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Federal WIC Program

A how to guide on how to apply to the Federal WIC Program in the United States.

Find your state or local WIC agency and contact them

Because WIC is run locally:

Gather required documents / information

When you apply, be prepared to show:

  • Proof of identity (for you and any of the children/pregnant person who will be on WIC) — e.g. photo ID, birth certificate, etc.

  • Proof of address/residency (such as a lease, utility bill, official mail) in the state/area where you apply.

  • Proof of income (unless you already receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF). This might include pay stubs, benefit letters, unemployment, child support, etc.

  • Nutrition/health information — WIC requires a simple health screening during certification to assess nutritional risk (e.g. weight, height, health history, dietary needs) for you or your child.

If you aren’t sure about some documentation (for example, if you are unhoused temporarily, or recently moved), still reach out to the local WIC agency. 

Apply

Depending on your state/local agency, you may be able to apply by:

  • Visiting the local WIC office in person to request an application or schedule a certification appointment.

  • Calling your local WIC office to ask what the process is (some agencies are flexible, some require appointments).

Attend your WIC appointment / Certification visit

At your WIC visit, a WIC staff member will:

  • Conduct the nutrition/health screening to assess your “nutrition risk.”

  • Review your documents (ID, address, income, etc.)

  • Enroll you (and/or your child) if eligible

  • Provide you with food benefits — historically via vouchers or checks, and in almost all states now via an eWIC card (works like a debit card at WIC-approved stores/farmers markets).

  • Offer nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to additional services (e.g. medical, dental, community support) if needed.

After You Apply: What to Expect

If you are approved, you will receive:

  • An eWIC card (or vouchers if the state still uses them) loaded with benefits for approved foods.

  • A monthly/monthly-period benefit allowance, used to purchase nutritious foods such as milk, cheese, eggs, fruits, vegetables, cereal, formula, etc.

  • Access to nutrition education and breastfeeding support (if applicable) — this includes counseling, food-planning help, dietary guidance, and other related support services.

  • Referrals to health care or social services (if needed) — for example, immunizations, prenatal care, pediatric care, dental, community programs, etc. 

If you have any additional questions, you can email Mirza support, support@heymirza.com. We are happy to help in any way we can.