They can also apply directly for WIC benefits at one of WIC’s 10,000 local clinics, located in community health centers, Indian Health Services clinics, hospitals, and local health departments. Pregnant individuals and parents of young children are often referred to WIC by their doctor or when they apply for Medicaid, SNAP, or other community services. More than three-quarters (77.2 percent) of people approved for WIC benefits receive one of these other benefits. To simplify program administration, an applicant who already receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (SNAP, formerly food stamps), Medicaid, or monthly Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash assistance payments is automatically considered income-eligible for WIC, even if the program’s income limit is above 185 percent of poverty. Young children receive WIC benefits for up to a year, after which eligibility must be redetermined.Īpplicants who receive no other relevant means-tested benefits must have gross household income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level (currently $42,606 annually for a family of three) to qualify for WIC benefits. Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding individuals, infants, and children up to age 5 are eligible if they meet income guidelines and if a health care professional, such as a registered dietitian or nurse, or a trained nutrition paraprofessional, has determined them to be at “nutritional risk.” Generally, applicants who meet the income requirements have a medical or dietary condition that places them at nutritional risk.Īll postpartum individuals who meet the income guidelines and nutritional risk criteria are eligible for WIC benefits for up to six months after childbirth individuals who continue to breastfeed their infants beyond six months are eligible for WIC benefits for up to a year after childbirth.
The program receives approximately $5 billion to $6 billion annually. Since 1997, Congress - on a bipartisan basis - has provided sufficient funding each year for WIC to serve all eligible applicants. WIC is federally funded through the annual appropriations process states are not required to contribute funds.
WIC participation contributes to healthier births, more nutritious diets, improved infant feeding practices, better health care for children, and higher academic achievement for students. WIC participation contributes to healthier births, more nutritious diets, improved infant feeding practices, better health care for children, and higher academic achievement for students.Įxtensive research over the last few decades shows that WIC works.
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