WIC Program

South Carolina WIC Income Limits

Updated August 2026

To qualify for WIC in South Carolina, 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 South Carolina-specific programs that qualify you without extra paperwork.

South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina

If anyone in your household already participates in Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations), you automatically meet WIC's income requirement in South Carolina — no separate income documentation needed. Bring your current benefit card, letter, or enrollment documentation to your appointment instead of pay stubs. Foster children under age 5 and pregnant teens in foster care are also automatically income-eligible regardless of the foster family's income.

What Counts as Income in South Carolina

South Carolina WIC counts gross household income before taxes — wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security payments, child support, unemployment benefits, and military pay. SNAP benefits, housing assistance, and tax refunds are not counted. If your household doesn't automatically qualify, bring income documentation covering the prior 30 days, such as recent pay stubs, an employer letter, or an award letter.

Income Is Not the Only Requirement

Falling under the income limit is one part of qualifying — South Carolina WIC also requires a nutritional risk finding from a WIC health professional at your free appointment, which nearly all applicants meet in some form; being pregnant alone qualifies. A pregnant applicant counts as two people (herself and her unborn child) when household size is calculated, which can shift you into a more favorable income bracket, so it's worth applying even if you're close to the limit.

South Carolina Income Limit Questions

Do I automatically qualify for WIC if I receive Medicaid or SNAP in South Carolina?

Yes. If anyone in your household participates in Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR, you automatically meet WIC's income requirement — just bring documentation of that enrollment to your appointment instead of pay stubs.

Does my unborn baby count as a household member?

Yes. A pregnant applicant counts as two people (herself and her unborn child) when South Carolina 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 assessed from your most 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 South Carolina?

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

Helpful Resources