Eligibility for WIC Benefits

Full Video Transcript

The government WIC program provides important benefits to pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women and children under the age of 5. Women and children qualify for this program if their income is below a certain level, if they’re residents of the state where they are seeking help, and a healthcare professional has determined that they are at a nutrition risk level. Nutritional risk is defined as a medical-based or diet-based condition like anemia, failure to meet dietary guidelines, weight problems, and pregnancy complications. Income is assessed for each WIC applicant based on the number of people in the household and how the family’s income compares to the U.S. poverty income guidelines. Applicants automatically meet the income eligibility requirements if they participate in other government benefit programs like food stamps or Medicaid. WIC benefits may include access to healthcare, nutritional counseling, and food, all of which can help alleviate the problems associated with poor nutrition. For more information about WIC or to apply for WIC benefits, you should contact the WIC office in your home state.