District of Columbia WIC Program
Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
District of Columbia WIC Agency Contact
About the District of Columbia WIC Program
Ready to apply for District of Columbia WIC?
Apply online at www.dcwic.org → or call 1-800-345-1942 to get started.
DC WIC is administered by DC Health (the District of Columbia Department of Health) and delivered through four local health care agency partners operating 15 WIC clinic sites across all four quadrants of the city. The program provides free nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and community services for pregnant women, postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. DC WIC explicitly states it does not ask or keep information about visa status or citizenship — all responses are kept confidential — and WIC participation is not considered in public charge determinations.
Four Local Agencies, 15 Clinics Across All Four DC Quadrants
DC WIC is delivered through four healthcare provider partners that sponsor WIC clinic sites throughout the city:
- Children's National Hospital
- Community of Hope
- Mary's Center — serving immigrant and multicultural communities, with Spanish-language services
- Unity Health Care — with clinic locations in Northeast (East of the River, Parkside), Southeast (Anacostia), and Northwest (Upper Cardozo)
Find all 15 clinic locations and hours at dcwic.org/wic-locations.
Pacify — Lactation Consultant Access for Enrolled Participants
DC WIC has partnered with the Pacify app to give enrolled participants access to board-certified and trained lactation consultants via video chat — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no appointment required. This free membership is available to DC WIC participants. Sign up at pacify.com/dc-wic or ask your WIC clinic staff to confirm current availability and help you register.
Farmers' Market Nutrition Program
DC WIC participates in the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), providing eligible participants with $30 in seasonal benefits to purchase fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs at authorized local farmers' markets. FMNP benefits are distributed at DC WIC clinics each season. Ask your WIC clinic staff for current distribution dates and a list of participating markets.
Online Appointment Request and Participant Portal
DC WIC offers an online appointment request through the LINKU DMV platform at dcwic.org/dc-wic-appointment-request. Current and prospective participants can also use the DC WIC Participant Portal at mydcwic.com to confirm contact information, check upcoming appointments, and upload required documents (proof of address, income, identity, and medical information) ahead of their appointment — available in English and Spanish.
DC Healthy Families — DC's Medicaid Program
DC Healthy Families is the District of Columbia's Medicaid managed care program for low-income families, children, and pregnant women. Households enrolled in DC Healthy Families are automatically income-eligible for DC WIC and do not need to provide separate income documentation. Many DC WIC participants also receive SNAP or TANF, which also confer automatic WIC income eligibility.
Income at or below 185% FPL. Automatic eligibility with Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF.
Monthly food benefits loaded to your WIC EBT card plus nutrition education and breastfeeding support.
Frequently Asked Questions — District of Columbia WIC
District of Columbia WIC Income Limits 2026
| Household Size | Annual Gross Income | Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,653 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,501 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 |
| Each additional person | add $10,175 | add $848 |
| Effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Figures are 185% of the federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories (including Guam). Alaska and Hawaii residents see higher income limits. Source: USDA FNS Federal Register notice 2025-03576 (90 FR 11598). | ||
DC WIC follows the same federal income guidelines used by all WIC programs. Your household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Current income limits are shown in the table at the top of this page and are updated each October.
Pregnant Women Count as Two
If you are pregnant, your unborn child counts as a separate household member for income calculations. A woman pregnant with one baby counts as two people; twins count as three. This often makes pregnant women income-eligible even when they are close to the income limit.
Automatic Income Eligibility
If your household currently participates in any of the following programs, you are automatically income-eligible for DC WIC and do not need to provide separate income documentation:
- DC Healthy Families — the District of Columbia's Medicaid managed care program for low-income families, children, and pregnant women
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Free or reduced-price school meals — children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program qualify automatically
If you qualify through one of these programs, bring your current benefit notice or card showing your case number to your WIC appointment in place of income documents.
Children in Foster Care
Children in foster care are automatically eligible for WIC regardless of household income. Contact a DC WIC clinic to enroll a child in foster care.
Immigration and Citizenship
DC WIC does not ask about visa status or citizenship, and all responses are kept confidential. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to receive WIC benefits. WIC participation is not considered in federal public charge determinations.
If You Are Not in an Adjunctive Program
If your household does not participate in any of the programs above, bring proof of income to your WIC appointment — typically your two most recent pay stubs. Other income sources such as self-employment earnings, child support, or unemployment benefits may also be counted. WIC staff can help you determine what documentation to bring.
