WIC income guideline change means more people will be eligible
Income guideline changes for a program that helps women and children means more Alabamians may now be eligible.
The Alabama Department of Public Health released the new guidelines for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as WIC. The program is intended for pregnant women; women who have had a baby within the past six months or are currently breastfeeding; or parents or guardians of children up to age 5.
“WIC works with families to meet nutrition goals and provides healthy foods to support optimal growth and development. Nutritious foods help pregnant women have healthy babies and help children grow to become healthy adults,” Allison Hatchett, Alabama WIC Director said. “Alabama’s WIC Program understands the struggles many families face to establish healthy eating habits, and WIC is here to help women, infants, and children in Alabama.”
WIC participants may receive food benefits for each qualifying family member with increased amounts for the purchase of fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. Each child can receive $26 per month; pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month; and breastfeeding women receive $52 a month.
People with incomes up to 185% of federal poverty level can qualify.
Here are the 2024 federal guidelines:
- 2 in family – $37,814 annual income ($728 weekly income)
- 3 in family – $47,767 annual income ($919 weekly income)
- 4 in family – $57,720 annual income ($1,110 weekly income)
- 5 in family – $67,673 annual income ($1,302 weekly income)
- 6 in family – $77,626 annual income ($1,493 weekly income)