The New Hampshire WIC program helps low-income women, children and infants access food and vital nutrients. This federal aid program, also known as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, is offered in every state. To receive benefits, applicants must meet the WIC qualifications as determined by the state. Upon approval, candidates receive access to healthy food options, nutrition education, health and social services as well as breastfeeding support. At-risk infants and children also receive formula, supplements and other goods that promote proper growth.

Although this is a federal program, states can add some additional eligibility requirements and conditions. Specific WIC benefits vary between states, including certain types of approved foods. Nevertheless, each state is responsible for following basic federal requirements in addition to state guidelines. To learn more about the program and all requirements, continue reading the sections below.

What are the WIC requirements in New Hampshire?

Before enrolling in NH WIC, individuals must meet the specific eligibility conditions set forth by the state and federal government. Eligible applicants must meet residency, income and health requirements to qualify for the program. WIC eligibility is confirmed during an in-person appointment at one of the state’s clinics. There are also age and health requirements for infants and children, and a health worker must confirm that they have a medical or nutritional need that can be met by the program.

All candidates must attend an interview at a clinic near them. They are required to submit documents that prove they meet all the eligibility requirements. During the appointment, a health official will verify the information on the application by reviewing these documents. If you are unsure who qualifies for WIC or need more information about requirements in your state, you can find 0ut more by downloading our comprehensive guide.

How to Apply for WIC in New Hampshire

To receive benefits through the program, you must complete a WIC application in-person at one of the offices in the state. If you are a low-income pregnant, breastfeeding or postpartum woman, you may use the pre-screening tool for WIC online to see if you are eligible before visiting a clinic. All formal applications are processed at the office; the pre-screening tool is not an official application. If you are wondering, “Where can I find a WIC office near me?” there are several clinics located around the state. You may apply for the program at a clinic that serves your area.

Another part of the application process is the interview, which is a face-to-face appointment with a program worker at one of the state’s clinics. The case worker reviews your eligibility for the program by confirming the information you submit with the application. You must call the WIC number of your nearest clinic to schedule an appointment time, although some offices may offer online appointment requests. You must bring several documents to your appointment, including:

• Proof of identity, like a birth certificate or passport.
• Proof of income, like a W-2 form or paystub.
• Proof of residency, like a utility bill or mortgage document.

For more details on how to apply in your state, make sure to download our free informative guide.

What can you get with WIC in New Hampshire?

The WIC program in New Hampshire gives low-income women and children the opportunity to purchase vital food and nutritional supplements to maintain good health. However, food items are not the only benefits of the program. Approved candidates receive access to several different health and social services as well as thorough nutrition education. For breastfeeding mothers, WIC provides support and education about the subject.

Only certain foods and items are covered by the program. The NH WIC office releases a comprehensive list of approved food items each year. Benefits may be used toward the purchase of meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, baby food, formula and cereals.

The state is currently in the process of switching from WIC checks to an electronic benefits card (EBT). Like a debit card, the EBT card can be swiped at participating retailers around New Hampshire. Please note that the program does not cover every type of food. You must understand what is WIC approved and what is not before you use your benefit card. You will be responsible for the remaining balance of your grocery bill after the EBT card covers the approved items.

How to Prepare for a WIC Appointment in New Hampshire

The WIC appointment process is an integral part of the approval process. All applicants are required to schedule an appointment at one of the clinics around the state. During the interview, a health worker will review identification documents and perform health screenings for each applicant to determine whether they are at risk of nutritional deficiencies. At the WIC interview, applicants must provide documents that prove:

• Residency (such as utility bills or rental lease).
• Income (such as a tax form or pay stub).
• Identity (such as a birth certificate or Social Security card).

The New Hampshire WIC office requires everyone who benefits program to provide the documents listed above, including your children. Note that everyone benefitting from the program must also appear in person at the appointment with you. Each applicant will be screened to determine his or her needs.

If you forget to bring any of these documents, your application may be delayed or denied by the clinic. To keep yourself organized, separate your documents from your children’s.

How to Check Your WIC Balance in New Hampshire

WIC checks in New Hampshire are slowly being converted into electronic vouchers. The electronic benefits card (EBT) can be used at approved grocery stores and retailers around the state. Like a debit card, it contains a specific balance determined after the appointment. This WIC balance reveals the total benefit amount per family, not per person.

Checking your WIC balance is as simple as locating the amount at the bottom of your most recent grocery receipt. Each time you shop, the food you purchase is deducted from the total monthly balance. You can use your benefits in more than one shopping trip, but any remaining benefits expire at the end of the month.

The EBT card works with a personal identification number (PIN). Protect your card and keep this PIN private. If your card is lost, damaged or stolen, contact a WIC office immediately to deactivate it. You may apply for a replacement card at your local clinic.