Illinois Department of Human Services announces WIC income change guidelines

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS(KBSI) – New parents and families in the state of Illinois may now be approved for the WIC program.

A program that serves around 6.6 million people each month in the U.S. through nutritional benefits.

The Illinois Department of Human Services has announced new eligibility requirements for the WIC program.

This move extends eligibility for more families throughout the state. 

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program that helps families, moms, babies and children up to age 5 receive the nutrition they need at no cost to them and funded through the USDA. Those eligible will receive a WIC card with the benefits on it to purchase only WIC approved items such as baby formula and fresh fruits and vegetables. Now a family of 4 can make close to $60,000 a year and still qualify for the program. Thats a $10,000 increase from last year.

Shawnna Rhine is the Outreach Coordinator for the Southern Seven Health Department of Southern Illinois. She says WIC may now be an option for families who were previously denied because of income.  

“We usually see an income requirement each year especially this year since were starting to monitor what’s going on with the SNAP program as well as other benefits throughout our region” says Rhine. “So, for anyone who’s concerned about those programs or maybe they’re a new parent or just looking for additional resources WIC may be the program that helps your family to live better and stay healthy.” 

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services approximately 165,000 families use WIC each month in the state of Illinois and nationally WIC serves almost half of all infants in the U.S. Showing the program plays a significant role in infant nutrition. 

Now App user Georgia Bommarito says she’s seen firsthand the benefits WIC can have.

“Thats opening the doors for a lot more families that need help especially with just how expensive groceries and formula and everything is these days. I personally know people who have used WIC and I know that it’s really made a difference in their families and even with just having formula covered takes a huge weight off. So, I think it’s a really smart move and its helping meet people where they are” says Bommarito. 

What to know:

-A family of four can now make up to $59,478 and still qualify for WIC.

– If your family qualifies for SNAP or Medical assistance you’re atomically approved for WIC and should apply.

-WIC provides nutrition to mothers, infants, and children up t0 age 5 including breast feeding support and services.

You can contact the Southern Seven Health Department for more additional information and questions at 618-634-2297.

For more details on who can receive WIC IDHS: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).