WIC Eligibility Calculator
Check WIC eligibility based on household size, income, and qualifying category.
WIC Income Limits (185% FPL) by Household Size
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WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a federal nutrition program that provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to eligible families. This calculator estimates whether you meet the income and categorical requirements:
- Select your region. Alaska and Hawaii have higher income limits than the 48 contiguous states.
- Enter your household size. Count everyone living together who shares income.
- Enter your annual gross income. This is your total household income before taxes.
- Check who needs WIC. At least one person must be in a qualifying category: pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, an infant under 1, or a child ages 1-4.
- Check adjunct eligibility if applicable. If your household already receives SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you automatically meet the income requirement for WIC.
About WIC
WIC serves approximately 6.3 million participants monthly, including pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. The program provides supplemental foods (such as milk, cereal, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula), nutrition counseling, and referrals to healthcare and social services.
WIC eligibility requires both income eligibility (at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level) and categorical eligibility (being pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, an infant, or a child under 5). Individuals already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF are automatically income-eligible.
Why This Matters
Despite being one of the most effective nutrition programs in the country, WIC reaches only about 57% of eligible individuals. That means nearly half of those who qualify do not receive benefits. WIC has been shown to improve birth outcomes, reduce infant mortality, and improve dietary quality for young children. If you or someone in your household is pregnant, postpartum, or has a child under 5, checking eligibility takes less than a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for WIC in 2026?
WIC income eligibility is set at 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2026, that means an annual income limit of $28,953 for an individual, $59,922 for a family of 4, and up to $101,214 for a family of 8 (48 contiguous states). Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. Households already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF are automatically income-eligible.
Who qualifies for WIC?
WIC serves five categories: pregnant women, postpartum women (up to 6 months after birth if not breastfeeding), breastfeeding women (up to the infant's first birthday), infants (under 12 months), and children ages 1 through 4. Applicants must also meet income guidelines and be found to have a nutritional risk by a healthcare professional at the WIC clinic.
What does WIC provide?
WIC provides supplemental foods tailored to each participant's needs, including milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, juice, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, infant formula, and baby food. WIC also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare providers and community services. Benefits are typically provided via an EBT card used at authorized stores.
Can I get WIC if I already receive SNAP or Medicaid?
Yes. If you or anyone in your household receives SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC (called "adjunct eligibility"). You still need to meet the categorical requirement (being pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, an infant, or a child under 5) and complete a nutritional risk assessment.