WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) provides food benefits, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under age 5 in Indiana. Unlike some assistance programs, Indiana does not have a statewide online WIC application. To apply, you need to contact a WIC clinic in your county and schedule a certification appointment, either in person or by phone. This guide walks through Indiana's income limits, eligibility rules, required documents, and the step-by-step application process.
What Is WIC and Who Qualifies in Indiana
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program administered in Indiana by the Indiana Department of Health. It is not the same as SNAP (food stamps). WIC provides specific food packages, such as infant formula, milk, eggs, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables, along with nutrition counseling and referrals to healthcare and social services.
To qualify for WIC in Indiana, you must meet three requirements:
- Categorical eligibility. Someone in the household must be pregnant, postpartum (up to six months after birth, or up to one year if breastfeeding), an infant, or a child under age 5.
- Residential eligibility. You must live in Indiana. There is no minimum length of residency required.
- Income eligibility. Household income must fall at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, or the household must already participate in Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF.
Fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and other legal guardians can apply on behalf of an eligible child. Both working and unemployed families can qualify, and there is no requirement to be a U.S. citizen. Immigration status is not verified for WIC eligibility.
Indiana WIC Income Limits 2026
Indiana uses the federal WIC income eligibility guidelines, set at 185% of the federal poverty level. The current guidelines took effect in 2026 and apply through June 30, 2027. These are gross income limits, meaning income before taxes and deductions.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $29,526 | $2,461 |
| 2 | $40,034 | $3,336 |
| 3 | $50,542 | $4,212 |
| 4 | $61,050 | $5,088 |
| 5 | $71,558 | $5,963 |
| 6 | $82,066 | $6,839 |
| 7 | $92,574 | $7,715 |
| 8 | $103,082 | $8,590 |
For each additional household member beyond 8, add approximately $10,508 to the annual limit.
If your household already receives Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, you are automatically income-eligible for WIC and do not need to submit separate proof of income. This is one of the fastest ways to qualify, since your caseworker or clinic can verify enrollment electronically in most cases.
Documents You Need to Apply
Bring the following to your WIC certification appointment in Indiana:
- Proof of identity for the applicant (parent or guardian) and the person applying for benefits, such as a driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate for a child
- Proof of Indiana residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or piece of official mail showing your current address
- Proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, a tax return, or an award letter, OR proof of current enrollment in Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF
- Immunization records for children applying for benefits, if available
- Medical or health information, if the applicant has a specific health condition relevant to nutrition risk
If you are pregnant, bring documentation of your pregnancy or due date from a healthcare provider. If you do not have every document on hand, contact your local clinic. Many clinics can still schedule an appointment and work with you to verify what is needed.
How to Apply for WIC in Indiana: Step by Step
- Find your local WIC clinic. Indiana runs a statewide network of 174 WIC clinics across all 92 counties. Visit in.gov/health/wic to search for the clinic nearest you, download the INWIC mobile app, or call the WIC information line.
- Call to schedule a certification appointment. Call 1-800-522-0874, or call your local clinic directly, to set up an in-person or phone appointment. Appointments are typically available within a couple of weeks, though wait times vary by county.
- Complete the application and interview. At your appointment, a WIC staff member will review your household information, income, and categorical eligibility. For most applicants, this includes a brief health screening, such as height, weight, and a finger-stick blood test to check for anemia.
- Receive your eligibility determination. If you qualify, you will be certified for WIC on the spot in most cases. Certification periods generally run up to one year for children and postpartum women, and through pregnancy plus six weeks postpartum for pregnant women.
- Get your eWIC card and food package. Indiana issues WIC benefits on an eWIC card, which works similarly to a debit card at approved grocery stores and retailers. You will receive a personalized list of approved foods based on your specific nutrition needs.
- Attend follow-up appointments. WIC requires periodic follow-up visits, typically every few months, to renew certification and receive continued nutrition education.
There is no cost to apply and no cost to participate in WIC. You also do not need to be denied for another program before applying for WIC.
What If You Are Denied or Need to Reapply
If your income exceeds the limit or you no longer have an eligible household member, such as a child who turns 5, your WIC eligibility will end at your next certification period. Indiana WIC clinics will typically notify you before your certification expires so you can decide whether to reapply or transition to another program, such as free and reduced school meals or SNAP.
If you disagree with an eligibility denial, you have the right to request a fair hearing through the Indiana WIC Program. Ask your clinic staff about the appeal process, or contact the state WIC office directly.
Indiana WIC Clinic Locations and Contact Options
Indiana does not process WIC applications online, but there are several ways to reach a clinic:
- Website: in.gov/health/wic for a clinic locator by county
- Phone: 1-800-522-0874 (statewide WIC information line)
- Email: inwic@health.in.gov with your county or ZIP code
- Mobile app: the INWIC app, available for iOS and Android, for benefit balances and appointment reminders
Because clinics operate at the county level, hours, appointment availability, and walk-in policies vary. Larger counties like Marion, Lake, and Allen tend to have multiple clinic sites, while smaller counties may have one location with limited hours.
If you already receive other Indiana assistance, such as Medicaid or SNAP through the Healthy Indiana Plan, your caseworker may be able to refer you directly to WIC. You can learn more about other Indiana assistance programs at /states/indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for WIC in Indiana?
Most applicants complete their certification appointment and receive a decision the same day. Scheduling the appointment itself can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on clinic availability in your county.
Can I apply for WIC in Indiana online?
No. Indiana does not currently offer a statewide online WIC application. You must contact a local WIC clinic to schedule a certification appointment, either in person or by phone.
Does WIC check my bank account or assets in Indiana?
No. WIC eligibility in Indiana is based on gross income and household size, not on bank account balances or other assets. There is no asset test for WIC.
Can working families qualify for WIC in Indiana?
Yes. WIC eligibility is based on income relative to household size, not employment status. Many working families with incomes up to 185% of the federal poverty level qualify.
What foods can I buy with WIC benefits in Indiana?
Approved WIC foods typically include infant formula, milk, cheese, eggs, whole grain bread and cereal, fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, and beans. The specific list depends on your household's nutrition assessment and is loaded onto your eWIC card.
Do I automatically qualify for WIC if I have Medicaid in Indiana?
If you or your child are enrolled in Medicaid, you are automatically considered income-eligible for WIC. You will still need to meet the categorical requirement, such as being pregnant or having a child under 5, and complete a certification appointment.
What is the difference between WIC and SNAP in Indiana?
WIC provides specific food packages targeted at pregnant women, infants, and young children, along with nutrition education, and requires an in-person clinic appointment. SNAP provides broader food purchasing benefits for eligible households of any composition and can be applied for through the FSSA Benefits Portal.
Can fathers or grandparents apply for WIC benefits for a child?
Yes. Any parent, stepparent, foster parent, or legal guardian can apply for WIC benefits on behalf of an eligible infant or child, and can attend the certification appointment.
