WIC: Eligibility & Benefits for Women, Infants & Children
Last updated June 2026 · Educational overview, not legal or financial advice
WIC helps pregnant women, new moms, infants, and young children get the nutritious food and support they need. Here's who qualifies, what WIC provides, and how to apply.
What is WIC?
WIC — the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children — provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. It is run by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service through state and local agencies.
What does WIC provide?
WIC benefits are not cash. Instead, participants receive a monthly food package — or an EBT card loaded with specific approved foods — covering items like milk, eggs, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, infant formula, and baby food. WIC also provides personalized nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support, which many families find as valuable as the food itself.
Who is eligible?
To qualify, you must be a pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding woman, an infant, or a child under five, and meet an income guideline (generally at or below 185% of the federal poverty level). You must also be assessed to be at "nutritional risk" by a health professional, which is common and includes things like being underweight, having a poor diet, or a history of pregnancy complications. Importantly, if you already receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you are usually automatically income-eligible for WIC.
How to apply
You apply through your state or local WIC agency by scheduling an appointment. Bring proof of income, identity, and your state of residence, and your family will complete a short health and nutrition screening. You can find your state agency through the USDA's official WIC site.
Frequently asked questions
What age does WIC cover?
WIC serves pregnant and postpartum women, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday.
What is the income limit for WIC?
Income generally must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, though limits vary by state and household size. If you already get SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you usually qualify automatically.
Can I get both WIC and SNAP?
Yes. WIC and SNAP serve different purposes and many families receive both at the same time. Receiving SNAP can even make you automatically income-eligible for WIC.
Is WIC cash?
No. WIC provides specific approved foods through a food package or EBT card, plus nutrition education and breastfeeding support — not cash.
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