Who Qualifies for WIC?
To qualify for WIC you must meet all three of the following criteria:
You must fall into one of these groups: pregnant women, women who are up to 6 months postpartum (non-breastfeeding) or up to 12 months postpartum (breastfeeding), infants under 12 months, or children under age 5.
Gross household income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. If you already receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF you are automatically income eligible — no income documentation needed.
A health professional must determine you are at nutritional risk. This is a broad standard — anemia, being underweight or overweight, poor diet, or a history of pregnancy complications all qualify. Most applicants meet this requirement.
This is determined during a short, free health screening at your WIC appointment — typically including a height and weight check and a brief diet review. You do not need to arrange this separately.
Eligible categories in detail
During pregnancy through delivery. Unborn child counts as a household member for income calculations, raising your limit.
Up to 12 months postpartum while breastfeeding. Receives the highest food benefit package including additional calories.
Up to 6 months after delivery if not breastfeeding. Continues WIC benefits during recovery period.
From birth through 12 months. WIC provides formula for non-breastfed infants and supports breastfeeding families.
From age 1 through the 5th birthday. Includes foster children and those in the care of fathers, grandparents, or other caregivers.
WIC is a federal program available to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain other qualified immigrants. Under current federal rules, immigration status is not reported to enforcement agencies and WIC is not considered a "public charge" for immigration purposes.
However, immigration-related policies can change. We recommend contacting your local WIC office directly to confirm the current rules in your state before applying, as federal or state guidance may be updated at any time. Find your state WIC office →
WIC Income Limits 2026 — 2025/2026
These limits are effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Income is based on gross income (before taxes). Source: USDA FNS WIC PM #2025-4.
48 Contiguous States, DC, Guam & Territories
| Household size | Monthly limit | Annual limit | Weekly limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $2,109 | $25,308 | $487 |
| 2 people | $2,839 | $34,068 | $655 |
| 3 people | $3,569 | $42,828 | $824 |
| 4 people (highlighted) | $4,299 | $51,588 | $992 |
| 5 people | $5,029 | $60,348 | $1,161 |
| 6 people | $5,760 | $69,120 | $1,329 |
| 7 people | $6,490 | $77,880 | $1,498 |
| 8 people | $7,220 | $86,640 | $1,666 |
| Each additional person | +$730 | +$8,760 | +$168 |
Alaska
| Household | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,638 | $31,656 |
| 2 | $3,552 | $42,624 |
| 3 | $4,466 | $53,592 |
| 4 | $5,380 | $64,560 |
| 5 | $6,294 | $75,528 |
| 6 | $7,208 | $86,496 |
| 7 | $8,122 | $97,464 |
| 8 | $9,036 | $108,432 |
Hawaii
| Household | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,426 | $29,112 |
| 2 | $3,266 | $39,192 |
| 3 | $4,107 | $49,284 |
| 4 | $4,947 | $59,364 |
| 5 | $5,787 | $69,444 |
| 6 | $6,628 | $79,536 |
| 7 | $7,468 | $89,616 |
| 8 | $8,308 | $99,696 |
What WIC Provides
WIC benefits vary slightly by state and by your WIC category (pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, infant, or child). Benefits are loaded onto an eWIC card (similar to an EBT card) that works at authorized retailers.
WIC food benefits by category
| Category | Key foods provided | Monthly food benefit (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnant women | Milk, eggs, cheese, whole grains, legumes, fruits & vegetables, juice | ~$50–$75 |
| Breastfeeding women | Higher quantities of all foods plus additional protein foods. Largest food package. | ~$60–$90 |
| Postpartum women (non-BF) | Milk, eggs, cheese, whole grains, legumes, fruits & vegetables, juice | ~$40–$55 |
| Infants (0–5 months) | Iron-fortified infant formula (if not breastfed), or breastfeeding support foods for mother | ~$150–$200 |
| Infants (6–11 months) | Baby foods, infant cereal, formula or breastfeeding support, fruits & vegetables | ~$100–$160 |
| Children (1–4 years) | Milk, eggs, cheese, whole grains, legumes, fruits & vegetables, juice | ~$35–$50 |
Cash Value Benefit (CVB) — fruits & vegetables
All WIC participants receive a monthly Cash Value Benefit specifically for fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables at authorized stores:
- Infants: $9/month
- Children: $9/month
- Pregnant women: $26/month
- Breastfeeding women: $47/month
- Postpartum women: $19/month
Beyond food — WIC also provides
- Nutrition education — personalized counseling on healthy eating during pregnancy and for young children
- Breastfeeding support — peer counselors, lactation consultants, and breast pumps at no cost
- Healthcare referrals — connections to prenatal care, immunizations, dental care, and other community services
- Farmers Market Nutrition Program — additional vouchers to buy fresh produce directly from local farmers markets in participating states
How to Apply for WIC
WIC is administered by each state but funded federally. You apply at your local WIC office — not online in most states.
Use the USDA WIC agency locator or call 1-800-942-2673 to find the WIC office in your area.
Find WIC offices →Call your local WIC office to schedule. Many offices offer same-day or next-day appointments. Some states offer phone or video appointments.
Documents you may need: ID (photo ID, birth certificate), proof of address, proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns), and proof of pregnancy or child's age. If you have Medicaid/SNAP, bring your card — no income documents needed.
A WIC health professional will do a quick assessment — height, weight, blood test for anemia, and a diet review. This is free and usually only takes 20–30 minutes.
If approved, you'll receive an eWIC card loaded with your monthly food benefits. Benefits can usually be used immediately at authorized grocery stores and pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WIC affect my immigration status?
No. WIC is not considered a "public charge" and will not affect your ability to get a green card or visa. WIC also does not share your information with immigration enforcement agencies (ICE). It is safe to apply.
Can I get WIC if I already have Medicaid or SNAP?
Yes — in fact, having Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF automatically makes you income-eligible for WIC. You still need to meet the categorical requirement (pregnant, postpartum, infant, or child under 5) and have a nutritional risk assessment done. You can receive WIC alongside all other benefits programs.
Can fathers, grandparents, or foster parents apply for WIC for a child?
Yes. WIC benefits are for the child, not just the mother. Any caregiver — including fathers, grandparents, legal guardians, and foster parents — can apply for WIC on behalf of an eligible child.
What if my income is slightly over the limit?
Contact your local WIC office anyway. Several factors could still make you eligible: if you receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF you qualify automatically regardless of income; some states use lower income thresholds (you might qualify even if over 185% FPL in those states); and some states offer "adjunctive eligibility" through other programs. It costs nothing to apply and get an official determination.
How long can I receive WIC benefits?
Eligibility is not permanent — you must recertify periodically. Pregnant women receive benefits through delivery. Postpartum women receive benefits for 6 months (non-breastfeeding) or 12 months (breastfeeding). Children are eligible from birth through their 5th birthday, recertifying approximately every 6 months.
Does WIC count all household income?
WIC uses gross income (before taxes). Income counted includes wages, self-employment, unemployment compensation, Social Security benefits, child support received, alimony, and rental income. Income not counted includes SNAP benefits, TANF cash benefits, housing assistance, and most other public assistance payments.
Can I use WIC at Amazon or online grocery delivery?
Generally no — WIC benefits must be used at authorized brick-and-mortar retailers. Unlike SNAP, eWIC cannot be used for online grocery orders as of 2026. Check with your state WIC agency as policies may change.
What is the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)?
Many states offer WIC participants additional vouchers specifically to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables directly from farmers markets. Contact your state WIC agency to find out if FMNP is available in your area and how to use your vouchers at local markets.