How to apply for Delaware WIC

View the steps to apply for the Delaware WIC program. The Delaware Health and Social Services 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 Delaware WIC office for assistance.

WIC Prescreening

Before you start the Delaware 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.

What does the WIC program offer

For qualified participants, the Delaware WIC program provides:

  • Nutritious foods to supplement diets
  • Information on healthy eating
  • Breastfeeding support, and
  • Referrals to other healthcare, welfare and social services

Delaware WIC Eligibility

To check Delaware WIC program eligibility, schedule or reschedule your appointment or view the WIC nutrition education modules, visit MyWIC Client Portal. To be eligible for DE WIC benefits you must be:

  • Living in Delaware
  • Pregnant
  • Breastfeeding a baby under 1 year of age
  • A woman who has given birth in the past 6 months
  • An infant or child less than 5 years old
  • Living in a household that meets income guidelines, or
  • Participate in Medicaid, SNAP or TANF
  • At nutritional risk, which is determined by your WIC nutritionist
  • View the Delaware WIC Income Guidelines

Parents, step-parents, guardians, or foster parents may apply for their children who qualify. You do not need to be married or a US citizen to apply and receive Delaware WIC benefits. If you still have questions about the eligibility requirements for Delaware WIC, then contact your local WIC clinic.

Applying for WIC in Delaware

To start the application process for Delaware WIC benefits, call your local WIC clinic and schedule an appointment. If you live in the New Castle County call the Hudson State Service Center. If you live in Kent or Sussex counties, then call the Milford State Service Center.

What you need for your appointment

You need to bring the following information with you to your appointment:

Proof of Income
Income documents for everybody in your family who works or has a source of income:

  • A paycheck stubs
  • A recent tax return, or
  • A letter from your employer

You may be automatically income eligible if you or certain family members participate in:

  • Medicaid
  • TANF
  • General Assistance, or
  • Child Care

Proof of Identity and Residency
You will need to bring documentation such as a driver's license or other photo ID with utility bill, rent receipt, or business letter addressed to you.

Child or Proof of Pregnancy
You will need to bring your baby or children less than 5 years old or a slip from your doctor stating you are pregnant.

How long can I be on WIC?

Delaware 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 DE 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 Delaware 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 Delaware 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 DE 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 Delaware 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 DE 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.