Topics on this page
- What is the Women, Infants and Children Program?
- Eligibility
- Income Eligibility
- Asset Eligibility
- Applying
- Appeals
- Sources of Law
What is the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program?
WIC's mission statement is "To assist eligible women, infants and children to achieve improved nutrition and health status by providing nutrition education, selected supplemental foods, and health referrals in a caring, supportive environment."
Examples of food you can buy with WIC benefits include fruits and vegetables, dairy products, food for infants, formula, and much more.
Eligibility
The following Maryland residents can receive WIC benefits:
- Pregnant women (throughout pregnancy)
- New mothers (up to 6 months after delivery)
- Breastfeeding mothers (up to 1 year after delivery)
- Infants
- Children under 5 years of age
In addition to the above, you must also meet income eligibility guidelines and be at nutritional risk. "Nutrition risk" means that an individual has medical-based or dietary-based conditions. Examples of medical-based conditions include anemia (low blood levels), underweight, or history of poor pregnancy outcome. A dietary-based condition includes, for example, a poor diet.
You can:
- Have a job or be unemployed
- Own a home or live with friends or relatives
- Be married or single
- Be a father, mother, guardian, or grandparent and apply for benefits for an infant or child under the age of 5
Income Eligibility
Income guidelines are calculated using gross (before tax) income. For example, a family of 2 qualifies for benefits if you have a monthly income of less than $3,261. Income figures may change every year. Check the WIC website for current guidelines.
Asset Eligibility
Asset amounts do not apply to this benefit program.
Applying
To apply for WIC, you need to make an appointment with WIC office in your county. You can either call the office or use the client portal to schedule an appointment. You appear , along with each person who is applying for benefits, must attend the first appointment, including infants and all children up to age five. You should bring the following documents with you:
Proof of Household Income (Bring at least 1 of the following)
- Recent pay stubs, or benefit letter: SSI, Social Security, Unemployment
- Medical Assistance card
- Independence Card with register receipt (30 days)
- Tax Return
Proof of identity for individuals being certified (Bring 1 of the below for each person)
- Birth Certificate
- Driver's License or MVA identification
- Social Security Card
- Picture Identification (Government, School, Employment)
Proof of your address (Bring 1 of the following)
- Driver's License or MVA Identification
- Official Bill or Statement
- Rental or lease agreement
Other, if applicable
- Proof of pregnancy
- Immunization record (infant or child)
- WIC referral
Appeals
You can appeal any denial of WIC benefits, request to repay WIC benefits already received, or disqualification from the program. Appeals can be made orally or in writing to any WIC staff member. It is best to file a written appeal and get a receipt showing that you filed an appeal. Appeals must be filed within 60 days of the notice or the action was taken.
Read the Regulations: Code of Md. Regulations, 10.01.06
Sources of Law
- Federal Law: 42 United States Code §1786
- Federal Regulations: 7 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 246
- Federal Policy Materials: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has an extensive array of web pages and links concerning WIC, its application process and other information
- State Regulations: COMAR 10.54.01.01 - .10.54.03.9999