How To Apply For WIC In Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, then read the information provided below.

Who is Eligible for Pennsylvania WIC?
WIC serves the following Pennsylvania residents:

• Pregnant women
• Breastfeeding women, for up to one year postpartum
• Women up to six months postpartum, who are not breastfeeding
• Infants and children under 5 years old, including foster children

These residents must also meet WIC income guidelines, which is 185 percent of the poverty level set by the federal government and is based on household size. They must also have a medical or nutritional risk, which is determined at the WIC certification appointment. There are many qualifying risks. Some examples include: anemia, underweight, overweight, premature baby and pregnancy complications.

How do I Apply For Pennsylvania WIC Benefits?
To apply for WIC, call the toll-free WIC Hotline 1-800-WIC-WINS to be connected to WIC office staff that will answer your questions and schedule your appointment, or get started online. Once your appointment is scheduled, please take time to review the list of required items needed for your initial visit to the WIC office.

What to Take to Your First Visit?
Proof of identity for each applicant:

• An example for a woman would be driver’s license or a photo ID card
• An example for an infant or child would be a birth certificate or infant’s hospital record
• WIC does not require proof of citizenship or alien status
• Proof of income for everyone living in the household (ex. current pay stubs, unemployment card, income tax return, ACCESS or Food Stamp ID card)
• Proof of Pennsylvania residency (ex. Driver’s license, utility bill or recent mail)
• Immunization record for all children up to 2 years of age (ex. baby book, health passport)
• Bring your children under age 5
• If applicable, proof of pregnancy from doctor stating due date
• Blood work results (hematocrit or hemoglobin), if available

If possible, complete a dietary questionnaire for each applicant.

• Woman (up to six months postpartum or up to 12 months postpartum if breastfeeding)
• Infant (under age 1)
• Child (age 1 to under age 5)

WIC Income Guidelines