The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children — known as WIC — provides free healthy food, infant formula, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to nearly 6 million Americans each month in 2026. If you are pregnant, recently had a baby, are breastfeeding, or have children under 5 years old, you may qualify for WIC benefits regardless of whether you receive other assistance. Nearly half of all babies born in the United States receive WIC support. The program exists specifically to make sure mothers and young children get the nutrition they need during the most critical period of development.
While WIC covers specific nutritious foods, it does not cover everything a growing family needs. Diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and dozens of other essentials add up fast. That is why many WIC moms supplement their food budget with apps like I am Beezy, which pays $5 to $15 per day for viewing content on your phone — perfect for nap time, feeding time, or any quiet moment. That extra $150 to $300 per month covers the things WIC and SNAP do not. Here is exactly how to apply for WIC and start receiving benefits.
Who Qualifies for WIC in 2026
Eligibility categories
WIC serves five specific categories of people. Pregnant women qualify from the moment of pregnancy through delivery. Women who have recently given birth qualify for 6 months postpartum (or 12 months if breastfeeding). Breastfeeding mothers qualify until their infant turns 1 year old. Infants qualify from birth through their first birthday. And children qualify from age 1 through their fifth birthday. Fathers, guardians, and foster parents can also apply on behalf of eligible children in their care.
Income requirements
WIC income limits are set at 185% of the federal poverty level, which is higher than SNAP limits. This means many families who earn too much for food stamps still qualify for WIC. If you already receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF benefits, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC — no additional income verification is needed.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (185% FPL) | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $26,973 | $2,248 |
| 2 people | $36,482 | $3,040 |
| 3 people | $45,991 | $3,833 |
| 4 people | $55,500 | $4,625 |
| 5 people | $65,009 | $5,418 |
| 6 people | $74,518 | $6,210 |
| Each additional | +$9,509 | +$792 |
Nutritional risk assessment
In addition to income eligibility, WIC requires a nutritional risk assessment, which is conducted by a WIC staff member (usually a nutritionist or nurse) at your local WIC clinic. Nutritional risk can include medical conditions like anemia, underweight, or history of pregnancy complications, as well as dietary risks like poor eating habits or inadequate nutrient intake. Most applicants meet the nutritional risk criteria — the assessment is designed to be inclusive, not restrictive.
How to Apply for WIC: Step by Step
Step 1: Find your local WIC office
WIC is administered at the state level but delivered through local clinics, health departments, and community organizations. To find your nearest WIC office, call your state WIC agency (search "[your state] WIC office"), call 211, or visit the USDA WIC website at fns.usda.gov/wic to find your state's WIC directory. Many states now offer online pre-screening tools that let you check your eligibility and schedule an appointment from your phone before visiting in person.
Step 2: Schedule your appointment
Call your local WIC office to schedule an eligibility appointment. First-time appointments typically last 30 to 60 minutes and include the application, income verification, nutritional risk assessment, and your first food benefit issuance. Some states offer walk-in appointments, but scheduling ensures shorter wait times. Ask whether you can complete any paperwork online before your visit to speed up the process.
Step 3: Bring your documents
Bring the following to your WIC appointment: proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate), proof of residency in the state (utility bill, lease agreement, or piece of mail with your address), proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or a letter from your employer), and proof of eligibility category (pregnancy verification from a doctor, child's birth certificate, or proof of guardianship). If you receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, bring your benefit card or approval letter — this may satisfy both the income and eligibility requirements.
Step 4: Receive your WIC benefits
If approved, you will receive your WIC benefits at the end of your appointment — either loaded onto a WIC EBT card or provided as printed food instruments (depending on your state). Benefits are issued monthly and cover specific foods tailored to your category. Your WIC nutritionist will explain exactly what foods are covered, how much you receive, and where to shop. You will also receive nutrition education materials and referrals to other services like Medicaid, SNAP, and local health programs.
What WIC Provides — and What It Does Not
WIC-approved food items
WIC benefits cover specific nutritious foods based on your category. Pregnant and breastfeeding women receive milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, juice, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, peanut butter, beans, and canned fish. Infants receive iron-fortified infant formula, infant cereal, and jarred baby food. Children ages 1 to 4 receive milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, juice, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Each state publishes an approved food list that specifies exact brands and sizes you can purchase with your WIC benefits.
What WIC does not cover
WIC is a supplemental program — it covers key nutritious items but not a complete grocery list. It does not cover meat (except canned fish for some categories), most snack foods, cleaning supplies, diapers, baby wipes, baby clothes, or toiletries. These essential items still need to come from your own budget, SNAP benefits, or other income sources. For a family with a newborn, diapers alone cost $70 to $80 per month — a significant expense that WIC does not address.
Covering the gaps with supplemental income
This is where earning a few extra dollars each day makes a tangible difference for WIC families. I am Beezy lets you earn money by viewing content on your phone during any free moment — while the baby naps, during a feeding, or after the kids are in bed. No commute, no boss, no set hours. Active users consistently earn $150 to $300 per month, which is exactly the range needed to cover diapers, wipes, baby essentials, and the food items WIC does not include.
| Baby Expense | Monthly Cost | Beezy Time to Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Diapers | $70-80 | 15 min/day |
| Baby wipes | $15-25 | 5 min/day |
| Baby clothes and essentials | $30-50 | 8 min/day |
| Non-WIC groceries (meat, snacks) | $60-100 | 15 min/day |
| Toiletries for mom | $20-35 | 5 min/day |
Create your free Beezy account and start earning during baby's next nap — every dollar helps when you are raising a family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive WIC and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. WIC and SNAP are separate programs with separate eligibility criteria, and receiving one does not disqualify you from the other. In fact, receiving SNAP automatically makes you income-eligible for WIC. Many families use both programs together — SNAP for general groceries and WIC for specific nutritious foods and formula. Using both programs together maximizes the food assistance available to your family.
Can fathers apply for WIC?
Fathers, stepparents, grandparents, foster parents, and legal guardians can all apply for WIC on behalf of eligible infants and children in their care. While the "women" component of WIC applies specifically to pregnant and postpartum women, the "infants" and "children" components are available to any caregiver. The applicant does not need to be the child's biological mother.
How long do WIC benefits last?
WIC benefits must be recertified periodically. Pregnant women are certified for the duration of pregnancy plus 6 weeks postpartum. Breastfeeding mothers are certified until the infant turns 1. Infants are certified until their first birthday. Children are certified in 6 to 12 month intervals until their fifth birthday. You will need to attend recertification appointments to continue receiving benefits.
Can undocumented immigrants receive WIC?
WIC does not require proof of citizenship or immigration status. Eligible women, infants, and children can receive WIC benefits regardless of their documentation status. WIC offices do not share applicant information with immigration authorities. The program's priority is ensuring that all mothers and children in the US have access to adequate nutrition.
Apply for WIC Today
If you are pregnant, have a new baby, or have children under 5, WIC is one of the most valuable programs available to your family. The food is free, the nutrition counseling is expert-level, and the application process is straightforward. Call your local WIC office or search "[your state] WIC" online to schedule your appointment today. And while you are building your family's support system, sign up for I am Beezy to earn the extra income that covers everything WIC cannot — because raising healthy kids should not mean choosing between diapers and dinner.
