Massachusetts WIC Nutrition Program
Last updated August 2026
WIC is a free Massachusetts nutrition program run by the Department of Public Health. It provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals for pregnant and breastfeeding women, new mothers, infants, and children under age five. Any caregiver, a father, mother, grandparent, foster parent, or legal guardian, can apply for a child under five. Apply online through the mass.gov WIC application, or call 800-942-1007.
The income line is 185 percent of the federal poverty level. Effective June 2026 through June 2027, the annual limit is $29,526 for one person, $40,034 for two, $50,542 for three, $61,050 for four, adding $10,508 per additional member. A family of four earning up to $61,050 still qualifies, so a paycheck does not rule you out.
Here is the income shortcut: if you already receive MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC, you are automatically income-eligible and skip the extra proof.
One barrier that stops people does not apply. WIC is not included in the federal public charge rule, so participating does not affect immigration status.
Benefits arrive on a WIC Card you use to buy approved healthy foods, and participants also get breastfeeding support and store discounts. Services run through local WIC offices across the state, and the mass.gov site has a locations directory.
WIC adds to the grocery budget; it does not replace it. SNAP carries the core food budget and a household can hold both. A pregnancy is also the moment to apply for MassHealth.
Phone 1-800-942-1007
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 Massachusetts and have a nutritional need
- Family income within the WIC guidelines; being on MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC generally meets the income test, and a parent, foster parent, or guardian can apply for a child
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online through the mass.gov WIC application, or call 800-942-1007 to reach a local office.
- 2
If you are on MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC, you are automatically income-eligible.
- 3
Bring proof of identity, address, and income to your appointment.
- 4
Receive your WIC Card and use it for approved healthy foods.
What to have ready
- Proof of identity for you and any child you are enrolling
- Proof of Massachusetts address
- Proof of income, or proof of MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC. Your local office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
Who qualifies for WIC in Massachusetts?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, new mothers, infants, and children under five with a nutritional need and family income under 185 percent of poverty ($61,050 a year for a family of four).
Do I need income proof if I am on other benefits?
Not separately. Getting MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC makes you automatically income-eligible.
Does WIC affect my immigration status?
No. WIC is not included in the federal public charge rule, so participating does not affect immigration status.
Can fathers or grandparents apply?
Yes. Any caregiver of a child under five, including fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and legal guardians, can apply for that child.
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