The basic requirements for WIC

WIC is open to pregnant people, postpartum people (up to one year after birth), breastfeeding people, infants, and children under five. Your household income must fall at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty line — that threshold changes each year and varies slightly by state. You must also be a U.S. citizen, national, or may have access to immigrant, and you must live in the state where you're applying.

Income is the main barrier most people face. For 2024, 185 percent of the poverty line means a family of three can earn roughly $3,900 per month and still be within range, though the exact number depends on your state and family size. Some states set their own income limit lower than 185 percent, so check with your local WIC office for the exact cutoff in your area.

You don't need to be on other programs to get WIC, though many people are. You don't need to own a home, have a job, or have a specific immigration status beyond being a may have access to immigrant. The program looks at income and household composition — that's it.

Key Takeaways

  • WIC serves pregnant people, postpartum people, breastfeeding people, infants, and children under five whose household income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty line.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or may have access to immigrant living in the state where you apply.
  • Income limits change yearly and vary by state, so you need to check with your local WIC office for the exact threshold that applies to your family size.
  • Being on other programs like SNAP or Medicaid does not affect your WIC status, and you can be on WIC and other programs at the same time.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of income when you go in to apply.

Income limits by family size

WIC uses a federal poverty line that the U.S. Department of Agriculture updates each year. The 185 percent threshold applies nationwide, but your state WIC program may use a lower limit. Some states cap it at 185 percent; others go lower.

Income limits are calculated by household size. A household includes you, your spouse if you have one, and any children or dependents living with you. The more people in your household, the higher your income can be and still be within range. A single person with one child has a different limit than a single person with three children.

Your local WIC office can tell you the exact income limit for your household size in your state. You can also call 211 or visit your state's WIC website to find the current numbers. Do not assume last year's limit still applies — these numbers shift annually.

What counts as income

WIC counts most money coming into your household. This includes wages from a job, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, Social Security, child support, and spousal support. It also includes income from rental property, interest, and dividends.

Some income does not count. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is usually excluded, as are some education benefits and certain types of assistance. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), your income is already verified by those programs, and WIC may accept that verification without asking you to prove it again.

When you apply, bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing your income. If you're self-employed, bring tax documents or bank statements. If you have no income, bring documentation of that — a letter from your employer saying you're not currently employed, or a statement from you under penalty of perjury.

Proof of identity and residency

You'll need to show who you are and that you live in the state where you're applying. For identity, bring a government-issued ID like a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you don't have one, ask your WIC office what other documents they accept — some offices take a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your current address. The document usually needs to be dated within the last 60 days. If you're homeless or living in temporary housing, tell the WIC office — they have procedures for people without a fixed address, and you can use a shelter address or a friend's address where you're staying.

Bring originals or certified copies if you have them. Some offices accept photocopies; others do not. Call ahead and ask what form of each document they need.

Proof of pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding

If you're pregnant, bring a letter from your doctor or midwife stating that you are pregnant. The letter doesn't need to include your due date, though it helps. If you've already given birth, bring the baby's birth certificate or a hospital discharge paper showing the birth date.

If you're breastfeeding, bring a statement from your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant confirming that you are breastfeeding. Some offices accept a simple note; others want a more formal letter. Call your local WIC office and ask what they need before you go in.

For infants and children, you'll need the child's birth certificate or a hospital record showing their date of birth. If you're applying for a child who is not your biological child — a grandchild, foster child, or relative you're caring for — bring documentation showing your relationship and custody or guardianship if required by your state.

Citizenship and immigration status

You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or may have access to immigrant. may have access to immigrants include lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other categories defined by federal law. Some states have expanded WIC to include undocumented immigrants, but most have not.

Bring a document proving your status. For citizens, a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate works. For green card holders, bring the green card itself. For refugees or asylees, bring your approval letter from USCIS. If you're unsure whether you may have access to based on your immigration status, call your local WIC office and ask — they can tell you whether your status makes you may be able to access.

Your immigration status is confidential. WIC does not report immigration information to other agencies, and applying for WIC will not trigger an immigration investigation or affect any immigration case you have pending.

What happens after you show proof

Once you've brought in your documents, a WIC staff member will review them and enter your information into the system. They'll calculate your income against the current limit for your household size. If you're within range on income and you meet the other requirements, you'll be found to be within range and can receive WIC benefits.

The entire process usually takes one to two hours at your first visit. You may also need a health screening — a staff member or nurse will take your height, weight, and blood pressure, and may ask about your diet and health history. This screening helps WIC staff understand what foods and nutrition education might help you most.

If you're found to be within range, you'll receive a WIC card or vouchers that you can use at authorized retailers to buy specific foods: milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, bread, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula or baby food depending on your age and status. The amount you receive each month depends on your household composition and what category you're in (pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, infant, or child).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get WIC if I'm over the income limit?

No. Income limits are set by federal law and your state cannot waive them. If your household income is above 185 percent of the poverty line (or your state's lower limit), you are not within range for WIC. If your income drops later, you can reapply.

Do I have to be on Medicaid or SNAP to get WIC?

No. WIC is a separate program with its own income limits and requirements. You can be on WIC without being on any other program, and you can be on WIC and other programs at the same time. Being on one program does not help or hurt your WIC status.

What if I don't have a birth certificate for my child?

Bring whatever proof of birth you have — a hospital discharge paper, a baptism certificate, or a letter from the hospital where the child was born. Ask your WIC office what they can accept. If you need an official birth certificate, your state's vital records office can issue one, though there is usually a fee.

Can I apply if I'm homeless?

Yes. You can use a shelter address, a friend's address where you're staying, or a mailing address where you can receive mail. Tell the WIC office that you're homeless so they know to use an alternative address. You'll still need to show some form of identity.

How long does it take to learn about I'm within range?

Usually you'll know the same day you apply. The WIC staff member reviews your documents, enters your information, and tells you whether you're within range before you leave. If they need to verify something — like calling your employer about your income — it may take a few days, and they'll contact you with the result.