WIC income limits are set at 185% of the federal poverty line, but the exact dollar amount depends on your family size and changes each year
The WIC income limit is the maximum amount your household can earn and still be considered for the program. The federal government sets this limit at 185 percent of the federal poverty line. That means if your household income falls below that threshold, you may be considered based on income alone. If you earn above it, you cannot receive WIC benefits, regardless of other circumstances.
The actual dollar amount varies by family size and is updated every July 1st. A family of three has a different limit than a family of five. Your state WIC program uses the current year's limits when you explore, so the number that mattered last year may not be the number that matters today.
Income limits are just one part of WIC may be able to access. Even if your income is below the limit, you must also meet residency requirements (you must live in the state where you explore) and categorical requirements (you must be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or the parent or caregiver of a child under five).
Key Takeaways
- The WIC income limit is 185 percent of the federal poverty line, which means a family of four earning roughly $48,000 to $50,000 per year may be within the limit, though this varies by state and year.
- Income limits change every July 1st when the federal poverty line is updated, so you should check your state's current limits rather than relying on last year's numbers.
- Your state WIC program publishes its current income limits on its website, usually in a table organized by family size.
- Gross household income is what counts toward the limit, not take-home pay, and it includes wages, self-employment income, and certain other sources.
- Meeting the income limit is necessary but not sufficient — you must also be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or caring for a child under five to receive WIC.
How to find your state's current income limit
Each state WIC program publishes its own income limit table on its website. The easiest way to find it is to search "[your state] WIC income limits" along with the current year. You will see a table that lists the limit for each family size, usually ranging from one person to eight or more.
For example, if you live in California and have a family of four, you would find California's table, locate the row for four people, and see the maximum monthly or annual income. If your household income is at or below that number, you meet the income requirement. If it is above, you do not.
Your state WIC office can also tell you the current limit over the phone or through email. Many state programs have a toll-free number listed on their website. Having your family size ready when you call will speed up the conversation.
What counts as household income for WIC
Gross income is what matters, not what you take home after taxes. Gross income includes wages from employment, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, child support, and certain other sources. It does not include tax refunds or one-time payments.
If you are self-employed, you count your net self-employment income (revenue minus business expenses). If you receive child support or spousal support, that counts. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), those count too.
Some income sources do not count. For example, WIC benefits themselves do not count toward your income limit. Neither do tax refunds, gifts, or loans. If you are unsure whether a specific income source counts, ask your state WIC program — the rules can vary slightly by state.
Income limits by family size (general ranges)
The following table shows approximate income limits for 2024, based on 185 percent of the federal poverty line. These are federal guidelines; your state may use slightly different numbers, and limits change every July. Use this as a reference point, then check your state's official table to confirm.
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit (Approximate) | Annual Income Limit (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,500–$1,600 | $18,000–$19,200 |
| 2 people | $2,000–$2,100 | $24,000–$25,200 |
| 3 people | $2,500–$2,600 | $30,000–$31,200 |
| 4 people | $3,000–$3,100 | $36,000–$37,200 |
| 5 people | $3,500–$3,700 | $42,000–$44,400 |
| 6 people | $4,000–$4,200 | $48,000–$50,400 |
| 7 people | $4,500–$4,700 | $54,000–$56,400 |
| 8 people | $5,000–$5,200 | $60,000–$62,400 |
These ranges reflect variation across states and the fact that limits update annually. Your state WIC program will have the exact number for your family size and the current year. Do not assume your income is too high or too low based on these approximations.
What happens if your income is above the limit
If your household income exceeds your state's WIC income limit, you cannot receive WIC benefits based on income alone. There is no exception or appeal process for income limits — the threshold is set by federal law and your state follows it.
However, you may still be considered for other nutrition programs. For example, you might be may be able to access for the Supplemental Nutrition information Program (SNAP), which has higher income limits. Your state WIC office can tell you about other programs you may be able to use, or you can contact your local SNAP office directly.
When to check your income against the limit
You should check your income against the current WIC limit before you contact your state WIC program. This takes five minutes and tells you whether income will be a barrier. If you are below the limit, you know you can move forward with the other may be able to access requirements.
If your income is borderline — very close to the limit — bring documentation of your recent income when you contact WIC. Your state program may ask for recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. Having these ready speeds up the process.
Remember that income limits change every July 1st. If you were told you did not meet the income limit last year, it is worth checking again this year. Your income may not have changed, but the limit might have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my spouse's income count if we file taxes separately?
Yes. WIC counts all income in your household, regardless of whether you file taxes jointly or separately. If you and your spouse live together, both of your incomes count toward the limit, even if you are not married or do not file taxes together.
What if my income varies month to month because I work irregular hours?
Your state WIC program will usually average your income over the past three months or use your most recent month, depending on the state. Bring documentation of your actual earnings — pay stubs, self-employment records, or a letter from your employer — so the program can calculate your average correctly.
Do child support payments I receive count toward my income?
Yes, child support counts as household income for WIC purposes. If you receive child support, spousal support, or any other regular payment, include it when you calculate your household income against the limit.
Can I reapply for WIC if my income drops below the limit later in the year?
Yes. If your income was above the limit when you first checked but drops later — for example, because you lost a job or had your hours reduced — you can contact your state WIC program and reapply. Bring documentation of your new income situation.
What if I am not sure whether I am below the income limit?
Contact your state WIC program directly. They can tell you the current limit for your family size and help you determine whether your income qualifies. You do not need to guess — the program staff can answer this question in one call.