WIC office, bring proof of three things: income, residency, and citizenship or may have access to non-citizen status. You do not need all documents in every category — one document from each is usually enough.

For income, bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a tax return from the past year, a letter from your employer, or a signed statement of your income if you are self-employed. If you receive benefits, bring the award letter or statement showing the monthly amount.

For residency, bring a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, or other document showing your name and Texas address from the past 60 days. A bill in your name or your landlord's name both work.

For citizenship or may have access to non-citizen status, bring a birth certificate, passport, Social Security card, or immigration document. If you do not have these, tell the WIC office — they can help you find other ways to prove your status.

Nutritional risk assessment for your child

Part of getting WIC is showing that you or your child is at nutritional risk. For children, this means a WIC staff member will check your child's height and weight, ask about feeding and health history, and may do a straightforward blood test to check for anemia. This assessment happens at your first appointment and takes about 30 minutes.

Most children under 5 are found to be at nutritional risk because of their age alone — the program assumes young children need extra nutrition support. Pregnant and breastfeeding people are also considered at nutritional risk by default. If you are postpartum (within one year of giving birth), the WIC office will assess whether you meet the nutritional risk standard based on your health history.

You do not have to pass a test to get WIC. The nutritional risk check is part of how the program decides what foods and amounts you receive, not whether you receive the benefit at all.

How to contact your local WIC office in Texas

To find your local WIC office, call 2-1-1 (dial 211 from any phone) or visit the Texas HHSC website and search for WIC offices by county. You can also call your county health department directly — most run the local WIC program.

When you call, tell them you want to explore for WIC. They will tell you what documents to bring, when appointments are available, and whether they are currently taking new participants. Some offices take walk-ins; others require an appointment. A few offices offer phone or video appointments if you cannot visit in person.

The process process usually takes one visit. At that visit, you will answer questions about your household, income, and health; bring your documents; have your child measured and weighed (if explore for a child); and receive your WIC card if you meet all the rules. You should receive your card the same day or within a few days.

What happens after you are found to meet the rules

Once the WIC office confirms you meet the income, residency, and nutritional risk rules, you receive a WIC card and a list of approved foods. The card works like a debit card at grocery stores and farmers markets that accept WIC. You can only buy the foods on the approved list — these include milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, whole grain bread, cereal, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula or baby food if you have a child under 1.

You will also be assigned a WIC nutritionist or counselor who meets with you to talk about feeding your child, breastfeeding support, or your own nutrition if you are pregnant. These visits happen at your local WIC office, usually once every three months, though the schedule may vary.

Your WIC benefits last for one year. Before your year ends, the WIC office will contact you to recertify — this means you will need to show updated income and residency documents and have your child weighed again. If you still meet the rules, your benefits continue for another year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my income is slightly above the 185 percent limit?

If your income is above 185 percent of the federal poverty line, you do not meet the income test for WIC in Texas. However, some people may be found to meet the rules through a different path — for example, if you are receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you may be able to use that as proof of income may be able to access instead. Ask your local WIC office whether this applies to you.

Can I get WIC if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You can get WIC if you are a may have access to non-citizen. This includes lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and some other immigration statuses. You will need to bring an immigration document to prove your status. If you are unsure whether your status qualifies, the WIC office can help you figure it out.

Do I have to breastfeed to get WIC?

No. WIC is open to pregnant people, breastfeeding people, and people who are not breastfeeding. If you are not breastfeeding, you will receive infant formula on your WIC card. The WIC office offers breastfeeding support and classes, but you are not required to breastfeed to get the benefit.

What if I move to a different county in Texas?

You can transfer your WIC benefits to the new county's WIC office. Contact your current WIC office and tell them you are moving, or go to the WIC office in your new county and ask to transfer. You will need to bring proof of your new address. Your benefits continue without a break.

Can I use my WIC card at any grocery store?

No. Your WIC card only works at stores that are authorized to accept WIC. This includes most large grocery chains, some smaller grocery stores, and farmers markets in Texas. Your WIC office will give you a list of stores near you, or you can ask a store manager whether they accept WIC before you shop.