Maryland WIC
Last updated August 2026
Maryland WIC serves pregnant women, new mothers up to six months after delivery, breastfeeding mothers up to one year, infants, and children under age five. It provides healthy food, nutrition support, and referrals. Apply by making an appointment with your local WIC agency, by phone or through the online Client Portal. The statewide information line is 1-800-242-4942.
The income line is 185 percent of the federal poverty level. Effective May 2026, the annual limit is $29,526 for one person, $40,034 for two, $50,542 for three, $61,050 for a family of four, adding $10,508 a year (about $876 a month) per additional member. A family of four earning up to $61,050 still qualifies, so do not assume you earn too much.
Two shortcuts make the income step easier. If you already receive Foster Care, Medical Assistance, SNAP, or TCA, you are automatically income-eligible. And a pregnant applicant counts the unborn child in family size, which raises the income limit that applies to her.
WIC is not only for pregnant women. Infants and children up to age five, and postpartum and breastfeeding mothers, all qualify, so a household with a toddler and no pregnancy still has a reason to apply.
Enrollment finishes at an appointment. Bring proof of household income, identity, and address to your first visit, and bring everyone applying, including infants and children. Call ahead so one visit completes it.
WIC adds to the grocery budget; it does not replace it. The Food Supplement Program carries the core food budget and a household can hold both. A pregnancy is also the moment to apply for Medicaid.
Phone 1-800-242-4942
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding people, and infants and children up to age 5, who live in Maryland and have a nutritional need
- Household income at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty level; being on Medicaid, SNAP, or Temporary Cash Assistance makes you automatically income-eligible
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Make an appointment with your local WIC agency by phone at 1-800-242-4942 or through the online Client Portal.
- 2
If you get Foster Care, Medicaid, SNAP, or TCA, you are automatically income-eligible.
- 3
Bring proof of income, identity, and address, and everyone applying.
- 4
Complete the nutrition visit to set up your benefits.
What to have ready
- Proof of identity for you and any child you are enrolling
- Proof of Maryland address
- Proof of household income, or proof of Foster Care, Medicaid, SNAP, or TCA. Your agency confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for WIC in Maryland?
Pregnant women, new mothers up to six months postpartum, breastfeeding mothers up to one year, infants, and children under five, within 185 percent of poverty ($61,050 a year for a family of four from May 2026).
Do I need income proof if I am on other benefits?
Not separately. Getting Foster Care, Medical Assistance, SNAP, or TCA makes you automatically income-eligible.
Is WIC only for pregnant women?
No. Infants and children up to age five, and postpartum and breastfeeding mothers, also qualify.
How do I apply?
Make an appointment with your local WIC agency by phone at 1-800-242-4942 or through the online Client Portal, then bring your documents to the visit.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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