WIC Program

New Jersey WIC Income Limits

Updated August 2026

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

New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey

If anyone in your household already participates in NJ FamilyCare (New Jersey's combined Medicaid and CHIP program), SNAP, Work First New Jersey/TANF (WFNJ/TANF), or Work First New Jersey/General Assistance (WFNJ/GA), you automatically meet WIC's income requirement in New Jersey — no separate income documentation needed. Bring your current enrollment card or notice for any of those programs to your appointment instead of pay stubs, and your application can move faster.

What Counts as Income in New Jersey

New Jersey WIC counts gross household income before taxes — wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security payments, child support, alimony, unemployment benefits, and other regular income sources. Housing assistance and tax refunds are not counted. For income that varies, such as tips or seasonal work, WIC typically looks at your most recent pay stubs rather than a full year.

Income Is Not the Only Requirement

Falling under the income limit is one part of qualifying — New Jersey WIC also requires a nutritional risk finding from a WIC health professional at your free certification appointment, which nearly all applicants meet in some form; being pregnant alone qualifies. Household size or a pregnancy can also shift where you land on the income table, so it's worth applying even if you're close to the limit. Use the NJ WIC Participant Portal for a quick pre-screen before contacting a local agency.

New Jersey Income Limit Questions

Do I automatically qualify for WIC if I receive NJ FamilyCare or SNAP?

Yes. If anyone in your household participates in NJ FamilyCare, SNAP, WFNJ/TANF, or WFNJ/GA, you automatically meet WIC's income requirement — bring documentation of that enrollment to your appointment instead of pay stubs.

Does my unborn baby count as a household member?

Yes. A pregnant person counts as two people (herself and her unborn child) when New Jersey 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.

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

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

Helpful Resources