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Food
Healthy food for families
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) | NYS Department of Health
1. How it Works
WIC provides free healthy food and services to low-income women and children, including nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, health education, and referrals.
- NYS WIC participants can buy food using an Electronic Benefits Transfer card called eWIC. It makes food shopping easier for WIC families.
- You do not need to be a US citizen to receive WIC.
- The Application requires proof of identity, income, and address.
- If you already receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF benefits, you may be eligible for WIC.
- Each person applying for WIC must be present at the local agency at the time of certification.
- The NYS WIC Acceptable Foods Guide lists the food you can buy using WIC. Food must be redeemed at stores that accept WIC.
Next section:
More ways to get help with this program
Visit the website
Visit the WIC website to learn more.
Call 311
Ask for Women, Infants, and Children assistance.
Call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline
Call 800-522-5006 for more information on WIC.
Visit a WIC office
Find a WIC office near you to get help in person.
2. Determine your eligibility
You or your child may be eligible if you can answer yes to these questions:
- Are you:
- pregnant;
- a mother of a baby up to six months;
- a breastfeeding mother of a baby up to 12 months old; OR
- the parent of a child who is five years old or younger?
- Do you live in New York State?
Note: Fathers and caregivers can also apply for their children.
Take a short survey to see if you might be eligible for this or 30 other programs.
Am I Eligible?Next section:
3. What you need to include
It’s important to include the right documents when you apply. Your documents show whether the program is right for you.
This page can help you choose the right documents for your application.
Proof of who you are
For each person applying, any one document:
- Driver license or official photo I.D.
- Birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- Work I.D. with photo
- Passport
- Social Security Card for dependents
- Social Security Card or ITIN
- Medicaid card
- Official birth records
- Official school records
- Adoption record or foster care placement letter (for infants/children only)
- Baptismal certificate or another religious certificate (for infants/children only)
- SNAP card with photo
- Immunization record (for infants and children)
- Voter registration card
- WIC Medical referral form (for infants or children only)
Proof of where you live
For the household, any one document:
- Driver license
- ID card with your address
- Current letter, lease, or rent receipt with your home address from landlord
- Correspondence from a government agency with your name and your street address (not a P.O. Box)
- Medicaid card
- Paycheck stubs with your home address
- Postmarked envelope, postcard, or magazine label with your name and date (cannot use if sent to a P.O. Box)
- Utility bill (gas, electric, or water)
- WIC Medical referral form
Proof of your income
For each income source of each income earner, any one document:
Wages & Salary
- W2
- Letter from employer on company letterhead, signed and dated
- Income tax return
- Pay stubs (from the past four weeks in a row that you worked if your income changes from week to week. If your paycheck is the same each week bring the most current pay stub)
Self-employment
- Records of earnings and expenses
- Signed and dated income tax return and all schedules
Cash Assistance
- Cash Assistance budget letter
Income from Rent or Room and Board
- Letter from roomer, boarder, or tenant
Military Pay
- Current check stub
- Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
Child Support or Alimony
- Letter from court
- Letter from person providing support
Unemployment Income
- Award letter or certificate
- Correspondence from NYS Department of Labor
Social Security Benefits (SSI, Dependent, Disability, Survivor’s, Retirement)
- Correspondence from Social Security Administration
- Current award letter or certificate
Worker’s Compensation
- Current award letter
Veteran’s Benefits
- Correspondence from Veterans Administration
- Current award letter
Pensions, Annuities, or IRA
- Statement from pension/annuity
Interest, Dividends, or Royalties
- Statement from bank, credit union, or financial institution
Education Grants and Loans
- Current award letter
Support from Family Members
- Signed statement or letter from family member
Proof of pregnancy status
For each pregnant person, any one document:
- Dated sonogram that confirms pregnancy and includes mother’s name
- Letter from doctor or medical provider with expected date of delivery
- Presumptive Medicaid eligibility screening form completed and signed by your health care provider
- WIC Medical referral form
Next section:
4. How to apply
Here are your options.
Apply in person
- Find your local WIC agency, or call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 800-522-5006 and ask for the location nearest to you.
- Call the WIC agency where you wish to receive services and make an appointment.
- Refer to this document of records to bring to your appointment
- The WIC agency will tell you if you need to bring this WIC Medical Referral Form completed by your health care provider.
- If your child has special dietary needs, your health care provider may provide a completed Medical Documentation Form for you to bring.
- A qualified WIC staff member will complete a short nutrition assessment during your appointment.
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More ways to get help with this program
Visit the website
Visit the WIC website to learn more.
Call 311
Ask for Women, Infants, and Children assistance.
Call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline
Call 800-522-5006 for more information on WIC.
Visit a WIC office
Find a WIC office near you to get help in person.
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