Can you get WIC if you adopt a baby?

Question

I am about to adopt a baby in an independent adoption. I am by no means rich, even though I have a good job. I know infant formula is way expensive, so I was wondering if anyone knows if you can apply for WIC if the baby is adopted? I live in California.

Answer 1

From what I understand of WIC, it will help you out, but not cover everything you need, so you need some back up plans even if you do qualify.

Perhaps you should consider finding someone who has a membership to a members only warehouse like Sam's Club and see if they will pick up formula for you at a discounted rate. Perhaps there are even other moms in your area who would split cases with you so you do not have to worry about storing it all.

I am assuming you are already aware that you can shop at garage sales, thrift stores and outlet malls for clothing for you and your child, but just in case, I wanted to mention that as a way to save money. I got a number of items for my friend's baby at our local Goodwill store for only $1 or $2 each and the majority of them still looked brand new, some even still had the tags on them and a lot of them were name brand. Also, friends who have had babies in the last few years might be willing to give or loan you things like a stroller, high chair, car seat, crib or play pin. They might also give you clothes that their child has outgrown if they know you are not stuck on everything being brand new.

One other tip I have heard from people is to buy clothes, decor and equipment that is suitable for either gender, so that if you decide to become a parent again, you can reuse a lot of the same things you are using for this child, even if the next child is not of the same sex.

Finally, did anyone tell you about the adoption tax credit? When you file your taxes, be sure to mention it to your preparer and they can explain it to you. This should help you out financially next year.

Answer 2

All those things are based upon your income. I doubt a family of 3 with 80+ hours of work would get WIC etc unless you were both completely minimum wage. If you are adopting from foster care, you get medicaid, regardless of how well off you are. WIC until you finalize the adoption. All foster kids get medicaid and wic. The medicaid usually continues after adoption. If you are doing a private adoption, it would be as if the child was born to you. If your income qualifies, you would get those financial helps. However, private adoption is pretty expensive (~30k) so if your income is low enough to quailfy for those services, you probably won't be able to afford to adopt privately.

Answer 3

You should be able to get WIC for the baby - the only thing is, if you're not breastfeeding or pregnant (which you won't be), then you won't be able to get any WIC supplements for you. As for the baby - you should be able to get WIC (if you meet the income requirements), and it lasts (as long as you remain eligible) until the baby is 5 (after they're a year, you start getting milk, beans, peanut butter, eggs, etc.)

Congratulations, and Good Luck!

Answer 4

Wic goes by income so if you can afford to adopt a child chances are you will not qualify for Wic.

Answer 5

if you can afford to adopt you should be able to afford to buy formula. pretty sure you cant get WIC if you adopt, you never know thou, you could always try...

Answer 6

You can certainly apply--but I suspect that if you can afford to adopt, you make too much money for assistance. Check it out anyway though.

Answer 7

Yes! You can get a lot more fro mthe gov't to for adopting.

Answer 8

Yes of course ,that has nothing to do with it thats your baby!

Answer 9

Yes you can but they do have income guidlines.

Answer 10

if you are adpoting then this child would legally be yours i do not see why you could not apply