Idaho’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will implement new income guidelines effective July 1, 2016, that raise household income eligibility limits to help offset cost of living increases. This is an annual adjustment.

To be eligible for the WIC program, an individual must be a pregnant or breastfeeding woman, a woman who has recently been pregnant, or an infant or child younger than 5 years old. In addition, the individual must live in Idaho, have a special need that can be helped by WIC foods and nutrition counseling, and have a low-to-moderate income. 

To be eligible on the basis of income, an applicant’s gross income (before taxes are withheld) must fall at or below 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. For example, for a family of three the new guidelines set an upper income limit of $37,296 annually; under the old guidelines a family of three could have earned up to $37,167 annually.

If you or a family member are in the categories served by WIC and currently receive Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or CHIP, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC.

WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines

Effective July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017

*One pregnant woman counts as two household members.

WIC provides nutritious supplemental foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, juice, beans and peanut butter at no cost to qualified families. WIC services also include health screenings, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding information and support, help from registered dietitians, and referrals to other services that may aid a family in need. The average Idahoan enrolled in WIC receives approximately $53 of healthy foods per month. There are currently more than 39,000 people per month receiving Idaho WIC assistance.

To apply for WIC or for more information about WIC in your area, call the Idaho CareLine at 211 or 1-800-926-2588. Information can also be found on the web at http://www.wic.dhw.idaho.gov.

Please direct media inquires to DHW Public Information Officer Niki Forbing-Orr, 334-0668.