Montana WIC Program
Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
Montana WIC Agency Contact
About the Montana WIC Program
Ready to apply for Montana WIC?
Call 1-800-433-4298 to schedule your first appointment, or see the step-by-step application guide →
Montana WIC is administered by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) through 34 local agencies and more than 80 clinic sites covering all 56 counties and seven tribal reservations. Despite this broad reach, only about 55% of eligible Montana families are enrolled in WIC, according to a December 2024 DPHHS announcement — the department actively works to connect more eligible families with benefits. The program does not ask about immigration or citizenship status, and WIC participation is not considered in public charge determinations.
No Proof of Pregnancy Required
Montana WIC has a notably participant-friendly policy: proof of pregnancy is not required to apply. Pregnant women can enroll and begin receiving benefits based on self-declaration, removing a common barrier to early enrollment. Early enrollment during pregnancy is associated with better birth outcomes and healthier pregnancies.
Serving All 56 Counties and Seven Tribal Reservations
Montana WIC operates in every county in the state and has dedicated clinic sites on or near all seven tribal reservations. WIC serves a significant American Indian population across Montana's vast geography. Tribal TANF recipients are adjunctively income-eligible for WIC, though tribal TANF does not appear in the state's electronic verification system and must be confirmed with an eligibility letter from the tribal program. A tribal ID is an accepted form of identification at Montana WIC clinics.
Montana's Eight Federally Recognized Tribes
Montana has eight federally recognized tribal nations. Seven have established reservations where Montana WIC operates clinic sites on or near:
- Blackfeet Nation (Blackfeet Reservation)
- Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (Flathead Reservation)
- Crow Nation (Crow Reservation)
- Fort Belknap Indian Community (Fort Belknap Reservation — Gros Ventre and Assiniboine peoples)
- Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes (Fort Peck Reservation)
- Northern Cheyenne Tribe (Northern Cheyenne Reservation)
- Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation
The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians, federally recognized in 2019, is the eighth federally recognized Montana tribe; the tribe has no reservation. Some Montana tribes may also operate independent Tribal WIC (ITO) programs administered separately from the state system — contact your nearest tribal health office or Montana DPHHS to determine which program serves your community. American Indian families enrolled in FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) are automatically income-eligible for WIC.
Healthy Together App — All-in-One WIC Platform
Montana WIC uses the Healthy Together app as its participant platform, replacing the previous WIC Shopper app. The Healthy Together app allows WIC families to view benefit balances, scan products while shopping, message WIC staff securely, request appointments, access farmers' market benefits and find authorized Farm Direct markets, and link to WIC Smart online nutrition education. Participants can also access Healthy Together through a web browser at app.healthytogether.co without downloading the app.
Farm Direct Program — Electronic FMNP
Montana's Farm Direct Program (FMNP) allows WIC participants to purchase locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables directly from authorized farmers at markets, roadside stands, and farms. Montana uses an electronic FMNP system through the Healthy Together app — participants present a QR code on their phone and the farmer scans it to complete the transaction, with automatic direct deposit to the farmer. The program operates in select counties; contact your local WIC clinic to confirm whether your county participates and to find authorized farmers in your area.
Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship Now Qualifies for WIC
As of December 2024, families enrolled in the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (traditional eligibility tier) are automatically income-eligible for WIC. This scholarship helps Montana families afford quality child care. Families already receiving the scholarship do not need to provide separate income documentation at their WIC appointment. Montana DPHHS streamlined this connection to reduce barriers for families already receiving child care support.
Income at or below 185% FPL. Automatic eligibility with Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF.
Monthly food benefits loaded to your WIC EBT card plus nutrition education and breastfeeding support.
Frequently Asked Questions — Montana WIC
If your household participates in Montana Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, FDPIR, Tribal TANF, a free or reduced-price school meal program, or the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (traditional eligibility tier), you are automatically income-eligible for Montana WIC — no additional income documentation is needed. The Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship was added as a qualifying program in December 2024.
No. Montana WIC does not require proof of pregnancy to enroll. Pregnant women may apply and begin receiving benefits based on self-declaration. This removes a common barrier to early enrollment — and early WIC participation during pregnancy is associated with better birth outcomes.
Yes. Montana WIC has clinic sites on or near all seven tribal reservations, serving the Blackfeet Nation, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Crow Nation, Fort Belknap Indian Community, Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation. Tribal ID cards are an accepted form of identification. Tribal TANF recipients are adjunctively income-eligible — bring an eligibility letter from your tribal program to your WIC appointment. FDPIR participants are also automatically income-eligible.
Healthy Together is Montana WIC's participant app. It allows participants to view benefit balances, scan products in-store to verify WIC approval, message WIC staff securely, view and request appointments, and access Farm Direct Program farmers' market benefits with a QR code. It is available as a free download on iOS and Android, or via web browser at app.healthytogether.co.
Yes — as of December 2024. Montana added the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (traditional eligibility tier) as a qualifying adjunctive eligibility program for WIC. Families enrolled in the scholarship automatically meet WIC income requirements and do not need to provide separate income documentation at their WIC appointment.
Yes. Montana's Farm Direct Program (FMNP) allows WIC participants in select counties to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers at markets, roadside stands, and farms. Participants present a QR code through the Healthy Together app for farmers to scan at checkout. Contact your local WIC clinic to confirm whether your county participates in the Farm Direct Program.
Montana WIC Income Limits 2026
| Household Size | Annual Gross Income | Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,261 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,653 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,501 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,349 |
| Each additional person | add $10,175 | add $848 |
| Effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Figures are 185% of the federal poverty guidelines for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories (including Guam). Alaska and Hawaii residents see higher income limits. Source: USDA FNS Federal Register notice 2025-03576 (90 FR 11598). | ||
Income Eligibility Guidelines
Montana follows the federal WIC income eligibility guidelines, set annually by the USDA. To qualify based on income, your household's gross income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. For the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, the income limit for a household of four is $59,478 per year (approximately $4,957 per month). Larger families qualify at higher thresholds. The full income schedule is available at every Montana WIC clinic and at dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/wic.
Income is assessed for all household members, with one important exception for pregnant participants: a pregnant woman is counted as at least two people — herself and one for each expected baby — which raises the applicable household income threshold.
Automatic Income Eligibility (Adjunctive Eligibility)
If your household already participates in any of the following programs, you are automatically income-eligible for Montana WIC. No separate income documentation is required:
- Montana Medicaid (including Healthy Montana Kids)
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
- Tribal TANF — bring an eligibility letter from your tribal program to your WIC appointment, as tribal TANF does not appear in Montana's electronic verification system
- Free or reduced-price school meal program
- Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship (traditional eligibility tier), as of December 2024
Foster Children
Foster children are treated as a household of one for income eligibility purposes, regardless of the foster family's income. Foster children automatically meet WIC income requirements.
Immigration Status
Montana WIC does not ask about immigration or citizenship status. WIC participation does not affect public charge determinations under federal immigration policy.
No Proof of Pregnancy Required
Montana WIC does not require proof of pregnancy to apply. Pregnant women may enroll and begin receiving benefits based on self-declaration of pregnancy. Final eligibility is determined at your local Montana WIC clinic after a brief nutritional assessment.
Montana WIC Approved Foods
Montana WIC food benefits are loaded monthly onto an eWIC card redeemable at authorized grocery stores throughout the state. The Healthy Together app (available on iOS and Android, or at app.healthytogether.co) includes an in-store shopping scanner, real-time benefit balances, and a market finder for the Farm Direct Program. The Montana WIC Approved Food List is updated annually and available at dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/wic.
Fruits and Vegetables
All participants receive a monthly Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables without added sugars, fats, or oils. Your CVB amount is shown on your eWIC card and in the Healthy Together app. Eligible participants in select counties also receive Farm Direct Program (FMNP) benefits to purchase locally grown produce from authorized Montana farmers at markets, roadside stands, and farms — redeemed via QR code in the Healthy Together app.
Whole Grains
Approved options include 100% whole wheat bread, whole grain bread (approved brands including Montana's Sweetheart and Wheat Montana varieties), brown rice, corn tortillas, whole wheat tortillas, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, and iron-fortified cereals meeting Montana WIC specifications. Check the Healthy Together app or the Montana WIC food list for current approved brands and sizes.
Dairy
- Milk: low-fat (1%), non-fat, whole milk, or lactose-free; Meyenberg Goat's Milk is also approved; reduced-fat (2%) only if assigned on your benefit; select organic brands approved
- Soy beverage: quart or half-gallon, approved brands (8th Continent Original, Silk Soy Original, Pacific Natural Foods Ultra Soy Original)
- Cheese: block, shredded, sliced, or string cheese in approved varieties and sizes (8, 16, or 32 oz)
- Yogurt: low-fat or non-fat for women and children ages 2 and older; whole milk yogurt for children age 1 (approved brands and sizes only, 32 oz containers)
Protein
- Eggs: one dozen large white 'AA' or 'A', any brand
- Peanut butter: regular or natural, smooth or chunky, 16–18 oz jar (no added jelly, honey, or chocolate; no peanut butter spread)
- Dried or canned beans, peas, and lentils (includes split peas and lentils), any brand
- Canned light tuna (water-packed) and pink salmon (water-packed): available for women and children ages 2–5
- Calcium-set tofu: 16 oz blocks, Azumaya or House Foods brands
Infant Foods
- Infant formula (brand, type, and size as specified on benefit only)
- Iron-fortified infant cereal for infants 6–12 months
- Jarred infant fruits and vegetables for infants 6–12 months (no pouches, squeezes, or enhancements)
- Jarred infant meats for fully breastfed infants 6–12 months (single variety meats only, may have added broth or gravy)
Juice
100% fruit or vegetable juice in approved brands and 64 oz containers or 16 oz frozen concentrate is available for women and children. No added sugar, no juice drinks or cocktails. Use the Healthy Together app to scan and verify products before adding them to your cart.
