If you’re expecting a baby, have recently given birth, or are caring for young children and finding it tough to afford nutritious groceries, the WIC program could be just what you need. WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children, and it’s a government-backed program that helps families access healthy food, learn about nutrition, and get support during early childhood.
The goal is simple: help moms and kids stay healthy during the most important stages of development.
Typical Candidates for the WIC Program
WIC isn’t available to everyone. The program was designed with a few specific audiences in mind, including:
- Pregnant women
- Women who recently had a baby
- Breastfeeding moms
- Infants and children up to age 5
The most vulnerable populations are usually the ones that can benefit the most, especially those who are considered to be “nutritionally at risk.” Basically, this means that you or your child might not be getting all the nutrients you need to grow and stay healthy.
Not sure if you’ll qualify? No problem. Applying is free, so it doesn’t hurt to try. You never know if you might be able to benefit from the program if you don’t apply!
What Are WIC Benefits?
It’s no secret that healthy foods can cost families a good chunk of change. Today, many American families feel forced to sacrifice fresh fruits and vegetables simply because they feel too out of reach. That’s where WIC might be able to help!
The program is meant to cover some of the costs associated with buying healthy, nutritious foods. In most cases, the benefits are loaded onto an electronic benefits transfer, or EBT, card. This is basically a debit card you can use at the grocery store or farmers’ markets to buy approved food items.
So, what’s covered by WIC, anyway? Usually, applicants can use their EBT cards to buy things like eggs, milk, cheese, and other dairy products. Kids can benefit, too, because WIC can be used to buy infant food & formula.
Of course, the program aims to provide healthy options, so produce like fruits and veggies is approved as well. And as for protein, you can usually buy canned fish, meats, and beans using WIC dollars, too.
But the WIC program doesn’t only provide help with buying food; most applicants can also access other benefits, like having a dietary specialist. He or she is there to assist with teaching applicants about how to buy and cook healthy foods, which might also include meal planning. If you follow a special diet, like gluten-free or diabetic-friendly, the nutritionist can help with that, too.
Can you use WIC with other government benefits?
Happy to report, yes! WIC works alongside other programs. So if you’re already getting SNAP (food stamps), TANF, or Medicaid, you can still apply for WIC. Many people qualify for both.
How to Qualify
Interested in the benefits of the WIC program? Great! Anyone can apply, but it might be helpful to get an idea of whether you’ll qualify or not.
To get approved for WIC, you’ll need to meet the criteria outlined in the four main requirements:
1. Category
The program requires all applicants to fall into at least one of these groups:
- Pregnant
- Postpartum (up to 6 months after giving birth)
- Breastfeeding (up to 1 year)
- Have a child under age 5
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a child’s biological parent to get WIC. If you care for a child you’re fostering, or are serving as his or her guardian, you’re allowed to apply to the program on their behalf.
2. Income
WIC is meant to help those who really need it, so the program limits participation based on income. And although WIC is operated at the federal level, individual states set their income restrictions. Usually, this is around 185% of the federal poverty level.
It can be tricky to try and calculate this, but here’s a pro tip: if you already get help through SNAP, cash assistance (TANF), or Medicaid, you qualify automatically based on your income!
3. Where You Live
In order to get WIC, you need to live in the state where you apply. If you live in Florida, for example, you’ll need to meet Florida’s requirements.
4. Your Level of Nutritional Risk
Even if you meet all the criteria above, you may not qualify if a health professional doesn’t think you’re at risk of being nutrient deficient. Typically, you’ll meet with a doctor or other professional who will examine your weight, height, and other metrics to determine if you are at risk. It’s a free exam; you won’t be expected to pay.
But what exactly is “nutritional risk?” Well, that can mean a lot of things. If you or your child is considered underweight, that could be a sign of not getting enough calories. Or maybe you’re anemic, which could show that you’re iron-deficient and require more nutritious foods.
If you’re applying on behalf of a child, the WIC professional might examine their medical records. If the child had a low birth weight, that could also be enough to be deemed at risk.
Not Sure if You Qualify? Try the Pre-Screening Tool
Before booking an appointment, you can use the WIC Pre-Screening Tool online. It’s quick, free, and helps you understand whether you’re likely to qualify. You’ll answer a few questions about your income and household size, then:
- Get connected to your state’s WIC office
- Learn how to schedule your first appointment
- Print a summary of your answers to bring with you
Just note: you’ll still need to complete an in-person health screening to apply officially.
Don’t Forget to Bring THESE to the WIC Appointment
Everyone who applies to WIC needs to make an appointment, known as a WIC certification appointment. There’s no way around it; it’s the only way into the program. Everyone who is applying with you – including children – needs to attend.
Here are a few important documents you’ll also need to have with you for the appointment:
Proof of Income
Since income is one of the categorical requirements, you need to prove that you actually meet your state’s limits. So, you should have one or more of the following documents to verify it:
- Recent pay stubs
- Unemployment checks from your state
- Child support payments
- Foster care payments
Proof of Identity
You’ll need to prove that you are who your application says you are. So, be ready with one or more of the following forms of ID:
- State-issued ID
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Military ID
Proof of Address
Residency is a categorical requirement, too, so you’ll need something showing that you live in the state where you’re applying. This can be any of the following:
- A state-issued ID
- A utility bill
- Bank or credit card statement
- Mortgage
- Lease agreement
By Admin –