Am I Eligible?
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Who is eligible for WIC?
To be eligible for WIC, you must:
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live in New Mexico
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meet income limits. See What are the income limits? below. If you get food stamps, TANF, or Medicaid, or have family members who get these benefits, you meet the WIC income limits.
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have a health or dietary need that puts you at nutritional risk. Nutritional risks include a poor diet, weight problems, problems during pregnancy, food allergies, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, anemia, or other problems.
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be in one of the following categories:
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women who are pregnant, postpartum (had a baby within the past 6 months), or breastfeeding (up to the infant’s first birthday)
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infants (up to their first birthday)
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children (up to their fifth birthday)
Fathers, guardians, or foster parents may apply for their children. Participants must apply in person.
You must have a health screening to measure your height and weight and have a blood test for anemia. This can be done at a WIC office or by your doctor.
Can I get WIC if I am not a citizen?
Yes, you can get WIC if you are not a citizen. All noncitizens, including undocumented noncitizens, who meet the eligibility requirements can get WIC benefits.
No one from the WIC program will ask about your immigration status. Getting WIC benefits will not make you a public charge and will not hurt your chances of becoming a legal permanent resident.
What are the income limits?
Your household's gross income must be less than or equal to 185% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). Your household's gross income is the total income (before taxes) of all household members, whether they are related to you or not. WIC counts unborn babies when determining household size.
The income limits are shown below:
WIC Gross Income Eligibility Guidelines
Federal Poverty Guidelines
Effective October 1, 2012 -September 30, 2013
|
People in Household |
Annually |
Monthly |
Weekly |
|
1 |
$20,665 |
$1,723 |
$398 |
|
2 |
$27,991 |
$2,333 |
$539 |
|
3 |
$35,317 |
$2,944 |
$680 |
|
4 |
$42,643 |
$3,554 |
$821 |
|
5 |
$49,969 |
$4,165 |
$961 |
|
6 |
$57,295 |
$4,775 |
$1,102 |
|
7 |
$64,621 |
$5,386 |
$1,243 |
|
8 |
$71,947 |
$5,996 |
$1,384 |
|
Each additional person |
+$7,326 |
+$611 |
+$141 |
Note: People who get TANF, SNAP (food stamps), or Medicaid, or have family members who get these benefits, are automatically income-eligible for WIC.
Can I get WIC if I get food stamps or TANF?
Yes, you can get WIC benefits along with food stamps and/or TANF. People who are eligible for food stamps, Medicade, or TANF are automatically income-eligible for WIC.
Do all eligible women and children get WIC benefits?
Usually everyone who is eligible gets WIC benefits. However, WIC agencies only have a limited amount of money and there is a chance that you will be put on a waiting list for benefits. If this happens, women and children with the most serious health risks are given first priority.
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