WIC Application Instructions

Unlike other programs, to apply to be a WIC beneficiary in Florida, you must contact your local agency to set up an appointment.

That means, after passing the above mentioned criteria i.e. categorical, residential, income and nutrition risk, you now need to contact your local WIC office. A list of WIC offices in Florida can be found by clicking here. Alternatively you can call l (813) 307-8074

Sometimes WIC agencies in Florida do not have enough money to serve everyone who needs WIC or calls to apply. When this happens, Florida WIC agencies must keep a list, called a waiting list, of individuals who want to apply and are likely to be served. Florida WIC agencies then use a special system, called a Priority System, to determine who will get WIC benefits first when more people can be served. The purpose of the priority system is to make sure that WIC services and benefits are provided first to participants with the most serious health conditions such as anemia, underweight, history of problems during pregnancy.

Eligibility Requirements

The Florida WIC Program is designed to serve certain categories of women, infants, and children. The eligibility prerequisites for WIC are based on those categories, state of residence, income, and nutritional needs.

Applicants must live in the state of Florida. People who are applying for Florida WIC benefits must live in the state of Florida. Optionally, Florida may require applicants to live in a local service area and apply at a WIC clinic that serves that area. The amount of time living in Florida or the local service area is not required for applicants to meet the WIC residency requirement.

Applicants who have TANF, Medicaid or SNAP benefits are automatically eligible, but additional requirements may determine whether or not an applicant is accepted into the WIC program.

Pregnant, during pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after birth of an infant or end of the pregnancy Postpartum, up to 6 months after birth of the infant or end of the pregnancy Breast feeding, Up until the infants 1st birthday.

All WIC applicants in Florida must be seen by a health professional such as a nurse, physician, or nutritionist so they can determine if the applicant is at nutrition risk. In most cases this can be done at your local WIC clinic at no cost to the applicant, though the applicant can see other health professionals such as their own physician. Some examples for nutrition risk are anemia (low blood levels), underweight, or history of poor pregnancy outcome. An applicant must have at least one of the medical or dietary conditions on the Florida list of WIC nutrition risk criteria.

In order to be eligible for WIC in Florida your income must be below the specified federal income level or other poverty standard set by the state of Florida. Your eligibility can also be determined automatically depending on participation in certain programs.