Apply or Recertify for WIC

It's easy to get started and stay with WIC.

Step 1: To apply, recertify, or return to the program you will need to contact your local WIC office

  • Chat with Wanda to get connected to your preferred local office for a phone or in-person appointment
  • You can also find your preferred office and contact them directly

Step 2: Get ready for your appointment

You'll need to have a few things ready to share with the WIC staff:

  • Proof of identity (for you and/or your child, if you are also applying for a child)
  • Proof of address (a bill, lease, or mail with your name on it)
  • Proof of income (participation in a qualifying program, OR other income proof for each member of your household like pay stubs or bank statements)

WIC accepts copies of electronic or paper documents for proof. You can use one document for all 3 proofs if it includes all information needed.

WIC staff will let you know if there are any additional documents you might need.

Click below to see examples of the type of proof documents that are accepted:

  • Photo ID (examples):
    • Driver's license or learner's permit
    • Non-driver's ID card
    • Common Benefit Identification Card (CBIC)
    • Employment ID card
    • Mexican Matricula Consular ID card
    • Military ID card
    • Passport/Visa
    • Permanent Resident card (Green Card)
    • School ID card
  • Birth certificate
  • Baptismal record
  • Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship
  • Court document (examples):
    • Adoption record
    • Foster care placement letter
    • Custody papers
  • Health care provider or shot/immunization record
  • Hospital record/infant crib card/ hospital ID bracelet/discharge papers (up to 6 months of age)
  • Voter registration card
  • Social Security card
  • Photo ID with address
  • Bank statement with address
  • Pay stub or SSD/SSI check
  • Current rent or mortgage document
  • Letter from landlord
  • Letter from shelter/house of worship/social services on their letterhead
  • Letter or statement from federal, state or local municipal agency
  • Mail with recent postmark, household name and street address (examples):
    • Utility bill
    • Cell phone bill
    • Envelope/postcard with recent postmark
    • WIC appointment reminder
  • Military only (examples):
    • Letter from company commander on letterhead
    • Military orders with New York installation

ONE proof of a qualifying program such as:

  • NYS Medicaid common benefits identification card (CBIC) or Medicaid Managed Care plan card with a CIN (Client Identification Number) for each person applying for WIC
  • SNAP (Food Stamps) notice of decision/budget letter with dates listing all household members
  • TANF notice of decision listing all household members
  • Head Start/Early Head Start notice of eligibility or enrollment
  • Essential Plan notice of enrollment

*If you participate in any of these programs, but don’t have one of these documents, WIC staff may be able to help

OR

ALL proofs of income for everyone in your household, such as:

  • All pay stubs/direct deposit stubs (past 30 days) for every working household member
  • Alimony/child support
  • Worker's compensation
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Disability(SSD/SSI)
  • Bank statement
  • Use of savings or cash income
  • Verification of Certification (VOC) card (for participants transferring)
  • Income tax record for self-employed
  • Letter of support for cash income
  • Written statement from employer
  • Leave and Earnings Statement (L & E) (military only)
  • Social Security
  • Pension/annuity
  • Statement of interest/dividends/royalties
  • Student grants/scholarships (if used for room and board, dependent care or living expenses)
  • Rental income
  • Foster care stipend (If Medicaid is not available)

*If you don’t have any of these documents, WIC staff may be able to help

Step 3: Meet with WIC

At your appointment on the phone or in person, a WIC staff member will:

  • Check your eligibility and review your documents
  • Talk with you about nutrition and your family's needs
    • The New York State WIC Medical Referral Form (PDF) is for healthcare providers to document height, weight, bloodwork, and other medical information. The information on this form will help the WIC nutritionist to determine nutrition care and provide nutrition counseling.
  • Help you set up your WIC benefits, if you qualify

Need help right now?

  • Call your local WIC office
  • Chat with Wanda who can help you find your local office