WIC Application Instructions

You are required to apply for WIC at a local community health department or by calling the Georgia Division of Public Health at 1-800-228-9173. A ono on one interview / evaluation and is a major requirement as part of the application process. Proof of residency, income, identification is a must. Georgia WIC does not use alien or immigration status to determine eligibility.

Visit the Georgia state WIC website and locate a WIC clinic location that is near you.

Call the nearest clinic and request an appointment to apply for benefits. The staff at the clinic will make the appointment and tell you what documentation to bring. All applicants must be present during the appointment.

Gather your documentation. This includes income documents such as pay stubs and statements of social service or Social Security payments, as well as driver's licenses and birth certificates for each applicant and utility bills or a lease that proves residency.

Arrive few minutes early for your appointment and request an application so you can fill it out before you're actually seen by a caseworker. This will shorten and simplify your appointment.

Complete the application. You must include the names, birthdays and Social Security numbers of all applicants as well as all sources of income.

Give the required paperwork to the caseworker who sees you for your appointment. She will go over your application and documentation with you to ensure everything is accurate and complete.

Submit to the required medical exam, which is performed by a WIC clinic doctor or nurse. It tells the caseworker if you or your family members are undernourished or have other nutrition-related health problems, which are determining factors in approval for WIC benefits. The exam consists of estimating the due date of pregnant women, measuring the height and weight of each applicant, and drawing everyone's blood.

Wait for the clinic to send notice of approval or denial. This is usually within 30 days. If you are approved, you will receive instructions on how to use WIC benefits and information on when you can expect your first vouchers to arrive.

Services

Participants receive a nutrition assessment, health screening, medical history, body measurements (weight and height), hemoglobin check, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, referrals to other health and social services, and vouchers for healthy foods.

Eligibility Requirements

WIC serves women, infants, and children in low income families or family living below the specified 185 % of the federally poverty level or enrolled in Medicaid; and who are at risk for nutritional deficiencies. Eligible categories consist of pregnant, postpartum and breast-feeding women; infants and children up to their fifth birthday.

Women

Pregnant women and postpartum women are eligible for the WIC program in Georgia. Breastfeeding mothers can receive WIC for up to a year following the birth of a child. Mothers who opt to bottle-feed can receive WIC for up to six months following the birth of a child. Mothers who are combining breastfeeding with bottle feeding a child can receive up to a year of assistance from WIC. Women on WIC can receive whole grains, peanut butter and eggs. Click here to visit the website for details about breastfeeding program.

Men

Fathers of children below the age of 5 years who meet WIC income requirements are encouraged to enroll their children in the program. Although a man cannot receive benefits for himself, he can receive benefits on behalf his children. Men too are allowed to participate in nutrition classes and redeem benefits for a qualified child.

Children

Kids below five years of age and younger are eligible for Georgia's WIC Program. There are also families with children that are over the age of years who can still receive WIC. Infants can receive formula, cereal and juice. Infants with special digestive needs can receive soy milk instead of formula and milk. Older children can receive fruits and vegetables, cheese and beans.

Income Requirements

Families that apply for the Georgia WIC program must meet the income requirements established by the federal government. A family's income must be less than or equal to 185 % of the federal government's poverty guidelines. The income guidelines are based on the size of your household. A family cannot make more than the set amount for the household size. For example, a family of three earning more than $33,874 is not eligible for the Georgia WIC program, as of 2010.

More details on eligibility can be found by clicking here to view the official PDF.