How to Apply for WIC in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers an online pre-application at pawic.com/OnlineApplication.aspx — complete the form, and your information is sent automatically to the WIC agency serving your county. A staff member will contact you to schedule your certification appointment. You can also call the toll-free WIC Hotline at 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467) to be connected to your local WIC office directly.

One thing to know about Pennsylvania: WIC is delivered by several types of local agencies depending on where you live — county health departments, regional planning commissions, and community action agencies all administer WIC in different parts of the state. When someone calls to schedule your appointment, they may identify themselves by your county's WIC agency name rather than "Pennsylvania WIC." That's normal — the pawic.com pre-application routes you to the right agency automatically based on your address.

Before Your Appointment

• ID for every family member applying — driver's license, photo ID, passport, or student ID for a woman; birth certificate, crib card, or discharge paperwork for an infant; birth certificate, crib card, or passport for a child
• Proof of Pennsylvania residency — driver's license, utility bill, or recent mail with your name and current address
• Proof of income for everyone in the household — pay stubs from the last 30 days, an unemployment letter, child support documentation, or a tax return for self-employed applicants. If your household receives Medical Assistance, SNAP, TANF, or LIHEAP, bring that enrollment documentation (such as an ACCESS card) instead
• For infants and children — bring the child to the appointment, plus immunization records for children under 2 if available
• For pregnant applicants — documentation of pregnancy stating the due date, if available

What Happens at Your Appointment

A WIC staff member reviews your documents and eligibility. A health professional measures height and weight, checks iron levels with a quick finger-stick blood test, and completes a nutrition assessment for each family member applying — this is how nutritional risk is determined, and nearly all applicants meet at least one criterion. If you're approved, your Pennsylvania WIC Smart Card is loaded with benefits, often the same day. Some local agencies offer phone or virtual options for certain appointments — ask your local WIC agency what's available in your county.

Recertification in Pennsylvania

Pregnant participants are certified through delivery, breastfeeding participants for up to twelve months postpartum, non-breastfeeding postpartum participants for six months, and children annually. Your local WIC agency will notify you before your certification period ends — benefits stop on that date, so it's worth scheduling your recertification appointment as soon as you're notified. Once you're enrolled, the WIC Family Portal lets you review upcoming appointments and required actions online.

Moving To or From Pennsylvania

Moving to Pennsylvania from another state? Contact a local Pennsylvania WIC agency and bring your Verification of Certification (VOC) form from your previous state. Moving out of Pennsylvania? Ask your WIC agency for a VOC form before you leave so your new state can continue your benefits without starting over. Your Pennsylvania WIC Smart Card only works at authorized vendors within Pennsylvania.