WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. It is a federal program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.
- Benefits, for nutritious food at no cost to the participant.
- Nutrition education (information and guidance about healthy eating and building a healthy lifestyle)
- Individual nutrition counseling
- Breastfeeding education and support
- Referrals to family resources
You can start the enrollment process by answering a few questions on our Apply for WIC page or by texting the word 'Apply' to 91997. A WIC representative will contact you for more information. Enrollment appointments can be completed by phone, video, or in-person. We ask that you are prepared to provide required paperwork during your appointment, such as:
WIC is for all types of families: married and single parents, working or not working. If you are a father, mother, grandparent, foster parent, or other guardian of a child under five, you can apply for WIC. You can also apply if you are pregnant or had a pregnancy loss within the last 6 months. In order to be eligible for WIC, you must:
- Be in one of the following categories:
- Pregnant
- Breastfeeding up to one year after the birth of the baby (postpartum)
- Non-breastfeeding up to six months after the birth of the baby
- Loss of a pregnancy within the past six months
- Infants and children under five years old
- Foster children under five years old
- Single fathers, grandparents, and other legal guardians of children under five years old may receive benefits for eligible infants/children
- Families living in the U.S.
- Meet the income guidelines (please see income table below)
No. WIC is for people who live in the United States, but the program does not require a social security number or proof of citizenship to receive benefits. WIC is not considered a part of public charge. WIC will not ask for your immigration status, and WIC participation does not affect immigration status.
No. WIC keeps your information confidential and does not share it with any outside organizations. WIC participation does not show up on credit reports, background checks, and will not hurt employment opportunities.
No. If you are pregnant, were recently pregnant, or care for a child under the age of 5 and meet the income requirements you may apply for WIC regardless of your age.
To be eligible for WIC, your total household income must be no greater than 185% of the federal poverty level. The table below shows you what that means by household size. WIC helps all eligible families on public assistance, and also assists many families with working parents. Many low to moderate income families are eligible for WIC and do not realize it.
Gross Income Guidelines*
| Household Size** | Annual | Monthly | Twice-Monthly | Bi-Weekly | Weekly |
| 1 | $27,861 | $2,322 | $1,161 | $1,072 | $536 |
| 2 | $37,814 | $3.152 | $1,576 | $1,455 | $728 |
| 3 | $47,767 | $3,981 | $1,991 | $1,838 | $919 |
| 4 | $57,720 | $4,810 | $2,405 | $2,220 | $1,110 |
| 5 | $67,673 | $5,640 | $2,820 | $2,603 | $1,302 |
| 6 | $77,626 | $6,469 | $3,235 | $2,986 | $1,493 |
| 7 | $87,579 | $7,299 | $3,650 | $3,369 | $1,685 |
| 8 | $97,532 | $8,128 | $4,064 | $3,752 | $1,876 |
| More than 8 | Add per additional member | ||||
| +$9,953 | +$830 | +$415 | +$383 | +$192 | |
* Income based on 185% Federal Poverty Level. Effective April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
** Unborn fetuses may be counted toward household size.
Call or text us. A WIC counselor will assess your situation to see if you still qualify. If you have Medi-Cal/Medicaid, CalFresh/SNAP or CalWorks, you already qualify for WIC.
Foods which are high in Vitamin A & C, protein, iron and calcium are provided as part of the WIC Program. These are the nutrients that are vital to the good health of pregnant and breastfeeding women, and to the good health and development of infants, and children. Key foods that the WIC Program provides include fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, beans, peanut butter, iron fortified infant and adult cereals, vitamin C juices, infant formula, and whole grain foods like bread, brown rice, pasta, and tortillas. Lactose-free milk, soy milk, and tofu are also available. Breastfeeding women receive extra benefits for canned fish. Learn more about WIC foods.
WIC stores and other grocery stores that sell WIC foods have the California WIC logo in the front window. Look for the logo to know which stores accept WIC. Use the California WIC App or visit m.wic.ca.gov to search for WIC authorized grocery stores. Learn more about shopping for WIC foods.
Check the California WIC App or call the toll free number on the back of the card: 1-844-469-3264 to review your benefits balance and ensure it looks correct. Review your benefits start and end dates, as this may have changed. If your benefit balance looks incorrect, or if you need to make changes to your foods, please send a text to 91997. If everything looks correct, there is no need to follow up, and you can begin using your benefits as soon as they are available to you.
Yes! Families are eligible to participate in both WIC and CalFresh/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as food stamps) and any other assistance programs like CalWORKs at the same time. Use WIC and CalFresh EBT together to provide healthy food for your family.
If you missed an appointment, please text us at 91997 to reschedule. If you have a SCHEDULED appointment, please be available for your appointment that day. For phone or video appointments, please be available around the time of your appointment to connect with your WIC counselor. For in-person appointments, please arrive a few minutes before your scheduled appointment. For class appointments, please choose a lesson at wichealth.org near or on your appointment date, or join a WIC online group class. In addition, we ask that you are prepared to provide requested paperwork during your appointment. See our office hours and locations.
WIC periodically requests medical information including anemia test results, lead test results, current height and weight, and vaccination records. If you are unable to obtain the requested documentation, don’t miss your appointment! Your WIC counselor can discuss options with you.
We will gladly issue you a new WIC card. PHFE WIC families can fill out a WIC card replacement request form to receive a WIC card by mail. We will notify you by text when your card has been mailed and you can expect to receive it within 5 business days. If you need a replacement card sooner, send a text to 91997 to schedule a card pick up at your nearest WIC center. Once a new WIC card is issued, your old card will no longer be usable.
Contact us! We want to talk with you and we are here to help. Call 888-942-2229 or Text 91997.
