California WIC Office

The California WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program is handled by the Department of Public Health. This state agency can help you with questions or issues with WIC including how to apply, what is required to be eligible for California WIC benefits or if you need to schedule an appointment. If you will be meeting with the California Department of Public Health, we suggest you verify what documents you should bring with you to make sure they have all the information they need to help determine your eligibility. This page provides the California WIC office number and office hours.

The California WIC program aims to assist low-income and nutritionally at risk women who are pregnant, women who are currently breastfeeding (up to infant's 1st birthday), nonbreastfeeding postpartum women (up to 6 months after the birth of an infant or after pregnancy ends), infants (up to 1st birthday) and children up to their fifth birthday. Benefits that are provided to participants through the California WIC program includes supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, counseling at WIC clinics, screening and referrals for other health reasons, welfare and social services.

If you are planning to move out of state, California WIC participants can still receive their benefits until the certification period expires as long as there is proof that they received WIC benefits in California. Before you move, it is recommended that you contact the local WIC office. In most cases, the state agency will provide you with a special card that proves you participated in the California WIC Program. When you have moved, the next step would be to call the WIC office in the state you moved to and schedule an appointment. Make sure to bring the special card to your appointment to show proof you received benefits from the California WIC program.

Where are the WIC California facilities located?

The California WIC office is located in all parts of the state. Both applicants and enrollees need to go to these Women, Infants and Children (WIC) facilities at certain times. As a result, it is important that all petitioners and program participants know where their nearest WIC clinic is.

If you want to find a WIC office near you, conduct your search on this website. You can search for facilities by state, then narrow the results down to city. Once you find offices where you can apply for WIC, check to see which location is closest to you. This site will give you the office’s address, as well as its phone number.

Who is eligible for benefits at the California WIC office?

Only certain applicants are eligible for WIC in California. Generally, enrollees qualify by belonging to one of the following categories:

• Pregnant women, as well as women who were pregnant within the past six months and women who are breastfeeding infants who are younger than one year of age.
• Infants who are younger than one year of age.
• Children who are younger than five years of age.

Keep in mind that WIC locations also maintain income requirements that you must meet. In addition to qualifying through one of the categories mentioned above, you must identify as a low-earning individual. The maximum income your household can earn and still qualify for the program is determined in relation to the federal poverty level (FPL). If you do not meet the WIC income guidelines for your state, you cannot receive benefits.

What services are available through the WIC office in California?

The CA WIC program offers many different services to enrollees. Some of the benefits you can obtain through your local WIC agency include:

• Food vouchers to buy groceries.
• Breastfeeding assistance and information.
• Referrals to various health care providers and other public benefits.
• Healthy eating tips and education.