Applying for WIC??

Question

I think I make too much for WIC, but it is very hard for me to afford everything for me and my son. I am in the process of getting child support, but he is dragging out the process. I make ok money, but the formula and everything is just too much. My question is, when you apply for WIC, do they take into account your expenses? Because before taxes and everything taken out, I make over the guidelines, but I get $600 a month taken out for childcare and that puts me below the limit. Any ideas??

Answer 1

The best way to know for sure, is to call your local WIC office and get the info straight from them. They will tell you what you need to bring with you to the appt. to confirm income, address, marital/custody status, etc. and can tell you exactly which parts of your income you are required to claim and/or prove.

I would also suggest considering relactation. I knew a mom who only breastfed for the first two weeks or so, but her baby got sick at 6 months with recurrent ear infections. She worked really hard for about the next 2 months at relactating, but eventually did get a decent milk supply back, and only had to supplement a couple of bottles of formula a day.

I also knew a woman who started off with formula, let her milk "dry up" (although it was never 100% gone), and then had a change of heart about 6 weeks later. She was able to get a full milk supply back in just a few weeks.

The thing that helped them the most was a Supplemental Nursing System. See the links below for an example/explanation. They can allow you to give your baby the formula supplements they need while suckling at the breast to stimulate milk production. This can eliminate the need for bottles and let baby satisfy all of their sucking needs at the breast.

This may not be something you would choose, but the option is there and may save you a LOT of money in the long run, in addition to being healthier for both baby *and* you. :)

Best of luck!

Answer 2

I am not sure if it differs between states.... but I know that in my state, they do take your expenses in to consideration. They also will help you with the raising of your child if you are going thru the divorce. They know that is stressful on you. I would try calling your Wic office and asking these questions. They usually can tell you right over the phone whether or not you would qualify. Good luck!

Answer 3

To be eligible on the basis of income, applicants' gross income (i.e. before taxes are withheld) must fall at or below 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. They don't take into account expenses.

Here's a chart:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

Answer 4

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/default.htm

Income Requirement
To be eligible for WIC, applicants must have income at or below an income level or standard set by the State agency or be determined automatically income-eligible based on participation in certain programs.

Income Standard The State agency's income standard must be between 100 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines (issued each year by the Department of Health and Human Services), but cannot be more than 185 percent of the Federal poverty income guidelines.
Automatic Income Eligibility Certain applicants can be determined income-eligible for WIC based on their participation in certain programs. These included individuals:
-- eligible to receive Food Stamps, Medicaid, for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF, formerly known as AFDC, Aid to Families with Dependent Children),
-- in which certain family members are eligible to receive Medicaid or TANF, or
-- at State agency option, individuals that are eligible to participate in certain other State-administered programs.
(Go to that website)

Answer 5

they dont care at all. infact we only get 1500 a month but they put down every thing we get before taxes, tricare, BAH, and all that stuff...we still qualified but i would suggest using coupons, apply for them online. also the first answer is true, you can always try to reproduce your milk supply, pump it and use that. dont forget to eat right and talk to your dr about the birth control you are on since it can affect your baby. just get a breast pump and pump everytime your baby eats. about a month or so (depending on how long ago you had the baby) your milk will come in. in fact men can produce milk, im not kidding. i still make milk after i stopped breast feeding 5 months ago.

Answer 6

When you go apply for WIC just let them know what you have left over after you pay bills and all that ut you'll have to show proof of income and all that. So if I was u i'd make a appt. anyway and give it a try. I made nearly 400 and still got it but after a year you'll have to reapply.

Answer 7

They did not take anything into account in Ohio. We had twins and it was REALLY expensive to feed/diaper them and could have used a little help but we made about $100 too much a month according to their charts and they would not budge.

Answer 8

No they dont take out for daycare. They figure it at the amount before taxes I do believe .

Answer 9

Relactate. Its free.

They don't take anything into account. Even with a $3200 mortgage we didn't qualify.

Answer 10

if your a single mother - you will qualify, and they really dont check how much you actually make