How to apply for Utah WIC
View the steps to apply for the Utah WIC program. The Utah Department of Health Division of Family Health and Preparedness 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 Utah WIC office for assistance.
WIC Prescreening
Before you start the Utah 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.
Utah WIC qualifications
In order to qualify for Utah WIC you must meet the Utah WIC Income Guidelines. If you believe you qualify, then call your local WIC clinic and schedule an appointment. The clinic will schedule you for the next available appointment to be certified to participate in the program. Some clinics offer walk-in appointments.
What you need for your appointment
You need to bring the following information with you to your appointment:
Proof of identity
You need to bring proof of identity for yourself and each child to be certified, such as a Driver License, Medicaid Card, Birth Certificate, or Passport. If you cannot bring one of these forms of ID, the clinic can explain other acceptable forms if ID.
Proof of address
You need to bring proof of address, such as a current utility bill with a street address (no PO boxes), or bring a rent or mortgage receipt. This is to verify you live in Utah and within the county served by the clinic.
Proof of income
You need to bring proof of income for each household member who works. You must bring documentation such as check stubs showing your income for the last 30 days. If you receive Medicaid you may bring your Medicaid card as proof of income. You may also bring a letter from Workforce Services showing the amount you receive in SNAP benefits or the Family Employment Program.
You also need to bring Immunization records for your children being certified and you need to bring your children, if they are applying as well. You will be asked to identify your race and ethnicity. This information is for record keeping purposes only and does not affect your eligibility.
WIC will not ask about your immigration status. You do not need to be a legal resident of the US to participate in the Utah WIC program and receive food benefits. Information shared with the WIC clinic staff is kept confidential. At your appointment the WIC staff will:
- Your height and weight will be measured
- A simple screening test of the amount of iron in your blood will be done. If you do not wish to have finger-stick test, some of their clinics have non-invasive methods for checking your iron. Ask the WIC staff for other options
- You will meet with a WIC health professional who will discuss your health and nutrition with you. She will explain the reason you qualify for the program and what foods you will receive. She will also give you simple ideas to improve your family's eating habits. Ask the WIC health professional any questions you might have
- You will receive Utah WIC checks to purchase specific healthy foods at the grocery store. These checks may be redeemed at most stores in Utah
- You will continue to have appointments at the WIC clinic about every three months to receive nutrition education and pick up more checks
How long can I be on WIC?
Utah 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 UT 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 Utah 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 Utah 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 UT 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 Utah 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 UT 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.
