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Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Questions

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1. Can I use coupons to make a more expensive food the least expensive one?

Yes, you can.

2. Can I get a free item if it’s “buy one, get one free”?

Yes, you can as long as both items are WIC approved.

3. My baby comes off WIC when he turns one year old, right?

The baby can be re-certified at age one and can stay on until age five with certifications every six months.

4. If I miscarry can I still get WIC?

You can stay on as a WIC participant for six months past the date of miscarriage.

5. Can we get Farmer’s Market checks more than one time?

No, the $16 per WIC participant is good for the whole Farmers Market season but is given only one time.

6. Does my baby always get the same amount of formula even though he’s getting bigger?

A full formula package is 8 or 9 cans depending on the size of the can and the type of formula and you are expected to buy extra formula because WIC is supplemental program.

7. What do I do when I run out of formula?

Check the food banks or see if you qualify for Food Stamps, local churches and other community resources.

8. Do I have to come to WIC every month?

Depending on the age of your child, or if there are concerns about yourself or your child’s weight or health, it could be beneficial to come in monthly - but most of the time monthly visits are not necessary.

9. Can I have anyone be my proxy to grocery shop for me?

Yes, that person is chosen by you.

10. Can someone else bring my child to a WIC appointment and pick up my checks?

Yes, with a note of permission from you. If that person lives in the home and helps care for the child that person does not need a note. The person that is coming in to pick up checks will need to show identification.

11. Can I buy organic milk with my WIC checks?

Yes, if it is the least expensive milk at the store.

12. I’m going out of town for six weeks, how can I get my baby’s formula?

WIC checks can be cashed in any town in Montana that accepts WIC checks but Montana WIC checks cannot be cashed out of state.

13. What should I do if my husband is in the USAF and our family is being transferred overseas?

WIC is available overseas and it is very easy to transfer your WIC with a Verification of Certification (VOC) that we will print for you in our office before you leave.

14. Why can’t I get the ‘Old Fashioned’ oatmeal in the round box?

It does not meet the WIC nutritional standards.

15. You ask for my proof of residency, what do I bring?

Bring your power bill, land line, cable bill, or rental lease agreement with your current address on it. A general piece of mail will not work.

16. What do you mean by proof of income?

This means all income coming into the household (this means every person in the household) in which you live, including child support, unemployment benefits, and all revenue from your job. It has to be the most recent pay stubs for the last month. School loans don’t count. If you are living off your savings, you must bring in a bank statement showing the withdrawals. 

Income needs to be brought to each certification unless we have seen it in the last 60 days. Proof of income is critical for re-certification and you will be rescheduled if not provided. It is also helpful to know if you get paid biweekly or twice a month. If you are self employed you can bring your most recent tax return. If you qualify for Medicaid or TANF, they will automatically qualify you for WIC.

17. Do you use gross or net income?

Yes, we use gross income.

18. What if I have a lot of credit card debt?

Your deductions and payments are not taken into consideration.

19. Do I have to make appointments?

You can, and we have walk in days on Monday from 8 am to 5 pm and Thursdays from 9 am to 6 pm.

20. Do I need a proof of identification to come to WIC?

Yes, you will need a picture ID, social security number, and your name on the ID has to match your current name. If your name changes you will need to bring in a marriage license or a divorce decree.

21. Do I have to bring in my green packet to each WIC visit?

Yes, this is where you keep your WIC checks and where we will write your appointments and anything you need to bring to your next visit.

22. What happens if I lose my checks?

Checks cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.

23. Does my baby have to be weighed when they come to WIC?

Babies do not have to weighed every time but always be prepared to change your baby into a dried diaper and be prepared to feed your baby as some appointments take longer.

24. Do I have to attend classes?

No, but WIC is a nutrition education program and we will visit with you about your individual concerns.

25. Do I have to bring my child to the appointments?

Children do have to be brought to appointments periodically. Check the front of your green packet and it will tell you.