Massachusetts WIC Program
Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
Massachusetts WIC Agency Contact
About the Massachusetts WIC Program
Ready to apply for Massachusetts WIC?
Apply online at www.mass.gov → or call 1-800-942-1007 to get started.
Massachusetts WIC is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) — Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, headquartered at 250 Washington Street in Boston. The program serves families across Massachusetts and consistently reaches a high share of those who qualify — making it one of the stronger-performing state WIC programs in the country for enrollment.
What makes that access possible is how Massachusetts has invested in making WIC easy to find, easy to start, and genuinely useful once you're enrolled. The program isn't buried in paperwork — you can start your pre-application online at mass.gov in a few minutes, and a staff member will follow up by phone or email to complete the process.
More Than Just Food Benefits
Massachusetts adds several perks that go well beyond the standard WIC food package. Some of them are genuinely unusual:
- WIC Card to Culture: Your Massachusetts WIC card gets you free or discounted admission to over 200 museums and cultural organizations across the state, through a partnership with the Mass Cultural Council. That includes science museums, children's museums, historic sites, and arts institutions.
- Heating and internet discounts: WIC participants in Massachusetts can qualify for reduced rates on home heating bills and internet service — year-round savings that have nothing to do with food.
- WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program: Every summer, eligible WIC participants receive separate coupons to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables at approved farmers' markets and farmstands statewide. These are entirely separate from your regular monthly benefits and can only be used at the market, not at grocery stores. Contact your local WIC office for current benefit amounts and distribution dates for your area.
- WIC online grocery ordering: Massachusetts WIC participants can shop for WIC-approved foods through Walmart's app or website (Walmart.com/wic) for pickup or delivery at participating Walmart Supercenter locations across the state.
The WICShopper App
Massachusetts WIC participants can download the free WICShopper app to scan product barcodes in the store aisle and instantly see whether an item is covered by your benefits. The app also shows your current benefit balance, lists nearby WIC-authorized stores, and lets you register your WIC card so future benefits load automatically. It takes the guesswork out of shopping — especially useful if you're navigating a large store or trying a new brand.
Hundreds of Authorized Stores
Massachusetts WIC benefits are accepted at hundreds of authorized grocery stores and pharmacies statewide. Most major chains participate, and the WICShopper app's store locator will show you the closest options. WIC can also be used at self-checkout lanes at participating retailers.
Who Administers the Program
The Massachusetts WIC program is run through the DPH Nutrition Division and delivered locally through a network of WIC clinics operated by community health centers, hospitals, and nonprofit agencies. Many locations offer evening and Saturday appointments to accommodate working families. Walk-in hours are available at some offices — call ahead or check with your local clinic. The statewide information line is (800) 942-1007, available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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 — Massachusetts WIC
Massachusetts 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). | ||
When counting household size for WIC purposes, a pregnant woman counts as two people — herself and the unborn child. That can make a meaningful difference in which income tier applies to your family.
Automatic Income Eligibility
If your household already participates in certain state programs, you skip the income calculation entirely — you're automatically income-eligible for WIC. Those programs are:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program / food stamps)
- TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children — Massachusetts' cash assistance program)
- MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) — bring your current card or enrollment documentation to your appointment
What Income Documentation to Bring
If you are not automatically eligible through one of the programs above, bring proof of income for everyone in your household. Acceptable documents include recent pay stubs (within the last 30 days), a letter from an employer, unemployment benefit documentation, or tax returns. WIC staff will use your gross income — before taxes — to calculate eligibility.
If you receive SNAP or TAFDC, bring your enrollment benefits letter, a SNAP printout, or access the DTA Connect app on your phone — that's sufficient documentation for automatic eligibility. For MassHealth, bring your current card or enrollment documentation.
Massachusetts WIC is not included in the federal public charge rule. Applying for or receiving WIC will not affect immigration status — and WIC staff are not required to report immigration information to any federal agency.
