How To Apply For WIC In California
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also know as WIC, is a program that is designed to help low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children 5 years old or younger who are at nutritional risk. The California WIC program accomplishes this by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information that can help provide healthy eating options including breastfeeding, and referrals to health care. If you are looking to know how to apply for WIC in California, then read the information provided below.
Apply For California WIC Program
Generally, WIC is available to:
- low income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women
- low income parent or guardian who is the sole provider of children under age five who are at nutritional risk and who are at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level
WIC Income Guidelines
| Number of persons in Family Unit* | Annual | Month | Twice Monthly | Bi-Weekly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,978 | $1,832 | $916 | $846 | $423 |
| 2 | $29,637 | $2,470 | $1,235 | $1,140 | $570 |
| 3 | $37,296 | $3,108 | $1,554 | $1,435 | $718 |
| 4 | $44,955 | $3,747 | $1,874 | $1,730 | $865 |
| 5 | $52,614 | $4,385 | $2,193 | $2,024 | $1,012 |
| 6 | $60,273 | $5,023 | $2,512 | $2,319 | $1,160 |
| 7 | $67,951 | $5,663 | $2,832 | $2,614 | $1,307 |
| 8 | $75,647 | $6,304 | $3,152 | $2,910 | $1,455 |
| Each add'l family member add | $7,696 per added family member | $642 per added family member | $321 per added family member | $296 per added family member | $148 per added family member |
*Unborn children should be counted in family total.
You can take the WIC Eligibility Assessment to see if you qualify or contact your local WIC office to make an appointment and find out which documents you will need to bring with you. Please be aware that only local WIC Agency staff can determine for certain if you qualify for WIC services.
What can you get at WIC?
- Special checks to buy healthy foods from WIC-authorized vendors – milk, eggs, bread, cereal, juice, peanut butter, and much more (see Authorized Foods)
- Information about nutrition and health to help you and your family eat well and be healthy
- Support and information about breastfeeding your baby
- Help in finding health care and other community services
Where can I find WIC?
WIC has local offices all over California. Call 1-888-WIC-WORKS (1-888-942-9675) or if outside California please call (1-916-928-8500).