West Virginia WIC Program
Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
West Virginia WIC Agency Contact
About the West Virginia WIC Program
Ready to apply for West Virginia WIC?
Apply online at wvwichousehold.wvdhhr.org → or call 304-558-0030 to get started.
West Virginia WIC is administered by the West Virginia Department of Health, Bureau for Public Health, Office of Nutrition Services (ONS). The program serves thousands of pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children each month at clinic sites in all 55 counties, providing free nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare and community services. WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status — participation is open to all eligible residents regardless of immigration background, and WIC is not considered in public charge determinations.
WIC Across All 55 West Virginia Counties
West Virginia WIC operates through a network of local health departments and community health organizations serving all 55 counties. The program plays a critical role in reaching families in rural Appalachian communities where access to healthy food and healthcare can be limited. WIC serves as a bridge to other services, including healthcare referrals, dental care, and substance use recovery support — particularly meaningful in a state that has been significantly impacted by the opioid epidemic.
Online Application Available
West Virginia WIC offers an online pre-application at wvwichousehold.wvdhhr.org. After submitting the online form, a WIC clinic staff member will contact you to schedule your in-person certification appointment. To find your nearest clinic, visit dhhr.wv.gov/WIC.
Breastfeeding Support
West Virginia WIC prioritizes breastfeeding promotion and support, with lactation counselors available at clinics statewide. Breastfeeding mothers receive enhanced food packages with a higher monthly food benefit than formula-feeding mothers. WIC staff can help with breastfeeding questions from before delivery through the infant's first birthday.
Reorganized State Agency — Now Under Department of Health
Effective January 1, 2024, the former West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) was reorganized into three separate departments by the state legislature. West Virginia WIC is now administered under the West Virginia Department of Health (DH), Bureau for Public Health, Office of Nutrition Services. Benefits, clinic locations, and eligibility requirements were not affected by this reorganization.
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 — West Virginia WIC
West Virginia 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). | ||
To qualify for West Virginia WIC, your household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. The income table on this page reflects the current federal guidelines. West Virginia uses the standard federal income thresholds — there are no state-specific adjustments.
When counting household size, a pregnant woman counts as herself plus one for each baby she is carrying. A woman pregnant with twins counts as three people.
Automatic Income Eligibility (Adjunctive Eligibility)
If your household already participates in any of the following programs, you automatically meet WIC's income requirement and do not need to provide separate income documentation at your appointment:
- West Virginia Medicaid
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program / food stamps)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families — known in West Virginia as WV WORKS)
Bring proof of enrollment in one of these programs to your WIC appointment in place of income documents.
Other Eligibility Pathways
Foster children are categorically eligible for WIC under federal rules, regardless of household income. If you are applying on behalf of a foster child, bring documentation of foster care status.
If You Do Not Qualify Based on Income
Even if your income is above 185% of the federal poverty level, you may still be eligible if a WIC health professional determines you have a documented nutritional risk. A nutrition assessment is completed at every certification appointment.
Immigration Status
West Virginia WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status. The program is open to all eligible residents. Participation in WIC is not considered a negative factor in federal public charge determinations under immigration law.
Final eligibility is determined by WV WIC staff at your certification appointment. Contact your local WIC clinic or visit dhhr.wv.gov/WIC for the most current information.
