How to Apply for WIC in Massachusetts

Massachusetts WIC is delivered by local agencies rather than a single state office, but you can start the process online in a few minutes. Go to mass.gov/forms/apply-for-wic-online and submit your contact information and preferred language — a staff member from the WIC office serving your area will call or email within one to two business days to complete the process. You can also skip the online form and call the statewide WIC line at (800) 942-1007, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or call your local WIC office directly to schedule.

Before Your Appointment

• Proof of identity for every family member applying — driver's license, birth certificate, MassHealth card, or work or school ID all work
• Proof of Massachusetts residency — a utility bill, lease, or piece of official mail addressed to you at your current address
• Proof of income — a pay stub from within the last 30 days, an employer letter, or documentation of participation in MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC
• For infants and children — immunization records if available, though staff can often proceed without them
• For pregnant applicants — documentation of pregnancy from a healthcare provider, if available

Talk to WIC staff ahead of time if you're having trouble gathering any of these documents — all information shared with WIC is confidential.

What Happens at Your Appointment

A WIC staff member reviews your documents and completes a nutrition assessment for each qualifying family member, including height and weight measurements and an iron check. This is how Massachusetts confirms "nutrition risk," a federal requirement for enrollment — it's a short conversation, not a medical exam, and most people qualify without issue. If approved, your WIC card is loaded with your first month of benefits, often the same day. Many local WIC agencies offer evening and Saturday appointments, and some have walk-in hours — call ahead to confirm what's available near you. After your first certification appointment, follow-up nutrition visits may be scheduled in person or remotely by phone.

Recertification in Massachusetts

Certification periods follow federal guidelines: pregnant participants are certified through delivery, breastfeeding participants for up to a year postpartum, non-breastfeeding postpartum participants for six months, and children annually. Your local WIC office will notify you before your certification period ends — benefits stop on the end date, so schedule your recertification appointment before it arrives.

Moving To or From Massachusetts

If you're moving to Massachusetts from another state, contact a local Massachusetts WIC agency and bring the Verification of Certification (VOC) form from your previous state. If you're leaving Massachusetts, ask your WIC office for a VOC form before you go so your new state can continue your benefits without starting over. Your Massachusetts WIC card only works at authorized vendors within Massachusetts.