Federal Funding Update

California WIC is open.

On November 12, 2025, the United States Congress passed a bill that provides full funding for the WIC program through September 30, 2026.

Families should continue to use their WIC benefits and attend their WIC appointments. WIC continues to serve families in California without any disruptions.

For the latest information and guidance on WIC services, visit the MyFamily website.

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WIC for Military Families

WIC helps military families get healthy foods, feeding
guidance and parenting resources.

Supporting service members and their families

Military families serve our country in many ways, and WIC is here to support you in return. Frequent moves, deployments, and changing schedules can make it harder to keep up with benefits and services. WIC helps families through these changes by offering healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and connections to local resources.

Wherever military life takes you, WIC moves with you.

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See if WIC is right for your family.

Whether you are active duty, in the Guard or Reserve, a veteran, or part of a military-connected household, WIC can be a helpful resource for your family.

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Who qualifies?

See if your family qualifies for WIC services.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about WIC for military families.
Visiting WIC office

Find a WIC Office

Search for WIC offices near your base or community.
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Military OneSource

Find official resources for service members and families, including WIC locations.

Watch a story.

From young airman to WIC leader.

When Lantrel first entered the Air Force, he and his wife Jessica were expecting their first child. WIC was one of the first programs they signed up for. Years later, Lantrel found himself supporting families through the very program that once supported his own.

Watch More Stories
Family at home services

What WIC offers military families

WIC services meet the needs of growing and active military families:

Family qualifies for WIC
Use our WIC Eligibility Calculator to see if your family may qualify.

The Eligibility Calculator does not reflect all income factors for military families. The best way to see if you qualify is to contact your local WIC agency.

Does my family qualify for WIC?

Many military families are surprised to learn they can get WIC. You may still qualify for WIC even if your family receives Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) or Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS). WIC offers services to:

  • Active duty service members
  • Guard or Reserve members
  • Military spouses
  • Veterans and their families

You or your family members may qualify for WIC if anyone in your household:

  • Is pregnant
  • Just recently had a baby
  • Recently experienced a pregnancy loss
  • Is breastfeeding
  • Cares for a child under age 5
Counselor with participant

Need to connect in person? Find a WIC office near you.

Use our WIC office search to find locations in California. Military families can also search through Military OneSource to find WIC offices on or near their base, including overseas.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can military families get WIC?

    Yes. Many military families qualify, even with active-duty income. When your eligibility is reviewed, certain types of military pay, such as Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), are not counted. WIC staff use your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES) to check your household income, so you may qualify even if you think your income seems high. The best way to know is to contact your local WIC office and ask about your family’s needs.

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  • Who can get WIC?

    You can get WIC if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a child under age 5. Parents, guardians, and grandparents can apply for WIC benefits for eligible children. If you experience a pregnancy loss, you can continue receiving WIC benefits for up to 6 months. You can continue to get support during recovery.

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  • Can fathers or guardians apply for WIC?

    Yes. If you are a father, grandparent, or guardian caring for a child under age 5, you can apply for WIC. If you and your child qualify for WIC, you can receive and use WIC benefits.

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  • How does moving affect my WIC benefits?

    Your WIC benefits are available wherever you move. If you plan to relocate to another state or overseas, ask your WIC office for a Verification of Certification (VOC) before you move. The VOC makes it easier to continue your WIC benefits in your new location. Even if some information on your VOC is missing or incomplete, your WIC office will still provide food benefits right away and help get any missing details from your previous WIC office.

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  • How do I apply for WIC?

    To apply, contact your local WIC office to make an appointment. You can search for an office on the MyFamily WIC website or by using the Military OneSource Installation Locator. WIC staff will guide you through the process and answer your questions.

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  • What documents will I need when I apply?

    You will be asked to provide proof of identity (such as a military ID or driver’s license), proof of income (such as LES pay stubs), and proof of residence (such as a housing document or utility bill). Your WIC office will let you know what to provide so you are ready for your appointment.

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  • Where can I find the nearest WIC office?

    You can find WIC offices on many bases, in nearby communities, and in overseas locations. Use the Military OneSource Installation Locator to find a WIC office closest to you.

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  • What types of foods will I get with WIC?

    With WIC, you can receive fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, beans, peanut butter, baby food, and more. If you or your children have dietary needs, you may be able to get substitutions such as lactose-free or soy milk. Your WIC office will give you a list of approved foods and show you how to use your benefits.

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  • What else does WIC offer?

    With WIC, you also get breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and health screenings. Staff can connect you with military and community resources, such as childcare programs or health care providers. WIC is a welcoming place where families of all kinds can get support and connect with others. Many of our WIC offices host events and group sessions so parents and caregivers can meet and connect.

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  • What if my schedule changes because of training or deployment?

    WIC is flexible and understands military life. You may be able to have appointments by phone or video if you cannot attend in person. If you know a deployment or move is coming, talk with your WIC staff about planning ahead so your benefits continue smoothly.

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  • What happens if I am stationed overseas?

    If you are assigned overseas, you may be able to use the WIC Overseas Program. Instead of an EBT card, you receive food vouchers to use at commissaries and exchanges. You can still get healthy foods and nutrition support while serving outside the United States. Contact your local WIC office to make an appointment or ask WIC staff. They will guide you through the process and answer your questions.

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  • How do I keep WIC when I return to the United States from overseas?

    Before you leave your overseas post, ask your WIC office for a Verification of Certification (VOC). Bring this document to your new WIC office in the U.S. so your benefits can continue without delay. With a VOC, you won’t need to start the process over again.

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Page Last Updated: December 8, 2025

© 2024 California Department of Public Health, Women, Infants and Children Program

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