The goal of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is to support qualifying families in the U.S. in meeting their children’s nutritional needs so that they have the healthiest possible start in life. So, who is eligible and why? Let’s walk through some myths and facts.
We’re not really struggling, so my family won’t qualify for WIC
Maybe! You might be surprised, though — guidelines about who qualifies for WIC vary somewhat from state to state, but in 2014, almost 62% of infants in the U.S. qualified for WIC. Each state can set its family income cut-off for the WIC program anywhere between 100 and 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. This means that many families may qualify for WIC even if their income is too high to be eligible for other assistance programs.
I’m not a biological parent, so my family won’t qualify for WIC
Any young child, no matter which parent or guardian they live with, may be eligible to get WIC benefits for nutrition.
I’m pregnant, but I don’t have a child yet, so I won’t be eligible
If you are pregnant, you are eligible to be considered for the program, and anyone who is pregnant and meets other WIC guidelines will be covered by WIC assistance. Additionally, WIC is also available to eligible:
- Breastfeeding women until their infant’s first birthday
- Non-breastfeeding postpartum women for up to six months after pregnancy.
- Infants and children until their fifth birthday
See if you can qualify!
To find out if you or your family may qualify for WIC benefits, click the button below to visit their website.
