WIC income limits depend on your household size and the federal poverty line
WIC sets income limits based on the federal poverty guideline, which changes each year. Most states allow households earning up to 185% of the federal poverty line to participate. This means a family of four could earn significantly more than the poverty line itself and still be within the income range.
The exact dollar amount varies by state because some states set their limit lower than 185%, and because the federal poverty guideline itself increases annually. Your state WIC program publishes its current income limit each year, usually in January or February when the federal guidelines are released.
Income limits are one of three ways WIC determines who can participate. You must also meet a residency requirement (living in the state where you explore) and a nutritional risk assessment (a health professional determines whether you or your child has a diet-related health problem or is at risk for one).
Key Takeaways
- Most states use 185% of the federal poverty line as their income limit, though some states set it lower.
- The income limit changes each year when the federal poverty guideline is updated, usually in January.
- Your state WIC program publishes its current income limit on its website or by phone.
- Meeting the income limit is necessary but not sufficient — you must also pass a nutritional risk assessment to participate.
- Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and child support, but excludes some information programs.
How your state calculates the income limit
The federal poverty guideline for 2024 is $15,060 for a single person and increases by roughly $5,380 for each additional household member. If your state uses the standard 185% limit, a family of four would have an income limit of approximately $37,595 for 2024. However, this figure changes annually.
Some states set their limit at exactly 185%. Others set it lower — for example, at 180% or 175% of the poverty line. A few states have received federal permission to use a higher limit. You need to check your specific state's current limit rather than calculating it yourself, because the variation matters and the numbers shift each year.
Your state WIC office publishes income limits on its website, usually in a table organized by household size. You can also call your state WIC program or your local WIC clinic to ask what the current limit is for your household size.
What counts as income for WIC
WIC counts most money coming into your household as income. This includes wages from employment, self-employment earnings, Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), unemployment insurance, workers' compensation, child support, alimony, and military housing allowances.
WIC does not count certain information programs as income. Money from SNAP (food stamps), TANF (Temporary information for Needy Families), housing information, and some other programs are excluded from the income calculation. This means you can receive these benefits and still be within the WIC income limit.
When you explore, you will need to report all income sources for the past 30 days or your most recent pay stubs. If your income varies — for example, if you work seasonal jobs or receive irregular child support — report what you expect to earn over the next 12 months. The WIC program uses this information to determine whether your household income falls within the limit.
Income limits for different household sizes
| Household Size | 185% of 2024 Federal Poverty Line (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $27,885 |
| 2 people | $37,595 |
| 3 people | $47,305 |
| 4 people | $57,015 |
| 5 people | $66,725 |
| 6 people | $76,435 |
| 7 people | $86,145 |
| 8 people | $95,855 |
These figures are based on the 2024 federal poverty guideline and assume your state uses the standard 185% limit. Your state may use a different percentage, and the numbers will change in 2025 when the federal guideline is updated. Use these as a reference point only — contact your state WIC program for the exact limit that applies to you.
What happens if your income is above the limit
If your household income exceeds your state's WIC income limit, you are not able to participate in WIC through the standard income pathway. However, some states have additional pathways for families whose income is slightly above the limit.
A few states allow families earning up to 200% or 210% of the poverty line to participate if they meet other criteria, such as having a child with a documented medical condition. These higher limits are not common and vary significantly by state. Your state WIC program can tell you whether any alternative pathways exist for your situation.
If you are above the income limit, you may still be able to access other nutrition information programs. SNAP has its own income limits (typically higher than WIC), and some communities offer food banks, nutrition counseling, or other resources that do not have income restrictions.
When your income changes during the year
WIC recertifies your household's income at regular intervals, usually every 12 months. If your income increases during the year and you exceed the limit, your WIC benefits will end when your certification period expires. If your income decreases, you may become newly within the limit and can reapply.
You should report significant income changes to your WIC program, even if you are not required to. Some programs will recalculate your may be able to access when ready if your income drops. Others will wait until your next scheduled recertification. Reporting changes helps may support the program has accurate information and can help you understand when your benefits might end.
If you lose a job or experience a major drop in household income, contact your WIC program to ask about your options. You may be able to recertify early, or the program may have guidance on how the change affects your participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my spouse's income count if we are not married but live together?
WIC counts the income of anyone living in your household who is financially responsible for household expenses, whether or not you are married. This typically includes a spouse or partner. If someone lives with you but does not contribute to household income or expenses, ask your WIC program whether their income counts.
What if I am self-employed or my income varies month to month?
Report your average monthly income over the past 12 months, or your expected income for the next 12 months if you are just starting self-employment. WIC uses this average to determine whether you fall within the income limit. Bring tax returns, profit-and-loss statements, or bank records to show how much you typically earn.
Does child support I receive count as income?
Yes, child support counts as income for WIC purposes. Report the amount you actually receive, not the amount ordered by the court. If you receive child support irregularly, report your average over the past 12 months or your expected amount for the next 12 months.
Can I still get WIC if I receive SNAP or TANF?
Yes. SNAP and TANF benefits do not count as income for WIC, so receiving them does not affect your WIC income limit. You can participate in WIC and other information programs at the same time.
What if my state's income limit is lower than 185%?
Some states have set their WIC income limit below the federal maximum of 185%. Contact your state WIC program to find out what percentage your state uses. The program can tell you the exact dollar limit for your household size.