WIC Program Eligibility

The Erie County PA WIC program is specifically intended to assist low to middle-income mothers and caregivers and their children with pressing nutritional needs.

The Erie County PA WIC program is open to:

  • Pregnant women
  • Breastfeeding women, for up to one year postpartum
  • Non-breastfeeding postpartum women
  • Infants and children under 5 years old (includes foster/guardianship children) 

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Income Guidelines

Eligibility also requires residents to meet WIC's income guidelines, which the federal government sets at 185% at or below the poverty level based on household size. Individuals must also have a medical/nutritional risk that is assessed and determined at the WIC certification appointments.

Income eligibility standards are effective for certifying all new applicants, and for recertifying current participants at the time of their next certification on or after July 1, 2023. The expected number of babies is counted in the family size for WIC and Medical Assistance (MA). 

Current income guidelines for Healthy Beginnings (HB) and Healthy Beginnings Plus (HBP), are the same as WIC income guidelines. Refer potentially eligible individuals to these programs.  

*Please note that the MIS (PENN) will only consider the annual figure when calculating income, and the monthly figure is just an approximation. 

*Gross income is also used when determining eligibility.

Household Size *Monthly (Approx.) *Annual Welfare 185% HB & HBP
1 $2,248 $26,973 $26,973
2 $3,041 $36,482 $36,482
3 $3,833 $45,991 $45,991
4 $4,625 $55,500 $55,500
5 $5,418 $65,009 $65,009
6 $6,210 $74,518 $74,518
7 $7,003 $84,027 $84,027
8 $7,795 $93,536 $84,027
For each additional person, add: $793 $9,509 $9,509

Apply for WIC

Get access to free nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, education, counseling, and more.