To apply for the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program, follow these general steps:
- Check Eligibility
You must be pregnant, postpartum (up to 6 months), breastfeeding (up to 1 year), or have an infant or child under 5 years old. You must meet income guidelines (usually below 185% of the federal poverty level) and live in the state where you apply. You also need to be at nutritional risk as assessed by a health professional
- Gather Required Documents
Prepare proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, Medicaid card), proof of residency (e.g., utility bill, rental receipt), and proof of income (e.g., pay stubs, tax return, Medicaid card). If you receive Medicaid, TANF, or SNAP, you may automatically meet income requirements and need fewer documents
- Start the Application
- You can apply online if your state offers it (e.g., California and some others).
- Call or visit your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment. You can find your local office via state WIC websites or by calling a WIC hotline (e.g., 1-844-601-6881 in North Carolina).
- Some states allow texting APPLY to a designated number or filling out a referral form online
- Attend Your Appointment
At the appointment, a nutritionist or health professional will assess your nutritional risk, review your documents, and provide nutrition education and WIC benefits if you qualify
Each state may have slightly different procedures, so check your local WIC agency’s website for specific instructions and to apply online if available.
