WIC is a federal nutrition program for pregnant people, new parents, and young children

WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children. It is a federal program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides food, nutrition education, and referrals to health services. The program is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. You receive a card or vouchers that you use to buy specific foods at authorized grocery stores and farmers markets.

WIC serves pregnant people, people who have given birth within the past six months, breastfeeding people, and children from birth through age 5. The program focuses on nutrition during critical periods of growth and development. Each person in your household who meets the age and income requirements can have their own WIC account.

WIC is administered by state agencies, usually the state health department or department of social services. This means the rules, income limits, and food lists vary by state. The application process and the foods you can buy differ depending on where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • WIC provides a card or vouchers to buy specific foods like milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, and infant formula at grocery stores and farmers markets.
  • You must meet income limits based on your household size, and these limits vary by state but are generally around 185 percent of the federal poverty line.
  • Pregnant people, people up to six months postpartum, breastfeeding people, and children ages birth to 5 can receive WIC benefits.
  • Each state runs its own WIC program, so the foods you can buy, the application process, and the amount of benefits differ by location.
  • WIC includes nutrition education and referrals to health care, breastfeeding support, and other services beyond just food.

Who can receive WIC benefits

You must fall into one of these categories: you are pregnant, you gave birth within the past six months, you are breastfeeding, or you have a child under age 6 in your household. Income is the second requirement. Your household income must be at or below a certain percentage of the federal poverty line. Most states use 185 percent of the poverty line, but some use different thresholds. For a household of three in 2024, this typically means a monthly income around $3,800 to $4,000, though this varies by state.

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to receive WIC, but you must be a resident of the state where you apply. Some states require proof of residency. Citizenship is not checked. If you are pregnant or postpartum, you do not need to have a child present to apply — you may have access to on your own.

Children can stay on WIC until their sixth birthday. Once a child turns 6, they are no longer may be able to access. If you have multiple children under 5, each child can have their own WIC account with their own food benefits.

What foods and items WIC covers

WIC covers specific foods chosen for their nutrition value. The list includes milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, beans and peas, peanut butter, whole grain bread and cereals, fruits and vegetables, and infant formula. You cannot use WIC to buy any food — only foods on your state's approved list. The list is designed to provide protein, calcium, iron, and other nutrients important for pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood.

Infant formula is a major part of WIC benefits for families with babies under 12 months. The program covers specific brands and types of formula. If you are breastfeeding, you do not receive formula benefits, but you do receive other food benefits and breastfeeding support services.

You cannot use WIC to buy hot foods, prepared foods, vitamins, diapers, or household items. You also cannot use WIC at restaurants or to buy food that will be cooked for you. The foods must be purchased raw or uncooked, with limited exceptions for canned and frozen items.

How much WIC benefits you receive each month

The amount of food benefits varies by state and by who is receiving them. A pregnant person typically receives a different amount than a breastfeeding person or a child. The benefits are usually given as a monthly allowance that you spend on approved foods. Some states give you a card that works like a debit card; others give you paper vouchers that you hand to the cashier.

The monthly benefit amount also depends on what foods your household needs. If you have an infant under 12 months, most of your benefit goes toward formula. If you have a child age 1 to 5, the benefit is split across the approved food categories. Your WIC nutritionist can explain your specific benefit amount when you are enrolled.

Benefits do not roll over month to month in most states. If you do not spend your full benefit in one month, you lose it. Some states allow a small carryover, but this is not standard. You should plan to use your full benefit each month.

How to apply for WIC in your state

Contact your state WIC program directly. You can find the phone number and office location by searching "[your state] WIC program" online or by calling your local health department. Many states also have online portals where you can start an application. Some programs allow you to apply by phone, mail, or in person.

When you contact WIC, you will need to provide proof of income, proof of residency, and proof of identity. Acceptable documents include recent pay stubs, tax returns, utility bills, lease agreements, and a driver's license or state ID. If you are pregnant, you may need a letter from your doctor confirming your pregnancy. If you have a child, you will need their birth certificate.

After you submit your application, the program will schedule an appointment for you to meet with a WIC nutritionist. At this appointment, you will discuss your nutrition needs, receive education about healthy eating, and learn how to use your WIC card or vouchers. The appointment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Once you are approved, you can start using your benefits immediately or within a few days, depending on your state.

WIC nutrition education and health referrals

WIC is more than just food. The program includes nutrition education tailored to your situation. If you are pregnant, you learn about nutrition during pregnancy and preparation for breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding, you receive support and education about breastfeeding. If you have a young child, you learn about introducing solid foods, healthy eating habits, and child nutrition.

WIC also refers you to other services. These may include prenatal care, postpartum care, pediatric care, breastfeeding support groups, and immunization services. Your WIC nutritionist can connect you with local resources and help you find a doctor or clinic if you do not have one. Some WIC programs also offer parenting classes and mental health referrals.

You are required to attend nutrition education sessions to stay on WIC. The frequency and format vary by state. Some programs require one visit per year; others require more frequent contact. Missing appointments without rescheduling can result in your benefits being stopped.

How long you can receive WIC benefits

WIC benefits are not permanent. You receive them for a set period based on your category. Pregnant people typically receive benefits through the end of their pregnancy and for up to six months after birth if they are breastfeeding, or for two months if they are not breastfeeding. Postpartum people who are not breastfeeding receive benefits for up to two months after birth. Breastfeeding people can receive benefits for up to one year after birth.

Children receive benefits from birth until their sixth birthday. Once a child turns 6, their benefits end, even if they are still in your household. If you have another child under 5, that child can have their own WIC account.

You must recertify your WIC benefits periodically, usually once per year. Recertification means you provide updated income and residency information to confirm you still meet the requirements. If your income increases above the limit, you may lose benefits. If your income decreases or stays the same, you can continue receiving WIC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WIC at any grocery store?

No. WIC can only be used at authorized retailers. These include most large grocery chains, some smaller grocery stores, and many farmers markets. When you are approved for WIC, you will receive a list of authorized stores in your area. You can also ask the store directly if they accept WIC.

What happens if I do not use all my WIC benefits in a month?

In most states, unused benefits do not carry over to the next month and are lost. Some states allow a small carryover of one or two months' worth of benefits, but this is not common. You should plan to spend your full benefit each month on approved foods.

Can I buy WIC foods for other family members who are not on WIC?

Yes. Your WIC benefits can be used to buy approved foods for anyone in your household, not just the person enrolled in WIC. However, the foods must be on the approved list and purchased at an authorized store. You cannot use WIC to buy foods for people outside your household.

Do I have to breastfeed to receive WIC?

No. WIC is open to people who are not breastfeeding. If you are not breastfeeding, you receive different benefits than breastfeeding people, and your benefits last for a shorter time after birth. You do not have to prove that you are breastfeeding to receive WIC — you can receive benefits whether or not you breastfeed.

What if my income is slightly above the WIC limit?

Income limits are strict. If your household income is above the limit set by your state, you will not be approved for WIC. However, some states have programs similar to WIC with higher income limits. When you contact your state WIC program, ask if there are other nutrition programs you might be able to use.