WIC during pregnancy and after birth: who qualifies and how to apply
WIC is for moms-to-be, new moms, babies and children under five. Many families who qualify never apply. Here is how to check in two minutes.
Updated October 13, 2026 · sources checked October 13, 2026
In short
WIC is open to pregnant women, women up to 6 months after the end of a pregnancy, breastfeeding women up to the baby's first birthday, infants and children under 5. If you get Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, you may already be income-eligible. Otherwise, household income must be at or below 185% of the poverty level: $40,034 a year for two people from July 2026 to June 2027.
Who can get WIC
According to the USDA, WIC is available to:
- Women who are pregnant
- Women who are postpartum, up to 6 months after the end of a pregnancy
- Women who are breastfeeding, up to the infant's first birthday
- Infants
- Children up to their fifth birthday
You also apply through a WIC agency in the area where you live, meet the income rule, and have a free, simple health check with WIC staff, which they use to personalize your benefits.
The income rule
Shortcut: if you or your children receive Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, you may already be income-eligible.
Otherwise, gross household income (before taxes) must be at or below the USDA table for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 (48 contiguous states, DC, Guam and territories):
| Household size | Per year | Per month | Per week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,526 | $2,461 | $568 |
| 2 | $40,034 | $3,337 | $770 |
| 3 | $50,542 | $4,212 | $972 |
| 4 | $61,050 | $5,088 | $1,175 |
| 5 | $71,558 | $5,964 | $1,377 |
| 6 | $82,066 | $6,839 | $1,579 |
| Each extra person | +$10,508 | +$876 | +$203 |
Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits.
Your pregnancy counts. The USDA says that if someone in your household is pregnant, you may add one person for each expected birth. A pregnant single mom is a household of two.
Who is in your household: everyone you live with and share income and expenses with, including children, people you are not related to, students away at college, and military members away on active duty. Count wages and tips before tax, Social Security, child support, unemployment, workers' compensation, retirement and disability payments. Some military allowances (such as housing allowance and combat pay) are excluded.
How to apply, step by step
- Find your local WIC office with the USDA's WIC eligibility tool or your state WIC agency.
- Book an appointment (in person or remote where offered).
- Bring proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of income or of Medicaid, SNAP or TANF.
- Have the short health and nutrition check.
- Get your benefits, usually on an electronic card, with the list of foods you can buy.
- After the birth, add your baby and ask about breastfeeding support.
Is it normal?
WIC is not only for families with no income. Many working families qualify, especially once the expected baby is counted. If you are near the line, apply and let WIC decide.
Related help
- Medicaid for pregnant women: having Medicaid can make you income-eligible for WIC.
- Pregnant without insurance: all the options, in order.
- Breastfeeding support: see our breastfeeding guide. Research on US paid leave policies (Hamad and colleagues, 2019) links more time at home with more exclusive breastfeeding at six months; WIC's breastfeeding support is another lever.
Questions parents ask
Can I get WIC while pregnant?
Yes. Pregnant women are one of the WIC groups, and you can enroll during pregnancy. You may also count your expected baby in your household size.
What is the WIC income limit in 2026?
From July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, 185% of the poverty level: for example $29,526 a year for one person, $40,034 for two, $50,542 for three and $61,050 for four, in the 48 contiguous states and DC.
Do I qualify for WIC if I have Medicaid?
If you or your children receive Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, you may already be income-eligible for WIC and can skip the income calculation. You still need the WIC health check.
Sources
- USDA — WIC eligibility requirements checked October 13, 2026
- USDA — WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines 2026-2027 (Federal Register notice, April 29, 2026) checked October 13, 2026
- ASPE (HHS) — 2026 Poverty Guidelines checked October 13, 2026
- Hamad R et al. Paid Family Leave Effects on Breastfeeding. Am J Public Health 2019 (PMID 30359107, DOI 10.2105/AJPH.2018.304693) checked October 13, 2026
Mamavela explains; it does not replace your midwife, doctor or pediatrician, who know your situation. If something worries you, call them. In an emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK) or 112.