New York WIC Office

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

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

Am I eligible to apply for benefits at a New York WIC office?

You can apply for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits at the New York WIC office. However, you must meet specific enrollment requirements before you can receive services. If you are an adult who is ready to apply for WIC, make sure you meet the following criteria:

• Categorical requirements. WIC benefits are reserved for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding babies who are younger than one year of age. Additionally, you could receive services if you recently had a baby within the past six months.
• Financial eligibility. There are WIC income guidelines in NY that you must meet to collect benefits. For example, you must qualify as low-income and earn less than a certain amount of income. Alternatively, you can satisfy this requirement if you already receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Medicaid.
• NY resident. The WIC clinic will reject your application if you do not live in the state.
• Medical need. You need to have nutritional or medical needs in order to receive services through WIC.

What requirements are there for children to receive New York WIC?

In order for children to receive New York state WIC benefits, they must meet similar requirements as their caretakers. For example, children must come from low-earning households and be in-state residents. However, parents or guardians need to remember that the WIC office can only award enrollment to young children. Specifically, child applicants must be younger than five years of age. Otherwise, they are not eligible to collect WIC benefits.

How do I schedule an appointment at a WIC office in New York?

You need to schedule an appointment at an NY WIC office near you. This appointment is crucial because you need to meet with a program representative in an office to complete an interview. Without this interview, your WIC application will be incomplete. When you are ready to arrange your appointment time, contact the WIC office that is closest to you. The case worker who answers the phone should be able to tell you when you can come in to apply for benefits.