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Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

  1. What is WIC?
  2. Who administers WIC In Minnesota?
  3. Who is eligible for WIC?
  4. What is Adjunct Income Eligibility?
  5. What is Presumptive Income Eligibility?
  6. Can I apply to WIC directly without being enrolled in another program?
  7. Are there any other eligibility requirements?
  8. Who can apply for the WIC Program?
  9. How do I apply for WIC?
  10. What happens at my WIC certification appointment?
  11. What do I need to bring to the WIC Certification Appointment?
  12. Do I need to renew my WIC eligibility?
  13. How long can I receive WIC benefits?
  14. What foods can I purchase with my WIC vouchers?
  15. How do I use my WIC Card?
  16. What information about citizenship status is needed?
What is WIC?
It is a nutrition and health program that helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy.
Who administers WIC In Minnesota?

The program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health.

Who is eligible for WIC?

WIC is for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or recently had a baby. It is also for infants or children under age 5. Those who fall into these qualifying groups are eligible for WIC if they have a nutritional and/or medical need and if they meet the WIC income guidelines or are enrolled in a program that qualifies under Adjunct Income Eligibility.

What is Adjunct Income Eligibility?
If you or a family member is currently participating in any of the following programs, you and your family are automatically income eligible for the WIC Program without providing proof of income: Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, Food Support, Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Energy Assistance, School Meal Program, and Head Start.

Or, if you or a family member is currently receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medical Assistance - TEFRA, the person receiving these benefits is income eligible for the WIC Program.
What is Presumptive Income Eligibility?
Families that are found to be presumptively income eligible can receive WIC benefits for three months. After three months, proof of current eligibility, or a pending application for a Minnesota Health Care Program must be provided to continue receiving WIC benefits.
Can I apply to WIC directly without being enrolled in another program?
Yes. Many people applying for WIC are not currently participating in any other program.
Are there any other eligibility requirements?
To be eligible for WIC you must live in Minnesota.
Who can apply for the WIC Program?
Pregnant women, mothers and fathers with an infant or child under the age of 5 and foster parent(s)/guardian(s) with an infant or child under the age of 5 can apply for the children. Postpartum women who are breastfeeding can apply until their infants turn one year old. Postpartum women who are not breastfeeding can apply until their infants are 6 months old.

Only those family members in the qualifying groups (see question #3) will receive the benefits.
How do I apply for WIC?

Apply for WIC online or call your county or Tribal WIC agency to schedule a Certification Appointment. You must come in person and bring required documents and all children up to age five to complete your enrollment. You can find a WIC clinic near you on the Minnesota WIC website and call to schedule an appointment

What happens at my WIC certification appointment?

During your appointment, you and/or your child will have a nutrition assessment including a measurement of weight, height, and hemoglobin (a quick finger stick). You will talk with a WIC educator about good nutrition and healthy eating, breastfeeding and any special nutrition and health concerns your family might have. If you are found eligible for WIC benefits, you will receive WIC vouchers to purchase healthy foods for you and/or your child. You will also make another appointment to come back in 1-3 months for nutrition counseling based on the nutrition assessment and to pick up more vouchers.

What do I need to bring to the WIC Certification Appointment?
You will need to bring a picture identification (ID), proof of address (such as a driver’s license, bill, recent receipt or personal mail), the person(s) you want approved to receive WIC benefits, proof of income (such as pay stubs, tax forms or unemployment checks) or proof of enrollment in an Adjunct Income Eligibility program (see question #4).
Do I need to renew my WIC eligibility?
Yes. You will need to be recertified about every six months. You will need to keep making appointments at your WIC clinic as required for nutrition counseling and to receive additional vouchers for food. During these sessions, you can discuss any nutrition, parenting or health concerns you have and receive information and referrals. At some of these appointments, you will be asked to bring in proofs (see question #11) and have a health screening to continue your WIC certification.
How long can I receive WIC benefits?

Providing you continue to meet the income eligibility guidelines and schedule your WIC appointments, pregnant women can receive WIC benefits for up to six months after the birth of their baby or up to a year if they are breastfeeding. Children can remain on the program until their fifth birthday.

What foods can I purchase with my WIC vouchers?

Download the My Minnesota WIC App or view the online shopping guide to find out which foods you can purchase using your WIC card. WIC allows you to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, cereals, peanut butter, beans, milk, juice, soy products, and infant foods. Food choices and amounts vary depending on whether there is a pregnant woman, a breastfeeding woman, an infant, or a child up to age five in the household. Learn more about shopping for WIC foods on the Minnesota WIC website.

 

How do I use my WIC Card?

You’ll receive a WIC card to use to purchase food at a WIC-authorized store.  Find a store near you using the search option on the Minnesota WIC grocery store webpage. You’ll receive current and future food benefits on the same WIC card. Benefits last for 30 days. You don’t have to buy all your WIC foods at once; you can purchase them throughout the 30 days. Unused items do not carry over to the following month. There are guides to using your Minnesota WIC card and tips for buying WIC-approved foods on the Minnesota WIC website.

 

What information about citizenship status is needed?

WIC does not require information about your citizenship status. If you are an immigrant, using WIC services will not affect your ability to become a U.S. citizen.