How to get WIC

To get WIC, you contact your state or local WIC agency directly — there is no federal application or national hotline. You'll need to provide proof of income, residency, and that someone in your household is pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or a child under five. Most agencies let you apply in person, by phone, or online, though the method varies by state. Once approved, you receive a card or vouchers to buy specific foods at participating stores.

The process typically takes one to three weeks from application to approval. Some states approve you on the spot if you bring all required documents. Others mail a decision. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need a valid Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Key Takeaways

  • Contact your state WIC agency by phone, online portal, or in person — the application method depends on where you live.
  • Bring proof of income (recent pay stubs, tax return, or benefit letter), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity for the person applying.
  • You must have a household member who is pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum within six months, or a child under age five.
  • Income limits vary by state but are usually around 185% of the federal poverty line for a family of four.
  • Once approved, you receive a WIC card or paper vouchers to buy milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, juice, and produce at authorized retailers.

Finding your state WIC agency

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains a directory of state WIC programs on its website. Search by your state name, and you'll find a phone number and website for your local agency. Some states have a single statewide office; others divide the program by county or region.

If you don't know which county office serves you, call the main state number and ask. They will direct you to the right location. Many agencies also post office hours and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment.

What documents to bring

You will need three types of proof: income, residency, and identity. For income, bring a recent pay stub, a tax return from the past year, a benefit letter from Social Security or unemployment, or a letter from your employer stating your salary. If you're self-employed, bring tax documents or bank statements showing income.

For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document usually needs to be dated within the past 60 days. For identity, bring a driver's license, passport, state ID, or birth certificate. The person applying for WIC must be present and bring their own ID.

Bring the Social Security number or ITIN for every household member. If you don't have a Social Security number, ask the WIC office whether you can use an ITIN or what other documentation they accept.

Income limits and how they're calculated

WIC income limits are set at or below 185% of the federal poverty line. The exact limit depends on your household size and your state — some states set their limit lower. For example, a household of four in 2024 would need to earn below a certain monthly amount, but that amount changes yearly and varies by state.

The WIC office counts income from all household members, including children. They typically look at gross income (before taxes) from the past 30 days or the past year, depending on the source. Self-employment income, child support, and Social Security all count. Some income — like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or certain benefits — may not count, so ask the office which types they include.

Who qualifies as a WIC participant

You or a household member must fall into one of these categories: pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum (within six months of giving birth), or a child under age five. The person does not have to be a U.S. citizen, but they do need a valid Social Security number or ITIN.

If you're applying for a child, that child must live with you. If you're applying while pregnant, you don't need to provide a birth certificate yet — the WIC office will ask for it after the baby is born. Postpartum means you gave birth within the past six months, whether or not you're breastfeeding.

What happens after you apply

After you submit your application, the WIC office will review your documents and contact you with a decision. This usually takes one to three weeks. Some offices call or email; others mail a letter. If approved, you'll receive instructions on how to get your WIC card or vouchers and which stores accept them in your area.

If you're denied, the office will tell you why and explain how to appeal. Common reasons for denial are income too high, no may have access to household member, or missing documents. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the decision.

Once you have your card or vouchers, you can start shopping at any authorized WIC retailer. The foods you can buy are set by the program and include milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, whole-grain cereal, juice, and fresh or frozen produce. You cannot buy other foods, prepared meals, or non-food items with WIC benefits.

Recertification and keeping your benefits

WIC benefits are not permanent. You must recertify every 12 months to keep your benefits. The WIC office will send you a notice when it's time to recertify. You'll need to bring updated proof of income and residency, just as you did when you first applied.

If your household's income changes, your family size changes, or a child turns five, tell the WIC office right away. Your benefits may change or end. If you move to a different state, you'll need to apply to that state's WIC program — benefits do not transfer between states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for WIC if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to receive WIC. You do need a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for the person applying and for all household members. Bring your ITIN documentation to your appointment.

What if I don't have all my documents ready?

Call your WIC office and ask what you can do. Some offices will let you apply with partial documents and give you a deadline to bring the rest. Others may schedule a follow-up appointment. It's better to call ahead than to show up unprepared and have to reschedule.

How much money can I make and still get WIC?

Income limits are set at 185% of the federal poverty line and vary by household size and state. A single person's limit is different from a family of four's. Your WIC office can tell you the exact limit for your household size in your state.

Can I use WIC benefits at any grocery store?

No. You can only use WIC at stores that are authorized by your state's WIC program. This includes many supermarkets, some smaller grocery stores, and farmers markets in some states. Your WIC card or voucher will list authorized retailers, or you can ask the WIC office for a list.

What if I'm denied WIC?

The WIC office will send you a letter explaining why you were denied. Common reasons are income above the limit, no may have access to household member, or not meeting residency requirements. You have the right to request a fair hearing to appeal the decision within a set time frame — ask the office for the deadline.