Applying for WIC & SNAP

To apply for WIC, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be one of the following:

  • Pregnant

  • Postpartum (up to 6 months after birth or up to 12 months if breastfeeding)

  • Breastfeeding an infant up to 1 year old

  • Have an infant or child under 5 years old

  • You must live in the state where you apply.

  • Some states also require you to live in a local service area or county.

  • Your household income must be at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.

  • SNAP, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and/or Medicaid recipients are automatically income-eligible for WIC.

  • You must be assessed by a health professional (at the WIC clinic) and found to be at nutritional risk.
    Examples:

    • Anemia

    • Underweight

    • Poor diet

    • Medical issues affecting nutrition

To qualify for SNAP, you must meet the following requirements:

Applicants must live in the state where they apply for benefits.

  • Citizenship: U.S. citizens and certain lawfully present non-citizens are eligible. Some non-citizens may need to meet additional criteria, such as having lived in the U.S. for five years, receiving disability-related assistance, or being under 18 years old.

  • Social Security Number (SSN): All household members applying for benefits must have or apply for an SSN.

Eligibility is primarily determined by household income, which includes both gross and net income:

  • Gross Income: Total income before deductions. Generally, must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

  • Net Income: Income after allowable deductions (e.g., housing costs, child care, medical expenses). Must be at or below 100% of the FPL.

General Rule: Most able-bodied adults aged 16–59 must register for work, accept suitable employment, and participate in employment and training programs if assigned.

  • Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs): Individuals aged 18–54 without dependents are limited to three months of SNAP benefits every three years unless they meet specific work requirements or qualify for an exemption.

Students enrolled at least half-time in higher education institutions are generally ineligible for SNAP unless they meet specific exemptions, such as:

  • Working an average of 20 hours per week.

  • Participating in a state or federally financed work-study program.

  • Caring for a dependent under age 6.

  • Receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.

SNAP Eligibility | Food and Nutrition Service

  • If you live in PA, you can receive this additional support applying for SNAP:

How to Apply for Food Stamps in PA

Contact us at: help@ mypregnantbff.org if you need help registering for WIC or SNAP