How to apply for Rhode Island WIC
View the steps to apply for the Rhode Island WIC program. The Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island WIC office for assistance.
WIC Prescreening
Before you start the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island WIC program can help:
- Learn healthy choices and lifestyles
- Connect with needed services and medical care
- Support with breastfeeding
- Understand making healthy food choices for your family
- Screen for health, growth, and development
- Prepare your child for life long success
Rhode Island WIC Eligibility
Eligible women who are pregnant, breastfeeding a child under one year old and postpartum women who delivered a baby within six months, children birth to five years old and their caregivers (moms, dads, grandparents, foster parents, or guardians) whose household meets income guidelines. View the Rhode Island WIC Income Guidelines to see if you meet the income requirements.
Applying for WIC in Rhode Island
To get the application process started for RI WIC benefits, call your local WIC clinic and schedule an appointment. At the appointment the WIC staff will determine if you are eligible to receive Rhode Island WIC benefits. If you miss or need an appointment, or have a question, call your local WIC Office listed above or call the RIDOH Information Line 401-222-5960.
How long can I be on WIC?
Rhode Island 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 RI 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 RI 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 Rhode Island 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 RI 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.
