Maryland WIC Office

The Maryland WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program is handled by the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene. This state agency can help you with questions or issues with WIC including how to apply, what is required to be eligible for Maryland WIC benefits or if you need to schedule an appointment. If you will be meeting with the Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, 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 Maryland WIC office number and office hours.

The Maryland 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 Maryland 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, Maryland WIC participants can still receive their benefits until the certification period expires as long as there is proof that they received WIC benefits in Maryland. 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 Maryland 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 Maryland WIC program.

How do I schedule an appointment at a Maryland WIC office?

The Maryland WIC office requires you to schedule an appointment when you apply for benefits. You cannot receive Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program benefits without arranging a time to interview with a caseworker. In order to arrange your WIC appointment, call your nearest facility. The representative you speak with will be able to tell you when you can report to the office to apply for WIC. If you want to find a clinic where you can apply for benefits, search for facilities using this website.

When you are ready to report to the WIC office, be sure you have your dependents with you. They must accompany you whether they are infants, toddlers or children. Everyone in your household who is included in your WIC application needs to come to these meetings. If any of your children are not present at the meeting, they cannot receive benefits through this program.

What should I bring when I apply at a WIC office in Maryland?

To apply for enrollment in the Maryland WIC program, you need to bring specific application materials with you. This includes:

• One or more proofs of income. You need to show your representative at the WIC clinic how much income your household earns. Examples of documents that can prove your income include pay stubs, tax documents or proof that you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or unemployment benefits.
• One proof of residency. In order to receive WIC benefits, you need to be a MD resident. Prove you satisfy this requirement by bringing your driver’s license, a utility bill or a copy of your rental agreement.
• One ID per person. When you apply at the WIC office, you must present a valid ID for each member in your household. Acceptable documents you can use include a birth certificate, Social Security card, driver’s license or school ID.

To determine if you qualify for WIC, case workers may need to see some additional documents. Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to bring:

• Proof that your children are immunized.
• Proof that you are pregnant.
• Your WIC referral.

How much can my family earn and still receive Maryland WIC benefits?

Maryland WIC program eligibility is partially determined by how much your family earns. The standard the government uses for determining financial eligibility is the federal poverty level (FPL). The WIC office can only award benefits to applicants who earn at or less than 185 percent of the FPL.