How to Apply for WIC

Chat with Wanda, WIC's 24/7 virtual assistant. In less than 3 minutes, you can see if you are eligible and get a referral to your local WIC office. Find Wanda in the bottom right corner of this screen. She speaks English and Spanish.

OR contact your local New York State WIC office directly to make an appointment. Appointments are available in person or virtually by phone!

Call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline to locate the WIC office closest to you: 1-800-522-5006

What to Bring to Your Appointment

When you call your local WIC office for an appointment, an agency representative will tell you what documents you will need to have available.

Requirements include proof for each of the following categories:

  • Household income
  • Identity for you and your child
  • Residency

Here are examples of the type of proof documents that are accepted (PDF).

You may need to bring additional forms or documents to your appointment:

Ask your local office about what else you may need to bring.

What to Expect at Your First WIC Appointment

All information shared with WIC staff is confidential. Local agency staff will ask you for:

  • Documents that prove who you are, where you live, participation in assistance programs and the income of each member of your household who works. All documents will be returned.
  • Your race and ethnicity. This information is for record keeping purposes only and does not affect your eligibility.

WIC staff will conduct a short health screening for all family members applying for WIC. This screening may include a finger stick blood test (to check hemoglobin or hematocrit levels which screen for iron-deficiency anemia), height and weight, and a discussion of your health and nutrition concerns.

WIC promises to:

  • Listen to your concerns and needs
  • Provide help from experienced staff and peer counselors
  • Share information based on science and experience, without influence from formula or other commercial companies
  • Assist you in making the best decisions for you and your family
  • Respect you and your decisions about feeding your children
  • Help you and your baby meet your breastfeeding/chestfeeding goals
  • Work with your community and hospital to promote and support breastfeeding and encourage healthy lifestyles

WIC staff will give you an eWIC card to use to shop for WIC approved foods. The types of foods you are allowed to buy with WIC benefits are based on whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum and/or the age of your child. You can choose foods that meet your individual health needs and preferences. If your infant is formula fed, your infant will be provided one of the formulas on the New York State WIC Approved Formulas list. You may need to get a WIC Medical Documentation Form (PDF) completed by your health care provider if you or your children have special nutritional needs.

You will receive:

  • An eWIC card to shop for your family's WIC foods at WIC approved stores
  • A shopping list for WIC approved foods
  • Nutrition education tailored to your interests and needs
  • Referrals to other programs and services
  • Breastfeeding/chestfeeding support

You will be able to authorize someone else to attend WIC appointments or receive benefits. It is important to choose someone you trust, such as a spouse, partner, or grandparent.

Resources

Request a Fair Hearing

  • If your application for WIC benefits was turned down or your benefits have ended, you may appeal the decision.

WIC Participant Rights and Responsibilities