WIC income limits are set at 185% of the federal poverty line, but the exact dollar amount depends on your household size and changes each year
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program uses a single income threshold across all states: your household income cannot exceed 185% of the federal poverty line. This means a family of four might have a different income limit than a family of two, even though both are measured against the same percentage. 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 January.
You do not need to guess whether you fall within the limit. Your state WIC agency publishes the exact dollar amounts for each household size every year, usually in January. These amounts are public and available on your state's WIC website or by calling your local WIC office. Income is counted before taxes, and it includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support — but not SNAP benefits or housing information.
Key Takeaways
- WIC income limits are 185% of the federal poverty line, which means a family of four in 2024 has a different limit than a family of three.
- Your state WIC office publishes the exact income limit for each household size every January, and you can find it on their website or by phone.
- Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, and child support, but not SNAP or housing information payments.
- If your income is slightly above the limit, you may still be considered if you have medical or nutritional risk factors that your WIC office can evaluate.
How household size affects your income limit
WIC counts everyone living in your home and receiving food from the same grocery budget as part of your household. This includes you, your children, your spouse or partner, and any other relatives or non-relatives who live with you and share food costs. It does not include children who live with you part-time or people who buy and prepare their own food separately.
The larger your household, the higher your income limit. A single mother with one child has a lower threshold than a single mother with three children. Your state WIC office will ask you to list everyone in your home when you contact them, and they will tell you the exact income limit that applies to your household size. If your household size changes — a baby is born, a teenager moves out, a grandparent moves in — your income limit changes, and you should report it to WIC.
Income limits by household size (2024 example)
The table below shows how the 185% poverty line translates to actual dollar amounts. These are examples from 2024 and will be different in 2025 and beyond. Your state WIC office will have the current year's numbers for your state.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (2024 example) | Annual Income Limit (2024 example) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,128 | $25,536 |
| 2 people | $2,873 | $34,480 |
| 3 people | $3,618 | $43,424 |
| 4 people | $4,363 | $52,368 |
| 5 people | $5,108 | $61,312 |
| 6 people | $5,853 | $70,256 |
| 7 people | $6,598 | $79,200 |
| 8 people | $7,343 | $88,144 |
For households with more than eight people, add $745 per month (or $8,944 per year) for each additional person. These numbers are examples only — your state's actual limits may differ slightly, and they will change in January 2025. Always check your state WIC website or call your local WIC office for the current year's limits.
What counts as income and what does not
WIC counts most money that comes into your household as income. This includes regular wages from a job, self-employment income, Social Security (for you or your children), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, child support, alimony, and military housing allowances. If you receive a one-time payment — such as a tax refund, inheritance, or insurance settlement — it does not count as ongoing income for WIC purposes.
Some benefits do not count toward your WIC income limit. SNAP benefits (food stamps), housing information, TANF (Temporary information for Needy Families), and Medicaid do not reduce your income for WIC. This means you can receive these programs and still be within WIC's income limits. Your state WIC office will ask you about all sources of income when you contact them, and they will tell you which ones count.
What happens if your income is slightly above the limit
If your household income is above 185% of the poverty line, you are not automatically disqualified. WIC has a second path called medical or nutritional risk. If you or your children have a health condition or nutritional problem — such as anemia, low birth weight, failure to thrive, or a diet lacking key nutrients — your WIC office may find you may be able to access even if your income exceeds the limit. This is not may provide, and it depends on what your doctor or WIC nutritionist finds during an evaluation.
To explore this option, contact your state WIC office and explain your situation. They will tell you what medical or nutritional documentation they need. You may need a letter from your child's doctor or the results of a recent blood test. The WIC office will review this information and make a information about whether you meet their risk criteria.
How to find your state's current income limits
Your state WIC agency publishes income limits every January on their official website. Search for "[your state] WIC income limits" or "[your state] WIC may be able to access" to find the page. You can also call your local WIC office directly — the number is usually listed on your state health department's website or through a 211 referral service. When you call, have your household size and a rough estimate of your household income ready, and the WIC staff can tell you in minutes whether you fall within the limit.
If you are unsure whether to count a particular income source, ask your WIC office. They hear these questions every day and can give you a clear answer based on your specific situation. It is better to ask than to guess and find out later that you reported incorrectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report my income every month, or just once?
You report your income when you first contact WIC, and then again at your certification appointment. After that, you only need to report changes — if you lose a job, get a raise, or your household size changes. Most WIC certifications last six months to one year, and you will recertify at that time with updated income information.
If I am self-employed, how do I prove my income?
Self-employed income is usually shown on your tax return or profit-and-loss statement. Bring your most recent tax return or business records to your WIC appointment. If you are newly self-employed and do not have a tax return yet, your WIC office may ask for bank statements or a letter explaining your expected monthly income.
Does child support count as income for WIC?
Yes, child support counts as income. If you receive child support, include it in your total household income when you contact WIC. If you are supposed to receive child support but do not, you do not count it.
What if my income changes after I am approved for WIC?
If your income goes up and exceeds the limit, you should report it to your WIC office. You may lose your WIC benefits, but you will not be penalized for reporting the change. If your income goes down, you can stay on WIC through your certification period.
Can I be on WIC and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. SNAP benefits do not count toward your WIC income limit, so you can receive both programs. In fact, many WIC families also receive SNAP. The two programs have different income limits and serve different purposes.