How To Apply For WIC In Rhode Island
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island, then read the information provided below.
Applying for Rhode Island WIC benefits
To apply, call for an appointment at a local WIC office. WIC benefits are available to women who are pregnant, just had a baby, and to children under the age of five whose household meets income guidelines. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can receive benefits that will prepare you and your child for a healthy outcome. Women who apply early in their pregnancy are more likely to have a healthy baby. Children who stay on WIC until the age of five, are better prepared and more likely to succeed in school.
WIC Contact Information:
Department of Health
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-5960
RI Relay 711
WIC Benefits
- Meet with a nutritionist (infants and children are weighed, measured, and have an iron screening);
- Get support for breastfeeding your baby;
- Learn about eating healthy;
- Receive a “food prescription” designed for your specific nutritional needs;
- Receive checks redeemable for healthy foods at participating WIC vendor stores, and
- Get referrals to helpful services for your family.
Fathers, grandparents, and foster parents can also apply for WIC to receive benefits for infants and children in their care. Children who are WIC particiapants must accompany their parent/gardian to appointments for continued screenings for iron in the blood and growth development.
WIC Income Guidelines
| Family 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 child > 8 | +$7,696 | +$642 | +$321 | +$296 | +$148 |
Effect on Family Size with a Pregnancy
An applicant pregnant woman who does not meet income eligibility requirements on the basis of her current family size and income shall be reassessed for eligibility based on a family size increased by one, or by the number of expected multiple births.
Note: Proof of multiple births is required following standard procedure.
In situations where the family size has been increased for a pregnant woman, the same increased family size should also be used for any of the categorically eligible family members.