Rhode Island WIC Office

The Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island WIC benefits or if you need to schedule an appointment. If you will be meeting with the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island WIC office number and office hours.

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

Who can apply at the WIC office in Rhode Island?

If you want to apply for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits, you must go to a WIC office in Rhode Island. There are facilities in all parts of the state. However, make sure you meet the WIC eligibility requirements first. The WIC program is only available for:

• Women who are pregnant.
• Women who are breastfeeding a child who is younger than one year of age.
• Women who have given birth within the past six months.
• Children who are younger than five years of age.
• Infants who are within one year of age.

Remember that your local WIC office does not set these enrollment requirements. WIC is a federal program, which means that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) determines the standards for who can enroll. However, if you have specific questions about your eligibility, you can speak with program officials at the WIC clinic. In fact, you are required to report to one of these facilities when you are ready to submit your application.

What are the Rhode Island WIC income guidelines?

If you want to receive WIC in Rhode Island, you must meet the state’s income requirements. Generally, this means that you earn at or less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level. The amount of income your household can earn and still collect WIC benefits depends on how many people live with you. However, you may be automatically eligible to enroll in WIC if you are enrolled in certain public benefits programs. In any case, keep in mind that, in addition to this requirement, you must be a RI resident. If you live in another state, you must apply for WIC there.

What WIC Rhode Island benefits can I receive?

Once you apply for WIC in Rhode Island and are accepted into the program, you could start receiving benefits. The services that are available to you as a WIC enrollee are designed to promote your family’s overall health. In fact, your local WIC office could offer you:

• Nutrition assistance. It can be difficult to know which types of foods you should be eating. Nutritionists at your local WIC clinic can help you make informed choices for your family.
• Food prescription. Trained workers can give you a tailored list of the specific foods you and your children need to be eating.
• Medical referrals. Your WIC office case workers can refer you to different medical providers, depending on your needs. If you qualify, professionals can also refer you to social service programs.
• Financial assistance. You can receive WIC funds to help you purchase healthy foods for you and your family to enjoy.