How to Apply for WIC in Nebraska
Step-by-Step Guide
Nebraska WIC Agency
Applying for WIC in Nebraska
Nebraska WIC requires an in-person clinic appointment for initial certification. There is no online application — you must contact your local WIC clinic by phone to schedule. Benefits are typically issued the same day if you bring all required documents.
Step 1: Find Your Local WIC Clinic
Use the clinic locator at dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/WIC.aspx to find the WIC clinic serving your area. Nebraska WIC operates through dozens of clinic sites statewide via local health departments and community organizations. You can also email DHHS.NebraskaWIC@nebraska.gov with questions.
Step 2: Call to Schedule an Appointment
Contact your local clinic by phone to schedule an appointment. The initial certification appointment typically takes 30–45 minutes. WIC staff will walk you through the process and answer your questions. Same-day or next-day appointments may be available depending on your clinic.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
- Proof of identity for each person applying (driver’s license, birth certificate, hospital records, or passport)
- Proof of Nebraska residency (utility bill, lease, or addressed mail)
- Proof of income from the last 30 days (pay stubs, employer letter) — not required if enrolled in Nebraska Medicaid, SNAP, ADC, or Kids Connection
- Documentation of Medicaid, SNAP, ADC (TANF), or Kids Connection enrollment if applicable
Step 4: Attend Your Clinic Appointment
A WIC health professional will conduct a brief nutritional risk assessment, including height/weight measurements and a blood test for iron levels. Most applicants meeting income guidelines are also found to have a nutritional risk factor, which is required for participation. Appointments are available Monday through Friday at most clinics, with some Saturday hours at select locations.
Step 5: Receive Your eWIC Card
If eligible, you will receive your eWIC card loaded with your first month’s food benefits on the same day as your appointment. Download the WICShopper app to use the shopping guide and identify approved products at the store. Nebraska WIC benefits can be issued for up to three months at a time at some clinics.
Online Grocery Ordering Available
Once enrolled, Nebraska WIC participants can use their eWIC card to order WIC-approved groceries online through Hy-Vee Aisles Online for free curbside pickup at participating Nebraska Hy-Vee stores. Visit hy-vee.com to shop online with your eWIC card.
Recertification
WIC benefits are issued for a certification period — you will need to recertify before your current certification expires:
- Pregnant women: certified through approximately 6 weeks postpartum
- Breastfeeding women: certified for up to 12 months after the birth of their child
- Infants: typically recertified around 6 months of age and again before their first birthday
- Children: recertified every 6 months until age 5
Your WIC clinic will contact you when recertification is approaching. Bring the same documentation you used at your initial appointment.
Tribal WIC and FDPIR
Members of Nebraska’s tribal communities may be eligible for WIC through a tribal ITO WIC program rather than the state program. The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and the Omaha Nation each operate their own USDA-recognized WIC programs. Families who receive commodity foods through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) should contact their local WIC or ITO WIC office directly to confirm eligibility — FDPIR participation does not itself grant automatic WIC income eligibility.
Application FAQ — Nebraska WIC
No. Nebraska WIC does not have an online application. To apply, you must contact your local WIC clinic by phone to schedule an in-person appointment. Use the clinic locator at dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/WIC.aspx to find the clinic nearest you.
Bring proof of identity for each person applying (driver's license, birth certificate, hospital records, or passport), proof of Nebraska residency (utility bill, lease, or addressed mail), and proof of income for the last 30 days. If your household receives Nebraska Medicaid, SNAP, ADC, or Kids Connection, bring proof of that enrollment instead of income documents.
The initial certification appointment typically takes about 30–45 minutes. A WIC health professional will conduct a brief nutritional risk assessment including height, weight, and an iron blood test. If you bring all required documents and are found eligible, you will receive your eWIC card with benefits loaded the same day.
If you are currently certified for WIC in another state, contact a Nebraska WIC clinic with your out-of-state WIC information. Nebraska WIC staff can verify your existing certification and transfer your benefits. Use the clinic locator at dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/WIC.aspx to find the nearest office.
You can use your Nebraska eWIC card at any authorized WIC retailer statewide. For online shopping, participating Hy-Vee stores accept eWIC for curbside pickup orders through Hy-Vee Aisles Online. Use the WICShopper app to find approved products and locate authorized stores near you.
