Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

Food | NYS Department of Health (NYS DOH)

Families with childrenCaregiverBabyToddlerPre-Schooler

WIC provides healthy food if you're pregnant, postpartum, or have children from newborn up to age 5.

Heads Up

You'll get an eWIC card that works like a debit card to buy WIC approved foods at grocery stores and pharmacies.WIC also provides nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and help connecting to other services. Staff will do a quick health check and create a food package that fits your family's needs.Get started with a phone or in-person appointment (https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/local_agencies.htm) .

Eligibility

You may be eligible if you can answer yes to these questions:1. Do you live in New York State?2. Are you:

  • Pregnant or recently pregnant
  • A new parent (up to 6 months after birth)
  • Breastfeeding or nursing (up to 1 year after birth)
  • Caring for a child under 5 (including dads, grandparents, foster parents, and other primary caregivers)3. Does someone in your household participate in one of these programs?
  • (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/) SNAP (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/cash-assistance/#how-it-works)
  • (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/medicaid/) TANF (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/head-start/#how-it-works) (cash assistance)
  • (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/infant-and-toddler-programs/#how-it-works) Medicaid (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/essential-plan/#how-it-works)
  • Head Start
  • Early Head Start
  • Essential Plan healthcare (Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 200-250)
  • If you're enrolled in Essential Plan Level 200-250, you qualify for WIC if you're pregnant or are within 12 months postpartum and were on Essential Plan during your pregnancy.ORIf no one is enrolled in one of those programs, is your income at or below what's shown on this chart?
  • Household size|Yearly income|Monthly income|Weekly income
  • 1|$28,953 |$2,413 |$557
  • 2|$39,128|$3,261|$753
  • 3|$49,303|$4,109|$949
  • 4|$59,478|$4,957|$1,144
  • 5|$69,653|$5,805|$1,340
  • 6|$79,828|$6,653|$1,536
  • 7|$90,003|$7,501 |$1,731
  • 8|$100,178|$8,349|$1,927
  • For each additional member:|+$10,175|+$848|+$196

  • Required Documents

    Your WIC office will tell you what you need to bring to your appointment (https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/how_to_apply.htm) .Examples include:

  • Identification (ID)
  • Proof of where you live
  • Proof of income (like a pay stub or employment letter), unless you're already getting one of the benefits listed above
  • Medical forms from your provider (if needed - like if your child has special dietary needs)

    How to Apply

    1. Start with Wanda, WIC's online personal assistant. Wanda asks a few quick questions about your eligibility, then connects you and your information to your local WIC office – making your actual phone or in-person appointment faster. Visit the New York State WIC website (https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/) and look for the chat icon in the bottom corner to get started.ORContact your local WIC office (http://health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/local_agencies.htm) or call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline (800-522-5006) to schedule a phone or in-person appointment.2. Your WIC office will tell you what you need to bring to your appointment (https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/how_to_apply.htm) . Examples include:

  • Identification (ID) 
  • Proof of where you live
  • Proof of income (like a pay stub or employment letter), unless you're already getting one of the benefits listed above
  • Medical forms from your provider (if needed - like if your child has special dietary needs)

    Online

    Start with Wanda, WIC's online personal assistant. Wanda asks a few quick questions about your eligibility, then connects you and your information to your local WIC office – making your actual phone or in-person appointment faster. Visit the New York State WIC website (https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/) and look for the chat icon in the bottom corner to get started.

    Get Help

  • Visit the WIC website (https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/) to learn more.

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