Who Qualifies for WIC?
WIC has three eligibility requirements — you must meet all three:
1. Categorical eligibility
You must be in one of these groups:
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women (up to 12 months postpartum)
- Postpartum women — not breastfeeding (up to 6 months)
- Infants (under 12 months)
- Children ages 1–4
2. Income eligibility
Household income must be at or below 185% FPL. If you or the child in your care receives Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you may already meet WIC's income requirement. You still need to meet categorical and nutritional risk requirements — no income documentation needed.
3. Nutritional risk
A WIC health professional must determine you are at nutritional risk. This is a broad standard — most applicants qualify. The assessment includes height, weight, a brief blood test, and diet review.
Already on Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF? You or the child in your care may already meet WIC's income requirement. Bring your benefit card or award letter to your WIC appointment — no income documentation needed. You still need to meet categorical and nutritional risk requirements.
WIC Income Limits 2026 — 185% FPL
Income limits are set at 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. Limits are the same in all 48 contiguous states and DC. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.
| Household size | Monthly limit (185% FPL) | Annual limit | Weekly limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 people | $1,861/mo | $22,320/yr | $430/wk |
| 2 people | $2,523/mo | $30,267/yr | $582/wk |
| 3 people | $3,184/mo | $38,214/yr | $735/wk |
| 4 people | $3,845/mo | $46,161/yr | $888/wk |
| 5 people | $4,507/mo | $54,108/yr | $1,041/wk |
| 6 people | $5,168/mo | $62,055/yr | $1,194/wk |
| 7 people | $5,830/mo | $70,002/yr | $1,347/wk |
| 8 people | $6,491/mo | $77,949/yr | $1,500/wk |
| Each additional person | +$ |