WIC stops when your child turns 5 years old, or when your household income rises above the program's limit

The most common reason WIC ends is age. Your child must leave the program on the first day of the month after they turn 5. If your child turns 5 on March 15, their benefits stop on April 1. There is no exception for children who are almost in school or who will start kindergarten later — the cutoff is the calendar age of 5.

The second reason WIC stops is income. If your household income rises above 185% of the federal poverty line, you lose WIC may be able to access at the end of your certification period. Your state WIC office will tell you your certification end date when you first receive benefits — it is usually 12 months from approval. You do not have to report a raise when ready, but if you know your income has crossed the limit, contact your WIC office to understand what happens at your next recertification.

A third reason is change in residency. If you move to a different state, you must reapply through that state's WIC program. Your benefits from your old state stop, and the new state has its own approval process and timeline. Some states process applications faster than others.

Key Takeaways

  • WIC ends automatically when your youngest child turns 5, regardless of when school starts or other circumstances.
  • If your household income exceeds 185% of the federal poverty line, you lose WIC at your next certification renewal, which usually happens 12 months after approval.
  • Moving to a different state ends your current WIC benefits, and you must reapply in the new state.
  • Pregnancy and postpartum WIC for mothers ends 6 months after delivery, or when the child turns 5 if you are still receiving benefits for the child.
  • You can contact your state WIC office anytime to ask when your specific benefits will end.

Age 5 is the hard stop for all children

Every state WIC program ends benefits on the same rule: the month after your child's fifth birthday. This applies whether your child is in pre-K, kindergarten, or homeschooled. It applies whether you have other younger children still on WIC. Once a child reaches age 5, that child's benefits stop.

If you have multiple children on WIC, each child has their own age cutoff. Your 3-year-old stays on the program while your 5-year-old leaves. When your 3-year-old turns 5, they leave too. You can stay on WIC as long as you have at least one child under 5 in your household.

Some families mistakenly think they can keep a child on WIC through the school year or until a certain grade. This is not how the program works. The cutoff is age, not school enrollment.

Income limits and what counts toward your household total

Your household income must stay below 185% of the federal poverty line to keep WIC. The poverty line changes each year, so the income limit changes too. For 2024, 185% of the poverty line for a family of three is roughly $4,000 per month before taxes, but this varies by state and family size. Your WIC office will tell you the exact limit for your household when you first receive benefits.

Income that counts includes wages from employment, self-employment income, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and military housing allowances. Income that does not count includes SNAP benefits, housing information, most tax refunds, and one-time payments. If you are unsure whether a specific income source counts, ask your WIC caseworker.

You do not have to report income changes between certifications, but your WIC office will ask about income at your renewal appointment. If your income has risen above the limit, you will be told that you no longer meet the income requirement and your benefits will end. Some families find they are no longer income-may be able to access but can reapply later if income drops again.

Pregnancy and postpartum benefits have their own timeline

If you are pregnant or postpartum, WIC covers you separately from your children. Pregnant women can receive WIC from the start of pregnancy through 6 months after delivery. Postpartum women who are not pregnant receive WIC for 6 months after delivery.

These benefits end 6 months after your baby is born, even if your baby is still on WIC as an infant. You lose your own WIC card and food benefits, but your baby's benefits continue until they turn 5. If you become pregnant again, you can reapply for pregnancy WIC.

What happens when you move to a different state

WIC is run by each state individually. If you move, your old state's WIC benefits stop when ready. You cannot transfer benefits or use your WIC card in the new state. You must contact the WIC program in your new state and go through their process process.

Some states process applications within 2 to 3 weeks. Others take 4 to 6 weeks. During this gap, you will not receive WIC benefits. It is worth contacting your new state's WIC office as soon as you know you are moving so you understand their timeline and what documents you will need to bring.

Your new state will not count time you spent on WIC in your old state toward any waiting periods or limits. Each state treats you as a new applicant.

Loss of WIC for not showing up to appointments

If you miss your recertification appointment without rescheduling, your WIC benefits will end. The exact timeline varies by state — some programs give you a grace period of a few days, others end benefits when ready. Your WIC office will send you a notice before they close your case, usually by mail.

If you know you cannot make an appointment, call your WIC office to reschedule. Most offices will work with you to find a time that fits your schedule, including evening or weekend appointments in some locations. If your benefits were closed because you missed an appointment, you can reapply, though you may have to wait for the next open process period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child stay on WIC after they turn 5 if they have not started school yet?

No. WIC ends the month after your child turns 5, regardless of school enrollment or start date. The program uses age as the cutoff, not school status. If your child turns 5 in June and does not start kindergarten until September, WIC still ends in July.

What if my income goes over the limit partway through the year?

You can keep WIC until your certification renewal date, which is usually 12 months after you were first approved. At that renewal, your WIC office will ask about your current income. If it is above the limit, you will be told you no longer meet the income requirement and your benefits will end.

Do I have to tell WIC when ready if my income changes?

You do not have to report income changes between certifications. However, if you know your income has risen significantly above the limit, you can contact your WIC office to ask what will happen at your next renewal. Some families choose to report changes early to understand their situation.

If I move states, can I use my WIC card in the new state while I wait for approval?

No. Your old state's WIC benefits stop when you move. You cannot use your card in a new state. You must complete the process process in your new state before you can receive WIC benefits there. Contact the new state's WIC office when ready after moving to understand their timeline.

What happens to my WIC if I do not show up for my recertification appointment?

Your benefits will end. Your WIC office will send you a notice before closing your case. If you cannot make the appointment, call to reschedule. Most offices offer flexible appointment times. If your case was closed, you can reapply, though you may need to wait for the next process period.