WIC in Massachusetts: 2026 Eligibility and How to Apply
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) provides healthy foods, nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under age 5. If you or your children are on MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC, you already meet the income requirement automatically.
What WIC provides
- Monthly food benefits for fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, whole grains, and infant formula
- Nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support from certified specialists
- Referrals to healthcare, immunizations, and other services
- Benefits load onto a WIC card usable at most Massachusetts grocery stores
Income limits
| Household size | Annual income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $29,526 |
| 2 | $40,034 |
| 3 | $50,542 |
| 4 | $61,050 |
A pregnant woman counts as two household members for WIC. Enrollment in MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC automatically satisfies the income requirement.
Who qualifies
- Massachusetts resident — no citizenship or immigration requirement
- Pregnant or postpartum women (up to 6 months after birth, 12 if breastfeeding), infants, and children under 5
- Household income at or below 185% FPL, or enrolled in MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC
- A nutrition assessment at a local WIC office completes enrollment
How to apply
- Check your eligibility with our free prescreener
- Find your local WIC office — there are more than 30 across Massachusetts
- Bring: proof of identity, MA residency, income (or MassHealth/SNAP card), and your child's immunization record if available
- Most families complete enrollment in a single visit and receive benefits the same day
Frequently asked questions
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under age 5 in households earning up to 185% of the Federal Poverty Level — about $61,050 a year for a family of four in 2026. Anyone enrolled in MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC automatically meets the income test.
No. WIC has no citizenship or immigration status requirement, and using WIC does not affect public charge determinations. Massachusetts residency is all that's required.
Yes — they stack. Many families receive both, and being on SNAP automatically satisfies WIC's income requirement. Our prescreener checks both programs (and several others) in one pass.
Official resources
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