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Food: Government Food Programs

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
 

250 Washington Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02108

1-800-WIC-1007 or 617-624-6100

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a federal program administered in Massachusetts by the state's Department of Public Health (DPH) to prevent premature birth and infant mortality and to improve the health and cognitive development of young children. WIC provides vouchers for nutritious foods, Farmers' Market coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables, nutrition counseling, information on proper diet during pregnancy, immunizations, screenings, and referrals.

 

Eligibility

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is designed to serve pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding women, infants, and children under 5 years old. Eligibility is also dependent upon income, nutrition risk, and place of residence.

Income and Household Size

In Massachusetts, applicants are automatically income-eligible if they receive Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), Food Stamps, or Medicaid.

Otherwise, applicants' gross income — income before taxes are withheld — must fall at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines, as shown below.

Number of people in your household Your monthly income before taxes must be equal to or less than Your yearly income before taxes must be equal to or less than
1 $1,366 $16,391
2 $1,841 $22,089
3 $2,316 $27,787
4 $2,791 $33,485
5 $3,266 $39,183
6 $3,741 $44,881
7 $4,215 $50,579
8 $4,690 $56,277
For each additional person add $475 add $5,698
Chart effective July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003

Nutrition Risk

A doctor, nurse, or nutritionist must determine that the applicant has nutritional need.

Immigration

There are no immigration restrictions, and undocumented immigrants may apply.

Since Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a non-cash benefit, getting WIC will not prevent immigrants from receiving a "green card" or legal permanent residence.

Residence

If you want to apply in the state of Massachusetts, you must live in the state of Massachusetts.

Cost
$ Free

Action Steps
1. Get a Medical Referral Form (MRF) from your doctor, nurse, or nutritionist to show that the woman or child applying is at nutritional risk.
2.

Make an appointment at the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) office.

What to Bring
A Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Medical Referral Form (MRF) that has been signed by a doctor, nurse, or nutritionist

Proof of Massachusetts residence (for example, recent utility bills)
Proof of income for the last month
Birth certificates of children

Renewal
Benefits end when your child turns five. You must reapply for new children.

Tips

Fathers, guardians, and foster parents, as well as mothers, may apply for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits for their children.
There are no paternity identification requirements for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
Advocates are not certified to screen for "nutritional risk." Ask your doctor or see a nutritionist for a screening.

Internet Resources
National Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  The national Women, Infants and Children website contains a description of the program, instructions on how to apply, and eligibility information.
  www.fns.usda.gov/wic/
Massachusetts Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  The Massachusetts Women, Infants and Children website contains information about specific to the state of Massachusetts and a description of services.
www.state.ma.us/dph/bfch/wic/wic.htm
  This information was updated August 20, 2002.
   
   
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