New York WIC
Last updated August 2026
New York WIC pays for healthy food, breastfeeding support, and nutrition help for pregnant and postpartum parents, babies, and children under 5. Benefits ride an eWIC card that works like a debit card at WIC-authorized stores and pharmacies. Start by calling the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1-800-522-5006 or finding a local WIC clinic through health.ny.gov.
The income line is 185 percent of poverty: $29,526 a year for a household of one, $61,050 for a family of four. Already on SNAP, Medicaid, the Essential Plan, TANF, or Head Start? You are automatically income-eligible; bring proof of enrollment and skip the income paperwork.
WIC is not only for mothers: fathers, grandparents, and guardians can apply for the children under 5 in their care. New parents count too, up to 6 months after birth, or a year if breastfeeding.
The certification appointment is the application: a quick health check and a conversation that builds a food package tailored to your family. Phone or in-person appointments are both offered; the hotline sets them up.
The WIC2Go app earns its download: check your balance, scan a product's barcode in the store to see if it is WIC-approved, and find clinics and stores. Balance also shows on your last receipt or at 1-844-540-3013. And WIC stacks on top of SNAP; hold both.
Phone 1-518-402-7093
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, infants, and children under age 5
- Income-qualified; being on Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Essential Plan, or Head Start may qualify you automatically
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1-800-522-5006, or find your local WIC agency via health.ny.gov.
- 2
Book the certification appointment, by phone or in person.
- 3
Bring ID, proof of address, and income proof, or proof of SNAP, Medicaid, Essential Plan, TANF, or Head Start, which passes income automatically.
- 4
Do the visit: a quick health check and a food package built for your family. Benefits load onto your eWIC card.
- 5
Download the WIC2Go app to check your balance and scan products while shopping.
- 6
Keep follow-up appointments to stay certified until your youngest turns 5.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What is the income limit for WIC in New York?
185 percent of poverty: $29,526 a year for a household of one, $61,050 for a family of four. SNAP, Medicaid, Essential Plan, TANF, or Head Start enrollment qualifies you automatically.
How do I apply for NY WIC?
Call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline at 1-800-522-5006 to be connected with a local WIC agency and schedule the certification appointment, which is the application itself.
Who can get WIC?
Pregnant and recently pregnant people, new parents up to 6 months after birth (a year if breastfeeding), and children under 5. Fathers, grandparents, and guardians can apply for kids in their care.
How does the eWIC card work?
Like a debit card at WIC-authorized stores and pharmacies. Check your balance with the WIC2Go app, your last receipt, or 1-844-540-3013.
Can I get WIC and SNAP together?
Yes, and you should; they stack. Being on SNAP also automatically settles WIC's income test.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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