Apply for WIC

It's easy to get started with WIC.

Step 1: To apply, 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)

Your local office 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 card (examples):
    • Driver's license or learner's permit
    • Non-driver's ID card
    • Military ID card
    • Employment ID card
    • School ID card
  • Birth certificate
  • Baptismal record
  • Citizenship document (examples):
    • Passport/Visa
    • Permanent Resident card (Green Card)
    • Certificate of Naturalization
    • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Court document (examples):
    • Adoption record
    • Foster care placement letter
    • Custody papers
  • Health care provider or shot record
  • Hospital record/infant crib card/ hospital ID bracelet (up to 6 months of age)
  • Mexican Matricula Consular ID card
  • Voter registration card
  • Social Security card
  • Current rent or mortgage document
  • Current pay stub with address
  • Letter from shelter/house of worship/social services on their letterhead
  • Letter or statement from federal, state or local municipal agency
  • Photo ID with current address
  • 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
    • WIC staff can lookup your CIN if you don’t have it
  • 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

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
  • 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 regarding any other income
  • Written statement from employer
  • Leave and Earnings Statement (L & E) (military only)
  • Social Security
  • Pension
  • Statement of interest/dividends/ Royalties
  • Foster care stipend (If Medicaid is not available)
  • If you have no income, you will need to sign a statement

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
  • Help you set up your WIC benefits, if you qualify

Already used WIC before?

You may need to reapply by following the same steps as above. Chat with Wanda to get started.

Need help right now?

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