Maryland WIC Program
Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
Maryland WIC Agency Contact
About the Maryland WIC Program
Ready to apply for Maryland WIC?
Apply online at wicclientportal.health.maryland.gov → or call 1-800-242-4942 to get started.
Maryland WIC is administered by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) through its Public Health and Population Administration, and delivered locally through county and city health departments across all 24 jurisdictions in the state. The program serves pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under five — and Maryland has invested in making the experience of enrolling and managing benefits as modern as any WIC program in the country.
The Maryland WIC Client Portal
Maryland has a fully featured WIC client portal at wicclientportal.health.maryland.gov. New applicants can create an account, complete a WIC pre-screening tool to check potential eligibility, and schedule a certification appointment — all before calling a clinic. Current participants use the portal to manage their WIC account, schedule and manage appointments, and access program information. The portal login is shared with the Maryland WIC App.
The Maryland WIC App
Maryland has its own state-branded mobile app — MD WIC — available free on the App Store and Google Play. The app lets participants view upcoming appointments, check their food benefit balances, scan UPC barcodes in the store aisle to verify whether a product is WIC-approved, and find WIC-authorized store locations and clinic offices throughout Maryland. The app uses the same login credentials as the Client Portal.
Virtual Appointments Available
Maryland WIC offers virtual appointments in addition to in-person visits. If an in-person appointment is not possible, contact your local WIC office to request a virtual option. Availability may vary by county and appointment type.
Electronic Farmers' Market Benefits
Maryland WIC participants have access to two separate streams of farmers' market benefits. The eFMNP (Farmers' Market Nutrition Program) provides eligible participants with annual electronic benefits, redeemable at authorized farmers' markets and farm stands across Maryland during the growing season. Maryland issues these benefits electronically, replacing older paper coupon systems.
Maryland WIC participants also receive a monthly Fruit and Vegetable Benefit (FVB) — the amount for your category is shown on your WIC shopping list — which can be redeemed at WIC-authorized grocery stores and at participating farmers' markets. Contact your local WIC office for current eFMNP benefit amounts, redemption dates, and participating market locations.
Auto-Eligibility Programs
If your household participates in SNAP, Medical Assistance/Medicaid, or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) — Maryland's name for TANF cash assistance — you are automatically income-eligible for WIC and do not need to provide separate income documentation. Bring your current benefit documentation to your appointment.
Contact and General Information
For general WIC information, email mdh.wic@maryland.gov. For breastfeeding support specifically, email mdh.wicbreastfeeding@maryland.gov. To find your local WIC office, use the Client Portal or visit health.maryland.gov/phpa/wic.
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 — Maryland WIC
Maryland 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). | ||
Pregnant Women Count as Two
If you are pregnant, Maryland WIC counts you as two people when calculating household size — yourself and the unborn child. If you are expecting multiples, count each additional baby separately. This often pushes a household into the next income tier and can make the difference between qualifying or not.
Automatic Income Eligibility
Maryland uses state-specific names for some of its automatic eligibility programs. If your household participates in any of the following, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC and do not need to bring pay stubs or other income proof:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program / food stamps)
- Medical Assistance / Medicaid — Maryland's Medicaid program, also known as HealthChoice for managed care members. Bring your current Medical Assistance card or enrollment documentation.
- Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) — Maryland's name for the federal TANF cash assistance program. Bring your current TCA benefit letter or card.
Income Documentation if Not Auto-Eligible
If your household does not participate in SNAP, Medical Assistance, or TCA, bring proof of income for all household members covering the prior 30 days. Acceptable documents include recent pay stubs or benefit letters (SSI, Social Security, unemployment), W-2 forms or the most recent federal tax return, or employer statements with gross earnings. Maryland WIC staff can advise on alternatives if standard documents are unavailable.
Maryland WIC is not included in the federal public charge rule. Applying for or receiving WIC will not affect immigration status.
