See details for your state

USDA Food and Nutrition Service

WIC Nutrition Program

BenefitFood AidRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

All 50 states, DC, 5 US territories, 34 tribal organizations

What you get

WIC provides monthly food benefits, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women and children under five at nutritional risk. Participants receive electronic benefits redeemable for specific healthy foods at authorized retailers. Eligibility requires income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.

Help paying for groceries and nutrition support, usually through a card, meal program, or local provider.

If you need food this week, ask the local office whether expedited or emergency help is available.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Are you pregnant, postpartum, an infant under 1 year old, a child under 5 years old, or a woman with an infant or child under 5?
Must meet income guidelines (at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Level — currently $26,973/year for 1 person in 2024)
This program requires income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. Select your household size to see your exact dollar limit.
How many people are in your household?
Count everyone who lives and eats with you — yourself, partner, children, and dependents.
Do you have a nutritional risk determined by a health professional?
Do you reside in a state or territory with a WIC program — available in all 50 states, DC, and 5 territories?
Household income requirement
This program has income limits. Tell us your household size and income so we can check for you.
How many people are in your household?
Count everyone who lives and eats with you — yourself, partner, children, and dependents.

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1WIC application at a local WIC agency (find at fns.usda.gov/wic/find-a-wic-agency — no national form, each state runs its own)
2Proof of identity: birth certificate, hospital record, or photo ID for adult applicants
3Proof of residence: utility bill, bank statement, or lease with current address
4Proof of income: pay stubs (last 30 days), SNAP/Medicaid/TANF award letter, or tax return — OR SNAP/Medicaid/TANF enrollment as categorical eligibility
5Proof of pregnancy: letter from OB/GYN or midwife (for pregnant applicants)

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the local benefits office that handles WIC Nutrition Program.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

Program impact

WIC reaches about half of all infants born in the United States.

People helped

6.7 million women and children

served monthly

Annual federal budget

$7.3 billion

Average benefit

~$50–$150/month in food benefits

Established

1974

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

Fair Food Network (USDA-supported)

Double Up Food Bucks

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

See details for your state

USDA Food and Nutrition Service

WIC Nutrition Program

BenefitFood AidRecurringRolling

What it may cover

Varies

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

All 50 states, DC, 5 US territories, 34 tribal organizations

What you get

Help paying for groceries and nutrition support, usually through a card, meal program, or local provider.

If you need food this week, ask the local office whether expedited or emergency help is available.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Are you pregnant, postpartum, an infant under 1 year old, a child under 5 years old, or a woman with an infant or child under 5?
Must meet income guidelines (at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Level — currently $26,973/year for 1 person in 2024)
This program requires income at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. Select your household size to see your exact dollar limit.
How many people are in your household?
Count everyone who lives and eats with you — yourself, partner, children, and dependents.
Do you have a nutritional risk determined by a health professional?
Do you reside in a state or territory with a WIC program — available in all 50 states, DC, and 5 territories?
Household income requirement
This program has income limits. Tell us your household size and income so we can check for you.
How many people are in your household?
Count everyone who lives and eats with you — yourself, partner, children, and dependents.

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1WIC application at a local WIC agency (find at fns.usda.gov/wic/find-a-wic-agency — no national form, each state runs its own)
2Proof of identity: birth certificate, hospital record, or photo ID for adult applicants
3Proof of residence: utility bill, bank statement, or lease with current address
4Proof of income: pay stubs (last 30 days), SNAP/Medicaid/TANF award letter, or tax return — OR SNAP/Medicaid/TANF enrollment as categorical eligibility
5Proof of pregnancy: letter from OB/GYN or midwife (for pregnant applicants)

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the local benefits office that handles WIC Nutrition Program.
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

Program impact

WIC reaches about half of all infants born in the United States.

People helped

6.7 million women and children

served monthly

Annual federal budget

$7.3 billion

Average benefit

~$50–$150/month in food benefits

Established

1974

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

Fair Food Network (USDA-supported)

Double Up Food Bucks

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations