WIC in Will County is run by the Will County Health Department

The Will County Health Department administers the WIC program for the county. You do not go through the state office or a federal agency — you work directly with Will County's local WIC program. The program serves pregnant women, postpartum women, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who meet income and residency requirements.

Will County's WIC office is located in Joliet. You can reach them by phone to ask about current hours, waitlists, or whether they are taking new participants. Because WIC programs sometimes pause enrollment when funding is tight, calling first saves a trip.

The program issues benefits on a card that works like a debit card at participating grocery stores. You can only buy foods on the WIC food list — milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, cereal, bread, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula or baby food depending on your age group.

Key Takeaways

  • Will County Health Department runs WIC; call them directly to confirm they are taking new participants and to schedule an appointment.
  • You must live in Will County, meet income limits (which vary by family size), and have a child under 5, be pregnant, or be postpartum or breastfeeding.
  • You will need proof of residency, proof of income from the last 30 days, and proof of your child's age or your pregnancy status at your appointment.
  • After approval, you receive a WIC card loaded monthly with funds that work only for foods on the WIC food list at authorized stores.

Income limits and who can receive WIC in Will County

WIC income limits are set by the federal government but applied to your household. For 2024, a household of three with a pregnant woman or child under 5 must earn at or below 185% of the federal poverty line. A household of four is around $4,000 per month gross income; a household of three is around $3,200. These numbers change yearly, so confirm the current limit when you call Will County.

You must be a resident of Will County. "Resident" typically means you live there now, not that you own property or have lived there for a certain length of time. Bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency showing your Will County address.

You are may be able to access if you are pregnant (any trimester), postpartum (up to 6 months after birth), breastfeeding (up to 12 months after birth), or the parent or guardian of a child from birth through age 4. Grandparents, aunts, or other relatives caring for a child can also receive WIC for that child.

Documents you need to bring to your appointment

Bring proof of your Will County address. A utility bill, lease agreement, or recent mail from a bank or government office works. A phone bill or credit card statement usually does not count.

Bring proof of income from the last 30 days. This can be a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer, a bank statement showing direct deposits, or proof of benefits (SNAP, TANF, unemployment, Social Security). If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or a profit-and-loss statement. If you have no income, bring a statement from the agency providing benefits or a signed letter explaining your situation.

Bring proof of your child's age (birth certificate, hospital discharge papers, or passport) or proof of your pregnancy. For pregnancy, bring a letter from your doctor or midwife stating your due date, or bring your ultrasound paperwork. If you are postpartum or breastfeeding, bring the child's birth certificate.

Bring your Social Security number or a document with it on it (driver's license, Social Security card, or passport). You will also need the Social Security numbers of anyone in your household whose income counts toward the limit.

How to contact Will County WIC and schedule an appointment

Call the Will County Health Department's WIC program directly. The phone number and office hours are available on the Will County Health Department website or by calling the main health department line. Ask whether they are currently taking new participants, because some months they pause enrollment if funding is limited.

When you call, tell them you want to set up a WIC appointment. They will ask basic questions about your household size and income to do a quick pre-screen. If you likely meet the income limit, they will schedule you. If the program is not taking new participants, ask when they expect to reopen and whether you can be added to a waitlist.

Appointments usually take 45 minutes to an hour. You will meet with a WIC nutritionist or may be able to access worker who will review your documents, confirm your income and residency, and ask about your health and nutrition. If you are approved, you will get your WIC card that day or within a few days.

What happens after you are approved

Once approved, you receive a WIC card loaded with monthly benefits. The amount depends on your age group and household composition. A pregnant woman might receive $50 to $60 per month; a child under 5 might receive $80 to $120 per month depending on age. These amounts vary and change yearly.

You can use your card at any grocery store that accepts WIC. The store must be authorized by the Illinois WIC program. When you check out, the cashier swipes your card like a debit card. You can only buy foods on the approved WIC food list. If you try to buy something not on the list, the card will decline for that item.

You must recertify every 12 months to keep your benefits. Will County will send you a notice telling you when to come back. Bring the same documents (proof of residency, income, and your child's age or pregnancy status). If you do not recertify by the deadline, your benefits stop.

WIC food list and authorized stores in Will County

The WIC food list includes milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, beans (canned or dried), peanut butter, whole-grain bread, cereal, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and canned fruits and vegetables without added sugar or salt. For infants, the list includes infant formula and baby food. Breastfeeding women can receive additional foods like whole grains and proteins.

You can use your WIC card at most large grocery chains in Will County, including Jewel-Osco, Walmart, and Kroger locations. Smaller grocery stores and some ethnic markets may also be authorized. When you get your card, you will receive a list of authorized stores near you, or you can call Will County WIC to ask which stores accept WIC in your area.

Some stores have self-checkout machines that accept WIC cards, but not all do. If you have questions about whether a specific store accepts WIC or how to use your card there, call the store's customer service or ask a manager.

What to do if you are denied or if your benefits stop

If Will County denies your request, they must send you a written notice explaining why. Common reasons are income over the limit, not meeting residency requirements, or not bringing required documents. The notice will tell you how to request a hearing to appeal the decision.

To appeal, you must request a hearing within 30 days of the denial notice. Call Will County WIC and ask how to file an appeal. You will get a hearing date, and you can bring documents or a representative to explain your situation. A hearing officer will review your case and make a new decision.

If your benefits stop because you did not recertify, you can reapply. Call Will County to schedule a new appointment and bring the same documents. If the program is currently taking new participants, you can restart your benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get WIC if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. WIC does not require citizenship or immigration status. You must live in Will County and meet the income and other requirements. Bring whatever residency proof you have — a lease, utility bill, or mail from a government office showing your Will County address.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Call Will County WIC and ask. Some people without Social Security numbers can still receive WIC, but the program may ask for alternative identification. They will tell you what documents work in your situation.

Can I use my WIC card at farmers markets or online?

Some farmers markets in Illinois accept WIC, but not all. Call Will County WIC to ask which farmers markets near you take WIC cards. Online grocery delivery does not currently accept WIC benefits in Illinois.

What if I move out of Will County?

Your WIC benefits are tied to Will County. If you move to a different county in Illinois, you must reapply through that county's WIC program. If you move out of state, you will need to contact that state's WIC program. Call Will County before you move to ask about the process.

Do I have to breastfeed to get WIC as a postpartum woman?

No. WIC serves postpartum women whether they breastfeed, formula-feed, or both. You are may be able to access for up to 6 months after birth. If you are breastfeeding, you may receive additional food benefits beyond the standard postpartum package.