Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for women, infants, and children that helps families by providing financial assistance to purchase healthy supplemental foods from WIC-authorized vendors
- Agency
- Illinois Department of Human Services
- Type
- Federal Resource
- Phone
- Application Period
- Income Limit
- Household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for women, infants, and children that helps families by providing financial assistance to purchase healthy supplemental foods from WIC-authorized vendors. WIC also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding information, and support, and assists in finding healthcare and other community services.
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for women, infants, and children that helps families by providing financial assistance to purchase healthy supplemental foods from WIC-authorized vendors. WIC also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding information, and support, and assists in finding healthcare and other community services.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding women, or have children under the age of five and meet income guidelines.
Application Process
Applicants can apply by contacting a local WIC office or visiting the official state website for online application options.
Required Documents
Proof of income, proof of residence, identification, and medical referral for high-risk conditions if applicable.
Images & PDFs
2023 Illinois Maternal Health Task Force Strategic Priority Areas and Associated Objectives
An infographic outlining the strategic priority areas and objectives focused on improving maternal and child health services in Illinois.
View Full ImageCHDP Overview Workshop
A guide providing information on Medi-Cal benefits for infants under one year of age and the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) program. It uses simple language and encourages parents to apply if eligible.
View Full ImageIHC Member Guide
A guide for Illinois Health Connect members, with contact information and resources for those needing assistance, especially individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or speech impaired.
View Full ImageIllinois WIC State Plan 2012
A comprehensive document outlining the goals, vendor management criteria, and program enhancements for the Illinois WIC Program for the fiscal year 2012.
View Full ImageStrengthening WIC Nutrition Assessment Skills
A final report on a project aimed at establishing a competency-based training framework for WIC nutrition assessment skills within a learning management system.
View Full ImageImpact Reports
The Cost of Living Crisis and WIC
3/30/2022 | Coverage: national
This report discusses the correlation between rising living costs and increased enrollment in WIC, emphasizing the program's vital role in economic support.
Source: National WIC Association
Coverage Area: national
Understanding Stigma and WIC Participation
9/1/2020 | Coverage: national
This policy brief addresses the stigma associated with receiving WIC benefits and offers strategies to promote a more positive narrative around these programs.
Source: American Public Health Association
Coverage Area: national
WIC Program Benefits: Improving Health Outcomes
6/15/2021 | Coverage: national
This report discusses how the WIC program enhances nutritional support for low-income women and children, improving health outcomes and fostering community resilience.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service
Coverage Area: national
Program Timeline
COVID-19 Response Measures
1/1/2020Emergency measures were enacted to allow remote certification and continued access to benefits during the pandemic.
Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act
12/13/2010This act reauthorized and expanded WIC, improving the nutritional quality of foods available to participants.
WIC Reauthorization
5/1/2004The reauthorization of the WIC program included provisions for better outreach and service delivery improvements.
WIC Expansion Act
10/1/1989The WIC Expansion Act increased funding and expanded eligibility to reach more families in need.
WIC Program Established
6/17/1972The WIC program was established to provide nutritional assistance to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
FAQ
WIC provides a variety of benefits including monthly vouchers for healthy foods, access to nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health services. These benefits aim to support the health and nutrition of both mothers and children.
Reference: https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/women-infants-and-children
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Illinois provides nutrition assistance, education, and support for low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. WIC helps improve health outcomes by offering access to healthy foods, nutritional counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other health services.
To be eligible for WIC in Illinois, applicants must meet the following criteria: be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman, or a child under the age of five; have a household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level; and be a resident of Illinois. Additionally, participants must have a nutritional risk, which is determined during the application process.
To determine if you qualify for WIC, use this checklist:
- Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum?
- Is your child under the age of five?
- Is your household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level?
- Do you reside in Illinois?
- Do you have a nutritional risk?
If you can answer 'yes' to all of these questions, you may be eligible for WIC services.
If you want to apply for WIC, consider these action items:
- Gather proof of identity and residency.
- Prepare income documentation for all household members.
- Schedule an appointment at your local WIC clinic.
- Complete the WIC application form during your appointment.
- Attend nutritional education sessions and follow up as required.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth application process for WIC services.
Reference: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30309
Eligibility requirements are subject to change; always refer to official sources for the most current information.
