Applying for WIC

What to Expect at Your First WIC Appointment

Please note that in-person and remote appointment types are available.

Determining eligibility: WIC staff will review your household size, residential, and income information to determine if you are eligible for the WIC program.
WIC Program Orientation: WIC staff will review the WIC program rights and responsibilities, program information, review how to shop with your eWIC card, and answer any questions that you have about the program.
Nutrition/Health Assessment: WIC staff will ask you some nutrition/health questions about your household to help answer any questions that you have and offer referrals to other programs that you may benefit from.

Required Documentation

You will be required to provide the following documentation:

One proof of who you are:

Birth certificate or Social Security card
Baptismal record
Health care provider or immunization record o Hospital record/infant crib card/hospital ID bracelet (up to 6 months of age)
Mexican Matricula Consular ID card
Voter registration card
Adoption record, foster care placement letter, or custody papers
Photo ID card (examples):
- Driver’s license or learner’s permit
- Non-driver’s ID card
- Military ID card
- Employment ID card
- School ID card
- Citizenship documents (examples):
  - Passport/Visa
  - Permanent Resident card (green card)
  - Certificate of Naturalization
  - Certificate of Citizenship

One proof of where you live:

Current rent or mortgage document
Current pay stub with address
- Letter from shelter/house of worship/ Social Services on their letterhead
- Letter or statement from Federal/State/ Local Municipal Agency
Photo ID with current address
Postmarked mail with a recent date addressed to you (no PO box):
Utility bill
Cell phone bill
Envelope/postcard with recent postmark
WIC Appointment Reminder
Military only:
- Letter from Company Commander on letterhead
- Military order with NY installation assignment

One proof of income eligibility:

NYS Medicaid Common Benefits Identification card (CBIC) or Medicaid Managed Care Plan card for each person applying for WIC benefits
New York State Essential Plan 1-4 proof of participation
- Letter issued by NY State of Health
- The participating household member’s online account at nystateofhealth.ny.gov
- Letters or cards issued by health insurance companies
Participation in Head Start/Early Head Start (or currently on a waitlist)
- Letter from Head Start/Early Head Start confirming eligibility
SNAP/Food Stamps Notice of Decision/budget letter with dates listing all household members
TANF Notice of Decision listing all household members
Pay stubs/direct deposit pay stubs (past 30 days) for every working household member
Bank statement
Alimony/child support
Workers’ compensation
Unemployment benefits letter
Use of savings or cash income
VOC card
Disability Verification letter
Income tax record for self-employed
Letter of support (indicating cash income)
Written statement from employer
Social Security
Pension
Interest/Dividends/Royalties
Foster Care Stipend (if Medicaid not available)
Military only:
- L&E (Leave & Earnings) Statement

Questions

Contact WIC with any questions by phone at 716-373-8057 or use our contact form.

WIC Rights & Responsibilities

As a WIC participant, you have the right to receive respectful treatment, privacy, nutritional support, and access to health services. You are also responsible for providing accurate information and notifying WIC of any changes in your circumstances. Learn more about Your WIC Rights and Responsibilities section of the New York State WIC page