How to Apply for WIC in Ohio

Ohio WIC is delivered through county health departments and local agencies in all 88 counties rather than a single state office, so applying starts with reaching your local clinic. The quickest way to start is ODH's online pre-application at redcap.link/ODHWIC — it takes about five minutes and asks for your household size, an income estimate, and any other benefits you receive. After you submit it, your local WIC clinic contacts you within about five business days to schedule your certification appointment. You can also call the Help Me Grow Helpline at 1-800-755-4769 or visit odh.ohio.gov/wic to find the clinic nearest you.

Before Your Appointment

• ID for every family member applying — driver's license, birth certificate, crib card (for new infants), or other government-issued ID
• Proof of Ohio address — utility bill, lease, or recent mail with your name and address
• Proof of income — recent pay stubs, or your current Medicaid card, SNAP notice, or Ohio Works First documentation if your household receives those benefits
• For pregnant applicants — an ultrasound or physician's note as proof of pregnancy
• For infants — a crib card is required at the initial appointment

What Happens at Your Appointment

A WIC health professional reviews your documents and completes a nutrition assessment for each family member applying, including height, weight, and a quick iron check. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you'll also meet with a Breastfeeding Peer Helper — a trained community member who has breastfed her own children — for support and education. If approved, your Ohio WIC Nutrition Card is loaded with food benefits the same day.

Recertification in Ohio

How often you recertify depends on your category: 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 clinic will notify you before your certification period ends — benefits stop on that date, so it's worth scheduling your next appointment early.

Moving To or From Ohio

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