WIC gives you money for healthy food if you’re pregnant, postpartum, or have children from newborn up to age 5.
You'll get an eWIC card that works like a debit card to buy WIC approved foods at grocery stores and pharmacies.
WIC also provides nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and help connecting to other services. Staff will do a quick health check and create a food package that fits your family's needs.
Get started with a phone or in-person appointment.
Who is eligible
You may be eligible if you can answer yes to these questions:
1. Do you live in New York State?
2. Are you:
- Pregnant or recently pregnant
- A new parent (up to 6 months after birth)
- Breastfeeding or nursing (up to 1 year after birth)
- Caring for a child under 5 (including dads, grandparents, foster parents, and other primary caregivers)
3. Does someone in your household participate in one of these programs?
- SNAP
- TANF (cash assistance)
- Medicaid
- Head Start
- Early Head Start
- Essential Plan healthcare (Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 200-250)
- If you’re enrolled in Essential Plan Level 200-250, you qualify for WIC if you’re pregnant or are within 12 months postpartum and were on Essential Plan during your pregnancy.
OR
If no one is enrolled in one of those programs, is your income at or below what’s shown on this chart?
| Household size | Yearly income | Monthly income | Weekly income |
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 | $557 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 | $753 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 | $949 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 | $1,144 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 | $1,340 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,653 | $1,536 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,501 | $1,731 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 | $1,927 |
| For each additional member: | +$10,175 | +$848 | +$196 |
What you need to apply
Your WIC office will tell you what you need to bring to your appointment.
Examples include:
- Identification (ID)
- Proof of where you live
- Proof of income (like a pay stub or employment letter), unless you’re already getting one of the benefits listed above
- Medical forms from your provider (if needed – like if your child has special dietary needs)
How to apply
1. Start with Wanda, WIC’s online personal assistant. Wanda asks a few quick questions about your eligibility, then connects you and your information to your local WIC office – making your actual phone or in-person appointment faster. Visit the New York State WIC website and look for the chat icon in the bottom corner to get started.
OR
Contact your local WIC office or call the Growing Up Healthy Hotline (800-522-5006) to schedule a phone or in-person appointment.
2. Your WIC office will tell you what you need to bring to your appointment.
Examples include:
- Identification (ID)
- Proof of where you live
- Proof of income (like a pay stub or employment letter), unless you’re already getting one of the benefits listed above
- Medical forms from your provider (if needed – like if your child has special dietary needs)
How to get help
- Visit the WIC website to learn more.
Other Food Programs
Summer Meals
NYC Public Schools, Office of Food and Nutrition Services
Free summer meals for anyone 18 and under
Get free breakfast and lunch for kids and teens at locations across NYC this summer. No paperwork or income requirements needed.
Food and Nutrition Info
NYC Department of Health
Tips for planning healthy meals
See nutrition tips and strategies for planning healthy meals on a budget.
Community Food Connection (CFC)
NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
Food from pantries and community kitchens
Free food from food pantries and community kitchens.
Updated June 27, 2025