New York State WIC: Together Growing Stronger Families
WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that provides food and services free of charge to eligible women, infants and children.
"Find Out More About WIC" is available in Portable Document Format (PDF) in several translations:
- English (PDF, 391KB, 2pg.)
- Arabic (PDF, 307, 2pg.)
- Bengali (PDF, 234, 2pg.)
- Burmese (PDF, 476, 2pg.)
- Chinese (PDF, 310, 2pg.)
- French (PDF, 224, 2pg.)
- Haitian Creole (PDF, 223, 2pg.)
- Hindi (PDF, 339, 2pg.)
- Italian (PDF, 224, 2pg.)
- Korean (PDF, 364, 2pg.)
- Polish (PDF, 228, 2pg.)
- Russian (PDF, 236, 2pg.)
- Spanish (PDF, 224, 2pg.)
- Somali (PDF, 224, 2pg.)
- Vietnamese (PDF, 239, 2pg.)
Who Is Eligible?
- Any pregnant woman
- Mothers of babies up to 6 months old
- Mothers breastfeeding babies up to 12 months old
- Infants and children up to their 5th birthday
WIC Provides
Nutrition Assessment and Education
- Learn how to live healthier by eating better and being physically active
- Nutritionists provide individualized nutrition guidance to meet your goals
- Support from other parents through group discussions
Breastfeeding counseling and support services
- Mom to mom breastfeeding support from peer counselors
- Breastfeeding counseling by a breastfeeding specialist
- Breast pumps available to moms that need them
- Special foods for breastfeeding moms for 6 months or longer
- Breastfeeding information online at breastfeedingpartners.org
Monthly checks for nutritious foods
- Milk, cheese, cereal, vegetables, fruits, 100% juice, whole grain bread, formula, eggs, baby food and more
| Federal WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective through June 30, 2013. Gross income before taxes must fall at or below these amounts. | |||||
| Gross Income | |||||
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Twice-Monthly | Bi-Weekly | Weekly |
| 1 | $20,665 | $1,723 | $862 | $795 | $398 |
| 2 | $27,991 | $2,333 | $1,167 | $1,077 | $539 |
| 3 | $35,317 | $2,944 | $1,472 | $1,359 | $680 |
| 4 | $42,643 | $3,554 | $1,777 | $1,641 | $821 |
| 5 | $49,969 | $4,165 | $2,083 | $1,922 | $961 |
| 6 | $57,295 | $4,775 | $2,388 | $2,204 | $1,102 |
| 7 | $64,621 | $5,386 | $2,693 | $2,486 | $1,243 |
| 8 | $71,947 | $5,996 | $2,998 | $2,768 | $1,384 |
| For Each Additional Member Add: |
+$7,326 | +$611 | +$306 | +$282 | +$141 |
| Anyone who receives Food Stamps, TANF or Medicaid is income eligible for WIC. | |||||
Referrals to other services
- Lactation specialist
- Well baby and child care
- Medicaid
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps
- Family planning
- Head Start
- Domestic violence services
To qualify for WIC you must:
- Live in New York State
- Meet household income guidelines set by the federal government
- Have a nutritional need
You can receive WIC even if:
- You are not a legal resident
- You are not a US citizen
- You or other household members are working
Information on other programs:
Find a WIC clinic near you health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/ wic/how_to_apply or call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline (800) 522-5006 The Hotline can also provide information on Child Health Plus and Medicaid.
(800) 342-3009
- SNAP/Food Stamps
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
(800) 865-5542
- School Meals
- Summer Food Service Program
(866) 348-6479
- National Hunger Hotline
For New York City Only
(212) 230-1111
Women's Health Line
3-1-1
Early Intervention Program
- health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/
- breastfeedingpartners.org
- mybenefits.gov
- facebook.com/NYSDOH
- twitter.com/HealthNYGov
- youtube.com/nysdoh
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
New York State Nondiscrimination Statement
New York State prohibits discrimination based on creed, marital status and sexual orientation.
Persons who believe they have been discriminated against based on the New York State Human Rights Law should call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at (800) 522-5006, or write to the WIC Program Director, NYSDOH, Riverview Center, 6th Floor West, Room 650, 150 Broadway, Albany NY 12204.
State of New York
Department of Health
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Publication 4081
Ver 9/2012
