California WIC: how to apply, income limits and what you get
California WIC is run by the California Department of Public Health. Here's how to apply, the 2026–27 income limits, and what you get, from the formula brand to the food list.
Income limits in effect July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 · Checked October 2026
Apply for California WIC
California Department of Public Health
Short answer
How to apply for WIC in California
California WIC is run by the California Department of Public Health. You can apply while you're pregnant; you don't need to wait for the baby.
Call 1-800-852-5770
California WIC starts applications by phone or in person, not online.Go to your WIC appointment
WIC staff set up an in-person or virtual appointment to finish your application and do a free health and nutrition check.
Sources: California Department of Public Health; USDA Food and Nutrition Administration; USDA Food and Nutrition Service; California Department of Public Health, WIC Division. Data as of October 2026.
- Program
- California WIC
- Run by
- California Department of Public Health
- Phone
- (800) 852-5770
- Apply online?
- No, by phone or in person
- Official page
- California WIC
California WIC income limits for 2026–27
California uses USDA's WIC income limits for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027: 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. Find your household size, then the column for how often you're paid. Phones show annual and monthly; wider screens show every pay period.
| Household | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,526 | $2,461 |
| 2 | $40,034 | $3,337 |
| 3 | $50,542 | $4,212 |
| 4 | $61,050 | $5,088 |
| 5 | $71,558 | $5,964 |
| 6 | $82,066 | $6,839 |
| 7 | $92,574 | $7,715 |
| 8 | $103,082 | $8,591 |
| Each extra person | +$10,508 | +$876 |
Gross income means before taxes. A pregnant woman counts each unborn baby, so a single mom-to-be expecting one baby is a household of two. For more than 8 people, add the "each extra person" amount for each additional member.
Sources: USDA Food and Nutrition Service (Federal Register); USDA Food and Nutrition Administration. Data as of October 2026.
What WIC gives you in California
Healthy foods on an eWIC card (fruits and vegetables, baby food, milk, eggs, beans, cheese and more), nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health care and community services, at no cost. Many WIC clinics offer breastfeeding peer counselors, and some WIC clinics provide or rent breast pumps to participants who cannot get one through insurance or Medicaid.
Infant formula
Enfamil (milk-based); Similac Soy Isomil (soy)
Benefit card
California WIC Card
Approved foods
California WIC food list
Sources: USDA Food and Nutrition Service; California Department of Public Health, WIC Division; USDA Food and Nutrition Administration; USDA WIC Breastfeeding Support. Data as of October 2026.
Breastfeeding help and pumps
WIC offers breastfeeding support, and some clinics provide or rent breast pumps to participants who can't get one through insurance or Medicaid.
Why one formula brand
Each state WIC agency awards one infant formula rebate contract to the manufacturer offering the biggest discount, so WIC's standard formula depends on your state. As of July 2026, Abbott (maker of Similac) held the contract in 39 states and DC and Mead Johnson (maker of Enfamil) in 11. If your baby needs a different formula for a medical reason, ask your WIC office.
Who qualifies for WIC in California
You need to live in California, meet the income rule (or get Medicaid, SNAP or TANF), and be in one of these groups.
| Who | How long |
|---|---|
| Pregnant | Through the pregnancy |
| Postpartum, not breastfeeding | Up to 6 months after the pregnancy ends |
| Breastfeeding | Up to the baby's first birthday |
| Infants | Birth to first birthday |
| Children | Up to their fifth birthday |
On Medicaid, SNAP or TANF in California?
If you or the children in your care get Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, you may already meet WIC's income rule and do not need to show income under the limit.
Does your unborn baby count?
If someone in your household is pregnant, you may increase your household size by one for each expected birth.
Questions about California WIC
What is the California WIC income limit for 2026–27?
From July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, California WIC uses USDA's income limits: gross household income at or below $29,526 a year for one person, $40,034 for two, $50,542 for three and $61,050 for four. That's 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. Count each unborn baby in your household size.
How do I apply for WIC in California?
Call 1-800-852-5770. Staff then set up a WIC appointment, in person or virtual, to finish your application and do a free health and nutrition check.
What formula does California WIC give?
California WIC's standard formula is Enfamil (milk-based); Similac Soy Isomil (soy). California WIC has two contracts: Enfamil for milk-based formulas and Similac for soy.
What is the California WIC card called?
California WIC calls it the California WIC Card. Your food benefits load onto it, and you pay with it at WIC-approved stores.
Can I get WIC in California if I'm on Medicaid?
If you or the children in your care get Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, you may already meet WIC's income rule and do not need to show income under the limit.
Can I get a breast pump through California WIC?
Maybe. Some WIC clinics provide or rent breast pumps to participants who can't get one through insurance or Medicaid, so ask your WIC office. Also check whether California Medicaid or your health plan covers one.
More for California families
Sources
- 1.California WIC (state WIC page) California Department of Public Health. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 2.California WIC: state agency contact USDA Food and Nutrition Administration. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 3.Infant Formula Contracts in WIC: current contract holders by state agency (page updated July 30, 2026) USDA Food and Nutrition Service. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 4.WIC Contract Infant Formula (Formula Transition) California Department of Public Health, WIC Division. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 5.The California WIC Card and WIC App California Department of Public Health, WIC Division. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 6.California WIC Shopping Guide 2026 California Department of Public Health, WIC Division. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 7.WIC: 2026/2027 Income Eligibility Guidelines (91 FR 23050, Apr. 29, 2026) USDA Food and Nutrition Service (Federal Register). Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 8.WIC Eligibility USDA Food and Nutrition Administration. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 9.WIC Benefits USDA Food and Nutrition Administration. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 10.How to Apply for WIC (state agency contacts) USDA Food and Nutrition Administration. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 11.Finding a Breast Pump USDA WIC Breastfeeding Support. Accessed October 9, 2026.
- 12.WIC Benefits for your Baby (standard formulas offered) Texas Health and Human Services, Texas WIC. Accessed October 9, 2026.
Something out of date? Send us a correction with the source.