How to Apply for WIC in New York

New York does not have a single statewide online application — WIC is delivered locally, so the process starts by connecting with your nearest WIC office. The easiest way is to chat with Wanda, the WIC Assistant, at health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic. Wanda asks a few quick eligibility questions and connects you to the nearest local office, which will reach out to schedule your appointment. You can also call your local WIC office directly using the state office directory on the same site, or call the NYS WIC Program at 518-402-7093 (toll-free: 1-800-522-5006). In New York City, WIC offices can also be found through ACCESS NYC.

Phone or In-Person Appointments

New York offers phone appointments for initial certification in many cases, so you may not need to visit a clinic in person to get started. Your local WIC office will confirm what's available when they contact you. Health screenings such as height, weight, and hemoglobin checks may still require an in-person visit, but the initial eligibility review and document check can often happen by phone.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

• Photo ID for every family member applying — driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID
• Proof of New York address — utility bill, lease, or recent mail with your name and address
• Proof of income — recent pay stubs, employer letter, or tax return. If your household receives Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, the Essential Plan, or Head Start, bring that enrollment documentation instead
• For infants and children — birth certificate or hospital record, plus immunization records if available
• For pregnant applicants — documentation of pregnancy from a healthcare provider, if available

What Happens at Your Appointment

A WIC staff member reviews your documents and eligibility. If an in-person health screening is required, a WIC health professional checks height, weight, and hemoglobin levels and reviews your nutrition history, followed by one-on-one nutrition counseling. If approved, your eWIC card is loaded with your first month of benefits — often the same day.

Recertification in New York

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 office notifies you when recertification is due — in high-demand offices, especially in New York City, schedule your recertification appointment early. Benefits stop on your certification end date if you haven't recertified.

Moving To or From New York

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