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You may qualify for WIC food assistance under new income rules. Here’s what’s changed

According to new income guidelines, a family of four would qualify for WIC if they earn $59,478 annually, compared to $57,720 in 2024. The income limit is now $49,303 for a family of three to qualify for nutrition assistance, up from $47,767, while a family of two can earn up to $39,128, up from $37,814.

You may qualify for WIC food assistance under new income rules. Here's what's changed
FILE – Cashier Rosa Dilone serves customers at Mi Tierra Supermarket in Hazleton, Pa., on Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Scolforo, File)

According to new income guidelines, a family of four would qualify for WIC if they earn $59,478 annually, compared to $57,720 in 2024. The income limit is now $49,303 for a family of three to qualify for nutrition assistance, up from $47,767, while a family of two can earn up to $39,128, up from $37,814.

More Pennsylvania women and children could be eligible for food assistance following changes to the income requirements for the state’s Women, Infants and Children, aka WIC, nutrition program.

According to new income guidelines that went into effect July 1, a family of four would qualify for WIC if they earn $59,478 annually, compared to $57,720 in 2024. The income limit is now $49,303 for a family of three to qualify for nutrition assistance, up from $47,767, while a family of two can earn up to $39,128, up from $37,814.

A full list of the WIC income guidelines based on family size is available online.

Funded through the United States Department of Agriculture, the program provides nutrition education and access to healthy foods for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding mothers, as well as infants and children younger than 5.

In addition to supplemental healthy foods, the program also provides participants with breastfeeding support, health care and social service referrals.

As of June 2025, a total of 185,499 Pennsylvanians participated in the program, according to the Pennsylvania Bureau of WIC. 

To qualify, participants must meet the income guidelines, have a nutritional or medical need, and live in Pennsylvania.

More information about the income guidelines and the program in general is available here.

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Patrick Berkery
Patrick Berkery Senior Newsletter Editor
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