The federally funded nutrition program, WIC, was established to help meet the needs of low-income women, infants and children for nutrition supplementation. From free food to nutrition education, the Women, Infants and Children program assists individuals with nutritional risk factors to get the vitamins and minerals they need. If you need WIC assistance, do not delay and apply at your local health department so you can start receiving your benefits.

You must meet basic requirements to qualify for WIC in Illinois:

1. Illinois Resident
2. Have low to medium income based on the United States Department of Agriculture WIC Income Eligibility Guidelines:
   1. Family Size of 1: Annual Salary less than $20,036, $1,670 monthly, $386 weekly
   2. Family Size of 2: Annual Salary less than $26,955, $2,247 monthly, $519 weekly
   3. Family Size of 3: Annual Salary less than $33,874, $2,823 monthly, $652 weekly
   4. Family Size of 4: Annual Salary less than $40,793, $3,400 monthly, $785 weekly http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines08-09.htm
3. Children: Less than 5 years old
4. Women: Pregnant, Breastfeeding, or less than 6 months since giving birth

Benefits of WIC include:

1. Special checks to buy food like 100% juice, eggs, milk, cheese, beans, peanut butter and cereal
2. Breastfeeding supplies, help and information
3. Help finding other assistance options
4. Nutrition and healthy eating information http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30513

Make sure to ask your WIC counselor about all the programs and benefits that you can use. The checks you will receive for food will specify what foods you are able to buy, so ensure you understand how to read and use your WIC vouchers.

Throughout Illinois, WIC applications are processed at DHS offices. A list of offices is available at the following website: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=12.

You must bring sufficient documentation to prove your eligibility for WIC in Illinois. Documentation should include:

1. Income or Unemployment
2. Residency in Illinois
3. Pregnancy proof from your doctor (if applicable)
4. Immunization records for children

You will need to apply in person and bring you eligible children with you. If you are physically unable to apply in person, contact your local DHS office for alternative application methods.