WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is designed to help a specific group of people, ensuring that the program supports those who need it most. To qualify for WIC, applicants must meet a few key criteria, including income, residency, and nutritional needs. 

Let’s break down who can qualify for WIC and how the process works.

First and foremost, WIC is available to certain groups of people based on their life stage and health needs. The program focuses on helping individuals at greater risk of poor health outcomes due to limited access to nutritious food.

These groups include:

• Pregnant women: From the start of pregnancy until the baby is born, pregnant women can qualify for WIC to help ensure they get the nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy.
• Postpartum women: Women who have recently given birth (up to six months after delivery) are eligible for WIC, whether or not they are breastfeeding. For breastfeeding mothers, WIC support extends up to the infant’s first birthday.
• Infants: Babies up to their first birthday can receive benefits, including access to nutritious foods like infant formula, healthcare referrals, and breastfeeding support.
• Children under five years old: Any child up to five can qualify for WIC, as this is a critical period for growth and development. Families can receive food and nutrition support to help ensure their children get the necessary vitamins and nutrients during these formative years.

In addition to being part of one of these groups, other qualifications must be met to receive WIC benefits. These include:

• Income requirements: WIC is designed to help low-income families. Each state sets income guidelines, and household size also plays a role in determining eligibility—the more people in your household, the higher the income limit.
• Residency and nutritional risk: You must live in the state where you’re applying for WIC. Additionally, a healthcare professional must assess you or your child to determine if there is a nutritional risk. This could include conditions such as being underweight, having growth concerns for a child, or experiencing health issues during pregnancy.

WIC is designed to help individuals during some of life’s most critical stages—pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood. If you meet the income guidelines, live in the state where you’re applying, and are found to be at nutritional risk, you may be able to qualify for WIC.

If you think you might qualify, it’s always a good idea to apply and find out. WIC provides more than just food—it’s a comprehensive program that offers a variety of benefits to help families thrive.

On the next slide, we’ll explore the many benefits of WIC, from the healthy foods you can access to the educational and healthcare support available to families.