WIC may be able to access depends on three things: your household income, the number of people you support, and whether you or your children meet a nutrition risk

WIC serves pregnant people, postpartum people, breastfeeding people, infants, and children up to age 5. You must live in the state where you explore. Your household income must fall at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty line — the exact dollar amount changes each year and depends on how many people live in your home. You or your child must also have a nutrition risk, which a WIC nutritionist determines during an in-person assessment.

Income limits are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and vary by state because some states choose to set their own limit lower than 185 percent. The number of people in your household includes you, your children, and anyone else whose income counts toward your total — usually anyone living with you and related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption. WIC does not count income from SNAP, TANF, or SSI when calculating your household total.

Key Takeaways

  • Your household income must be at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty line, though some states set a lower limit and the dollar amount changes yearly based on household size.
  • You must be pregnant, postpartum within six months, breastfeeding, or the parent or caregiver of a child under age 5 to receive WIC yourself or on behalf of a child.
  • A WIC nutritionist must determine that you or your child has a nutrition risk — such as anemia, low birth weight, or inadequate diet — during an assessment.
  • WIC counts only earned income and certain unearned income; it does not count SNAP, TANF, or SSI when determining whether you meet the income limit.

Income limits by household size and state

The federal poverty line for WIC is 185 percent of the official poverty threshold. For a household of one, that threshold was approximately $24,000 in 2024, but the exact amount your state uses depends on when it updates its figures and whether it has chosen a different percentage. You can find your state's current income limit by contacting your local WIC office or visiting your state health department's WIC page.

Income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and military housing allowances. It does not include SNAP benefits, TANF cash information, SSI payments, or most tax refunds. If you are unsure whether a specific income source counts, ask your WIC office when you contact them — they can tell you based on your exact situation.

Household size includes everyone living in your home who is related to you and whose income is legally considered part of your household. If you are a single parent with two children, that is three people. If you live with your partner and their child from a previous relationship, the rules for counting that child depend on whether you are legally responsible for their support — your WIC office can clarify this.

Nutrition risk categories WIC nutritionists assess

You or your child must have a nutrition risk to receive WIC. A WIC nutritionist determines this during a required in-person visit by reviewing your health history, current diet, and sometimes blood test results. Nutrition risk includes medical conditions like anemia, high blood pressure, or being overweight; pregnancy complications; low birth weight; failure to gain weight; or an inadequate diet based on what you typically eat.

Almost all pregnant and postpartum people have a nutrition risk by default because pregnancy and the postpartum period themselves are considered nutrition risks. Breastfeeding people also typically may have access to based on nutrition risk. For children, the nutritionist looks at growth, diet quality, and any health conditions. Most children who meet the income requirement also have a nutrition risk, but the nutritionist must document it.

Who WIC covers and age limits

WIC covers pregnant people at any point during pregnancy. It covers postpartum people for up to six months after delivery, whether or not they are breastfeeding. It covers breastfeeding people for up to one year after the birth of the child they are nursing. It covers infants from birth through age 11 months and children from age 1 through age 4 (until the day they turn 5).

You do not have to be the biological parent to receive WIC on behalf of a child. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, foster parents, and other legal guardians can explore if they meet the income and residency requirements and can document their relationship to the child. The child must still meet the age and nutrition risk requirements.

Residency and citizenship requirements

You must live in the state where you explore for WIC. Most states do not require U.S. citizenship or a specific immigration status to receive WIC. Some states do require proof of residency, such as a lease, utility bill, or mail from a government agency showing your name and current address. A few states have additional requirements — check with your state WIC office for what documents they need.

If you move to a different state, you will need to explore to that state's WIC program. Your benefits do not transfer between states. Some states have reciprocal agreements that speed up the process if you are moving, but you still must explore in the new state.

Income calculation and what counts toward your limit

WIC uses gross income — the amount before taxes are taken out — to determine whether you meet the income limit. If you are self-employed, WIC counts your net self-employment income (income minus business expenses). If you receive child support, alimony, or military housing allowances, those count. Unemployment benefits, workers' compensation, and Social Security all count.

The following do not count: SNAP benefits, TANF cash information, SSI payments, housing vouchers, child care subsidies, or most tax refunds. If you receive income from a job and also receive TANF, only the job income counts toward your WIC limit. This rule makes WIC available to more people who receive other information.

If your income changes during the year, you may still be able to stay on WIC. Most states recertify WIC participants once per year, so a temporary income increase may not affect your status. If your income rises permanently above the limit, your WIC benefits will end at your next recertification.

How to find your state's exact income limit

Each state publishes its current WIC income limit, and it changes on October 1 each year when the federal poverty line updates. You can find your state's limit by searching "[your state] WIC income limit" or by calling your local WIC office. Your state health department website usually has a WIC page with current figures broken down by household size.

When you contact your WIC office, have your household size and monthly or annual income ready. They can tell you in minutes whether you likely meet the income requirement. If you are close to the limit, ask them to explain exactly what income counts — sometimes people are surprised to learn that certain benefits do not count.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my partner's income count if we live together but are not married?

Yes, if you live together and share expenses, your partner's income typically counts as part of your household income for WIC purposes. The exact rule depends on your state, so ask your WIC office. If you are unsure whether you should report someone's income, it is better to report it and let them make the information than to leave it out.

Can I get WIC if I am over the income limit but have high medical bills?

WIC does not adjust the income limit based on expenses like medical bills, childcare, or rent. Your gross income is compared directly to the 185 percent threshold (or your state's limit). If you are above the limit, you do not meet WIC's income requirement, though you may be able to reapply if your income changes.

What if I am not sure whether I have a nutrition risk?

You do not need to know in advance. The WIC nutritionist will assess you during your appointment. Bring any recent medical records or test results if you have them, but the nutritionist will ask questions about your diet and health to make the information. Most people who meet the income requirement also have a nutrition risk.

Can I explore for WIC while pregnant if I have not seen a doctor yet?

Yes. You do not need a doctor's note or proof of pregnancy to explore. The WIC office will ask about your pregnancy during the appointment. If you have a recent pregnancy test or ultrasound, bring it, but it is not required to start the process.

Do I lose WIC benefits if my income goes up during the year?

Not when ready. Most states recertify WIC participants once per year, usually on the anniversary of when you started. If your income rises between recertifications, you can stay on WIC until that date. At recertification, if your income is now above the limit, your benefits will end.