How to Apply for WIC in Maryland

Applying for WIC in Maryland

Maryland WIC offers one of the more flexible application processes in the region. New applicants can start online through the WIC Client Portal, and virtual appointments are available in addition to in-person visits. Every applicant must attend a certification appointment in person or virtually, where a WIC health professional completes a nutritional assessment and verifies eligibility.

Step 1: Start Online or Call Your Local Office

You have two options to get started:

• WIC Client Portal: Visit wicclientportal.health.maryland.gov to create an account, complete a WIC pre-screening tool to check potential eligibility, and schedule an appointment at your local WIC office — all without calling first.
• Call your local WIC office: Use the county contact information at health.maryland.gov/phpa/wic to reach the WIC office in your county or city directly.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Every person applying for WIC must attend the first appointment, including infants and all children up to age five. Bring the following:

• Proof of identity for each person applying — for adults: driver's license, MVA identification, Social Security card, or other government, school, or employment picture ID; for infants and children: birth certificate, Social Security card, or immunization records
• Proof of Maryland residency — a driver's license or MVA ID with your current address, an official bill or statement, or a rental or lease agreement
• Proof of income — recent pay stubs or benefit letters (SSI, Social Security, unemployment) from the past 30 days, or your most recent tax return. If you receive SNAP (Maryland Independence Card), Medical Assistance/Medicaid, or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), bring that documentation instead — it replaces income proof entirely.
• If applicable: documentation from a healthcare provider confirming pregnancy; immunization records for infants and children; a WIC referral if you received one from a healthcare provider

Step 3: Your Certification Appointment

At your appointment, a WIC health professional will verify documents, take measurements (height, weight, and a hemoglobin/iron check), and conduct a nutritional assessment. Maryland WIC customizes food packages per person based on individual nutritional needs, including accommodations for food allergies diagnosed by a healthcare provider. Food substitutions — such as lactose-free milk or soy milk — can be discussed with your WIC nutritionist at your appointment.

If eligible, you will receive your eWIC card loaded with your first month of benefits. Maryland also makes referrals at certification appointments to connect families with other health and social services they may qualify for.

Virtual Appointments

Maryland WIC offers virtual appointments when an in-person visit is not possible. Contact your local WIC office to ask whether a virtual appointment is available for your situation. Once enrolled, returning participants can use the WIC Client Portal to manage appointments and access program information between visits.

Recertification

Pregnant women are certified through pregnancy and six months postpartum (twelve months if breastfeeding). Infants are recertified around six months and approaching their first birthday. Children are recertified every six to twelve months until age five. WIC benefits expire at the end of each monthly cycle — unused benefits do not roll over to the next month. Track your certification end date through the MD WIC app or Client Portal and contact your local office before your period ends to avoid a gap in benefits.

Application FAQ — Maryland WIC

More Maryland WIC Resources