WIC stops when your child turns five or you no longer meet income requirements

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) ends automatically when your youngest child reaches their fifth birthday. This is the most common reason benefits stop. The program is designed for children from birth through age four, so once a child turns five, they are no longer may be able to access, even if other younger children in your household still receive WIC.

You can also lose WIC if your household income rises above the program's limit. Income limits vary by state and family size, but they are typically around 185 percent of the federal poverty line. If you report a job change or income increase during your certification period, your local WIC office will recalculate your may be able to access. If you now earn too much, your benefits end immediately.

Missing required appointments or failing to recertify when asked will also end your benefits. WIC requires you to come in person for a nutrition education appointment and to renew your certification, usually once a year. If you miss these without contacting your WIC office, your case will be closed.

Key Takeaways

  • WIC ends when your youngest child turns five, regardless of whether you have younger children still in the program.
  • If your household income exceeds your state's WIC limit (usually around 185 percent of federal poverty), your benefits stop immediately.
  • You must attend nutrition education appointments and recertify your case each year, or your benefits will be terminated.
  • Some states allow you to transfer to SNAP (food stamps) when WIC ends, but you must contact your local office to learn about that option.
  • If your child is still in WIC and turns five before the school year starts, you may be able to move them to the school breakfast or lunch program instead.

The automatic cutoff at age five

WIC is a federal program for children from birth through age four. On the month your child turns five, WIC stops. This happens even if you have other children under five still receiving WIC — each child's benefits end on their own fifth birthday.

Your WIC office will send you a notice before this happens, usually 30 to 60 days in advance. The notice tells you the exact date your child's benefits end. If you have other children in WIC, their benefits continue on their own schedule.

Some states offer a transition period or bridge program when a child ages out of WIC, but this is not standard. Check with your local WIC office to see whether your state has anything in place. Many families move their child to the school breakfast and lunch program if the child is starting kindergarten around the same time.

Income changes that end your benefits

WIC has an income limit that varies by state and family size. In most states, the limit is 185 percent of the federal poverty line. For a family of three in 2024, this is roughly $4,000 per month gross income, but your state may differ. You should ask your WIC office for your exact limit when you first enroll.

If you get a job, a raise, or a change in household income, you must report it to WIC. Your caseworker will recalculate whether you still meet the income requirement. If your new income is above the limit, your case closes. This can happen in the middle of your certification period, not just at renewal time.

Some income does not count toward the WIC limit — for example, child support, certain tax refunds, and some types of assistance. Ask your WIC office which types of income they count. If you are unsure whether a new income source will affect your case, call before reporting it.

Missing appointments and recertification deadlines

WIC requires you to attend a nutrition education appointment at least once during your certification period. This is usually a one-on-one or group session with a WIC nutritionist or health worker. You also must come in person to recertify your case, which happens once a year or sometimes more often.

If you miss a scheduled appointment without calling to reschedule, your WIC office will send you a notice. You typically have 10 to 30 days to contact them and reschedule. If you do not respond, your case is closed. To reopen it, you will have to start over with a new application.

Life happens — childcare falls through, you get sick, you lose track of time. If you know you cannot make an appointment, call your WIC office as soon as you can. Most offices will reschedule you without penalty. The key is to contact them before the appointment date, not after.

What to do when benefits are about to end

If your child is aging out of WIC, ask your WIC office about SNAP (food stamps) before your WIC case closes. Many states have a streamlined process to move WIC families to SNAP without a new application. Your WIC office can tell you whether this is available in your state and how to start the process.

If your child is starting school, look into the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. These programs provide free or reduced-price meals to children who meet income requirements. Your child may still be may be able to access even if WIC is ending. The school will send home applications, usually before school starts.

If your income increased and that is why WIC is ending, you may still be able to buy WIC foods at the store without the WIC card — you just pay out of pocket. Some families find that knowing which foods are nutritious (the foods WIC covers) helps them make better choices even after benefits end.

Reopening WIC after your case closes

If your case closes because you missed an appointment or recertification deadline, you can reopen it by contacting your local WIC office and submitting a new application. The process is the same as your first application: you bring proof of income, residency, and your child's age and citizenship or immigration status. There is no penalty for reopening — you are not locked out of the program.

If your case closed because your income was too high, you can reapply once your income drops back below the limit. You will need to show current pay stubs or other proof that your income has changed. Your WIC office will recalculate and let you know whether you are may be able to access again.

If your child aged out of WIC, you cannot reopen that child's case — they are no longer may be able to access. But if you have a new baby or become pregnant, you can open a new WIC case for yourself or the new child. Pregnancy and postpartum status also make you may be able to access for WIC.

State variations in how WIC ends

Most states follow the same basic rules: WIC ends at age five, when income exceeds the limit, or when you miss required appointments. However, some states have small differences in how they handle the transition or what happens during the final month of benefits.

A few states offer a grace period or extended benefits for children who are about to turn five but have not yet started school. Some states allow you to use your WIC card for a few extra days after your case officially closes, to use up remaining benefits. Call your local WIC office to ask about your state's specific rules.

If you are moving to a different state, your WIC case will close in your current state. You will need to apply for WIC in your new state. Each state runs its own program, so may be able to access and benefits may differ. Contact the WIC office in your new state as soon as you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep WIC after my child turns five if they have not started school yet?

No. WIC ends on your child's fifth birthday regardless of school status. However, you may be able to move your child to the school breakfast and lunch program before WIC ends, even if school has not started yet. Ask your WIC office or your child's school about this option.

What happens to my WIC card after my case closes?

Your WIC card will stop working at the store once your case officially closes. Do not try to use it after that date. If you have unused benefits on the card, they are lost — WIC does not roll over unused funds to the next month or year.

If I lose WIC because of income, can I get it back if my income drops again?

Yes. You can reapply once your income is below the limit again. Bring current pay stubs or other proof of your new income. There is no waiting period or penalty for reapplying after an income-related closure.

Do I have to tell WIC if I get a small raise at work?

Yes, you should report any income change to WIC. Your caseworker will tell you whether it affects your case. A small raise might not push you over the limit, depending on your family size and your state's exact limit. It is better to report it and find out than to risk your case being closed later.

What if I miss my recertification appointment by one day?

Contact your WIC office right away. Most offices will not close your case if you call within a few days and reschedule. The key is to reach out before they send you a formal closure notice. If you wait too long, your case may close, and you will have to reapply.