What is WIC?
The WIC program offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods, and referrals to additional family resources. All WIC health services and nutrition classes are provided free for families enrolled in the WIC program.
What WIC Provides
Healthy Foods
WIC provides free, nutritious foods rich in protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, supporting the health of pregnant and breastfeeding parents and the growth of infants and children. WIC food packages are customized to your preferences and your child’s age.
Nutrition Education
WIC offers family-focused nutrition education to support you through all stages of your family’s life from pregnancy to age 5.
WIC nutrition education is available through:
- Online education WIC classes
- Interactive discussions with other parents on Zoom
- One-on-one counseling with WIC counselors
Breastfeeding Services
WIC promotes breastfeeding as the healthiest way to feed babies and helps parents meet their breastfeeding goal. We provide no-cost WIC benefits and support to help lactating parents breastfeed their babies successfully:
- One-on-one and group breastfeeding education and support with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants
- Online breastfeeding education
- Breastfeeding clinics with International Board Certified Lactation Consultants
- Lactation rooms or cubbies at all WIC Centers
- CinnaMoms breastfeeding support groups
- Electric breast pumps
- Breastfeeding Helpline: call (888) 278-6455
- Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program: mother-to-mother partnerships for breastfeeding success
Health and Community Resources
WIC can connect you with additional programs and services that can help you and your family, such as:
- CalFresh/SNAP
- CalWORKs
- Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP)
- Child support
- Immunizations
- Medi-Cal/Medicaid
- Mental Health resources
- Programs to help with problem drug, alcohol or tobacco use
- Family violence resources
Who Qualifies for WIC
WIC is available to any family living in California that meets income and program guidelines, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, or disability.
You may qualify for WIC if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are breastfeeding a baby under the age of one
- Had a baby within the last six months
- Have a child under the age of five
- Experienced a pregnancy loss/termination
Fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and caretakes are welcome to apply for WIC benefits for their children under age 5.
Income Guidelines
| Household Size** | Annual | Monthly | Twice-Monthly | Bi-Weekly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 | $1,207 | $1,114 | $557 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 | $1,631 | $1,505 | $753 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 | $2,055 | $1,897 | $949 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 | $2,479 | $2,288 | $1,144 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 | $2,903 | $2,679 | $1,340 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,653 | $3,327 | $3,071 | $1,536 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,501 | $3,751 | $3,462 | $1,731 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 | $4,175 | $3,853 | $1,927 |
| More than 8 | Add per additional member | ||||
| +$10,175 | +$848 | +$424 | +$392 | +$196 | |
* Income based on 185% Federal Poverty Level, effective April 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026
**Unborn fetuses may be counted toward household size.
If you fit into our WIC income eligibility then you can start benefiting from our services. If you have any further questions regarding our income qualifications for WIC, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What documents do I need to apply for WIC?
The California WIC Program requests for the following documents to determine eligibility:
- Proof of California Residency
- Proof of family income
- Identification for all individuals enrolling
- Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
Families receiving Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or CalWORKS may be income-eligible for WIC.
If you cannot provide a document, you will have 30 days to submit any missing item after we complete your enrollment. Tell your WIC counselor during your appointment if you cannot provide a document. WIC will generally accept a sworn statement as a last resort.
Do you need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for WIC?
No. WIC is for people who live in the United States, but the program does not require a social security number or proof of citizenship to receive benefits. WIC is not considered a part of public charge. WIC will not ask for your immigration status, and WIC participation does not affect immigration status.
Can you receive WIC and CalFresh at the same time?
Yes! Families are eligible to participate in both WIC and CalFresh/SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as food stamps) and any other assistance programs like CalWORKs at the same time. Use WIC and CalFresh EBT together to provide healthy food for your family.