What you need to bring to a WIC appointment

To sign up for WIC, you will need to bring proof of three things: who you are, where you live, and what your household income is. Most programs want to see these documents in person at your first appointment, though some allow you to submit copies by mail or email before you come in. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone usually will not work.

The specific documents vary slightly by state, but the categories are the same everywhere. WIC is run by your state's health department, so call your local WIC office or check your state's WIC website to see the exact list they accept. Having the right papers ready means your appointment moves faster and you can start receiving benefits sooner.

Key Takeaways

  • You need proof of identity, residency, and household income — bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
  • A driver's license, state ID, or passport works for identity; a utility bill or lease works for where you live.
  • Income proof can be a recent pay stub, tax return, or a letter from your employer stating your salary.
  • Your state WIC office has a specific list of accepted documents, so check their website or call before your appointment.
  • Bring information about everyone in your household, including children's birthdates and Social Security numbers if you have them.

Proof of identity

WIC needs to verify who you are. A current driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. If you do not have a photo ID, ask your WIC office what alternatives they accept — some take a birth certificate plus a utility bill together, or a school ID plus a government document with your name on it.

The ID needs to be current or expired no more than a few years. If your name has changed since your ID was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring both your old ID and a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Proof of where you live

WIC verifies that you live in the state where you are explore. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill all work. The document needs to show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are homeless or living with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, tell your WIC office. Many programs have other ways to verify residency, such as a letter from a shelter, a social worker, or the person whose house you are staying in. Some accept a bank statement or government mail addressed to you.

Proof of household income

WIC looks at your household's total income to see if you are within the income limit. The limit varies by state and by household size, but it is usually around 185 percent of the federal poverty line. Bring recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days), a letter from your employer stating your salary, or your most recent tax return.

If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years and a profit-and-loss statement if you have one. If you receive unemployment, Social Security, child support, or other regular income, bring a statement showing that amount. If your income changes month to month, bring three months of pay stubs so the WIC office can calculate an average.

Information about your household

WIC needs to know who lives in your home and their ages. Bring the names and birthdates of all household members, including any children. If you have Social Security numbers for everyone, bring those too — WIC uses them to check for duplicate benefits, but they are not always required at the first visit.

If you are pregnant, bring your due date or the date of your last menstrual period. If you have a newborn, bring the baby's birthdate. WIC serves pregnant people, new mothers, and children up to age five, so the office needs to know which category you fall into and when your may be able to access ends.

What happens at your appointment

At your first visit, a WIC staff member will review your documents, ask questions about your household, and may do a health screening. They will check your income against the state limit and verify your residency. If everything is in order, they will issue you a WIC card or vouchers on the same day or within a few days.

Bring a list of questions about which foods you can buy and where to shop. The staff can show you the approved food list and explain how to use your card at the store. Many WIC offices also offer nutrition classes or breastfeeding support — ask what is available in your area.

What to do if you do not have a document

If you do not have one of the required documents, do not skip your appointment. Call your WIC office first and explain what you are missing. Many programs can work around missing documents if you bring what you do have and sign a statement under penalty of perjury saying the information is true.

For example, if you do not have a birth certificate, you might bring a hospital record, school enrollment form, or baptism certificate. If you have no proof of income, you can sign a statement saying you are unemployed or self-employed and describe your situation. The WIC office will tell you what they can accept.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my children to the appointment?

No, but many WIC offices prefer to see children at the first visit so they can measure their height and weight and check their health. Call ahead to ask whether your office requires this. If you bring children, bring their birth certificates or proof of their ages.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

WIC can still sign you up without one. You will need to bring other proof of identity and residency. If you are explore for a child, the child does not need a Social Security number to receive WIC benefits, though the office may ask for one to prevent duplicate benefits.

Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. WIC does not require citizenship. You will need proof of identity and residency, just like anyone else. Bring whatever ID you have — a passport, visa, state ID, or other government-issued document with your name and photo.

What if my income is slightly over the limit?

Income limits are set by law and do not have exceptions. If your household income is above the limit, you do not may have access to. However, if your income changes or you have unusual expenses, ask your WIC office to explain how they calculate income — some deductions or circumstances may lower your countable income.

How long does the appointment take?

Your first appointment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many documents you bring and how many people are in your household. Bring all your papers so the office does not have to ask you to come back. Bring a list of questions written down so you do not forget anything.