The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in West Virginia, administered by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Bureau for Public Health, Office of Nutrition Services (ONS), provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals to low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 at nutritional risk. This guide details the WIC income guidelines West Virginia, eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process, based on federal and DHHR guidelines, supporting families amid rising food costs.
West Virginia WIC Programs
West Virginia WIC serves over 37,000 participants monthly, offering:
- Supplemental Foods: EBT benefits for nutritious foods like milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula at authorized retailers.
- Nutrition Education: Sessions on healthy eating and breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding Support: Peer counseling, pumps, and lactation services.
- Healthcare Referrals: Links to medical and social services.
- Special Initiatives: Increased fruit/vegetable vouchers and outreach in rural counties.
WIC is an entitlement program with no enrollment caps, requiring recertification every 6–12 months. The 2025 WIC income guidelines West Virginia expand eligibility due to updated Federal Poverty Level (FPL) thresholds, potentially serving an additional 4,600 families.
Eligibility for West Virginia WIC
Eligibility for WIC in West Virginia depends on categorical, income, and nutritional risk criteria:
- Categorical Eligibility: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers (up to 1 year postpartum), postpartum women (up to 6 months post-delivery), infants (up to 1 year), or children under 5.
- Residency: Must live in West Virginia.
- Income: Gross household income at or below 185% FPL per the WIC income guidelines West Virginia. Automatic eligibility applies for Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF recipients.
- Nutritional Risk: Assessed by a WIC clinic health professional (e.g., anemia, poor growth, inadequate diet).
- Immigration Status: U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, or qualified immigrants.
Automatic Eligibility: Households enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid qualify without income verification. Pregnant women count unborn children as household members. Use the WIC Eligibility Calculator to check your status.
WIC Income Guidelines West Virginia 2025
The WIC income guidelines West Virginia for 2025, effective July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026, set eligibility at 185% FPL for the contiguous U.S. Below are the maximum gross income limits.
| Household Size | Annual Income (185% FPL) | Monthly Income (185% FPL) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $2,413 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $3,260 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $4,109 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $4,957 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $5,805 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $6,652 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $7,500 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $8,348 |
| Each Additional | +$10,175 | +$848 |
Additional Notes on WIC Income Guidelines West Virginia
- Gross Income: Includes wages, self-employment, unemployment, child support, alimony, Social Security, and pensions. No deductions for child care or dependent care.
- Automatic Qualification: Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF enrollment bypasses income verification. Military families may include Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).
- Pregnant Women: Unborn children count as household members (e.g., single pregnant woman uses household of 2: $3,260/month).
- 2025 Updates: The WIC income guidelines West Virginia reflect a slight increase from 2024, potentially aiding 4,600+ more families. Check your FPL percentage with the FPL Calculator.
Nutritional Benefits for West Virginia WIC
West Virginia WIC provides monthly EBT benefits for use at authorized retailers (e.g., Walmart, Kroger), supporting healthy diets.
Food Benefits by Category
| Participant Category | Monthly Benefits |
|---|---|
| Pregnant/Postpartum Women | $11 cereal, 4 gal milk, 1 lb cheese, 1 dz eggs, $10 beans/peanut butter, $47 fruits/vegetables (CVB), 24–32 oz formula (if not breastfeeding). |
| Breastfeeding Women | Same as pregnant, plus $52 fruits/vegetables (CVB); no formula for fully breastfeeding. |
| Infants (0–12 months) | 8–10 lb cereal (6+ months), 24–32 oz formula, baby food (fruits/vegetables, 6+ months). Fully breastfed get jarred foods. |
| Children (1–5 years) | $6 cereal, 2 gal milk, 1 lb cheese, 1 dz eggs, $5 beans/peanut butter, $9 fruits/vegetables (CVB), 64 oz juice. |
- Cash Value Benefit (CVB): $9/month for children, $47/month for pregnant/postpartum, $52/month for breastfeeding (increased in 2021).
- Average Benefit: $50–$100/person, costing West Virginia ~$30 million annually.
- Non-Food Benefits: 6–12 nutrition education sessions/year, breastfeeding support (pumps, counseling), and healthcare referrals.
Nutritional Risk Requirements
A WIC clinic health professional assesses nutritional risk, requiring at least one factor:
- Medical Risks: Anemia, under/overweight, gestational diabetes.
- Dietary Risks: Inadequate iron, calcium, or protein intake.
- Growth Risks: Failure to thrive, obesity in children.
- Other Risks: Lead exposure, substance abuse history.
Screening is free, involving height/weight checks and blood tests (e.g., for anemia). No risk? Limited education/referrals may be available.
Changes Due to Federal Policy
2025 federal updates enhance West Virginia WIC:
- Increased CVB: Permanent $9/month for children (up from $6).
- Postpartum Coverage: Extended to 12 months (from 6), aligning with Medicaid.
- Equity Enhancements: Remote certification and outreach in rural Appalachia.
- Funding: $500 million nationally for staffing and technology.
Options if Over the WIC Income Guidelines West Virginia
If income exceeds 185% FPL:
- SNAP: Up to 130% FPL gross income ($1,734/month for 1); apply at snapeligibilitycalculator.com.
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): For seniors 60+ at 130% FPL.
- Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program: $20–$50 vouchers for WIC-eligible families.
- Free Nutrition Resources: DHHR offers diet planning tools.
- Nutrition Consultants: Assist with budget-friendly healthy eating.
Application Process
To apply for West Virginia WIC:
- Online Pre-Screening: Check eligibility at dhhr.wv.gov/wvdhhr/ons/Pages/default.aspx.
- In-Person: Schedule at one of 50+ WIC clinics. Call 1-800-642-8584 or use the DHHR clinic locator.
- Required Documents: Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return), identity/residency (ID, utility bill), health records. Bring household members for screening.
- Certification: Includes height/weight, blood test, and risk assessment. Approval is immediate if eligible; EBT benefits start same day.
Processing Time
- Initial Application: Same-day certification with complete documents.
- Recertification: Every 6 months (pregnant/breastfeeding) or 12 months (children).
- Expedited: Immediate for high-risk cases (e.g., low birthweight infants).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for WIC in West Virginia?
Pre-screen at dhhr.wv.gov/wvdhhr/ons/Pages/default.aspx or call 1-800-642-8584 for a clinic appointment. Bring income, ID, and health records.
What are the 2025 WIC income guidelines West Virginia?
Up to 185% FPL: $2,413/month (1 person), $3,260/month (2), $4,109/month (3), $4,957/month (4). Medicaid/SNAP recipients auto-qualify.
Does West Virginia WIC have asset limits?
No, WIC income guidelines West Virginia focus solely on gross income and nutritional risk.
What qualifies as a nutritional risk for WIC?
Anemia, poor growth, inadequate diet, or high-risk pregnancy, assessed free at clinics.
What if my income exceeds the WIC income guidelines West Virginia?
Explore SNAP, CSFP for seniors, or Farmers’ Market vouchers. DHHR offers free nutrition resources.
What benefits does West Virginia WIC provide?
EBT for foods (milk, eggs, produce), $9–$52/month CVB, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals.
This guide is based on 2025 federal and West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources guidelines. Verify details with DHHR WIC for accuracy.