How to Apply for WIC in Pennsylvania
Step-by-Step Guide
Pennsylvania offers an online WIC application.
Apply online at www.pawic.com → or call 1-800-942-9467 to schedule your first appointment.
Pennsylvania WIC Agency
Applying for WIC in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers an online pre-application for WIC — one of the more convenient options in the mid-Atlantic region. Go to pawic.com/OnlineApplication.aspx, complete the pre-application form, and your information is automatically sent to the WIC agency in your county. A WIC staff member will contact you to schedule your certification 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.
One thing to know about Pennsylvania: WIC services are delivered by different types of local agencies depending on where you live — county health departments, regional planning commissions, and community action programs all administer WIC in different parts of the state. When a staff member calls to schedule your appointment, they may identify themselves by the name of your county's WIC agency rather than "Pennsylvania WIC." This is normal. The pawic.com online application routes your pre-application to the correct agency automatically based on your address.
To check eligibility before applying, use the USDA WIC PreScreening Tool — linked from pa.gov — which walks through income and eligibility criteria for your household size and category.
Before Your Appointment
- ID for every family member applying — driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID
- Proof of Pennsylvania address — utility bill, lease, or recent mail with your name and address
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs, employer letter, tax return, or Social Security award letter for all household members. If your household receives Medical Assistance (MA), SNAP, TANF, or LIHEAP, bring that enrollment documentation
- For infants and children — birth certificate or hospital record. Bring immunization records if available
- For pregnant women — documentation of pregnancy from a healthcare provider if available
What Happens at Your Appointment
A WIC staff member will review your documents and eligibility. A 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 Pennsylvania WIC Smart Card is loaded with food benefits. Pennsylvania has been implementing telehealth options for certain appointment types — contact your local WIC agency to ask what is available in your county.
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.
Transferring WIC Benefits To or From Pennsylvania
Moving to Pennsylvania from another state? Contact a local Pennsylvania WIC agency and bring your Verification of Certification (VOC) form from your previous state. Moving out of Pennsylvania? Ask your WIC office for a VOC form before you leave. Your Pennsylvania WIC Smart Card only works at authorized vendors within Pennsylvania.
Application FAQ — Pennsylvania WIC
Yes. Pennsylvania offers an online pre-application at pawic.com/OnlineApplication.aspx. Complete the form and your information is automatically sent to the WIC agency in your county. A WIC staff member will contact you to schedule your in-person certification appointment.
Bring photo ID for every family member applying, proof of your Pennsylvania address, and income documentation for all household members. If your household receives Medical Assistance (MA), SNAP, TANF, or LIHEAP, bring that enrollment documentation. For infants and children, bring a birth certificate or hospital record.
Pennsylvania has been implementing telehealth options for certain WIC appointment types. Availability varies by county WIC agency. Contact your local agency to ask what telehealth options are available for your appointments.
If you bring complete documents, WIC approval typically happens the same day as your certification appointment. Your Pennsylvania WIC Smart Card is loaded with food benefits upon approval.
Use the clinic locator at pawic.com or call 1-800-WIC-WINS (1-800-942-9467) to find a WIC clinic in your county. Pennsylvania WIC is delivered through county health departments, regional planning commissions, and community action programs across all 67 counties — your local agency's name may differ from "Pennsylvania WIC," but pawic.com connects you to the right one for your address.
