WIC income limits are set at 185 percent of the federal poverty line, and they change each year based on family size

WIC programs use a single income threshold that applies to all states: your household income cannot exceed 185 percent of the federal poverty line. The federal poverty line itself is updated every year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, so WIC income limits rise each year. A family of four, for example, has a different limit than a family of three, and that limit is different in 2024 than it was in 2023.

The income limit is the only financial test WIC uses. You do not have to own or rent your home, have a job, or receive other benefits. WIC only looks at whether your household's gross monthly income falls below the threshold for your family size.

Your state WIC program publishes the current year's income limits, usually on its website or in the process materials. Because the limits change annually, the numbers that applied last year will not explore this year. You should always check your state's current limits before you assume you are or are not within the range.

Key Takeaways

  • WIC uses 185 percent of the federal poverty line as its income limit, which means a household can earn more than the poverty line itself and still be within WIC's range.
  • Income limits are different for each family size and change every year, so you must check your state's current limits rather than using last year's numbers.
  • WIC counts gross household income, which is income before taxes or deductions are taken out.
  • Your state WIC program publishes the exact dollar amounts for each family size on its website or in its process materials.

How household size affects your income limit

WIC counts everyone who lives in your home and shares food and income as part of your household. This includes you, your children, your spouse or partner, and any other relatives or non-relatives living with you who eat from the same food budget. It does not include roommates who buy and prepare their own food separately.

The larger your household, the higher your income limit. A single person has a lower limit than a family of two, which has a lower limit than a family of three. Each additional household member raises the threshold by a set amount. Your state WIC program can tell you the exact limit for your specific household size.

If your household size changes — a baby is born, a family member moves out, or someone moves in — your income limit changes. You should report changes to your WIC program because they may affect whether you remain within the income range.

What counts as household income for WIC

WIC counts gross income, which means income before taxes, Social Security deductions, or other withholdings are taken out. This includes wages from employment, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, child support, alimony, rental income, and income from any other source.

Some types of income are not counted. Student financial aid, tax refunds, and one-time payments like insurance settlements or gifts are typically excluded. Your state WIC program can provide a complete list of what is and is not counted as income in your state.

WIC usually looks at your income for the past month or the past three months, depending on your state. If your income is irregular — you are self-employed or work seasonal jobs — your state may average your income over a longer period to get a more accurate picture of what you typically earn.

How to find your state's current income limits

Each state WIC program publishes its income limits on its official website. You can search "[your state] WIC income limits" to find the page. The limits are usually shown in a table with family size in one column and the maximum monthly income in another.

You can also contact your state WIC program directly by phone or email. The state program can tell you whether your household's income falls within the current limits. Many states also have local WIC offices in your county or city that can answer questions about income limits.

If you are unsure whether you are within the range, it is worth checking. The worst outcome is that you learn you are not currently within the limits, but income limits change yearly and your household circumstances may change, so it is worth confirming your status.

What happens if your income is above the limit

If your household income is above 185 percent of the federal poverty line, you do not meet WIC's income requirement. However, income limits change every year, and your household income may change. If your income drops below the limit in the future, you may become within the range at that time.

Some states have other nutrition programs with higher income limits that you might explore. Your state WIC program or a local food bank can point you toward other resources that may be available to your household.

Income limits for pregnant women and postpartum women

WIC serves pregnant women, postpartum women (up to six months after birth), and breastfeeding women. They use the same 185 percent income limit as families with children. A pregnant woman is counted as one person for household size purposes, and her income is evaluated the same way as anyone else's.

If a woman is pregnant and living with other household members, the entire household's income is counted together. If she is living alone, only her income is counted. The income limit for a household of one is lower than the limit for a household of two or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does WIC count my child support or alimony as income?

Yes, WIC counts child support and alimony as household income. Both are included in your gross income when determining whether you are within the 185 percent limit. If you receive these payments, report them to your WIC program.

What if my income changes during the year?

If your income increases above the limit after you are enrolled, you may lose WIC. If your income decreases below the limit, you may become within the range. Report income changes to your WIC program so your status can be updated.

Do I have to prove my income with pay stubs or tax returns?

Yes, WIC requires proof of income. This is usually a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer, tax returns, or a statement of benefits if you receive Social Security or unemployment. Your state WIC program can tell you what documents it accepts.

Are self-employed people treated differently for income limits?

Self-employed income is counted as gross income, but your state may average it over several months or use your tax return to determine your typical earnings. Contact your state WIC program to learn how it handles self-employment income.

If I am above the income limit now, can I reapply later?

Yes. If your household income drops below the limit in the future, you can reapply. Income limits also change every year, so even if you were above the limit last year, you may fall within the new limit this year if your income stayed the same.