Illinois WIC Office

The Illinois WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program is handled by the Department of Human Services. This state agency can help you with questions or issues with WIC including how to apply, what is required to be eligible for Illinois WIC benefits or if you need to schedule an appointment. If you will be meeting with the Illinois Department of Human Services, we suggest you verify what documents you should bring with you to make sure they have all the information they need to help determine your eligibility. This page provides the Illinois WIC office number and office hours.

The Illinois WIC program aims to assist low-income and nutritionally at risk women who are pregnant, women who are currently breastfeeding (up to infant's 1st birthday), nonbreastfeeding postpartum women (up to 6 months after the birth of an infant or after pregnancy ends), infants (up to 1st birthday) and children up to their fifth birthday. Benefits that are provided to participants through the Illinois WIC program includes supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, counseling at WIC clinics, screening and referrals for other health reasons, welfare and social services.

If you are planning to move out of state, Illinois WIC participants can still receive their benefits until the certification period expires as long as there is proof that they received WIC benefits in Illinois. Before you move, it is recommended that you contact the local WIC office. In most cases, the state agency will provide you with a special card that proves you participated in the Illinois WIC Program. When you have moved, the next step would be to call the WIC office in the state you moved to and schedule an appointment. Make sure to bring the special card to your appointment to show proof you received benefits from the Illinois WIC program.

Do I need an appointment to apply at an WIC Illinois office?

The Illinois WIC office locations require you to have an appointment to apply onsite. This is the rule, no matter where you live in the state. First, you need to find a Women, Infants and Children (WIC) office near you. Then, you need to contact the facility directly to schedule a WIC appointment. When you come to the office to apply for WIC, make sure you bring all of your dependents with you. Program caseworkers cannot accept your application unless all members of your household are present for the appointment.

Can anyone apply for WIC in Illinois?

The Illinois WIC program can only extend benefits to certain applicants. The WIC office can only offer services and support to petitioners who are in financial need. Beyond this requirement, applicants must be:

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Women who have recently given birth.
• Infants.
• Birth or foster children who are younger than five years of age.

What do I need to apply for WIC in Illinois?

When you report to one of the WIC program Illinois locations, you will need to bring specific documents with you. The WIC representative will tell you what to bring for your appointment when you call and schedule the meeting. However, you can generally prepare for your WIC benefits interview by gathering:

• Proof of your family’s income.
• Official ID documents for you and every member of your family included in your application.
• Immunization records for your children.