Food Assistance › Guide
WIC: Who Qualifies, What It Covers, and How to Apply
WIC gives healthy food, nutrition help, and feeding support to eligible pregnant or postpartum people, infants, and children under age 5. WIC is not the same as SNAP. You can get both.
Applying is free. A local WIC clinic checks income, where you live, and a nutrition need.
Who may get WIC?
WIC serves people in one of these groups:
- Pregnant people
- People who recently had a baby
- People who breastfeed
- Infants
- Children who are not yet age 5
You must live in the state or service area where you apply. A health worker must also find a nutrition risk. This can be a health need, a food need, or a diet that lacks key foods.
What is the WIC income limit?
A state can set its WIC income limit from 100% to 185% of the federal poverty level. Most use the top point.
You may pass the income test on your own if you get Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF. Some family members can also help you pass this test.
Do not rule yourself out from a yearly pay number. Pregnancy changes family size for the test, and some pay may be left out.
What foods does WIC provide?
Your food list is based on age, health, and feeding needs. It may include:
- Fruit and vegetables
- Milk, cheese, or yogurt
- Eggs
- Beans or peanut butter
- Whole grains and cereal
- Infant cereal and baby food
- Infant formula when needed
WIC also gives nutrition lessons and breastfeeding help. Staff can link you to health care and other local help.
How do you use WIC at a store?
Most places put benefits on an eWIC card. Your clinic will give you a food list and tell you which stores take the card.
Check the food, size, and brand rules before checkout. Use the state WIC app if it has one. A food can be healthy but still not match your WIC list.
Unused food benefits may end after the benefit month. Your card screen or receipt can show what is left.
What should you bring to the WIC visit?
- ID for the person who applies
- Proof of where you live
- Proof of income or a benefit letter
- The infant or child who is applying
- Health or shot records if the clinic asks
Call first if you lack a paper. The clinic can tell you what else it accepts. It may offer phone or video steps before an in-person check.
How do you apply?
- Use the USDA WIC state finder.
- Call the local clinic for an appointment.
- Ask which papers and people to bring.
- Finish the income and health check.
- Learn how to use the card and food list.
You do not need to pay anyone to apply. If food is short now, also read our emergency food guide.
Can WIC affect immigration status?
USDA says WIC does not ask about immigration status to decide WIC eligibility. Getting WIC does not make a person a public charge.
Ask the clinic for language help if you need it. WIC services must be open without unfair treatment.
Run your numbers. The free SNAP calculator shows what SNAP could be worth for a home like yours, plus where you land against the poverty line. Nothing you type is saved. All calculators →
Application toolkit · verified 2026-07-28
Get ready to apply for WIC
Your local WIC office will give you its exact list before the appointment. These are the items USDA says an office may request.
Common documents and information
Check off items as you gather them. Do not send original records unless the agency specifically tells you to.
What happens after you apply
- The local WIC agency contacts you to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.
- At the appointment, staff review the documents, complete a nutrition and health screening, and answer questions.
- If eligible, staff explain your food benefits, how to use them, and the nutrition, breastfeeding, or referral services available.
- Save the office's contact information and your next appointment or certification date.
Applying is free. CalculateBenefits does not receive or submit your application.
Local rules: WIC appointments and proof requirements vary by state, local, and Tribal agency. The office's own checklist is controlling.