This policy memorandum transmits the 2026-2027 Income Eligibility Guidelines (IEGs) for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
The USDA announces adjusted income eligibility guidelines to be used by state agencies in determining the income eligibility of persons applying for WIC.
This memo clarifies state agency flexibility to implement changes to the WIC food packages in ways that support the Trump Administration’s commitment, under the leadership of USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, to encourage healthy choices, healthy outcomes, and healthy families through the federal nutrition programs.
This notice sets forth the interpretation that the U.S. Department of Agriculture uses for the term “Federal public benefit” as used in Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. In doing so, this notice supersedes any prior interpretation in any notice or other document issued by any USDA agency. This notice also describes and preliminarily identifies the USDA programs that provide “Federal public benefits” within the scope of PRWORA.
This policy memorandum transmits the 2025-2026 Income Eligibility Guidelines for WIC that were published in the Federal Register on March 10, 2025.
USDA announces adjusted income eligibility guidelines to be used by state agencies in determining the income eligibility of persons applying to participate in WIC. These income eligibility guidelines are to be used in conjunction with the WIC regulations.
USDA announces adjusted income eligibility guidelines to be used by state agencies in determining the income eligibility of persons applying to participate in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). These income eligibility guidelines are to be used in conjunction with the WIC regulations.
FNS administers the WIC program at the federal level. State agencies are responsible for operating the program in their jurisdictions. This includes determining participant eligibility and providing benefits and services.
WIC is not designed to be a disaster assistance program, and is, therefore, not considered a first response option for disaster survivors. WIC policies allow state agencies flexibility in program design and administration to support continuation of benefits to participants during times of natural or other disasters. WIC state agencies are encouraged to work with state and local emergency services offices, as well as FEMA, to assist participants during a disaster.
You may be eligible now even if you weren't before. WIC is by your side when your family is growing or your situation has changed. Many life changes – from having a baby or becoming a foster parent to experiencing income changes – can affect eligibility.