USDA lists pregnant women, women up to 6 months after a pregnancy ends, breastfeeding women up to the baby's first birthday, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday, who meet the income rule and live in the area of the agency where they apply.

Does applying for WIC cost anything?

The health check WIC does before enrollment is free, according to USDA.

WIC: food and nutrition help for pregnant women, babies and young children

What is WIC and who is it for?

WIC is a U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition program for pregnant women, new mothers, babies and children under five, applied for through a local WIC agency.

Women who are pregnant.
Women up to 6 months after the end of a pregnancy.
Women who are breastfeeding, up to the baby's first birthday.
Infants.
Children up to their fifth birthday.

How does the income rule work?

Your household's total income before taxes must be at or below WIC's limits. USDA publishes the chart by household size on its eligibility page.
Your household is everyone you live with and share income and expenses with.
According to USDA, if you or the children in your care already receive Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, you may already meet the income rule.
If you are unsure about your income, USDA says to ask your local WIC agency.

What happens when you apply?

You apply through a WIC agency in your area, and you may be able to start online. Before you are enrolled, WIC staff do a free, simple health check, which they use to personalize your benefits. USDA's website has an eligibility tool and a state-by-state list of WIC agencies.

Ask the WIC office any question you have, in Spanish if you prefer, including questions about documents. If you are worried about how a benefit could relate to an immigration case, that is a legal question: ask a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative rather than guessing.

Where else can families find food help?

Food pantries and food banks in this directory, under "Food pantries & food banks" on your city's page, often know the nearest WIC office too. Community health clinics are another good place to ask.

Common questions

Who can get WIC?: USDA lists pregnant women, women up to 6 months after a pregnancy ends, breastfeeding women up to the baby's first birthday, infants, and children up to their fifth birthday, who meet the income rule and live in the area of the agency where they apply.
Does applying for WIC cost anything?: The health check WIC does before enrollment is free, according to USDA.

Official sources

USDA Food and Nutrition Service: WIC eligibility requirements (fns.usda.gov)

Checked 2026-10-11. Rules and numbers can change; confirm with the official source.