WIC Income Limits 2026–2027 by Household Size

For most applicants in the 48 contiguous states, Washington, D.C., Guam, and covered territories, WIC's maximum gross-income limit is 185% of the federal poverty guideline. The 2026–2027 limits apply from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, although a state may implement them earlier when coordinating with revised Medicaid guidelines.

Alaska and Hawaii use different, higher limits. Your local WIC agency makes the official eligibility decision.

2026–2027 WIC income chart

The table below shows maximum gross income before taxes and deductions.

Household size	Annual	Monthly	Twice monthly	Every two weeks	Weekly
1	$29,526	$2,461	$1,231	$1,136	$568
2	$40,034	$3,337	$1,669	$1,540	$770
3	$50,542	$4,212	$2,106	$1,944	$972
4	$61,050	$5,088	$2,544	$2,349	$1,175
5	$71,558	$5,964	$2,982	$2,753	$1,377
6	$82,066	$6,839	$3,420	$3,157	$1,579
7	$92,574	$7,715	$3,858	$3,561	$1,781
8	$103,082	$8,591	$4,296	$3,965	$1,983

For each additional household member above eight, add approximately $10,508 annually. Use the official USDA table or contact a clinic for the corresponding monthly and pay-period amounts.

Find a WIC clinic near you to confirm the applicable limit.

Which income amount should you compare?

Compare your household's gross income before taxes and deductions using the pay period that best matches how you are paid.

Income can include wages, tips, Social Security, unemployment, child support, retirement payments, disability benefits, and other countable sources. Some income is excluded under WIC rules.

Do not subtract rent, utilities, childcare, taxes, or debt unless the clinic specifically instructs you to do so.

Who counts as part of the household?

For WIC, a household generally includes people who live together and share income and expenses. This may include relatives and nonrelatives.

The answer can be more complicated for:

Roommates with separate finances
Students away at school
Military members temporarily away
Shared-custody households
Foster children
People temporarily staying in the home

Let the WIC clinic determine the correct household unit.

Does an unborn baby count?

Yes. If someone in the household is pregnant, household size may generally be increased by one for each expected birth.

For example, a pregnant applicant living with a spouse and one child may be evaluated as a household of four. A pregnancy with expected twins may increase household size by two.

What if income changes from week to week?

WIC agencies have procedures for converting or estimating variable income. Bring recent pay information and explain:

Seasonal work
Overtime
Commission
Tips
Self-employment
Reduced hours
A new job
Job loss

Do not average income on your own and assume the result is final.

Do SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF recipients need to meet this chart?

Documented participation may make an applicant adjunctively income eligible. The clinic may not need to compare household income to this table, although the applicant must still meet other WIC requirements.

What if you are just above the chart?

Still contact the clinic. Pregnancy household-size rules, excluded income, recent income changes, state Medicaid coordination, or adjunctive eligibility may change the result.

Read What If My Income Is Too High for WIC?.

Why do some state websites show different figures?

Possible reasons include:

Alaska or Hawaii's separate poverty guidelines
Early implementation coordinated with Medicaid
A page still displaying the previous year's limits
Tribal or state administrative procedures
A table using a different pay period
State use of a permitted lower standard

Check the effective date before relying on any chart.

Frequently asked questions

Are these net-income limits?

No. They are generally gross-income limits before taxes and deductions.

Is the income limit the same in every state?

No. Alaska and Hawaii have different federal figures, and implementation details can vary.

Does a foster child count?

A foster child may be treated as a separate economic unit under WIC rules. Ask the clinic how to document the situation.

Can I qualify with no income?

Possibly, if the other requirements are met. The clinic will ask how the household meets living expenses and may request appropriate documentation.

Official sources

Get an official screening: Find your local WIC clinic.

Independent-site disclaimer: WICProgram.us is an independent directory and informational website. It is not affiliated with USDA, the Food and Nutrition Administration, a state WIC agency, or another government agency. Eligibility rules and application procedures can vary by state. Confirm current requirements with your local WIC clinic.