WIC and Nutrition for Families

Toddler eating apple

WIC-Women Infant Children is a federally-funded program implemented by the Chicago Department of Public Health that provides pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum women, children, and infants with nutrition assistance. WIC is a special nutrition program that assists*:

  • Pregnant, breast-feeding or post-partum women
  • Infants up to one year of age
  • Children up to 5 years of age

*Participants must both be low income and at nutritional risk

The WIC program provides the following benefits:

  • Nutrition counseling
  • Free breastfeeding counseling
  • Monthly checks for items such as milk, eggs, cereal, cheese, and produce
  • Infants receive infant formula and as they get older, cereal and baby food

Contact one of the WIC locations near you to get started!  Click here to view a list of WIC locations.

WIC Overview

Applying for WIC

To apply for WIC benefits, bring the following to a WIC Location:

  • Identity Document for Women/Caregivers and Children
  • Proof of Income
  • Proof of Address
  • Other

To qualify for WIC, you must meet income guidelines.

Acceptable Documents for WIC

ID For Women And Caregivers

  • Current Driver’s License
  • Government Issued ID
  • Passport
  • Tax Forms
  • Social Security Card
  • School or Work Photo ID
  • Birth Certificate

ID For Children

  • Birth Certificate (Legal or Hospital)
  • Immunization Record
  • Hospital ID Bracelets
  • Crib Card
  • Social Security Card

Income

  • Current check stubs (recent 30 days)
  • Social Security Benefits
  • Public Assistance payments/ Unemployment compensation
  • Alimony or Child Support Payments
  • Regular Contributions from persons not living in the household
  • W2s
  • Medicaid, SNAP or TANF Notice of Decision Letter, with current dates and information
  • Foster parents may provide written documentation from the Department of Children and Family Services

Address

  • Current piece of mail (less than 60 days old))
  • Rental agreement
  • Federal or State issued identification, that includes residence may be used with self-declaration of the applicant that the address listed is current and correct.
  • Current Department of Child & Family Services (DCFS) foster parent placement papers

For Pregnant Women

  • Confirmation of pregnancy from your healthcare provider

Other

  • WIC form from Doctor

Please refer to the back of your yellow WIC book if you are a returning client.

For more information please call the Chicago Department of Public Health at 312.747.9140.