How to Apply for WIC in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have a baby or are expecting a child and need financial help, the Texas WIC is a program you should know about.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a federal program that provides nutritional assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five. It provides services such as nutrition education and counseling, supplemental foods, and referrals to health care.

I have worked in community health for the past 12+ years. I have recently worked very closely with WIC clients, so I am familiar with the program, the eligibility benefits offered, and how to find Texas WIC clinics in your area.

This blog post will explain how to apply for WIC in Texas—online or by phone—and what you need to know before you start.

What is WIC?

WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children. It is a federal program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It provides nutritional assistance to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk.

The program offers services such as nutrition education and counseling; supplemental foods; screenings and referrals for health care; immunization screening; breastfeeding promotion; and other community resources.

Who is eligible for WIC?

To be eligible for WIC in Texas, you must be a Texas resident, a pregnant woman, are breastfeeding, you had a baby in the last 6 months, or you are caring for a child younger than 5 years old.

You must also meet income guidelines set by the USDA. Below are the Texas WIC income guidelines that you must meet to get assistance:

• 1 in household – $0 to $2096
• 2 in household – $0 to $2,823
• 3 in household – $0 up to $3,551
• 4 in household – $0 up to $4,279
• 5 in household – $0 up to $5,006
• 6 in household – $0 up to $5,734

What services does WIC offer?

The WIC program offers services like:

• Free baby formula
• Nutrition classes
• Breastfeeding help
• Advice from nutritionists
• A WIC card allows you to buy healthy foods each month.

The specific food benefits include a WIC card that you can use to purchase food from the grocery store each month. You cannot buy any food with your Texas WIC card because it has to be approved by WIC. When you visit the grocery store, the WIC-eligible items are typically marked on the price tag, so you do not get confused.

That being said, WIC considers eligible foods are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy foods like milk products (including soy milk), cheese, and eggs.    

How To Apply For WIC Online  

To apply for WIC online in Texas, you must visit the texaswic.org website. This is the website where you can start your WIC application. After submitting your application online, someone from your local WIC office will call you to schedule an in-person appointment.

Apply For Texas WIC By Phone  

If you cannot apply online, call 800.942.3678  anytime Monday through Friday, 8 am -5 pm CST, to request an application packet. You can also dial this number to ask questions about the WIC program or learn about the status of a recent WIC application that you submitted.

What Is The Texas WIC Phone Number?

Texas’s WIC Program number is 800.942.3678. This number should be called when applying by phone, requesting a packet, or if help with questions concerning eligibility criteria, benefits, etc.  

How Long Does It Take To Qualify For WIC Benefits In Texas?

Whether you apply for WIC online or by phone, it typically takes 30 days to determine your eligibility.

How To Find A WIC Office In Texas?

Visit the WIC website and enter your address, city, or zip code. Once you do this, hit SEARCH, and you will see a map of Texas WIC offices near you. Call the nearest office to ask questions or set up your first WIC appointment. 

Conclusion

To apply for WIC in Texas, visit the Texas WIC website or call them at 800.942.3678.

Being a new mother can be overwhelming with all the responsibilities of caring for a newborn (maybe even a toddler), but the WIC staff members are always supportive.

Working in the same building as a Houston WIC office, I’ve spoken to staff members, and they are incredibly supportive of new mothers and want to help you understand the best formulas for your baby, how to breastfeed, and even help you eat healthy foods.

If you have any questions about how to apply for WIC or where to find a WIC office in Texas, let me know in the comments, and I will be sure to help you out!