WIC Program

Minnesota WIC Income Limits

Updated August 2026

To qualify for WIC in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota-specific programs that qualify you without extra paperwork.

Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota

If anyone in your household already participates in Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, SNAP, the MN Family Investment Program (MFIP), Head Start, the Energy Assistance Program, or Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch, your entire household automatically meets WIC's income requirement — no pay stubs needed. Bring your current enrollment card, benefit letter, or notice to your appointment instead of income documentation.

What Counts as Income in Minnesota

Minnesota WIC counts gross household income before taxes — wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security payments, child support, alimony, and unemployment benefits. SNAP, housing assistance, and tax refunds are not counted. A pregnant woman counts as two household members when Minnesota WIC calculates household size, which can move a family into a more favorable bracket.

If Your Income Is Just Over the Limit

Minnesota offers a Presumptive Income Eligibility pathway for households that don't meet the standard income guidelines. If your household includes a pregnant woman, a woman who recently had a baby, or a child under 5, and you're willing to apply for a Minnesota Health Care Program such as Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, you may receive WIC benefits for up to three months while that application is processed.

Income Is Not the Only Requirement

Meeting the income guidelines is one part of qualifying — Minnesota WIC also requires a nutritional risk finding from a WIC health professional at your free appointment, which nearly all applicants meet in some form. It's worth applying even if you think your income is close to or slightly above the limit.

Minnesota Income Limit Questions

Do I automatically qualify for WIC if I receive Medical Assistance or SNAP in Minnesota?

Yes. If anyone in your household participates in Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, SNAP, MFIP, Head Start, the Energy Assistance Program, or Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch, you automatically meet WIC's income requirement — bring documentation of that enrollment to your appointment instead of pay stubs.

What is Minnesota's Presumptive Income Eligibility pathway?

It's an option for households that don't meet the standard income guidelines. If your household includes a pregnant woman, a woman who recently had a baby, or a child under 5, and you're willing to apply for a Minnesota Health Care Program such as Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, you may receive up to three months of WIC benefits while that application is processed.

Does my unborn baby count as a household member?

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

Is meeting the income limit enough to qualify for WIC in Minnesota?

No. Income eligibility is one requirement — Minnesota WIC also requires a nutritional risk determination made by a WIC health professional at your free certification appointment.

Helpful Resources