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All About WIC

In-person waivers are in place at the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD):

  • WIC has changed operations to promote social distancing and provide for more participant choice.
    • To apply for WIC, call 1-800-WIC-WINS (942-0467) or apply at pawic.com.
    • You will be called to schedule an appointment. Appointments can be completed online, via phone, or in person.
    • WIC cards will be mailed out to new recipients who opt for phone or video appointments.
  • To help WIC meet the needs of all applicants, it is recommended that you do NOT contact WIC via phone after your application has been submitted UNLESS you are returning the agency’s call.
  • Current recipients can complete their appointments by phone.
  • To have your card reloaded, recipients can use the dropbox at WIC offices and then have the card returned.

If you urgently need formula or diapers, you can find agencies that assist with this resource through the United Way Help Line 24/7/365 by

Pennsylvania WIC: Women, Infants, Children

What is WIC?

The supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a federal program that provides:

  • supplemental nutritious foods and infant formula
  • individualized nutrition counseling
  • breastfeeding support
  • Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers
  • referrals to health care and community services

WIC is for:

  • Infants and Children up to 5 years of age, including foster children
  • Pregnant women
  • Women who recently had a baby, up to 6 months after birth
  • Breastfeeding women, up to 1 year after birth

A custodial father, foster parent or legal guardian of a child up to age 5 may receive WIC for that child. USA citizenship is not required.

What foods will I get on the WIC Program?

Your WIC food package will include items on Pennsylvania’s WIC Approved Food List. This includes:

  • Dairy items such as milk, cheese, or yogurt
  • Soy products like tofu or soy milk
  • Whole grains such as bread, tortillas, or oats
  • Eggs
  • Beans
  • Peanut butter
  • Juice
  • Fruit and Vegetables
  • Infants also receive: Iron-fortified formula, infant cereal, and jarred fruits and vegetables. Infants who are breastfed can receive jarred meats instead of formula.
  • Breastfeeding women, whose babies do not get formula from WIC, receive canned tuna, salmon, or sardines in addition to larger amounts of the other WIC foods.
  • You will also get vouchers you can redeem at farmers markets for more fruits and vegetables!

You can buy WIC foods at any Pennsylvania grocery store that participates in the WIC Program. WIC foods help stretch your food dollars. Each person on WIC receives about $78.00/month worth of food.

How do I use my WIC benefits?

Since July 2019, WIC recipients have received their benefits on a smart card. You will need to save your most recent receipt which will list which WIC items you still have available for the month. Unlike SNAP, your WIC benefits will not roll over into the next calendar month!

If you have a smartphone, using the WIC shopper app can help you save a photo of your most recent receipt, scan items in the store to see if they are on the WIC approved list (though they may not be in your particular WIC package), and find your nearest WIC participating store.

To qualify for WIC in Pennsylvania:

  • Your family must meet the income guidelines, which are higher than the guidelines for food stamps;
    • If you or your child is on Medical Assistance, Food Stamps, or TANF you automatically meet WIC income guidelines.
  • You must reside in Pennsylvania.
  • The child or pregnant/postpartum mother you are applying for must meet medical or nutritional risk criteria.
    • Risks include being underweight, being overweight, premature birth, pregnancy complications, and others.
    • The person at the WIC interview will help you figure out which risks apply during your first appointment.

orange arrowUse our online screener to see if you’re eligible for WIC

How do I apply for WIC?

  • You can start with this pre-application online or call 1-800-WIC-WINS to be connected to the nearest WIC office to schedule an appointment. Or you can ask your OB/GYN or child’s pediatrician to complete an application during your appointment and send it into the WIC office. Applications can be found on this page.
  • You can view the state’s list of required items that will help you prepare for your appointment.
  • During the appointment, WIC benefits and how to use them will be explained to you. If you have dietary restrictions or needs, that will also be discussed so you can make some substitutions in your WIC package.

What happens once I receive WIC?

  • You will need to recertify that you are eligible once a year.
  • Your child can continue to receive WIC benefits until they turn 5 years old or until you no longer qualify.
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