WIC stops when your child turns 5 years old

The federal WIC program ends on your child's fifth birthday. At that point, you are no longer able to receive WIC benefits for that child, even if you were receiving them the day before. If you have other children under 5, you can continue WIC for them separately.

WIC also stops if your household income rises above the program's income limit, which varies by state and family size. Your state WIC office will tell you the exact threshold when you first receive benefits. If your income changes during the year, you are required to report it.

There are also other reasons WIC can end before your child turns 5: if you move out of state, if you fail to recertify when asked, or if you do not use your benefits for a certain period (usually 90 days, though this varies by state).

Key Takeaways

  • WIC ends automatically when your child reaches age 5, regardless of your income or other circumstances.
  • You must report changes in household income during the year, and WIC will stop if your income exceeds your state's limit.
  • You need to recertify your WIC benefits at the time your state requires, usually once a year, or benefits will end.
  • If you have multiple children, each child's WIC may be able to access is tracked separately, so younger siblings can stay on the program after an older child ages out.

How to know your child's exact end date

Your WIC approval letter or your state's WIC website will show the date your benefits expire. This is usually your child's fifth birthday, but some states set the end date a few weeks before or after, depending on when your certification period began. Call your local WIC office or log into your account online to confirm the exact date.

You should also receive a notice in the mail or by email a few weeks before your benefits end. If you do not receive one, contact your WIC office directly. Do not assume your benefits will automatically renew — you must take action if you want to continue receiving help after your child ages out.

What to do when WIC is about to end

If your child is turning 5 and you need continued food support, look into the SNAP program (Supplemental Nutrition information Program), which serves families with children of any age. SNAP has different income limits than WIC and may cover your household even if WIC no longer does. Your WIC office can refer you to SNAP or tell you how to contact your state's SNAP program.

Some states also run programs that bridge the gap between WIC and school-based meal programs. If your child will be entering kindergarten soon, ask your WIC office whether your state offers any transition support. Schools provide free or reduced-price meals to many children, and the process to enroll usually happens during registration.

If you have a younger child still under 5, your WIC benefits for that child will continue on their own schedule. You do not need to do anything special — each child's benefits run independently until that child turns 5.

Income changes that can end WIC early

If your household income rises above your state's WIC income limit, your benefits will end even if your child is still under 5. The income limit depends on your family size and your state; it is usually between 130% and 185% of the federal poverty line. Your WIC office will tell you the exact number for your household when you first receive benefits.

You are required to report income changes within a certain timeframe — usually 10 days. If you do not report and your income is later discovered to be over the limit, your benefits may be terminated and you could be asked to repay benefits you received. If your income increases, contact your WIC office right away to find out whether you still meet the income requirement.

Recertification and what happens if you miss it

Your state WIC office will ask you to recertify your benefits once a year (or sometimes more often). Recertification means you confirm that your household still meets WIC's income and other requirements. Your office will send you a notice telling you when to come in or what documents to submit.

If you miss your recertification appointment or important date, your WIC benefits will stop. You will receive a notice before this happens, usually giving you at least two weeks to reschedule. If you miss the important date, you can reapply, but there may be a gap in your benefits. Contact your WIC office as soon as you realize you missed the date — they may be able to extend your important date or process a late recertification.

Moving to a different state

WIC benefits do not transfer between states. If you move, your current state's WIC benefits will end, and you will need to explore for WIC in your new state. The new state has its own income limits, benefit amounts, and approved food lists, so your benefits may be different.

Before you move, contact your current WIC office and ask for a letter or document showing your household's income and family composition. This can speed up the process in your new state. Some states allow you to explore before you move, but you will not receive benefits until you are officially a resident. Check with your new state's WIC office about their timeline.

Inactivity and non-use of benefits

If you do not use your WIC benefits for 90 days (the timeframe varies by state), your benefits may be terminated for non-use. This can happen even if your child is still under 5 and you still meet the income requirement. Your state WIC office should send you a notice before this happens, but the notice may go to an address you no longer use.

If your benefits end due to non-use, you can reapply. Contact your WIC office to find out whether you need to go through the full process process again or whether they can straightforward reactivate your account. Keep in mind that there may be a waiting period before your benefits restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child stay on WIC after turning 5?

No. WIC ends on your child's fifth birthday in all states. After that, you can look into SNAP or your state's other food programs. If your child will be in school, they may be able to get free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program.

What happens to my WIC card when benefits end?

Your WIC card will stop working on the date your benefits end. You do not need to return it, but you should not try to use it after that date. If you reapply for WIC later, you may receive a new card or be able to use the same one, depending on your state's system.

If I have two children on WIC, do they both end on the same date?

No. Each child's WIC benefits end on that child's fifth birthday. If your children are different ages, their benefits will end on different dates. You will receive separate notices for each child.

Can I get WIC again after it ends?

Yes, you can reapply for WIC if your household meets the income and other requirements at the time you reapply. There is no rule preventing you from receiving WIC again. However, you will need to go through the process process and provide current proof of income and residency.

What if I disagree with the date my WIC benefits are supposed to end?

Contact your state WIC office and ask them to review your case. Bring your approval letter and any documents showing your child's birth date. If you believe there is an error, your WIC office can correct it. If you disagree with their decision, most states have a process to request a hearing or appeal.