WIC announced new income guidelines starting May 1, 2026, which will qualify more families for the program. This increase means more families are eligible to receive healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and more from WIC. As families face job uncertainties, inflation, and rising food costs, the number of those served grows each month. Phone and video appointments offer convenient options for working parents and busy families, while in-person appointments are available at our 27 offices.

WIC announced new income guidelines starting May 1, 2026, which will qualify more families for the program. This increase means more families are eligible to receive healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and more from WIC. As families face job uncertainties, inflation, and rising food costs, the number of those served grows each month. Phone and video appointments offer convenient options for working parents and busy families, while in-person appointments are available at our 27 offices. To qualify for WIC, a family must have an income that is less than the limits listed below and be in a category WIC serves. A family or individual may be eligible if they: Have a child under the age of five Are pregnant Are breastfeeding a baby under the age of one Had a baby within the last six months Experienced a pregnancy loss/termination within the last six months Not enrolled in WIC? Apply now! Families who previously did not qualify for WIC are encouraged to reapply again if they are within the new income limits. Need to renew your WIC account? Text APPT with your preferred date and time to 91997 to schedule an appointment. California WIC Income Guidelines Starting May 1, 2026* The new income limits are effective starting May 1, 2026. Families must make no more than the amount listed below per household size. WIC uses gross income (before taxes) to determine a household's income. Families who already receive Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or CalWORKS may already meet the income guidelines for WIC. Participating in other benefit programs does not affect the amount of WIC benefits you receive, and you may participate in multiple benefit programs at once. Household Size** AnnualMonthlyTwice-MonthlyBi-WeeklyWeekly 1$29,526$2,461$1,231$1,136$568 2$40, 034$3,337$1,669$1,540$770 3$50,542$4,212$2,106$1,944$972 4$61,050$5,088$2,544$2,349$1,175 5$71,558$5,964$2,982$2,753$1,377 6$82,066$6,839$3,420$3,157$1,579 7$92,574$7,715$3,858$3,561$1,781 8$103,082$8,591$4,296$3,965$1,983 More than 8Add per additional member +$10,508+$876+$438+$405+$203 *Income based on 185% Federal Poverty Level, effective May 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027** Unborn fetuses may be counted toward household size. What can I use as proof of income? Proof of income must include your full name or the full name of the person supporting the family. Below are examples that may be used for proof of income, but are not limited to these examples.  Examples: Active Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or CalWORKs Pay stub or statement from the last 30 days Disability pay Unemployment benefits Social Security benefits Income tax form/W2  Alimony Bank account statement (use of savings) Child support Foster care stipend letter Student financial grants/scholarships If you do not have a document available, you will have 30 days to provide one after we complete your enrollment. Tell your WIC counselor during your appointment if you cannot provide a document. WIC will generally accept a sworn statement as a last resort. Who would I count towards my household size? Your household includes related or nonrelated individuals that you live with and share an income, consumption of goods, and or/services. Your household size would include, but not be limited to: Your children A spouse or partner Relatives you claim on your taxes Unborn fetuses may be counted toward household size. For foster children, the household size is one. The post More Families Now Qualify for WIC appeared first on PHFE WIC.