Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a preventive health and nutrition program that provides short term assistance to young families to promote optimal growth and development.
Who may be eligible for WIC services? |
You are eligible if you:
- Live in Washington State, and
- Are pregnant, a new mother, or a child under five years of age, and
- Meet the income guidelines below, and
- Have a medical or nutrition need.
Washington State Department of Health Statewide WIC Income Eligibility Standards (effective April 1, 2009 - March 31, 2010) Eligibility for the program is based on gross monthly income and nutritional need. Your family may still be eligible even if you are working, a single parent or receiving Food Stamps.
|
Household or Family Size*
|
Gross Income Per Year**
|
Gross Income Per Month**
|
|
1
|
$20,036
|
$1,670
|
|
2
|
$26,955
|
$2,247
|
|
3
|
$33,874
|
$2,823
|
|
4
|
$40,793
|
$3,400
|
|
5
|
$47,712
|
$3,976
|
|
6
|
$54,631
|
$4,553
|
|
7
|
$61,550
|
$5,130
|
*A household is defined as a group of related or non-related individuals, who usually, although not necessarily, are living together and share income. **Gross income is income before taxes and deductions.
|
| Annually |
Amount is based on total income received for 1 year |
| Monthly |
Income is received 1 time per month |
| Twice Monthly |
Income is received 2 times per month |
| Bi-Weekly |
Income is received every 2 weeks |
| Weekly |
Income is received every week |
- If you receive Medicaid or Healthy Options, you are automatically eligible for WIC even if your income is above these guidelines.
- Getting WIC does not affect your immigration status.
- If current income is reported as other than a monthly figure, the following calculations can be made if necessary:
| 1. |
Monthly Income Equals
- Weekly income x 4.3
- Biweekly income (every two weeks) x 2.15
- Semi-monthly income (twice a month) x 2
|
| 2. |
Annual Income Equals
- Weekly income x 52
- Biweekly income (every two weeks) x 26
- Semi-monthly income (twice a month) x 24
|
What are the benefits of WIC? |
- Nutrition and health assessment
- Nutrition education
- Breastfeeding counseling
- Checks for specific nutritious foods
- Health and social referrals
- Access to medical care assistance
Where are WIC services provided? |
Use WithinReach's zipcode-based WIC Clinic search tool.
How are WIC foods provided? |
- Many local grocery stores and some pharmacies accept WIC checks.
- WIC checks are valued at approximately $45 per month and are exchanged for nutritious foods.
- Foods that are high in protein, calcium, iron, or vitamins A & C such as:
- Milk
- Peanut butter
- 100% fruit juice with vitamin C
- Cheeses
- Dried peas and beans
- Cereals fortified with iron
- Eggs
- Iron fortified baby formula (for babies who are not breastfed)
- Tuna and carrots for women fully breastfeeding with babies
|
