How to apply for Florida WIC
View the steps to apply for the Florida WIC program. The Florida 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 Florida WIC office for assistance.
WIC Prescreening
Before you start the Florida 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.
Florida WIC Eligibility
Florida WIC is a nutrition program for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or who have recently been pregnant, have infants or children under the age 5. The program provides the following benefits:
- Healthy foods
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Breastfeeding support
- Referrals to health care, immunizations, and community services
To be income eligible for Florida WIC benefits you must have a total household income equal to or less than the amounts shown in the Florida WIC Income Guidelines, or you are automatically income eligible if you are currently receiving Medicaid, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), or Food Assistance. Please note, it is not required to be on public assistance to qualify for Florida WIC.
Applying for WIC in Florida
To start the application process for Florida WIC benefits, you need to first find your local WIC clinic and call to schedule an appointment. Or you can call toll free at 800-342-3556 and tell them you want to apply. At your visit, the WIC staff will review your information to see if your household income, medical and nutritious status qualify you for the Florida WIC program.
What you need for your appointment
The first appointment is called the certification visit. Below is a list of items you will need to bring with you to this visit:
- Bring each family member who is applying to receive FL WIC services
- Bring proof of all gross income (before taxes) for everyone in the household
- Bring one proof of where you live (PO boxes not allowed)
- Bring one proof of identification for you and each infant and child applying
- Bring the WIC Medical Referral Form (If available from your doctor)
- Bring the SSN (Social Security Number) for each person applying (If available)
- Bring immunization records for each child (If available)
Florida WIC EBT Card
Florida now uses the eWIC system for all participants. Instead of using paper checks or vouchers, participants now use a Florida WIC EBT (Electronic benefit transfer) card when purchasing WIC approved foods at their local grocery store. When checking out, they give the card to the cashier and they will swipe it like a credit or debit card.
From there, the amount will automatically be deducted from your WIC balance. If you have a FL WIC EBT Card and have questions or problems using your card, call customer service at 866-629-1095.
Check Florida WIC EBT Card Balance
To check the current balance on your FL WIC EBT card, you can call customer service at 866-629-1095, or check it online at EBTEdge.com. If there is a WIC EBT Point of Sale (POS) machine at the store, you can also slide your card and enter your PIN to get your balance.
Can Florida WIC EBT cards be used in another state?
No, you can use your WIC EBT card only at approved stores in Florida. Browse through our list of Florida WIC approved stores in your area.
What should I do if my EBT card is lost or stolen?
Call Customer Service at 866-629-1095 immediately to cancel your card. You will need the name of the authorized representative, their date of birth, and their zip code to cancel the card. After you report your lost or card stolen, the card will no longer be able to be used even if it is returned to you later. You will need to call your local WIC clinic and go in to get a replacement card.
How long can I be on WIC?
Florida 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 FL 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 Florida 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 Florida 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 FL 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 Florida 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 FL 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.
