Georgia WIC Income Limits for 2023

This post is about the Georgia WIC Program, a lifeline that exists for expectant mothers, young children, and breastfeeding women. The WIC program is designed to provide supplemental foods, nutrition education, and crucial support. In this post, we will explain how the Georgia WIC program works, eligibility, and income limits for 2023, and answer the most frequently asked questions.

What is Georgia WIC Program?

The Georgia Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is a vital initiative that aims to support low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to the age of 5, who are identified to be at nutritional risk.

Established in 1974, the WIC Program has proven to be one of the most successful federally-funded nutrition programs in the United States.

WIC offers a range of services, including supplemental nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, and screening and referrals to health and social services.

Georgia WIC services are provided in health departments, community health centers, hospitals, military bases, and the Division of Family and Children Services (DFACS) offices.

There are over 1,400 authorized vendors that are participating in the WIC food delivery system in Georgia.

Who is eligible for Georgia WIC?

To be eligible for Georgia WIC, individuals must meet the following criteria:

Pregnancy

Pregnant women can participate in WIC until six weeks postpartum.

Postpartum

Non-breastfeeding postpartum women may continue to receive WIC services until six months postpartum.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding women can remain on the program for up to one year after delivery if they continue to breastfeed.

Infants

Infants can receive WIC benefits until their first birthday.

Children

Children may be eligible for WIC up to the age of five and must be reassessed for income eligibility annually.

Parent or Guardian (including men) who is the sole provider of children under age five who are at nutritional risk and who are at or below 185% of the federal poverty level

In addition to the above age and stage requirements, participants must also meet the income eligibility criteria.

To be eligible for the Georgia WIC program, participants’ family income must not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level.

Applicants already enrolled in other benefit programs such as Food Stamps, Medicaid, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) automatically meet the income eligibility requirement.

The income eligibility guidelines are updated annually.

Below are the current Georgia WIC Income Limits effective July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024.

Georgia WIC Program
Income Eligibility Guidelines – July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024
Family Size	Gross Annual	Gross Monthly	Gross Weekly
1	$26,973	$2,248	$519
2	$36,482	$3,041	$702
3	$45,991	$3,833	$885
4	$55,500	$4,625	$1,068
5	$65,009	$5,418	$1,251
6	$74,518	$6,210	$1,434
7	$84,027	$7,003	$1,616
8	$93,536	$7,795	$1,799
Each Add’t Family Member, add	$9,509	$793 per month	$183 per week

How to Apply for Georgia WIC

Applying for the Georgia WIC program is a straightforward process. To start the application process, individuals should call 1-888-371-9288 to schedule an appointment at their local WIC clinic. On the day of the appointment, applicants should bring the following documents:

Proof of Identification: Identification for the parent or guardian and the child.
Proof of Income: Verification of income for every working adult in the household or proof of participation in another benefit program.
Proof of Georgia Residence: Documentation showing that the participant lives within the state of Georgia.

During the appointment, a health professional will assess the participant’s nutritional or medical risk to determine eligibility for the program.

Georgia WIC Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Georgia WIC Program:

What is the Georgia WIC Program, and who does it serve?

The Georgia WIC Program is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. It provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, nutritious foods, and referrals to health and social services at no charge to eligible individuals. WIC serves low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to the age of 5 who are identified to be at nutritional risk.

How do I know if I am eligible for the Georgia WIC Program?

To be eligible for the Georgia WIC Program, you must meet the following criteria:

- Be pregnant, breastfeeding (up to one year), or postpartum (up to six months)
- Have children under the age of five years
- Have a family income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Live in the State of Georgia

Additionally, you must provide proof of identification, income, and Georgia residency to determine eligibility.

What are the income eligibility guidelines for the Georgia WIC Program?

The income eligibility guidelines for the Georgia WIC Program are set at or below 185% of the federal poverty level.

These guidelines are updated annually, so it is essential to check the current guidelines on the Georgia Department of Public Health website.

How do I apply for the Georgia WIC Program?

To apply for the Georgia WIC Program, you can call 1-(800) 228-9173 to schedule an appointment at your local WIC clinic.

During the appointment, you will need to bring proof of identification, income, and Georgia residency.

A health professional will assess your nutritional or medical risk to determine eligibility for the program.

You can also apply online through the Georgia Gateway portal. Click here to be taken to the Gateway website.

What services does the Georgia WIC Program provide?

The Georgia WIC Program offers a range of services, including:

1. - Supplemental nutritious foods (e.g., whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, peanut butter, eggs, cheese, yogurt, tofu, and baby foods)
  - Nutrition education and counseling from Nutritionists and Dietitians
  - Breastfeeding promotion and support
  - Screening and referrals to other health, welfare, and social services

How long can I receive WIC services?

The duration of WIC services depends on your category:

- Pregnant women can participate in WIC until six weeks postpartum.
- Non-breastfeeding postpartum women may continue to receive WIC services until six months postpartum.
- Breastfeeding women can remain on the program for up to one year after delivery if they continue to breastfeed.
- Infants can receive WIC benefits until their first birthday.
- Children may be eligible for WIC up to the age of five and must be reassessed for income eligibility annually.

What is Georgia eWIC, and how does it work?

Georgia eWIC is an electronic system for issuing WIC benefits.

Instead of paper vouchers, participants receive their benefits loaded onto an eWIC card. Participants can use the eWIC card at authorized WIC retailers to obtain WIC-approved foods. The eWIC system provides convenience and reduces stigma for participants.

How can I check my Georgia eWIC balance?

To check your remaining eWIC balance, you can:

- Call the Customer Service toll-free number at 1-844-309-5653.
- Visit the Cardholder website available at wicconnect.com.
- Check your balance at an authorized WIC retailer.

Can I appoint a proxy to attend WIC services on my behalf?

Yes, a proxy is a trusted person designated by a WIC participant or their guardian to attend some WIC services when the participant is unable to attend. Proxies must have their personal identification and GA WIC ID folder to access services. They can also pick up vouchers and cash them in the store for the participant.

What happens if I receive a “30-Day Form” from my WIC clinic?

If you receive a “30-Day Form,” it means you have 30 days to bring the missing proof/documentation to your local WIC clinic.

Participants with the form are eligible to receive one month of vouchers.

Once the missing proof/documentation is received, you can pick up the next month’s vouchers.

What age does WIC stop in Georgia?

You can stay in the WIC program for as long as you meet all the eligibility requirements.

Moms who are breastfeeding receive WIC benefits for one year after their baby is born.

Additionally, moms who aren’t breastfeeding receive WIC benefits for six months after their baby is born.

Also, families receive WIC benefits until their child turns five years old.

Georgia WIC Income Limits Summary

We hope this post about Georgia WIC Income Limits was helpful to you!

If you have additional questions about the Georgia WIC, please let us know in the comments section below.

In addition, if you have any questions about the Georgia food stamps or SNAP EBT Program, please let us know.

In the meantime, for more help with your Georgia Food Stamp benefits, check out our other articles here:

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