How to apply for Hawaii WIC
View the steps to apply for the Hawaii WIC program. The Hawaii Department of Health administrates WIC in the state including the application process. View the steps below to see if you qualify, and if so, what you need to do to apply. If you still have questions or issues about the application process, you can contact the Hawaii WIC office for assistance.
WIC Prescreening
Before you start the Hawaii WIC application process, you can use the online prescreening tool to see if you qualify. Please note, this tool is not considered an application. You will still need to follow the application process for this state. It takes about 15 minutes to complete the prescreening tool.
Applying for WIC in Hawaii
To apply for Hawaii WIC benefits you need to call and setup an appointment with your local WIC clinic. For Oahu WIC services, call 586-8175. For neighboring islands, call toll free at 888-820-6425.
What you need for your appointment
You need to bring the following information to your appointment:
Bring a referral form filled out by your Health Care Provider or you may fill out the referral form if you do not have a Health Care Provider. Click here to print copy of the WIC Referral Form.
Bring proof of income for everyone who works in the household. One of following:
- Pay stub
- Leave Earning Statement (LES)
If you receive benefits such as Quest, TANF or food stamps, then you already meet the Hawaii WIC Income Eligibility Requirements.
You need to being proof of identity:
- Driver's license
- State ID
- Birth Certificate
Bring proof of Hawaii residence:
- Driver's license
- State ID
- Military Housing Documents
- Your household utility bill
- Bring your baby or children who need WIC
- Bring your baby's or children's immunization shot record
To qualify for Hawaii WIC benefits you must be either a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman, or have children under 5 years old who have nutritional needs, meet federal income guidelines and be a resident of Hawaii. View the Hawaii WIC Income Guidelines.
Hawaii WIC Portal
If you currently receive Hawaii WIC benefits, you can now log into the Client Portal to view your benefits, schedule or reschedule appointments and view your nutritional goals. To access the portal, click here.
How long can I be on WIC?
Hawaii WIC is considered to be a short-term program. A person receiving benefits "graduates" once their certification period ends. The certification period is the length of time a person is eligible to receive HI WIC benefits. Depending on the applicant's condition, either pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or an infant/child, an eligible person will usually receive these benefits for up to 6 months to a year. Once they have reached the end of that time, they must apply for Hawaii WIC again if they want to continue using it.
WIC waiting list
In some cases, if the state agency does not have enough money to serve everyone who needs WIC, they must keep a list called a waiting list. This contains a list of individuals who want to apply for the Hawaii WIC program and are likely to be served. The state agency will then use a special system, called a Priority System, that will allow them to determine who is eligible to receive HI WIC benefits next once more people can be served.
The reason for this priority system is to make sure that services and benefits are available right away to participants who need it most, which are people with serious health conditions such as anemia (low blood levels), history of pregnancy problems or being underweight.
Planning to move
Anyone currently on Hawaii WIC that is planning to move, including out of state, can continue receiving WIC benefits until their certification period expires. In order to do that, they must provide proof that they are receiving benefits when they move to their new location. In most cases the staff will provide you with a special card called the Verification of Certification Card (VOC).
To obtain proof, contact your current HI WIC clinic to let them know your plans. When you move, you will need to call your local WIC clinic near your new location and schedule an appointment so you can show them the proof. Make sure to take the special card with you to the appointment to show proof.
