Apply for WIC

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

WIC provides access to healthy food, breastfeeding support and encouragement, nutrition education, and referrals for health care and community services. The North Carolina WIC Program is available statewide through county health departments, community and rural health centers, and community action agencies that provide WIC Program services. To apply for the WIC program, participants must meet eligibility requirements and meet with a nutritionist or other health professional.  It is best for the first appointment to be in person, but remote options may be available through your local WIC clinic. 

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How to Apply for WIC

  • 1

    Check Eligibility

    Participants must meet all four criteria:

    1. Be pregnant, postpartum (up to 6 months after pregnancy), breastfeeding (up to one year postpartum), an infant, or a child up to age five.
    2. Live in North Carolina.
    3. Have a family income less than 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. A person receiving Medicaid, Work First Families Assistance (WFFA or TANF), or assistance from the NC Food and Nutrition Services (FNS--also known as Food Stamps or SNAP) automatically meets the income eligibility requirement. See the income eligibility chart.
    4. Be at nutritional risk. A nutritionist or other health professional at your local WIC clinic will talk with you about your nutrition and health.  They will assess nutritional risk factors and provide nutrition education and support.
  • 2

    Gather Required Documents

    You’ll need to show proof of identification (ID), proof of residency, and proof of income.

    1. Provide one form of identity for each person applying for WIC. Examples of proof are:

    • Valid driver’s license
    • Birth certificate
    • Social Security card
    • Current work/school ID
    • Current Medicaid card
    • Current military ID
    • Immunization record
    • For infants: hospital crib card, ID bracelet, or mother’s verification of facts form

    2. Provide proof of residency (where you live).  Only one is needed.  Some examples are:

    • Current utility bill
    • Valid driver’s license
    • Current Medicaid card (or presumptive eligibility form)\
    • Bank statement
    • Current rental or mortgage receipts
    • Division of Motor Vehicle ID card

    3. Provide proof of income for all household members with income. This may include:

    • Current paycheck stubs. If you are self-employed, provide a recent tax return or history of earnings for the past 12 months
    • Current Medicaid card
    • A letter of certification for the NC Food and Nutrition Services
    • A letter from your employer stating gross income and frequency of pay
    • Unemployment letter/notice 
      Note: If you receive Medicaid, WFFA/TANF or FNS/Food Stamps/SNAP you automatically meet the income guidelines and do not need to bring any additional documentation for income.
       
  • 3

    Start the Application Process

    There are two ways to begin the process: 

    1. Call your local agency and set up an appointment. To find your local WIC office:  

    2. Fill out the referral form:

    North Carolina WIC Referral Form.

    After filling out and submitting the form, a WIC clinic will contact you within 20 days.  Pregnant women, families with infants younger than six months, those experiencing homelessness, and migrant farmworkers will be contacted within 10 calendar days.  

Have Questions About the Program? Visit the My WIC or the NC WIC websites.

Need Interpreter Services? Call 866-719-0141

Have a Disability or Need Communication Assistance? Call 866-719-0141 or Relay Services: 711