At a glance
- Who it's for
- Pregnant people, new moms, babies and children up to their 5th birthday, in households with limited income. Dads, grandparents, foster parents and other caregivers can apply for their children.
- What you get
- A set of healthy foods each month, usually loaded on a WIC card, plus nutrition advice, breastfeeding help and referrals to health care. What you get depends on age and needs.
- How long it takes
- Your local WIC office must tell you if you qualify within 20 days of your first request. Pregnant women and babies usually hear within 10 days.
- Where to apply
- At your local WIC office, often a health department or clinic. Many offices offer phone or video appointments.
Who can get WIC
- Pregnant people, at any stage of pregnancy
- Breastfeeding moms, until the baby's first birthday
- New moms who are not breastfeeding, for up to 6 months after the baby is born
- Babies up to their first birthday
- Children up to their fifth birthday
You must live in the state where you apply, and a WIC health worker checks for a nutrition need at your appointment. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to get WIC.
Income
Your household income before taxes must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. From July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, that is:
| People in your household | Yearly income up to | Monthly income up to |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,526 | $2,461 |
| 2 | $40,034 | $3,337 |
| 3 | $50,542 | $4,212 |
| 4 | $61,050 | $5,088 |
For the 48 states and Washington, DC. Alaska and Hawaii are higher. A pregnant woman counts as two people, or more if she is expecting more than one baby.
Already on Medicaid, SNAP or TANF? Then you meet the WIC income rule automatically. Bring your card or letter to your appointment.
What WIC gives you
WIC gives you specific healthy foods, such as:
- Milk, cheese, yogurt and eggs
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole-grain bread, cereal and other whole grains
- Beans and peanut butter
- Infant formula and baby food
You also get nutrition advice, breastfeeding support and help finding health care and other services. Many states have a WIC shopping app that shows which foods you can buy.
What to bring
Your WIC office will tell you exactly what to bring. Most ask for:
- ID for you and for each child you are enrolling
- Proof of where you live: a lease, a utility bill or mail with your address
- Proof of income, or your Medicaid, SNAP or TANF card or letter
- Your child's shot record, if you have it
- Proof of pregnancy, if your office asks for it
- Each baby or child you are enrolling. They are usually weighed and measured.
Make a printable WIC checklist
How to apply, step by step
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Check if you may qualify
Use the USDA WIC eligibility tool (opens in a new tab), or go straight to the next step.
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Contact your local WIC office
Find your state on the USDA WIC page (opens in a new tab) and call or apply online. The office sets up an appointment and tells you what to bring.
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Go to your appointment
Staff check your papers, weigh and measure you or your child, ask about eating habits and health, and answer your questions. Ask if phone or video visits are offered.
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Get your WIC card and shop
If you qualify, you get a WIC card to use at approved stores. Look for WIC-approved foods on the shelf or in your state's WIC app.
Common questions
Can a dad or grandparent apply?
Yes. Any parent or caregiver, including a dad, grandparent or foster parent, can apply for a baby or child under 5.
Can I get WIC and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. Many families get both. Getting SNAP also means you meet the WIC income rule. See our SNAP guide.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen?
No. WIC does not require U.S. citizenship. Immigration rules about public benefits changed on September 18, 2026, so if you are worried about an immigration case, talk to a free immigration legal aid group first. Find free immigration legal help (opens in a new tab)
Figures on this page were checked on September 29, 2026 against the official sources below. Rules change, and your WIC office makes the final decision.