How To Apply For WIC In Arkansas
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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas, then read the information provided below.
Arkansas WIC Eligibility Information
Pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children under age five are eligible for WIC if they:
- Meet Income Guidelines - WIC income guidelines are set at 185% of poverty and are revised each year. Applicant must provide proof of income. Examples are: current check stubs, W-2 forms, most current income tax return, proof of eligibility for Medicaid (including ARKids), TEA, SNAP (food stamps).
- Have a Nutritional Need - Conditions such as anemia, certain medical disorders, weight (over- or under- weight, weight in relation to height, etc.) number and /or frequency of pregnancies are examples of the factors that are considered in a nutritional assessment. A nurse or other professional performs this assessment in the local health unit.
- Live in Arkansas - Applicants must provide proof of residency. Examples of proof of residency can be a current utility, cable or phone bill, a current mortgage or rent receipt, proof of Arkansas Medicaid, TEA or food stamps.
WIC Income Guidelines
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | 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 | +$642 | +$321 | +$296 | +$148 |
How To Apply For The Arkansas WIC Benefits
WIC is available at all Local Health Units in Arkansas, satellite clinics and three WIC-only Clinics. You can apply for and receive WIC in any county in Arkansas. You must call to make an appointment. At your appointment, WIC staff will check to see if you are eligible. What do you need to bring to a WIC appointment?
- ID for yourself and each child
- Proof you are an Arkansas resident
- Proof of income
- Bring any children you are applying for
If you have questions, or need more information regarding eligibility, please contact your local county health unit or you can call the State WIC Office at 501-661-2473, fax at 501-661-2004.