WIC Income Limits 2026 â Federal Poverty Guidelines
WIC uses 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL) to determine income eligibility. The specific dollar thresholds are set each year by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and applied uniformly across all WIC state agencies.
How WIC Calculates Income
WIC uses gross household income (before taxes and deductions) and compares it to 185% of the current federal poverty guidelines. All household members' income is counted, regardless of whether they will be WIC participants.
Already on SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, or FDPIR?
You automatically qualify for WIC on income â no income documentation required. Just bring proof of your SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, or FDPIR enrollment to your appointment.
Pregnant? You count as two.
If you're pregnant, your unborn child counts as a household member â you start at household size 2 instead of 1. Carrying multiples? Count each baby. This often moves a household into a more favorable income bracket and can mean the difference between qualifying and not qualifying.
WIC Income Limit Table 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). | ||
What Counts as Income
WIC counts the following as gross household income:
What Does Not Count as Income
The following are excluded from WIC's income calculation:
Automatic Income Eligibility
Already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, or FDPIR?
Your household is automatically income-eligible for WIC through a federal policy called "adjunctive eligibility." You do not need to document or disclose your income â bring proof of your SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, or FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) enrollment to your WIC appointment instead. Tribal members enrolled in FDPIR qualify on the same terms.
State Variations
A small number of states set income limits below 185% FPL, though most use exactly 185%. To find the specific income limit in your state, select your state below or view your state's WIC page.
Income limits are based on federal poverty guidelines.
Select your state to confirm any state-specific income limit variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
WIC uses 185% of the federal poverty level as its income limit. The specific dollar amount depends on your household size and is updated each year. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you automatically meet WIC's income requirement. See the income limits table above for current figures.
WIC uses gross income â your income before taxes and deductions. This is the total amount earned or received, not the amount that ends up in your bank account after taxes.
Yes. Receiving SNAP satisfies WIC's income eligibility requirement through a policy called adjunctive eligibility. You will still need to meet WIC's other requirements (categorical eligibility, residency, and nutritional risk), but you do not need to separately document your income.
Yes. WIC counts the gross income of all household members, including a spouse or partner. The WIC income limit is applied to total household gross income compared against the poverty guideline for your household size.
If your income has recently changed, contact your WIC agency as soon as possible. If your income exceeds 185% FPL and you do not receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you may no longer be income-eligible. However, income changes are reported at recertification â your current certification period typically continues even if income changes mid-period.
