How to Apply for WIC in Illinois
Step-by-Step Guide
Illinois WIC Agency
Applying for WIC in Illinois
Illinois WIC does not have a statewide online application. All initial applications require an in-person appointment at a local WIC clinic. The process starts with two steps: check eligibility using the Pre-Screening Tool, then find your nearest clinic using the DHS Office Locator — both available at dhs.state.il.us.
You can also call the Illinois state WIC office at (844) 901-0962 for help, or call 1-800-843-6154 to reach your local WIC clinic directly. Illinois WIC has published a WIC 101 Video Series on the IDHS YouTube channel that walks you through what to expect at your first visit — worth watching before your appointment if you're new to the program.
Before Your Appointment
- ID for every family member applying — driver's license, passport, birth certificate, immunization card, or other government-issued ID
- Proof of Illinois address — utility bill, lease, or recent mail with your name and address
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs, employer letter, tax return, Social Security or disability award letter, or other income documentation for all household members. If your household receives Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, bring that enrollment documentation instead
- For infants and children — birth certificate or hospital record. Bring immunization records if available — WIC staff will check and refer if any are missing
- For pregnant women — documentation of pregnancy from a healthcare provider if available
Children do not need to reside with their mother to be eligible. Dads, foster parents, grandparents, and other caretakers can bring children to WIC appointments.
What Happens at Your Appointment
At your certification appointment, WIC staff will review your documents and check eligibility. A WIC health professional will conduct height and weight measurements, a blood test for iron levels, and a nutrition assessment for each family member applying. If approved, your WIC EBT card is loaded with food benefits the same day.
Illinois WIC appointments are scheduled every three months for most participants — four appointments per year total. The initial application and annual recertification must be in person. Some interim appointments, including nutrition education visits, can be conducted by phone or virtually.
Nutrition Education in Illinois
Illinois WIC participants receive two nutrition education visits per year, which can be completed in person or virtually. You can also complete nutrition education requirements online through wichealth.org between clinic visits, reducing the number of in-person trips needed.
Farmers' Market Access
Illinois WIC participates in the seasonal WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which provides additional vouchers redeemable at participating farmers' markets for fresh, locally grown produce during the summer and fall growing season. Ask your local WIC clinic about FMNP availability in your area.
Recertification in Illinois
Pregnant women are certified through delivery. Breastfeeding women are certified up to one year postpartum. Postpartum non-breastfeeding women are certified for six months. Children are certified annually and must visit the WIC office in person each year for health screenings. Your local WIC clinic will notify you before your certification period ends.
Transferring WIC Benefits To or From Illinois
Moving to Illinois from another state? Contact a local Illinois WIC clinic with your Verification of Certification (VOC) form from your previous state. Moving out of Illinois? Ask your WIC clinic for a VOC form before you go — your new state will use it to continue your benefits. Your Illinois WIC EBT card only works at authorized vendors within Illinois.
