The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides food assistance, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals to eligible low-income participants. The income limit for WIC is 185% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) — a single national standard applied uniformly across all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories.
Quick answers for 2026:
- Income limit: 185% FPL — $29,526/year for 1 person | $61,050/year for a family of 4
- Monthly limit (family of 4): $5,088/month
- Who qualifies: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, postpartum women (up to 6–12 months), infants under 12 months, children under age 5
- Automatic eligibility: Receiving Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF automatically meets the WIC income requirement
- No asset test: WIC evaluates income only — savings, home equity, and vehicles do not count
- Nutritional risk required: Income eligibility alone is not enough — a health professional must also assess nutritional risk
WIC guideline period: The figures above are effective July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026, published by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) on April 29, 2026 in the Federal Register (Vol. 91, No. 82).
Use the free Federal Poverty Level Calculator to find your exact FPL percentage instantly, then check the income tables below.
2026 WIC Income Limits — Official USDA Tables
WIC uses a unique July–June fiscal year — different from SNAP (October–September), LIHEAP (October–September), Medicaid (calendar year), and ACA subsidies (prior-year FPL). The current guidelines shown below are based on the 2026 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines (published January 14, 2026) multiplied by 1.85 and rounded up to the nearest dollar, as required by statute.
48 Contiguous States, D.C., Guam & U.S. Territories
Effective July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Twice Monthly | Biweekly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,526 | $2,461 | $1,231 | $1,136 | $568 |
| 2 | $40,034 | $3,337 | $1,669 | $1,540 | $770 |
| 3 | $50,542 | $4,212 | $2,106 | $1,944 | $972 |
| 4 | $61,050 | $5,088 | $2,544 | $2,348 | $1,174 |
| 5 | $71,558 | $5,963 | $2,982 | $2,752 | $1,376 |
| 6 | $82,066 | $6,839 | $3,420 | $3,156 | $1,578 |
| 7 | $92,574 | $7,715 | $3,858 | $3,560 | $1,780 |
| 8 | $103,082 | $8,591 | $4,296 | $3,965 | $1,983 |
| Each additional | +$10,508 | +$876 | +$438 | +$404 | +$203 |
Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Federal Register Vol. 91, No. 82 (April 29, 2026). Based on 2026 HHS poverty guidelines × 1.85, rounded up to the next whole dollar.
Pregnant women note: An unborn child counts as a household member for WIC income purposes. A pregnant woman living alone uses a household size of 2 — raising her income limit from $29,526 to $40,034/year. A pregnant woman with one other child uses a household size of 3, and so on.
WIC 2025–2026 Income Limits (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026)
The following table covers the period before July 1, 2026. If you applied for WIC before July 1, 2026, these are the guidelines that applied to your application.
48 Contiguous States, D.C., Guam & U.S. Territories
Effective July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Biweekly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 | $1,114 | $557 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 | $1,505 | $753 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 | $1,897 | $949 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 | $2,288 | $1,144 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 | $2,679 | $1,340 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,653 | $3,071 | $1,536 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,501 | $3,462 | $1,731 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 | $3,853 | $1,927 |
| Each additional | +$10,175 | +$848 | +$392 | +$196 |
Source: USDA FNS, Federal Register (March 10, 2025). Based on 2025 HHS poverty guidelines × 1.85.
Alaska WIC Income Limits
Alaska has higher WIC income limits reflecting its elevated FPL thresholds.
Effective July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $36,908 | $3,076 | $710 |
| 2 | $50,049 | $4,171 | $963 |
| 3 | $63,178 | $5,265 | $1,215 |
| 4 | $76,313 | $6,360 | $1,468 |
| 5 | $89,448 | $7,454 | $1,720 |
| 6 | $102,583 | $8,549 | $1,973 |
| Each additional | +$13,135 | +$1,095 | +$253 |
Based on Alaska 2026 FPL ($19,950 for 1 person) × 1.85.
Hawaii WIC Income Limits
Effective July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026
| Household Size | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $33,966 | $2,831 | $654 |
| 2 | $46,047 | $3,838 | $886 |
| 3 | $58,127 | $4,844 | $1,118 |
| 4 | $70,208 | $5,851 | $1,350 |
| 5 | $82,288 | $6,858 | $1,583 |
| 6 | $94,369 | $7,864 | $1,815 |
| Each additional | +$12,081 | +$1,007 | +$233 |
Based on Hawaii 2026 FPL ($18,360 for 1 person) × 1.85.
Understanding WIC’s Three-Part Eligibility Test
Income is only one of three requirements to qualify for WIC. All three must be met:
1. Categorical Eligibility — Who Can Apply
WIC covers five specific groups and only these groups:
| Category | Who Qualifies | Certification Period |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnant women | During pregnancy (unborn counts as household member) | Through end of pregnancy |
| Breastfeeding women | Up to the infant’s 1st birthday | Up to 12 months postpartum |
| Postpartum women (non-breastfeeding) | After delivery, not breastfeeding | Up to 6 months postpartum |
| Infants | From birth through 11 months | Up to 12 months of age |
| Children | From 1st birthday through 4th birthday | Every 6–12 months |
WIC does not cover fathers, other household members, grandparents, or caregivers — only the specific categories above. A father’s income counts toward household size for the income test, but the father himself cannot receive WIC benefits.
2. Income Eligibility — 185% FPL or Adjunctive
Your household’s gross income (before taxes) must be at or below 185% FPL — see the tables above. Alternatively, if anyone in your household currently receives Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC without needing to show income documentation. This is called adjunctive eligibility.
Adjunctive eligibility is a significant pathway — since Medicaid expansion covers adults up to 138% FPL and SNAP covers households up to 130% FPL gross, many WIC-eligible families are already enrolled in one of these programs and can bypass the income verification step entirely.
3. Nutritional Risk — Required Assessment
Even if you meet the categorical and income requirements, a health or nutrition professional at a WIC clinic must assess your nutritional risk before certifying you. This is a broad standard — you need only one of the following:
Medical/nutritional risk factors include:
- Anemia (low hemoglobin or hematocrit)
- Being underweight or at risk for obesity
- Poor diet or inadequate nutrition intake
- History of pregnancy complications
- Short intervals between pregnancies
- High blood pressure or gestational diabetes
- Breastfeeding complications
- For children: developmental delays, failure to thrive, lead exposure
In practice, the nutritional risk threshold is met by the vast majority of applicants. WIC clinics conduct brief screenings — typically a blood test for anemia, a weight/height measurement, and a short diet history — at no cost to the applicant.
What WIC Provides
WIC benefits are delivered via eWIC cards (similar to an EBT card) loaded with monthly food benefits. Participants shop at authorized WIC retailers — including most major grocery chains — using their eWIC card.
WIC Food Packages by Category
Each WIC category receives a monthly food package tailored to nutritional needs:
Pregnant and postpartum women receive:
- Whole grains (bread, oatmeal, tortillas, brown rice)
- Milk, cheese, and eggs
- Fruits and vegetables (cash-value benefit for fresh produce)
- Juice (100% fruit juice)
- Legumes (beans, peas, lentils) and peanut butter
- Canned fish (for postpartum women only)
Breastfeeding women receive:
- An enhanced food package — larger quantities than non-breastfeeding women
- More dairy, fruits and vegetables, and a greater cash-value produce benefit
- Canned fish (tuna or salmon for breastfeeding women)
Infants receive:
- Iron-fortified infant formula (for non-breastfed or partially breastfed infants)
- Iron-fortified infant cereal
- Jarred fruits and vegetables (stage 1 and 2)
- 100% fruit juice (infants 6 months and older)
- Breastfed infants whose mothers receive WIC may receive a reduced formula package
Children (ages 1–4) receive:
- Whole grains, milk, cheese, eggs, juice
- Fresh fruits and vegetables (cash-value benefit)
- Legumes and peanut butter
WIC Cash Value Benefit (Fruits & Vegetables)
All WIC participants receive a monthly cash-value benefit (CVB) to purchase fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables with no added sugars, fats, or oils. In 2026, the CVB is:
- $26/month for children ages 1–4
- $26/month for pregnant women
- $47/month for breastfeeding women
- $9/month for postpartum women
- $9/month for fully breastfed infants (6–11 months)
WIC Also Provides
Beyond food benefits, WIC includes:
- Nutrition education and counseling (individual or group)
- Breastfeeding support and peer counseling
- Healthcare referrals (prenatal care, immunizations, developmental screenings)
- WIC farmers’ market programs in many states — vouchers to buy fresh produce directly at local markets
What Counts as Income for WIC
WIC uses gross household income — your income before taxes or deductions — compared against the 185% FPL limit. Unlike SNAP, which allows deductions for shelter costs, childcare, and earned income, WIC has no allowable deductions.
Income counted for WIC:
- Wages and salaries (gross, before taxes)
- Self-employment income (net of business expenses)
- Social Security retirement and SSDI
- SSI (in most states)
- Unemployment compensation
- Child support and alimony received
- Pension and retirement income
- Veterans’ benefits (in most states)
- Rental income (net)
Generally not counted:
- SNAP, TANF, or other public assistance cash benefits
- Tax refunds
- One-time payments (insurance settlements, gifts)
- Educational grants and scholarships used for tuition
Household size for WIC follows IRS tax household rules in most states — generally people who live together and share meals. Foster children are typically counted as a household of one for income purposes. As noted above, an unborn child counts as a household member, which can meaningfully increase the applicable income limit for pregnant women.
WIC’s Unique Fiscal Year Calendar
WIC operates on a July 1 – June 30 fiscal year — making it the most unusual schedule among major benefit programs. This means:
| Program | Fiscal Year | FPL Used |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid / CHIP | Calendar year (Jan–Dec) | Current year FPL (switches Mar–Apr) |
| SNAP | Federal FY (Oct–Sep) | Current FY FPL (updates Oct 1) |
| LIHEAP | Federal FY (Oct–Sep) | Prior year FPL (updates Oct 1) |
| ACA Marketplace | Calendar year (Jan–Dec) | Prior year FPL |
| WIC | July 1 – June 30 | Current year FPL × 1.85 (updates July 1) |
The 2026 FPL published in January 2026 is used by USDA to calculate WIC income limits effective July 1, 2026. Between January 2026 and July 1, 2026, the 2025-based WIC guidelines remain in effect. This is why the two tables above show slightly different income limits — the July 1 transition reflects the higher 2026 FPL.
For a complete comparison of FPL figures across all years and regions, the federal poverty level chart by year shows every set of guidelines from 2021 onward.
How to Apply for WIC
WIC is administered by state agencies — there is no single federal application portal. To apply:
- Find your local WIC clinic — Search wicprogram.org or call 1-800-942-3678 (WIC national helpline). You can also search “[your state] WIC apply” for your state’s portal.
- Schedule an appointment — WIC applications are processed in person at a WIC clinic or health department office. Some states now offer phone or telehealth certifications.
- Bring documentation:
- Proof of identity (ID, birth certificate, or hospital records for infants)
- Proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or postmarked mail)
- Proof of gross household income (pay stubs, Social Security award letter) — or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF enrollment for adjunctive eligibility
- Proof of pregnancy (for pregnant women — a doctor’s note, prenatal records, or positive pregnancy test)
- Complete a nutrition screening — A health professional will check height/weight and conduct a brief diet and health history review. A blood test for anemia may be done at the clinic.
- Receive your eWIC card — If approved, you will receive your card on the same day in most states. Benefits are loaded monthly.
WIC is an entitlement program — unlike LIHEAP, which has limited funding that can run out mid-season, WIC is required by law to serve all eligible applicants. If you qualify, you will receive benefits regardless of when you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions About WIC Income Limits
What is the income limit for WIC in 2026?
The WIC income limit is 185% of the FPL — $29,526/year ($2,461/month) for a single person, or $61,050/year ($5,088/month) for a household of four. These figures are based on the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines and are effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026. If you already receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you automatically meet the income requirement without documentation. Use the Federal Poverty Level Calculator to check your exact FPL percentage.
Does WIC have an asset limit?
No. WIC evaluates only income — not savings accounts, home equity, vehicles, or retirement funds. This is the same approach used by CHIP and ACA Medicaid expansion for adults.
What FPL percentage does WIC use?
WIC uses 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, set by the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. This is a nationally uniform standard — unlike CHIP (which varies by state from 170%–400% FPL) or LIHEAP (which varies from 110%–60% SMI). The 185% FPL figure is also used by the National School Lunch Program for reduced-price meal eligibility.
If I receive Medicaid or SNAP, do I automatically qualify for WIC?
Yes — for the income requirement only. If anyone in your household receives Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC and do not need to provide income documentation. However, you still must meet the categorical requirement (pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, infant, or child under 5) and complete a nutritional risk screening. Since Medicaid expansion covers adults up to 138% FPL and WIC covers up to 185% FPL, some households may qualify for WIC on income but not have Medicaid — in that case, you provide income documentation at the WIC clinic.
Does the father’s income count for WIC?
Yes — the father’s income is counted in the household’s total gross income if he lives in the same household and shares meals. However, the father himself cannot receive WIC benefits. Only the five eligible categories — pregnant women, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5 — can receive WIC food benefits.
Can I get WIC if my income is over 185% FPL?
Potentially, through adjunctive eligibility. If you or a household member receives Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF — even if your gross income would otherwise exceed 185% FPL — you qualify. Some states also allow WIC eligibility for participants in other means-tested programs. Contact your local WIC clinic regardless of your income level; they make the official determination at no cost.
Is WIC the same in every state?
The 185% FPL income limit is uniform across all states. However, states have flexibility in: the foods included in each food package, the authorized retailers where benefits can be used, breastfeeding support services offered, and whether telehealth or phone certifications are available. Alaska and Hawaii have higher dollar income limits reflecting their higher FPL thresholds.
How is WIC different from SNAP?
WIC and SNAP both help with food costs but serve different purposes and populations. WIC provides specific foods through a monthly package targeted to the nutritional needs of pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children — it is not a general grocery benefit. SNAP provides a flexible monthly EBT benefit that can be used to buy almost any food. WIC has a higher income limit (185% FPL vs. SNAP’s 130% FPL gross) but covers only specific categories of people. You can receive both WIC and SNAP simultaneously.
When do WIC income limits update?
WIC income limits update every July 1, when the new fiscal year begins. USDA FNS publishes the updated guidelines in the Federal Register each spring — for 2026, they were published April 29, 2026, effective July 1, 2026. This is different from Medicaid (updates in spring based on January FPL publication), SNAP (updates October 1), and LIHEAP (updates October 1).
How long do WIC benefits last?
WIC certification periods vary by category. Pregnant women are certified through the end of pregnancy. Postpartum non-breastfeeding women receive benefits for up to 6 months. Breastfeeding women receive benefits for up to 12 months after birth. Infants are certified up to age 1. Children are certified in 6–12 month periods until their 5th birthday. Benefits do not renew automatically — you must recertify at your WIC clinic before the certification period expires.
Calculate Your WIC Income Eligibility
WIC uses 185% of the 2026 FPL (effective July 1, 2026) — the same 2026 poverty guidelines used by Medicaid and CHIP, but applied at a different FPL percentage and on a different fiscal year schedule. To find your exact FPL percentage, use the free Federal Poverty Level Calculator — enter your gross household income and household size (remember to count an unborn child if you are pregnant).
If your result is at or below 185% FPL, you meet the income standard for WIC. Contact your local WIC clinic to complete the nutritional risk screening and receive your eWIC card. Find your nearest clinic at wicprogram.org or call 1-800-942-3678.
Sources: USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines 2026–2027, Federal Register Vol. 91, No. 82 (April 29, 2026); USDA FNS, WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines 2025–2026, Federal Register (March 10, 2025); U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ASPE, 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines (91 FR 1797, January 15, 2026); Child Nutrition Act of 1966, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 1786). Income limits shown for 48 contiguous states, D.C., and U.S. territories unless otherwise noted. Always verify current eligibility with your state WIC agency.