WIC Program

Massachusetts WIC Income Limits

Updated August 2026

To qualify for WIC in Massachusetts, your household's income needs to fall at or below the limits shown below — or you may qualify automatically if you're already enrolled in a program like Medicaid or SNAP. See "Automatic Income Eligibility" below for the Massachusetts-specific programs that qualify you without extra paperwork.

Massachusetts WIC Income Guidelines

WIC compares your household's gross income against 185% of the federal poverty guidelines, updated annually by the USDA. These guidelines apply in Massachusetts from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

Household of 1

Annual
$29,526
Monthly
$2,461
Twice-Monthly
$1,231
Bi-Weekly
$1,136
Weekly
$568

Household of 2

Annual
$40,034
Monthly
$3,337
Twice-Monthly
$1,669
Bi-Weekly
$1,540
Weekly
$770

Household of 3

Annual
$50,542
Monthly
$4,212
Twice-Monthly
$2,106
Bi-Weekly
$1,944
Weekly
$972

Household of 4

Annual
$61,050
Monthly
$5,088
Twice-Monthly
$2,544
Bi-Weekly
$2,349
Weekly
$1,175

Household of 5

Annual
$71,558
Monthly
$5,964
Twice-Monthly
$2,982
Bi-Weekly
$2,753
Weekly
$1,377

Household of 6

Annual
$82,066
Monthly
$6,839
Twice-Monthly
$3,420
Bi-Weekly
$3,157
Weekly
$1,579

Household of 7

Annual
$92,574
Monthly
$7,715
Twice-Monthly
$3,858
Bi-Weekly
$3,561
Weekly
$1,781

Household of 8

Annual
$103,082
Monthly
$8,591
Twice-Monthly
$4,296
Bi-Weekly
$3,965
Weekly
$1,983

Each Additional Member

Annual
+$10,508
Monthly
+$876
Twice-Monthly
+$438
Bi-Weekly
+$405
Weekly
+$203

Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration

Automatic Income Eligibility in Massachusetts

If anyone in your household already participates in MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid), SNAP, or TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children), you automatically meet WIC's income requirement. Bring your current MassHealth card, a SNAP printout or the DTA Connect app, or TAFDC documentation to your appointment instead of pay stubs, and your application can move faster.

What Counts as Income in Massachusetts

Massachusetts WIC counts gross household income before taxes — wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security payments, child support, alimony, unemployment benefits, and military pay. SNAP benefits, housing assistance, and tax refunds are not counted. A pregnant woman counts as two people (herself and her unborn child) when household size is calculated, which can move a family into a more favorable income bracket.

Income Is Not the Only Requirement

Falling under the income limit is one part of qualifying — Massachusetts WIC also requires a nutritional risk finding from a WIC health professional at your free appointment, which nearly all applicants meet in some form; being pregnant alone qualifies. Massachusetts WIC is not affected by the federal public charge rule, so applying will not impact immigration status. It's worth applying even if your income looks close to the limit, since eligibility can be calculated from recent pay stubs rather than a full year.

Massachusetts Income Limit Questions

Do I automatically qualify for WIC if I receive MassHealth or SNAP?

Yes. If anyone in your household participates in MassHealth, SNAP, or TAFDC, you automatically meet WIC's income requirement in Massachusetts — bring documentation of that enrollment to your appointment instead of pay stubs.

Does my unborn baby count as a household member?

Yes. A pregnant woman counts as two people (herself and her unborn child) when Massachusetts WIC calculates household size, which can move you into a more favorable income bracket.

What if my household's income is slightly above the limit?

It's still worth applying. Income can be calculated from recent pay stubs rather than a full year, and factors like household size or a pregnancy can change your eligibility.

Will applying for WIC affect my immigration status?

No. Massachusetts WIC is not included in the federal public charge rule. Applying for or receiving WIC will not affect immigration status, and WIC staff are not required to report immigration information to any federal agency.

Helpful Resources