How to Apply for WIC in Arkansas

Step-by-Step Guide

📅 Last reviewed: May 4, 2026 · Last updated: May 4, 2026

Arkansas WIC Agency

Agency Arkansas Department of Health

Phone 1-800-235-0002

Website Official Arkansas WIC Site

In-Person Only

Online Application

Check Agency

Telehealth Appointments

Same Day

Benefits if Approved

Applying for WIC in Arkansas

Arkansas WIC does not have a statewide online application. To apply, call your local county health unit to schedule an appointment. WIC is available at all Local Health Units in Arkansas, satellite clinics, and four dedicated WIC-only clinics. A key advantage: you can apply for and receive WIC at any county health unit in Arkansas — not just the one in your county of residence.

Step 1: Find a Clinic and Call

Visit healthy.arkansas.gov to find the Local Health Unit serving your county or any other county you prefer.
Call your local county health unit directly, or call the State WIC Office toll-free at 1-800-235-0002 or at 501-661-2508 for referral to your nearest clinic.
You can also email wic.program@arkansas.gov with questions.

Tip on timing: All Arkansas Local Health Units are open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Tuesdays, hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. statewide — the best option for working families who cannot attend daytime appointments on other days.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Bring the following to your appointment:

Proof of identity for yourself and each person applying — a driver's license, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID; hospital birth records for infants
Proof of Arkansas residency — a current utility, cable, or phone bill; a current mortgage or rent receipt; or proof of Arkansas Medicaid, TEA, or SNAP enrollment, which also satisfies residency proof
Proof of income — current pay stubs, W-2 forms, your most recent federal income tax return, or employer letters with gross wages. If you receive Medicaid, ARKids, TEA, or SNAP, bring that enrollment documentation — it replaces income proof entirely.
All persons applying for WIC must be present at the appointment, including infants and children.

Step 3: Your Certification Appointment

At your appointment, a WIC health professional — a physician, nurse, or nutritionist — will verify your documents, measure height and weight, conduct a brief blood test for anemia (hemoglobin), and assess nutritional risk. Staff will discuss your nutrition goals and any health or dietary concerns. If eligible, you receive your eWIC card and first set of food benefits. You will also receive your WIC shopping list and instructions for setting up and using the WICShopper app.

Arkansas WIC provides benefits for the duration of your certification period. Recertification appointments are required approximately every six to twelve months to continue receiving benefits.

Recertification

Pregnant women are certified through pregnancy and up to six months postpartum if not breastfeeding, or through twelve months postpartum if breastfeeding. Infants are recertified around six months and approaching their first birthday. Children are recertified every six to twelve months until their fifth birthday. Contact your WIC clinic before your certification period ends — and remember that you may schedule recertification at any county health unit in Arkansas, not just your original clinic.

Application FAQ — Arkansas WIC

No. Arkansas does not have a statewide online WIC application. You must call your local county health unit or the State WIC Office toll-free at 1-800-235-0002 to schedule an appointment. You may apply at any county health unit in Arkansas — not just the one in your county of residence — giving you flexibility to choose the most convenient location or available appointment time.

Bring proof of identity for yourself and each person applying (driver's license, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID; hospital birth records for infants), proof of Arkansas residency (current utility, cable, or phone bill; mortgage or rent receipt; or Medicaid, TEA, or SNAP documentation, which also satisfies residency), and proof of income — current pay stubs, W-2 forms, your most recent federal tax return, or employer letters. If you receive Medicaid, ARKids, TEA, or SNAP, that enrollment documentation replaces income proof entirely. All persons applying must be present at the appointment.

Schedule a Tuesday appointment. All Arkansas Local Health Units are open 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays statewide — later than the standard 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. hours maintained Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. A Tuesday late afternoon or early evening appointment is the best option for working families across Arkansas.

If you are found eligible at your certification appointment, you receive your eWIC card and first set of food benefits the same day. Bring all required documents to your appointment to avoid delays. Arkansas requires you to visit the WIC clinic to receive each benefit issuance — benefits are not automatically loaded remotely.

Pregnant women are certified through pregnancy and up to six months postpartum if not breastfeeding, or through twelve months postpartum if breastfeeding. Infants are recertified around six months and approaching their first birthday. Children are recertified every six to twelve months until their fifth birthday. You may schedule your recertification appointment at any Arkansas county health unit, not just your original clinic. Contact your WIC office before your certification period ends to avoid a lapse in benefits.