How To Apply For WIC In Maine
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also know as WIC, is a program that is designed to help low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children 5 years old or younger who are at nutritional risk. The Maine WIC program accomplishes this by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information that can help provide healthy eating options including breastfeeding, and referrals to health care. If you are looking to know how to apply for WIC in Maine, then read the information provided below.
Who can apply for the Maine WIC Nutrition Program?
WIC is open to anyone living in Maine, including migrants working in Maine. Applicants can be any of the following:
- Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or had a baby in the last six months
- Infants and children up to the age of five, including adopted and foster children
- Fathers may apply for their children
How do I apply for WIC benefits?
Getting WIC benefits is simple. Call your nearest WIC office to make an appointment. Your first appointment will take about an hour of your time – an hour that can benefit you and your children for the rest of your lives. Find out if you are eligible for the WIC program by using the WIC pre-screening tool.
WIC Contact Information:
Phone: (207) 287-3991
In-state Toll Free:
1-800-437-9300
TTY: Maine relay 711
Fax: (207) 287-3993
Email: wic.maine@maine.gov
Who is eligible for the WIC Nutrition Program in Maine?
Pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age 5 are eligible. They must meet income guidelines, live in Maine, and be individually determined to be at "nutrition risk" by a health professional.
To be eligible on the basis of income, applicants' income must fall at or below 185 percent of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines (currently $44,863/year for a family of four). A person who receives MaineCare, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits automatically meet the income eligibility requirement.
WIC Income Guidelines
| Number of Person(s) in Household | Annual | Monthly | Bi-Weekly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,978 | $1,832 | $846 | $423 |
| 2 | $29,637 | $2,470 | $1,140 | $570 |
| 3 | $37,296 | $3,108 | $1,435 | $718 |
| 4 | $44,955 | $3,747 | $1,730 | $865 |
| 5 | $52,614 | $4,385 | $2,024 | $1,012 |
| 6 | $60,273 | $5,023 | $2,319 | $1,160 |
| 7 | $67,951 | $5,663 | $2,614 | $1,307 |
| 8 | $75,647 | $6,304 | $2,910 | $1,455 |
| Each Additional Household Member Add: | +$7,696 | +$642 | +$296 | +$148 |
If you are pregnant, count yourself as two household members. Individuals who are certified as eligible for MaineCare, TANF or SNAP are considered automatically income-eligible for WIC.
What is "nutrition risk?"
Two major types of nutrition risk are recognized for WIC eligibility:
- Medically-based risks such as anemia, underweight, overweight, history of pregnancy complications, or poor pregnancy outcomes
- Dietary risks, such as failure to meet the dietary guidelines or inappropriate nutrition practices
Nutrition risk is determined by a health professional such as a physician, nutritionist, or nurse, and is based on Federal regulations. This nutrition assessment is free to program applicants.