Half the outdated pages online still show last year's numbers. These are the limits the USDA published in the Federal Register in April 2026, in force since July 1, 2026 — the ones your clinic is actually using today.
The official table (48 states, D.C. and territories)
| Household size | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,526 | $2,461 | $568 |
| 2 | $40,034 | $3,337 | $770 |
| 3 | $50,542 | $4,212 | $972 |
| 4 | $61,050 | $5,088 | $1,175 |
| 5 | $71,558 | $5,964 | $1,377 |
| 6 | $82,066 | $6,839 | $1,579 |
| 7 | $92,574 | $7,715 | $1,781 |
| 8 | $103,082 | $8,591 | $1,983 |
| Each additional | +$10,508 | +$876 | +$203 |
Alaska and Hawaii use higher limits — check with your local clinic or the USDA notice. Income means gross (before taxes), and states may set limits between 100% and 185% of poverty, though most use the maximum shown here.
The two rules that change everything
- Pregnancy adds to household size. A pregnant woman counts as at least 2 people (some states count each expected baby). A single pregnant woman uses the household-of-2 line: $40,034, not $29,526.
- Adjunctive eligibility: if you or certain household members receive Medicaid, SNAP or TANF, you automatically meet WIC income rules — the table above stops mattering. Since pregnancy Medicaid reaches 278% of poverty in some states, many families "over" the WIC line still qualify this way. See the eligibility guide.
What counts as income — and what proof to bring
- Wages before deductions, self-employment net income, unemployment, child support and alimony received, and most regular payments.
- Proof: recent pay stubs, a benefits letter, or last year's tax return. No documents? Tell the clinic — a sworn statement is generally accepted as a last resort, and you usually get 30 days to bring proof after enrollment.
- Your "household" is everyone you live with and share income and expenses with — related or not.
Slightly over the line? Read this before giving up
- Recount the household: pregnancy (+1 or more), a new baby, or a relative who moved in all raise the limit by $10,508 each.
- Check Medicaid: pregnancy Medicaid limits are far higher than WIC's in most states — qualifying there qualifies you for WIC automatically.
- Income dropped recently? Clinics can assess current income rather than last year's — bring your most recent stubs.
Frequently asked questions
Is WIC income counted before or after taxes?
Before taxes (gross income). That surprises many applicants — but remember the pregnancy household bump and the Medicaid shortcut before ruling yourself out.
Do my baby's father's earnings count if we live together?
If you live together and share expenses, yes — he is part of the economic household. If he lives elsewhere, only the support he actually pays you counts.
Did the limits go up for 2026-2027?
Yes — the table adjusts every July with the federal poverty guidelines. A family of 4 went from $59,478 to $61,050. If you were denied under the old table and are close, it is worth reapplying.