What Are the Guidelines for the WIC Program?

The Women, Infants and Children program is a supplemental nutrition initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Health. The program helps vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children below the age of five and infants, obtain healthy groceries and gain access to basic health care. According to the DOH website, recipients of WIC grants are more likely to have healthier pregnancies.

Eligibility Guidelines

• Pregnant women, infants or children younger than 5 years, mothers with babies younger than 6 months and breastfeeding women who are caring for a child less than a year old who meet eligibility requirements may receive assitance under the WIC program. Families that already receive food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families payments or Medicaid support are eligible for support, regardless of income. Applicants for WIC support who do not meet those conditions must fall within basic income levels as dictated by federal law. As of August 2010, the annual income limit for a family of three was $33,874, as stated on the New York State website.

Assessment Guidelines

• Before payments are given, applicants are typically assessed by a health care professional from the state health department. This assessment is designed to assess the medical and nutritional needs of mothers and their children and determine which benefits they may be entitled to.

Duration Guidelines

• WIC grants are intended as short-term assistance. An individual will typically only receive WIC payments for 6 to 12 months. The exact duration depends on whether the applicant is pregnant, is breastfeeding or is an infant or child. Once the stipulated period of assistance has ended, applicants may reapply if they think they are still eligible for help under the WIC program.

Priority Guidelines

• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website, WIC agencies don't have sufficient funds to serve all applicants who qualify for WIC support. Each state agency is required to keep a waiting list of applicants and provide help based on a system that prioritizes funds for those most in need. Priority groups typically include women or children living well below the poverty line and at risk of health problems due to poor nutrition, as well as women and children with low blood counts or applicants who have a history of medical problems during pregnancy.

Location Guidelines

• WIC grants are issued by the health departments or family services departments of individual states. To be eligible for assistance, candidates must reside in the state where they make their application. WIC recipients who relocate to another state are put to the top of the waiting list and will be first in line once more funds become available. These applicants must provide proof they were receiving WIC payments in another state and should inform the WIC office when they intend to move.