If you are pregnant, recently gave birth, breastfeeding, or have a child under age 5, WIC can help put healthy food on the table every month. The program is open to more families than many people think. The income limits are set at 185% of the federal poverty guidelines — a level that includes many working households. This guide shows you exactly where the limits fall, what the benefit looks like, and how to apply.
The benefit breakdown widget shows WIC’s $59.46 monthly food benefit alongside other programs you may qualify for, so you can see the full picture of support available to your household.
The eligibility checker lets you enter your household size and monthly income to see instantly whether you fall within the WIC limits shown in the income table — no math required on your end.
What WIC Is
WIC stands for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. It is a federal nutrition program run through your state or local health department. WIC provides a monthly food benefit loaded onto an EBT card that you use at the grocery store — just like a debit card — to buy approved foods such as milk, eggs, cheese, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and infant formula.
The benefit shown in this guide is $59.46 per month. That figure reflects the cash-value voucher portion of the WIC food package — the part you spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. The full WIC food package also covers other approved items, so your total grocery value is higher.
Who Qualifies for WIC
To qualify for WIC, you generally need to meet three things:
- Category: You are pregnant, up to 6 months postpartum, breastfeeding up to your baby’s first birthday, or you have an infant or child under age 5.
- Income: Your household income is at or below the limit for your household size (see the table beside this text).
- Nutritional risk: A WIC health professional finds that you have a nutrition-related health condition — this is a broad standard and most applicants meet it.
If your household already receives SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you automatically meet the income test for WIC. You do not need to show income documents in that case.
Understanding the Income Limits
The income limits run from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. They are the same across all 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. Here is what the limits look like for the most common household sizes:
- A 1-person household can earn up to $2,413 per month ($28,953 per year).
- A 2-person household can earn up to $3,261 per month ($39,128 per year).
- A 3-person household can earn up to $4,109 per month ($49,303 per year).
- A 4-person household can earn up to $4,957 per month ($59,478 per year).
For households larger than 8 people, the limit goes up by $848 per month (or $10,175 per year) for each additional person. The full table is displayed in the widget next to this guide.
Income is counted before taxes. It includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security payments, unemployment benefits, and most other regular income. Child support received is also counted. Some income types — like certain educational grants — may be excluded; your local WIC office can walk you through exactly what counts for your situation.
A Note on Household Size
Your “household” for WIC purposes is the people in your home who share meals and food costs. A pregnant woman counts as two people — herself and the baby she is carrying — so a pregnant woman living alone would count as a 2-person household for the income test. Twins count as two. This matters because a larger household size means a higher income limit.
What the Benefit Covers
WIC is not a single dollar amount — it is a package of specific foods chosen to support healthy pregnancies and child development. The package varies slightly depending on whether you are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or the parent of an infant or young child. In general the package includes:
- Milk, cheese, and eggs
- Whole-grain cereals and bread
- Fruits and vegetables (via a cash-value benefit)
- Juice and legumes (dried beans, peanut butter)
- Infant formula and infant cereals for babies who are not breastfed
You use your WIC EBT card at authorized stores. When you check out, the card pays for the approved items automatically. You do not need to separate your groceries into two transactions — the register does it for you at most stores.
Beyond food, WIC also connects you with breastfeeding support, nutrition counseling, and referrals to other health services — all at no cost.
How to Apply
Applying for WIC is straightforward. Here is the basic process:
- Find your local WIC clinic. Go to fns.usda.gov/wic/find-a-wic-clinic and enter your zip code. Most counties have at least one clinic; many have several.
- Gather a few documents. You will typically need proof of identity (a driver’s license or ID card), proof of address (a utility bill or lease), proof of income (a recent pay stub or benefit letter), and proof of pregnancy or your child’s age (a medical record or birth certificate). If you already get SNAP or Medicaid, bring that card — it can replace the income documents.
- Schedule an appointment. Call your local clinic or check their website. Many clinics offer walk-in hours, and some states allow you to start an application online before your visit.
- Attend your appointment. A health professional will review your documents, check your or your child’s nutrition status, and — if you qualify — set up your EBT card the same day in most cases.
There is no waiting list for WIC the way there can be for housing programs. If you qualify, benefits start quickly — often the same day as your appointment.
If You Are Close to the Limit
Do not assume you are over the limit before you check. A few things can bring your countable income lower than your gross pay:
- If your household size includes a baby you are currently pregnant with, your limit is higher than it looks at first glance.
- Some income — like certain student aid — may not count.
- Your local WIC office can do the calculation with you at no cost and with no obligation.
The income limits in the table are the ceiling. There is no penalty for applying and finding out you do not qualify — and many people who apply expecting a “no” are surprised to learn they are eligible.
Other Programs That Often Go Hand in Hand with WIC
WIC works well alongside other nutrition and health programs. If you qualify for WIC, it is worth checking whether your household also qualifies for SNAP (grocery benefits on a separate EBT card), Medicaid (health coverage for you and your children), and free school meals for older children in your household. Applying for one program often makes it easier to apply for the others, since eligibility for SNAP or Medicaid automatically satisfies the WIC income test.
WIC income limits, July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
If your household’s gross income is at or below your row, you may meet the income test.
