Everyone faces difficulties at times and may need assistance. This assistance may come in the form of a helping hand from a relative, or may come from the federal government. The WIC program was established to help provide for the nutrition needs of pregnant and nursing women, new mothers and children under 5. If you are having financial difficulties, you owe it to yourself and your children to see if you qualify for WIC assistance in Massachusetts.

Determine your eligibility for WIC by reviewing the following income and other requirements:

Income Requirements:

1. Family Members-1: Annual Salary less than $20,036, or $386 weekly
2. Family Members-2: Annual Salary less than $26,955, or $519 weekly
3. Family Members-3: Annual Salary less than $33,874, or $652 weekly
4. Family Members-4: Annual Salary less than $40,793, or $785 weeklyhttp://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2terminal&L=6&L0=Home&L1=Consumer&L2=Basic+Needs&L3=Food+%26+Nutrition&L4=Women,+Infants+and+Children+(WIC)+Nutrition+Program&L5=Frequently+Asked+Questions+About+the+WIC+Program&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalcontent&f=dph_wic_c_who&csid=Eeohhs2

Other Requirements:

1. Live in Massachusetts
2. Are a new mother, pregnant or are breastfeeding
3. Have a child under 5http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2terminal&L=6&L0=Home&L1=Consumer&L2=Basic+Needs&L3=Food+%26+Nutrition&L4=Women,+Infants+and+Children+(WIC)+Nutrition+Program&L5=Frequently+Asked+Questions+About+the+WIC+Program&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalcontent&f=dph_wic_c_who&csid=Eeohhs2

Sign up for WIC at your local WIC office or clinic. It is best to have an appointment to reduce your wait time. Appointments are available during the day, in the evening and on Saturdays. Walk-in hours are available if you are unable to schedule an appointment.

Take the following to your WIC appointment:

1. Proof of your household income
2. Participation in the following programs (instead of income proof):
   1. TAFDC
   2. Food Stamps
   3. MassHealth
   4. Medicaid
3. Proof you live in Massachusetts
4. Proof of your Identity (Driver’s License, birth certificate)http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2terminal&L=6&L0=Home&L1=Consumer&L2=Basic+Needs&L3=Food+%26+Nutrition&L4=Women,+Infants+and+Children+(WIC)+Nutrition+Program&L5=Frequently+Asked+Questions+About+the+WIC+Program&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalcontent&f=dph_wic_c_apply&csid=Eeohhs2

WIC in Massachusetts provides:

1. Personalized consultations, support and nutrition information
2. Free checks to buy healthy foods
3. Eating tips and counseling
4. Health and dental referrals
5. Health insurance referrals
6. Child care referrals
7. Housing and fuel assistance referrals
8. Immunization screenings
9. Breastfeeding support
10. Health and nutrition workshopshttp://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2terminal&L=6&L0=Home&L1=Consumer&L2=Basic+Needs&L3=Food+%26+Nutrition&L4=Women,+Infants+and+Children+(WIC)+Nutrition+Program&L5=Frequently+Asked+Questions+About+the+WIC+Program&sid=Eeohhs2&b=terminalcontent&f=dph_wic_c_offer&csid=Eeohhs2

Make sure you understand your benefits and take full advantage of every option so you can provide the best nutritional foundation for your children.