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Food
WIC: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals for pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children under 5. 2026 limit for a family of four: $61,050 a year.
Who can qualify
Run by: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
- Pregnant women, women up to 6 months after the end of a pregnancy (up to 1 year if breastfeeding), infants and children under age 5.
- Household income at or below 185% of the poverty guidelines, or current participation in SNAP, Medicaid or TANF.
- A health professional at the WIC clinic must find a nutrition risk, which most applicants meet.
WIC income limits by household size
WIC income guidelines run from July 1 to June 30. These figures use the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines. A pregnant woman counts as two or more people.
| Household size | Poverty guideline (2026, yearly) | Annual income limit (185%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,960 | $29,526 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $40,034 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $50,542 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $61,050 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $71,558 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $82,066 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $92,574 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $103,082 |
For each additional person, add $5,680 to the yearly poverty guideline. Figures are rounded up to the next dollar, as agencies do. Source: HHS 2026 poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and D.C.
How to apply for WIC
- 1Contact your state or local WIC agency to make an appointment.
- 2Bring proof of identity, address and income, or proof you get SNAP, Medicaid or TANF.
- 3Benefits are loaded on a WIC card or issued as checks for specific foods.
WIC in your state
Each state page shows limits for that state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently asked questions
- What is the WIC income limit for a family of four?
- In the 48 contiguous states and D.C., the annual income limit (185%) for a household of four is $61,050 a year, based on the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines. Alaska ($76,313) and Hawaii ($70,208) are higher.
- Do I need to be on SNAP or Medicaid to get WIC?
- No. You can qualify on income alone. If you already get SNAP, Medicaid or TANF, you automatically meet the WIC income rule.
- Where do I apply for WIC?
- Contact your state or local WIC agency to make an appointment. Use the official links on this page. Applying is free.