Texas WIC: free food, formula, and breastfeeding support
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a federal nutrition program — not welfare, not a loan, and free to apply. If you're pregnant, postpartum, or have a child under 5, it may cover a meaningful chunk of your grocery and formula bill.
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers (baby under 1), non-breastfeeding postpartum mothers (up to 6 months), infants, and children under 5
- Household gross income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (table below), or
- Automatic qualification: if anyone in your household gets Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you skip income verification entirely — just bring proof of participation
A pregnant woman's household size increases by the number of infants she's expecting. You'll also need a nutritional-risk screening at your free certification appointment — most applicants meet at least one criterion.
Texas WIC income limits (Jul 2026 – Jun 2027)
| Household size | Yearly max | Monthly max |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,526 | $2,461 |
| 2 | $40,034 | $3,337 |
| 3 | $50,542 | $4,212 |
| 4 | $61,050 | $5,088 |
| 5 | $71,558 | $5,964 |
| 6 | $82,066 | $6,839 |
| 7 | $92,574 | $7,715 |
| 8 | $103,082 | $8,591 |
Gross income before taxes. Each additional household member adds $10,508/year. Source: USDA via Texas WIC, effective Jul 1, 2026.
What you actually get
- Infant formula for non-breastfeeding infants — this is the big one; see our formula cost ranking for what you'd otherwise pay
- Food packages: milk, eggs, cheese, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and more, loaded to an eWIC card
- Breastfeeding support and counseling
- Nutrition education and referrals to health services
How to apply in Texas
- Pre-screen at texaswic.org or call 1-800-942-3678 to find your nearest clinic
- Bring: photo ID, proof of income (pay stubs from the last 30 days) or proof of Medicaid/SNAP/TANF, proof of Texas residency (utility bill, lease), and your child's immunization records
- Same-day approval is typical if your documents are complete — benefits start immediately
Free, always. Federal rules prohibit any fee to apply for or participate in WIC. Income limits update each July — this page reflects the Jul 2026–Jun 2027 guidelines, researched Oct 2026.
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