How to apply for Massachusetts WIC
View the steps to apply for the Massachusetts WIC program. The Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts WIC office for assistance.
WIC Prescreening
Before you start the Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts WIC eligibility
You can participate in the Massachusetts WIC program if you:
- Live in Massachusetts
- Have a nutritional need
- Are a child under 5, a new mom, or a pregnant or breastfeeding woman
- Have a family income less than Massachusetts WIC Income Guidelines
You are automatically income eligible for MA WIC if you currently receive:
- MassHealth/Medicaid insurance plans
- SNAP
- TAFDC or cash assistance
Applying for WIC in Massachusetts
You can apply for the Massachusetts WIC benefits online or by phone. To apply online please fill out the online form. Make sure you provide a valid phone number so a representative can contact you with information on how to complete the process. To apply by phone, you would need to call your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment. If you cannot find a clinic nearby, then call 800-942-1007 and schedule an appointment.
What you need for your appointment
For your appointment at the WIC clinic, you need to bring the following information:
- Proof of current household income
- Proof that you live in Massachusetts
- Proof of identity
Talk to the staff at the clinic if you are having problems bringing any of the above information. All information shared with WIC is confidential.
Massachusetts eWIC System
WIC participants can now use the MA eWIC system. This replaces paper checks or vouchers with a Massachusetts WIC EBT (Electronic benefit transfer) card. So when you go to purchase WIC approved foods at your local grocery store, you would hand your MA WIC EBT card to the cashier and they will swipe it like a normal debit or credit card. From there the POS system will deduct the amount from your WIC balance.
Also, instead of having to go to your local WIC clinic each month to get more paper checks or vouchers, the system will electronically refill your Massachusetts WIC EBT card.
Check MA WIC EBT Card Balance
You can check your WIC EBT card balance in 3 easy ways:
- Check your last store receipt
- Go to the Customer Service Desk at your grocery store
- Download the WIC Shopper app to your smart phone
What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?
Call the Massachusetts WIC office right away. They will stop anyone from using your food benefits and help you get a new card.
How long can I be on WIC?
Massachusetts 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 MA 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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 MA 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 Massachusetts 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 MA 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.
