The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC, serves approximately 6.3 million Americans each month. If you are pregnant, recently had a baby, are breastfeeding, or have a child under the age of five, WIC may provide you with free nutritious food, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare and social services. The program operates through local WIC clinics in every state, and finding one near you is the first step toward accessing benefits your family may already qualify for.
WIC covers specific nutritious foods, but it does not address the dozens of other costs that come with raising a family. Diapers, wipes, clothing, gas, and utility bills still add up fast. Many parents have found that earning a little extra through apps like I am Beezy helps cover those non-food necessities. You can earn $5 to $15 a day by viewing content on your cell phone during nap time, while waiting at a doctor's office, or after the kids are in bed. It is a small supplement, but for families stretching every dollar, it matters. Here is everything you need to know about WIC benefits in 2026.
Who Qualifies for WIC in 2026
Eligible categories
WIC serves five specific categories of participants. Pregnant women from the start of pregnancy through the end of the month of delivery. Postpartum women for up to six months after delivery if not breastfeeding. Breastfeeding women for up to the infant's first birthday. Infants from birth to their first birthday. Children from age one through their fifth birthday. You must be a resident of the state where you apply, and while WIC is available to US citizens and many non-citizens, eligibility rules vary by state.
Income requirements
WIC uses an income threshold of 185% of the federal poverty level. In 2026, the income limits are approximately as follows.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27,861 | $2,322 |
| 2 | $37,814 | $3,152 |
| 3 | $47,767 | $3,981 |
| 4 | $57,720 | $4,810 |
| 5 | $67,673 | $5,639 |
| 6 | $77,626 | $6,469 |
| Each additional | +$9,953 | +$830 |
If you already receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC. This means you do not need to go through a separate income verification for WIC if you are already enrolled in one of these programs.
Nutritional risk assessment
In addition to the income test, WIC requires a nutritional risk assessment performed by a healthcare professional at your WIC clinic. This is a brief evaluation that checks for conditions like anemia, being underweight or overweight, a history of pregnancy complications, or a diet lacking key nutrients. The assessment is straightforward and most applicants meet the nutritional risk criteria.
How to Find a WIC Clinic Near You
Online locator tools
The fastest way to find WIC near you is through the USDA's WIC clinic locator at fns.usda.gov/wic. Enter your zip code and the tool returns nearby WIC offices with addresses, phone numbers, and office hours. Your state health department website also lists WIC locations, often with more detailed information about appointment availability and languages spoken.
Phone and in-person options
Call your state's WIC toll-free hotline (available on the USDA website) for help finding the nearest clinic. You can also dial 2-1-1 for a referral. Many hospitals and pediatrician offices have information about local WIC programs and may even host WIC certification appointments on site. If you are delivering a baby at a hospital, ask the social worker or nurse about enrolling in WIC before you leave.
What WIC Benefits Cover
Food packages by category
WIC provides specific food packages tailored to each participant category. Pregnant and postpartum women receive milk, cheese, eggs, whole grains (bread, tortillas, or brown rice), fruits and vegetables, peanut butter or dried beans, juice, and cereal. Breastfeeding women receive a larger food package with additional fruits, vegetables, and canned fish. Infants receive iron-fortified infant formula, infant cereal, and baby food fruits, vegetables, and meats. Children ages one to four receive milk, cheese, eggs, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, juice, cereal, and peanut butter or beans.
The WIC card and how to use it
Most states have transitioned from paper vouchers to electronic WIC cards (eWIC) that work like a debit card at authorized grocery stores. Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month, and you scan it at checkout just like a regular card. The register only allows WIC-approved items to be purchased with the card, so you do not need to memorize the approved foods list. Many stores label WIC-eligible items on the shelf for easy identification.
Beyond food: Other WIC services
WIC is more than just food. The program provides nutrition education to help you make healthy food choices for your family, breastfeeding support including access to lactation consultants and breast pumps, referrals to healthcare and dental services, immunization screening for children, and connections to other assistance programs you may qualify for. These services are free and included with your WIC enrollment.
Supplementing WIC with Extra Family Income
The costs WIC does not cover
WIC provides a specific set of nutritious foods, but it does not cover all your grocery needs and it does not help with non-food expenses. You still need to buy meat beyond what WIC provides, cleaning supplies, diapers, wipes, formula if your WIC allotment is not enough, and everything else a growing family needs. For many parents, the gap between what WIC covers and what their family actually needs is a constant source of stress.
Earning from your phone during family downtime
With I am Beezy, parents can turn small pockets of free time into modest earnings. During nap time, while waiting at a pediatrician's office, or after the kids are asleep, you open the app and view content for 15 to 30 minutes. There is no schedule, no boss, and no startup cost. Active users report $150 to $300 per month, which can cover a significant portion of those non-food family expenses that WIC and SNAP leave behind. Combined with referral bonuses when you share the app with other parents in your community, the earnings can go even further.
| Family Expense (Not Covered by WIC) | Monthly Cost | Beezy Earnings Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Diapers (1 child) | $70 - $100 | 15 min/day for a month |
| Baby wipes | $15 - $25 | 5 min/day for a month |
| Children's clothing | $30 - $60 | 10 min/day for a month |
| Gas for appointments | $50 - $100 | 15 min/day for a month |
| Over-the-counter baby medicine | $10 - $25 | 5 min/day for a month |
Frequently Asked Questions About WIC
Can I receive WIC and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. WIC and SNAP are separate programs and you can be enrolled in both simultaneously. In fact, receiving SNAP automatically qualifies you for WIC's income requirement. WIC provides specific nutritious foods while SNAP gives you broader grocery flexibility. Using both programs together maximizes the food support available to your family.
Does WIC affect my immigration status?
WIC is not considered a public charge benefit. Receiving WIC will not negatively impact your immigration status, green card application, or citizenship process. Both documented and certain undocumented immigrants may be eligible for WIC depending on state policies, though WIC is primarily available to US citizens, permanent residents, and refugees.
How long does the WIC application process take?
From making your first appointment to receiving your WIC card, the process typically takes one to two weeks. The certification appointment itself takes about 30 to 60 minutes and includes the nutritional risk assessment, income verification, and benefit issuance. Some clinics offer walk-in appointments while others require scheduling in advance.
What if I earn extra money while on WIC?
WIC recertification happens every 6 to 12 months. Income changes between certifications generally do not affect your current WIC enrollment. However, if your income at recertification exceeds 185% of the poverty level and you are not automatically eligible through SNAP or Medicaid, you may no longer qualify. Small supplemental earnings from I am Beezy are unlikely to push most WIC families over the income limit given the relatively generous thresholds.
Conclusion
WIC benefits provide essential nutrition support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children across the United States. If you think your family might qualify, finding a WIC clinic near you and scheduling an appointment could put free nutritious food on your table within a week or two. While WIC takes care of key nutritional needs, do not forget about the other costs that come with raising a family. Sign up for I am Beezy for free and start earning from your phone during those quiet moments in your day. Every extra dollar you bring in helps your family breathe a little easier while you build toward long-term stability.
