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Your guide to food & nutrition support

WIC
A clearer place to start.

Nutrition, food, and health support for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5.

Free results · About 3 minutes · No account needed

The program at a glance
What it helps with
Food & Nutrition
Administered by
USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Typical processing estimate
3–14 days
Cost to apply directly
Free

Your state agency decides eligibility and benefit amounts. This guide helps you get oriented.

The basics

Understand the support.

WIC is administered by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. ~$150–$300/month in food benefits + services

Benefits depend on your household and the program’s rules. A possible match is a starting point, not an approval.

Who may qualify

Start with your household.

These are some of the factors the program considers. State rules and additional requirements may apply.

Income

185% of the poverty level

A general income reference. Deductions and state rules can change the applicable limit.

Your situation

Qualifying circumstances

I'm pregnant or have a child under 6

Where you live

Check your state’s rules

Your state guide brings together application links and local requirements.

Choose your state
Income reference

See how household size matters.

The 2026 federal poverty guidelines provide a reference point. This table is illustrative; confirm the program’s current limits with your state.

WIC illustrative income threshold in the contiguous US: 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Based on 2026 HHS poverty guidelines. Program effective dates, deductions and state rules may differ; confirm with the agency.

Household Size2026 FPLAnnual Limit (185%)Monthly Limit
1 person$15,960$29,526$2,461
2 people$21,640$40,034$3,336
3 people$27,320$50,542$4,212
4 people$33,000$61,050$5,088
5 people$38,680$71,558$5,963
6 people$44,360$82,066$6,839
7 people$50,040$92,574$7,715
8 people$55,720$103,082$8,590

Each additional person adds approximately $5,680 to the FPL base ($10,508 at 185%).

What to gather

A little preparation helps.

Your agency will confirm exactly what it needs. These documents are a useful place to start.

  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of residency
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of pregnancy or child's age

You do not need to upload documents or provide your Social Security number to take our free quiz.

Find your state

Your next step is closer to home.

Explore local requirements and where to apply for WIC.

View all 51 states and districts
Visit the official program website
Common questions

A few things to know.

What is WIC?

Nutrition, food, and health support for pregnant women, new moms, and children under 5.

How much is WIC worth?

$1,800 to $3,600 per year. ~$150–$300/month in food benefits + services

What documents do I need?

You'll need: Proof of identity, Proof of residency, Proof of income, Proof of pregnancy or child's age.

How long does processing take?

3-14 days from submission.

How often do I renew?

Every 6 months.

Your next step

See what may fit your household.

Answer a few questions to explore your possible matches and free application links. No account needed.

Find my benefits →

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