How to apply for Maine WIC
View the steps to apply for the Maine WIC program. The Maine Department of Health and Human 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 Maine WIC office for assistance.
WIC Prescreening
Before you start the Maine 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
Maine WIC participants receive many benefits from this program. Participants learn about health and nutrition information that is important to their family. ME WIC offers breastfeeding support to nursing mothers. Participants also receive checks to purchase healthy foods. Lastly, if the Maine WIC program cannot answer your questions or you need more information about other services, they can connect you with additional community resources.
Maine WIC Eligibility
The Maine WIC program is open to working and non-working families living in Maine who meet the income guidelines, including migrants working in Maine. Applicants can be any of the following:
- Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or had a baby in the last six months
- Infants and children up to the age of five, including adopted and foster children
- Fathers may apply for their children
To be eligible on the basis of income, an applicant's income must fall at or below 185% of the US Poverty Income Guidelines. A person who receives MaineCare, SNAP, or TANF benefits automatically meet the income eligibility requirement. To view the current guidelines, Maine WIC Income Guidelines.
Applying for WIC in Maine
To start the application process for Maine WIC benefits, call your local WIC clinic and schedule an appointment. Or you can contact the Maine WIC office directly and request to join the ME WIC program.
Why does WIC need to weigh and measure my child?
Your child's height and weight tell them a lot about the child's health. WIC weighs and measures a child regularly. How your child grows over time can identify a concern before it becomes a problem.
Why does WIC need to do a blood test?
Since WIC is a health and nutrition program, they check iron levels in the blood. A low iron level can be an indication of anemia, which is considered a nutrition risk. One of the main requirements for the Maine WIC program.
How long can I be on WIC?
Maine 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 ME 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 Maine 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 Maine 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 ME 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 Maine 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 ME 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.
