How to Apply for WIC in South Carolina

South Carolina WIC is delivered through county health departments statewide, and you can start the process online, by phone, or by walking into a local clinic. Create an account and begin an online pre-application at apps.dhec.sc.gov/Health/WIC — your information is securely sent to your preferred health department, and a WIC staff member will contact you to schedule your certification appointment. You can also call 1-855-472-3432 to schedule an appointment directly, or check with your local county health department about walk-in hours.

Documents to Bring to Your Appointment

• Proof of identity for yourself and each person applying — a driver's license, birth certificate, passport, military ID, or hospital record for infants, dated or valid within 30 days of your appointment where applicable
• Proof of South Carolina residency — a utility bill, lease, pay stub, or current mail showing your street address (P.O. boxes are not accepted)
• Proof of income — recent pay stubs for everyone in the household. If you receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, bring that enrollment card or notice instead — it replaces income documentation entirely
• For children applying — the child should be present at the first appointment for height, weight, and hemoglobin measurements
• For pregnant applicants — documentation of pregnancy from a healthcare provider, if available

What Happens at Your Appointment

A WIC health professional verifies your documents, conducts a nutrition assessment — including height, weight, and a hemoglobin check for anemia — and determines your food package. If you're approved, your eWIC card is issued with your first month of benefits, often the same day. South Carolina WIC also offers telehealth for breastfeeding support and high-risk nutrition services, delivered by video, phone, or text through your local clinic.

Recertification

Pregnant participants are certified through pregnancy and six months postpartum (a year if breastfeeding). Infants are recertified around six months and again near their first birthday. Children are recertified every six to twelve months until age 5, with follow-up nutrition education appointments required every two to three months. Contact your county health department before your certification period ends to avoid a lapse in benefits.

Moving To or From South Carolina

Moving within South Carolina: contact the health department in your new county — your eWIC card and certification carry over statewide. Moving out of South Carolina: ask your current WIC clinic for a Verification of Certification (VOC) document before you leave so your new state can continue your benefits without a full recertification. Your South Carolina eWIC card only works within the state.