Pennsylvania WIC Program
Benefits, Eligibility & How to Apply
Pennsylvania WIC Agency Contact
About the Pennsylvania WIC Program
Ready to apply for Pennsylvania WIC?
Apply online at www.pawic.com → or call 1-800-942-9467 to get started.
Pennsylvania WIC has served eligible families across the Commonwealth since 1974 — one of the longest continuously operating state WIC programs in the country. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health Bureau of Women, Infants and Children and operates through county-based WIC agencies that deliver services locally across all 67 Pennsylvania counties.
How Pennsylvania WIC is Organized
Pennsylvania WIC is unusual in having multiple types of local administrators. The state Department of Health oversees the program statewide, but services are delivered through a mix of county health departments, multi-county regional contractors, and community action programs. This matters for applicants: the WIC agency you contact — and the name on your appointment letter — depends on where you live.
In the Pittsburgh area, WIC is administered directly by the Allegheny County Health Department, which serves over 11,000 WIC participants in Allegheny County alone. In other counties, a regional planning commission or community action organization may run the local WIC program. The pawic.com clinic finder routes you to the correct agency for your county.
Who Qualifies for WIC in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania WIC is open to pregnant women, women who had a baby in the past six months (or twelve months if breastfeeding), infants, and children under age five. Fathers, grandparents, and foster parents who are the legal guardian of a child under age five may apply on the child's behalf. U.S. citizenship is not required for WIC in Pennsylvania, and WIC is excluded from consideration in public charge determinations.
If your household receives Medical Assistance (PA Medicaid), SNAP, TANF, or LIHEAP, you automatically meet WIC's income requirement. For households not enrolled in any of those programs, the standard threshold is 185% of the federal poverty level based on gross household income.
What Pennsylvania WIC Provides
Benefits are loaded onto a Pennsylvania WIC Smart Card (eWIC) redeemable at authorized grocery stores statewide. Pennsylvania's food package covers milk, cheese, yogurt, soy beverage, eggs, whole grains, 100% juice, beans and legumes, peanut butter, tofu, canned fish, and baby food. Tortillas are included in Pennsylvania's whole grains benefit alongside bread, pasta, and rice. Every participant receives a Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for fruits and vegetables: $26 per month for children, $47 per month for pregnant or postpartum women, and $52 per month for breastfeeding women. Fresh, frozen, and canned options are all eligible.
Pennsylvania WIC provides breastfeeding support through Certified Lactation Counselors and peer counselors — parents who have breastfed their own babies and are trained to support new parents. Breast pumps are available for eligible breastfeeding participants.
How to Apply for WIC in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers an online pre-application at pawic.com/OnlineApplication.aspx. You complete the form online, it is sent to the WIC agency in your county, and a WIC staff member contacts you to schedule your appointment. You can also call the toll-free WIC Hotline at 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467) to be connected to your local WIC office directly.
Recertification in Pennsylvania
Pregnant women are certified through delivery. Breastfeeding women are certified up to twelve months postpartum. Postpartum non-breastfeeding women are certified for six months. Children are certified annually. Your local WIC agency will notify you before your certification period ends. Pennsylvania has implemented telehealth options for certain appointment types — contact your local WIC agency to ask what is available in your county.
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 — Pennsylvania WIC
Pennsylvania offers an online pre-application at pawic.com/OnlineApplication.aspx — complete the form and your information is sent to the WIC agency in your county. A staff member will contact you to schedule your appointment. You can also call the toll-free WIC Hotline at 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467) to reach your local WIC office directly.
If your household receives Medical Assistance (PA Medicaid), SNAP, TANF, or LIHEAP, you automatically meet WIC's income requirement in Pennsylvania. Bring your enrollment documentation to your WIC appointment — no separate income verification is needed. For households not enrolled in any of those programs, the standard threshold is 185% of the federal poverty level.
Pennsylvania uses the federal WIC income threshold of 185% of the federal poverty level. For a household of four, that is approximately $4,957 per month or $59,478 per year in gross income, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. If your household receives Medical Assistance, SNAP, TANF, or LIHEAP, you automatically meet the income requirement.
Pennsylvania WIC is delivered through multiple types of local agencies — county health departments, regional planning commissions, and community action programs all administer WIC in different parts of the state. In Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), the program is run by the Allegheny County Health Department. In other counties, a regional or community organization may be your WIC agency. The online pre-application at pawic.com routes you to the correct agency for your county automatically.
Yes. Pennsylvania WIC includes tortillas in its approved whole grains benefit, alongside bread, pasta, and rice. Your monthly whole grain benefit is measured in ounces and you can mix and match approved grain products including tortillas. Check the current approved food list at pawic.com or ask your local WIC clinic for the most up-to-date approved varieties.
Use the clinic and store locator at pawic.com to find a WIC clinic and authorized grocery store near you. You can also call the WIC Hotline at 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467) to be connected to your local WIC office. Pennsylvania WIC serves all 67 counties through local agencies.
Pennsylvania 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). | ||
Automatic Income Eligibility in Pennsylvania
If your household is enrolled in any of these programs, you automatically meet WIC's income requirement:
- Medical Assistance (MA / Medicaid)
- SNAP (food stamps)
- TANF (cash assistance)
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Bring your enrollment documentation for any of these programs to your WIC appointment — no separate income verification is required.
What Counts as Income in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania WIC counts all gross household income before taxes, including wages, self-employment income, Social Security, child support, alimony, unemployment benefits, and pension income. Housing assistance and tax refunds are not counted.
No Citizenship Requirement
Pennsylvania WIC does not require proof of citizenship or immigration status. WIC is also excluded from consideration in public charge determinations — participation cannot be used against an applicant in immigration proceedings.
Income Is Not the Only Requirement
Meeting the income threshold qualifies you on one criterion, but Pennsylvania WIC also requires a nutritional risk determination made at your free certification appointment by a WIC health professional. Nearly all applicants meet at least one nutritional risk criterion. Use the USDA WIC PreScreening Tool to check eligibility before applying, or start your pre-application at pawic.com.
Pennsylvania WIC Approved Foods
Pennsylvania WIC publishes an annual food list, effective October 1 through September 30 each year. The current food list is available at pawic.com in English and Spanish, with additional language versions available at local WIC clinics — ask your clinic for a copy in your preferred language.
Pennsylvania WIC Food Package Overview
Milk and dairy: Pennsylvania approves milk, cheese, and yogurt. Participants receive whole milk for children under 2 and low-fat or nonfat options for older children and women. Soy beverage is also available. Multiple cheese varieties in block, sliced, shredded, or stick form are approved — check your current WIC Shopping List for approved brands and sizes.
Whole grains: Pennsylvania approves whole grain bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, oatmeal, and tortillas. Your monthly whole grain benefit is measured in ounces — you can mix and match approved grain products, including tortillas. This is similar to Texas WIC, which also approves tortillas as a whole grain option.
Beans and legumes: Pennsylvania approves a variety of dried and canned beans, including black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, lentils, split peas, and others. Tofu is also available. Check your current WIC Shopping List or ask your WIC office for the full list of approved varieties.
Fruits and vegetables: Fresh whole or cut, loose or pre-packaged produce is approved. Frozen plain vegetables in bags or boxes are approved. Canned options in water or juice pack are approved. Not approved: salad bar items, party platters, herbs, salad kits with nuts or dressing, fruits or vegetables with dips, or dried fruit.
Canned fish: Pennsylvania WIC approves tuna, salmon, and sardines for breastfeeding women. Check your WIC Shopping List for approved brands and can sizes.
Infant formula: Pennsylvania manages a competitive bid contract for infant formula. The contract brand is issued by default. Medical documentation from a healthcare provider is required for non-contract or specialized formulas.
Shopping for Pennsylvania WIC
Your Pennsylvania WIC Smart Card works at authorized grocery stores statewide. Use the store locator at pawic.com to find participating stores near you. Benefits do not roll over month to month — use them before the end of each benefit period. If you suspect WIC benefit abuse, call the WIC Hotline at 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467).
