How to apply for Kentucky WIC
View the steps to apply for the Kentucky WIC program. The Kentucky Department of Public 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 Kentucky WIC office for assistance.
WIC Prescreening
Before you start the Kentucky 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 Kentucky WIC program provides:
- Nutrition education and services
- Breastfeeding promotion and education
- A monthly food prescription of nutritious foods, and
- Access to health-care services
Applying for WIC in Kentucky
To start the application process for Kentucky WIC, contact the Kentucky WIC office or your local WIC clinic. You will be asked to provide proper ID, proof of residence and information about your household income to help determine if you meet the Kentucky WIC program guidelines. Most applicants are eligible for WIC who receive KTAP, food stamps or Medicaid, or:
- Pregnant or have a pregnant woman or infant who receives Medicaid, or
- Have a member of your family who receives KTAP, or
- Have a household income at or less than 185 percent of poverty
- View the Kentucky WIC Income Guidelines
Successful applicants will be given a simple health and diet screening to assess nutritional or health needs.
How long can I be on WIC?
Kentucky 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 KY 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 KY 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 Kentucky 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 KY 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.
