How To Apply For WIC In New Mexico

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 New Mexico 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 New Mexico, then read the information provided below.

Who is eligible for New Mexico WIC?
To be eligible for WIC, you must:

• live in New Mexico
• meet income limits. See What are the income limits? below. If you get food stamps, TANF, or Medicaid, or have family members who get these benefits, you meet the WIC income limits.
• have a health or dietary need that puts you at nutritional risk. Nutritional risks include a poor diet, weight problems, problems during pregnancy, food allergies, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, anemia, or other problems.
• be in one of the following categories:
  • women who are pregnant, postpartum (had a baby within the past 6 months), or breastfeeding (up to the infant’s first birthday)
  • infants (up to their first birthday)
  • children (up to their fifth birthday)

Fathers, guardians, or foster parents may apply for their children. Participants must apply in person. You must have a health screening to measure your height and weight and have a blood test for anemia. This can be done at a WIC office or by your doctor.

Can I get WIC if I am not a citizen?
Yes, you can get WIC if you are not a citizen. All noncitizens, including undocumented noncitizens, who meet the eligibility requirements can get WIC benefits. No one from the WIC program will ask about your immigration status. Getting WIC benefits will not make you a public charge and will not hurt your chances of becoming a legal permanent resident.

What are the income limits?
Your household's gross income must be less than or equal to 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). Your household's gross income is the total income (before taxes) of all household members, whether they are related to you or not. WIC counts unborn babies when determining household size. The income limits are shown below:

WIC Gross Income Eligibility Guidelines

Note: People who get TANF, SNAP (food stamps), or Medicaid, or have family members who get these benefits, are automatically income-eligible for WIC.

Can I get WIC if I get food stamps or TANF?
Yes, you can get WIC benefits along with food stamps and/or TANF. People who are eligible for food stamps, Medicade, or TANF are automatically income-eligible for WIC.

Do all eligible women and children get WIC benefits?
Usually everyone who is eligible gets WIC benefits. However, WIC agencies only have a limited amount of money and there is a chance that you will be put on a waiting list for benefits. If this happens, women and children with the most serious health risks are given first priority.

How do I apply for WIC?
To apply for WIC, you should call your local WIC site to set up an appointment. There are over 110 WIC sites throughout New Mexico.

To find a site near you:

• call the Family Health Bureau's WIC number, 505-476-8800
• or call the New Mexico Department of Health toll-free at 1-866-867-3124

There is no application form for you to fill out beforehand. A WIC staff member will tell you what to bring to your appointment and fill out the application during your meeting. You must apply in person and bring your baby or young children with you if you are also applying for them. At your appointment, a WIC staff member will talk to you about your diet and health, do a health screening, and check to see if you meet income limits and other eligibility requirements. The appointment will take about 45 minutes.

What documentation do I need?
You will need to bring:

• a picture ID or other identification
• birth certificates for children who are applying for WIC
• proof of address, such as a lease or utility bill
• proof of income within the last 30 days for all household members (pay stubs, tax returns, etc.), unless you or a family member is getting TANF, food stamps, or Medicaid. Then you should bring your award notice or benefit card instead.
• A diet survey that certifies needs of family members who will be applying:
  • NASH Infants English
  • NASH Infants Spanish
  • NASH Child English
  • NASH Child Spanish
  • NASH Pregnant Woman English
  • NASH Pregnant Woman Spanish
  • NASH Breastfeeding/Postpartum Woman English
  • NASH Breastfeeding/Postpartum Woman Spanish
• current immunization (shots) record for children who are applying for WIC
• If you do not have all of the documents you need, a WIC staff member will help you

How long does it take to get WIC?
If you meet the eligibility requirements and have the documents you need, you can usually be approved and get WIC benefits during your first appointment. You will get a food voucher for each eligible family member.

How often do I need to reapply?
You will be approved for WIC benefits for a certain amount of time, called your certification period. At the end of your certification period, you will be asked to come back to the WIC office for a follow-up visit. At the follow-up visit, a WIC staff member will meet with you and your children to see if you are still eligible for benefits. Most WIC participants are approved for benefits for 6 months at a time.