Yes, you can receive both WIC and SNAP at the same time

WIC and SNAP are separate federal programs with different rules, and you can hold both simultaneously. Many households do. The programs have different income limits, different foods they cover, and different application processes — so being denied for one does not affect the other. You apply to each program independently through your state or county.

The main thing to understand is that WIC and SNAP serve different purposes. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called food stamps) gives you a card to buy any food at the grocery store. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) provides vouchers or a card that covers only specific foods — infant formula, milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, and produce — for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five. You cannot use WIC money to buy other groceries, and you cannot use SNAP to buy the same items WIC covers if you are also receiving WIC for that person.

Key Takeaways

  • You can hold both WIC and SNAP at the same time; they are separate programs with separate applications and separate income limits.
  • WIC covers only specific foods for pregnant women, postpartum women, and children under five; SNAP covers any food at any store.
  • Income limits for WIC are usually higher than for SNAP, so you might be denied SNAP but approved for WIC, or vice versa.
  • You apply to each program through your state or county health department (WIC) and social services office (SNAP), and you can apply to both at the same time.

How income limits differ between the two programs

WIC and SNAP use different income thresholds, and they calculate income differently. SNAP bases income on your household's gross monthly income before taxes. WIC bases income on gross monthly income but allows some deductions for things like child care and medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members. Because of these differences, a household can be over the SNAP limit but still within the WIC limit, or occasionally the reverse.

The exact income cutoff depends on your state and your household size. Most states set WIC income limits at 185 percent of the federal poverty line, though some states go higher. SNAP income limits are usually 130 percent of the federal poverty line for most households, though some households with elderly or disabled members can go up to 165 percent. You will need to check your specific state's numbers when you apply, because they vary.

If you are denied for SNAP because your income is too high, you should still apply for WIC — the income threshold is often more generous. If you are denied for WIC, SNAP may still be an option depending on your household composition and income.

What foods each program covers

SNAP covers almost all food: fresh produce, meat, fish, dairy, grains, snacks, frozen food, and canned goods. The main exceptions are hot food, prepared food, vitamins, and non-food items. If you have both WIC and SNAP, you use your SNAP card for everything else.

WIC covers a narrower list: infant formula and baby food, milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, beans and peas (canned or dried), peanut butter, whole grain bread and cereals, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. The exact list varies slightly by state. WIC does not cover meat, fish, or prepared foods. If you are receiving WIC for a child, you use your WIC card or vouchers for those specific items and your SNAP card for everything else you need to buy.

How to apply for both programs

You apply to WIC and SNAP through different offices. WIC is administered by your state or county health department or public health agency. SNAP is administered by your state or county social services office, department of human services, or department of family services — the name varies by state. You can apply to both at the same time, and you do not need to wait for one decision before applying to the other.

For WIC, you will need proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or letter from employer), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your household composition (birth certificates or custody papers). You will also need to bring a child under five or proof of pregnancy. For SNAP, you need similar documents: proof of income, residency, citizenship or legal residency, and household composition. Some states allow you to apply online for SNAP; most require you to visit an office for WIC.

If you are already receiving one program and want to apply for the other, you can do so at any time. There is no waiting period between programs.

When one program might deny you but the other approves

Income is the most common reason for a mismatch. If your household income is between 130 and 185 percent of the federal poverty line, you will likely be denied for SNAP but approved for WIC. If your income is above 185 percent of the federal poverty line, you will be denied for both.

Citizenship or legal residency can also create a difference. SNAP has stricter rules about who can receive benefits; some non-citizens who do not meet SNAP requirements may still be able to receive WIC. If you are unsure about your status, ask the WIC office and the SNAP office separately — they apply different rules.

Household composition matters too. WIC is only for pregnant women, postpartum women (up to six months after birth), and children under five. If your household includes only school-age children or adults, you cannot receive WIC for those people, but you may still be able to receive SNAP for the whole household.

How receiving both affects your monthly budget

WIC and SNAP are both monthly benefits, and they stack — you receive both in the same month. WIC gives you a set amount of money or vouchers each month for the specific foods on the WIC list. SNAP gives you a separate amount based on your household size and income. The two do not reduce each other.

The amount you receive from each program depends on your household size, income, and state. WIC amounts are typically between $30 and $50 per person per month, though this varies. SNAP amounts depend on your income and household size; the maximum benefit for a single person is around $280 per month, but most households receive less because of their income. Your state social services office can tell you the exact amount you would receive before you apply.

Reporting changes to both programs

If your income changes, your household composition changes, or you move, you must report the change to both programs separately. Each program has its own recertification schedule and its own rules about when and how to report changes. Missing a report deadline for one program does not affect the other, but missing it for either program can result in your benefits stopping.

Most states require you to recertify for SNAP every 12 months and for WIC every 12 months as well, though the dates may not align. Some states have shorter recertification periods if your income is close to the limit. When you recertify, you will need to provide updated income and household information to each program. You can recertify by mail, phone, or in person depending on your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WIC and SNAP at the same store?

Yes. You can use your WIC card or vouchers and your SNAP card at the same store on the same day. The cashier will ring up WIC items separately and SNAP items separately, and you will pay with each card for its portion. Some stores have separate checkout lanes for WIC, but most do not.

What happens if I am approved for WIC but denied for SNAP?

You keep your WIC benefits. Being denied for SNAP does not affect WIC, and you can ask the SNAP office why you were denied and whether you can appeal. Common reasons are income too high or citizenship status; if the reason was income, you can reapply when your income changes.

Do I have to be a citizen to get both programs?

WIC has more flexible rules for non-citizens than SNAP does. Some non-citizens can receive WIC but not SNAP. You will need to ask each program about your specific status; the rules depend on your immigration category and the state you live in.

Can I receive WIC for one child and SNAP for my whole household?

Yes. WIC is only for pregnant women, postpartum women, and children under five, so if you have older children, you can receive WIC for the younger ones and SNAP for everyone in your household. The programs do not conflict — you just use each card for what it covers.

What if my WIC benefits run out before the month ends?

WIC benefits do not roll over to the next month, so if you use them all, you cannot get more until your next monthly allotment. You can then use SNAP for additional food purchases. Some WIC programs allow you to carry over a small amount, but most do not — check with your state program.