The Connecticut WIC Program offers nutritional support to families across the state. It is designed for expecting mothers, nursing parents, and those raising young children. Understanding how CT's WIC services work helps you access valuable resources for your family's health and budget.

This guide explains WIC eligibility and the application process. We will also cover using your benefits while shopping and how WIC works with other state programs, including SNAP.

What is the Connecticut WIC Program?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides healthy foods and support services. In Connecticut, the program is run by the Department of Public Health and serves families in all eight counties, helping to build a strong nutritional foundation for children.

Participation in WIC is linked to better health for mothers and their children. Studies show it contributes to healthier pregnancies, improved infant development, and promotes long-term wellness by establishing healthy dietary patterns early in life.

Benefits Available Through Connecticut WIC

• Supplemental food assistance: Participants receive monthly benefits on an eWIC card to buy specific healthy foods like milk, eggs, and fresh produce at authorized grocery stores.

• Personalized nutrition services: Registered dietitians and nutritionists offer one-on-one counseling and education tailored to your family’s needs, helping you make healthy choices.

• Health assessments and screenings: WIC provides regular health and growth monitoring for children, along with screenings for iron deficiency, to track their development and well-being.

• Breastfeeding support: The program offers counseling, peer support, and resources to help mothers successfully breastfeed. This includes access to lactation consultants and support groups.

• Community connections and referrals: WIC connects families to other vital services. These can include healthcare providers, immunization clinics, and other social support programs available in your community.

WIC Eligibility for Connecticut WIC

WIC serves families in many different situations. Eligibility is often broader than people realize, extending to working families and those with private health insurance who meet the specific program guidelines.

Who Qualifies for Connecticut WIC

• Pregnant individuals throughout their pregnancy.

• Postpartum individuals up to six months after delivery.

• Breastfeeding parents up to one year after delivery.

• Infants and children up to their fifth birthday.

Fathers, grandparents, foster parents, and legal guardians can apply for WIC benefits on behalf of children in their care. The caregiver does not need to meet the income guidelines, but the child must.

Connecticut WIC Income Requirements

To qualify, your household's gross income must be at or below 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. You are automatically income-eligible if you or your family members participate in SNAP, Medicaid (HUSKY Health), or Temporary Family Assistance (TFA).

When counting your household size, be sure to include unborn children. For example, a pregnant person with no other children is counted as a household of two.

Nutritional Risk Assessment

A nutritional risk assessment is the final step. It is a simple health check-up with a WIC nutritionist to confirm a need for nutritional support. This is required for all applicants.

The assessment includes basic measurements like height and weight, and sometimes a blood test for anemia. You will also discuss your family's diet and medical history. Most applicants who meet the income requirements are also found to have a nutritional risk.

How to Apply for WIC in Connecticut

To apply, you must first schedule an appointment at your local WIC clinic. You can find your nearest office through the CT Department of Public Health. If you bring all the required documents, you may be certified and receive benefits on the same day.

Required Documentation for Your Connecticut WIC Appointment

• Proof of Identity: You must bring ID for yourself and each family member applying. This can include a driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, state ID, or hospital records.

• Proof of Connecticut Residency: You need one document showing your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mail from another government agency works. A CT driver's license with your current address is also acceptable.

• Income Documentation: If you are not on SNAP, Medicaid, or TFA, you must prove your income. Bring recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or self-employment records. Documentation for other income sources like child support is also needed.

Many clinics now accept digital copies of documents on your phone. However, it is best to call your local WIC office ahead of your appointment to confirm their policy on digital versus paper copies.

The Connecticut WIC Application Process

Your WIC appointment will follow several steps to complete your enrollment. The entire process is designed to confirm eligibility and set up your family with the right nutritional support.

1. Complete the application: A WIC staff member will help you fill out the necessary forms with your household information.

2. Nutritional assessment: You and your children will meet with a nutritionist for a brief health screening, including height and weight checks.

3. Nutrition education: You will receive personalized nutrition counseling or participate in a short educational activity. This is a required part of the program.

4. Package assignment: Based on the assessment, the nutritionist will assign a specific food package tailored to your family’s needs.

5. eWIC card issuance: Once certified, you will receive your eWIC card. Your monthly food benefits will be loaded onto this card.

Maintaining Your Connecticut WIC Benefits

To keep your benefits active, you must attend follow-up appointments, typically every two to three months. You will also need to complete a nutrition education activity periodically, which can often be done online or in person.

Your eligibility must be renewed at the end of your certification period. This requires a new appointment to verify your income and nutritional risk. Certification periods vary by participant category.

• Pregnant individuals: Certified for the entire pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum.

• Breastfeeding parents: Certified for up to one year after giving birth, usually in six-month intervals.

• Non-breastfeeding postpartum individuals: Certified for up to six months after giving birth.

• Infants and children: Certified for six months to one year at a time, with recertification required until their fifth birthday.

Reporting Changes to Connecticut WIC

You must contact your local WIC office if your family’s circumstances change. Keeping your information updated prevents any disruption in your benefits. Promptly report the following situations.

• Changes to your address or phone number.

• If you become pregnant.

• A new baby or child joins your household.

• Your breastfeeding status changes (starting or stopping).

• Your household income increases or decreases significantly.

• You start or stop receiving benefits from SNAP, Medicaid, or TFA.