Difference Between SNAP and WIC Programs
If you are a member of a low-income family, you know that putting food on the table can be difficult.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are federally-funded programs meant to help families like you.
Are WIC and SNAP the Same Thing?
While both WIC and SNAP share the same goal of improving health and nutrition for low-income families, they are ultimately two separate programs.
WIC focuses on pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women, infants, and children up to age five. Based on their situation, it allows the recipient to get:
- Breastfeeding education and support
- Screening referrals to other health, welfare, and social services
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Supplemental nutritious foods (chosen based on nutritional value and USDA standards, e.g. cereal, milk, cheese, eggs, juice, beans, peanut butter, and infant formula)
- A WIC card, similar to a debit or credit card, to purchase food at authorized WIC grocery stores
SNAP is designed to help all low-income households, regardless of age or family status, by providing funds for purchasing groceries each month. Previously known as the food stamps program, it grants a monthly dollar amount on a preloaded Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card for the purchase of food. This monthly amount is predetermined by the total income of the recipient household.
As they are two separate programs, receiving benefits from one program does not bar you from receiving benefits from the other, provided that your household meets eligibility requirements.
What Foods Can You Buy With WIC vs. SNAP?
Both WIC and SNAP help families buy nutritious food, but there are key differences in what you can purchase with each program.
| Food Category | WIC (Restricted List) | SNAP (General Grocery Purchases) |
|---|---|---|
| Fruits & Vegetables | Fresh, canned, or frozen (must meet USDA standards) | Any fresh, frozen, canned, or dried produce |
| Dairy Products | Milk, cheese, yogurt, and infant formula | Any dairy product, including butter and ice cream |
| Proteins | Eggs, beans, peanut butter, canned fish | Any meats, poultry, seafood, beans, tofu, nuts |
| Grains | Whole wheat bread, cereal, tortillas, pasta | Any grains, including white bread and snack foods |
| Beverages | 100% fruit juice (limited selection) | Any non-alcoholic beverage |
| Baby Food & Formula | Approved formula and baby foods | Any baby food, formula, or infant snacks |
Key Takeaway: WIC only covers specific foods chosen for their nutritional value, while SNAP allows more flexibility in food choices.
For a full list of WIC-approved foods, visit:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic
Eligibility Requirements for SNAP and WIC
SNAP and WIC have different eligibility requirements, owing to the different target recipients and benefits awarded by each program.
To be considered eligible for SNAP, you must meet the prescribed gross and net income limits for your household size.
This limit may be higher in certain circumstances, such as households with elderly or disabled members. If each member of your household is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or other general assistance, you may be considered “categorically eligible” for SNAP, as you are already eligible for other income-based assistance programs.
To be considered eligible for WIC, you must belong to one of the following categories:
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- Non-breastfeeding postpartum women
- Infants
- Children
In addition, if you or other members of your household receive benefits such as TANF, Medicaid, or SNAP, you can be automatically considered income-eligible for the program through WIC’s “adjunctive eligibility.”
For more specific information regarding each program’s eligibility requirements, continue reading through the following sections.
Who Qualifies for WIC?
The eligibility requirements for WIC are separated into four requirements, and applicants must meet the criteria for all four to qualify. These requirements are:
- Categorical
- Residential
- Income
- Nutrition risk
The categorical requirement, as mentioned earlier, serves women, infants, and children. Specifically:
- Pregnant — During pregnancy and up to six weeks after the birth of an infant or the end of the pregnancy
- Postpartum — Up to 6 months after the birth of the infant or the end of the pregnancy
- Breastfeeding — Up to the infant’s first birthday
- Infants — Up to the infant’s 1st birthday
- Children — Up to the child’s 5th birthday
The residential requirement means that applicants must presently live in the state in which they apply. They are not required to live in the area for a certain amount of time to meet the residency requirement.
However, if the applicant lives in an area where an Indian Tribal Organization (ITO) administers WIC, they must meet the residency requirements of the ITO. In addition, some states may require applicants to live in a local service area and apply at a WIC clinic for that area.
The income requirement is set by the state agency, between 100 and 185 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As mentioned, if you or other family members qualify for TANF, Medicaid, or SNAP, you are automatically income-eligible.
Lastly, the nutrition risk requirement involves applicants being examined by a health professional in order to determine whether or not they have certain medical or dietary conditions, such as anemia, being underweight, a history of poor pregnancy outcome, or a poor diet. An applicant must have at least one of the conditions on their state’s list of WIC nutrition risk criteria to qualify.
This examination is typically done for free in the WIC clinic or obtained from the applicant’s physician. The minimum examination procedure involves taking the applicant’s height, weight, and bloodwork.
If you are unsure if you qualify for WIC, try using the online WIC Prescreening Tool before contacting your state agency.
How Much Do WIC Benefits Provide Each Month?
WIC benefits vary based on family size and participant type, but an average participant receives about $50-$75 per month in food benefits.
| WIC Participant Type | Average Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| Pregnant Women | $50 – $75 |
| Breastfeeding Women | $60 – $95 |
| Infants (0-12 months) | $60 – $150 (formula included) |
| Children (1-5 years) | $50 – $75 |
Additional nutritional support services, such as nutrition education and breastfeeding assistance, are also included at no cost.
Tip: The exact benefit amount varies by state, so check with your local WIC office for updated amounts.
Who Qualifies for SNAP?
The eligibility requirements for SNAP involve income and work requirements for your household.
Households must meet both the gross and net income limits, with some exceptions. A household with elderly or disabled members only has to meet the net income limit, and a household with all members receiving SSI, TANF, or other assistance, is deemed categorically eligible.
The gross income is the household’s total, non-excluded income before deductions. The net income is the gross income minus allowable deductions.
Below are the limits based on household size in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, between Oct. 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2022.
- 1 member — $1396 (gross), $1074 (net)
- 2 members — $1888 (gross), $1452 (net)
- 3 members — $2379 (gross), $1830 (net)
- 4 members — $2871 (gross), $2209 (net)
- 5 members — $3363 (gross), $2587 (net)
- 6 members — $3855 (gross), $2965 (net)
- 7 members — $4347 (gross), $3344 (net)
- 8 members — $4839 (gross), $3722 (net)
- Each additional member — +$492 (gross), +$379 (net)
Aside from income, applicants aged 16-59 and able to work must also meet general work requirements such as:
- Registering for work
- Not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing hours
- Taking a job if offered one
- Participating in employment and training programs if they are assigned by the state
Not complying with these requirements can result in disqualification from SNAP after three months. However, some people may not be subject to these requirements under certain conditions.
To learn more about these exemptions, as well as further information on income deductions and countable resources, or the eligibility of students and non-citizens, read through the full list on the SNAP Eligibility requirements page.
What Can’t You Buy With SNAP?
While SNAP allows more flexibility than WIC, there are still restrictions on certain purchases.
SNAP Cannot Be Used to Buy:
- Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor)
- Tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, vaping products)
- Hot prepared foods (restaurant meals, deli foods)
- Non-food items (household supplies, pet food, hygiene products)
- Vitamins and supplements (even if they contain nutrition labels)
Tip: If a product has a “Supplement Facts” label instead of a “Nutrition Facts” label, it cannot be purchased with SNAP.
For a full list of SNAP-eligible items, visit:
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap
WIC and SNAP – How To Apply
Applications for WIC and SNAP are handled by state. Methods vary — some states may offer online applications, others may require in-person or mail applications. In order to find the proper application process for your situation, request information from your state agency directly.
To apply for SNAP, find your state agency on the locator map and either visit their office or website or call their hotline. For those unable to contact their state agency personally, an authorized representative can be designated in writing. Typically, your application will be processed within 30 days.
To apply for WIC, find your state program’s contact information from the contact map to set up an appointment. When you have set an appointment, you will receive instructions regarding the WIC location nearest to your home and what you need to bring with you.
Can I Apply for SNAP if I Have WIC?
Yes, you can apply for SNAP even if you have WIC, and vice versa. Both of these programs are designed to help low-income families and their children meet their nutritional needs and improve their long-term health and economic prospects, thus assistance from one does not prohibit you from the other.
Many families use both WIC and SNAP to ensure they have enough nutritious food throughout the month. WIC covers specific essential foods, while SNAP provides broader grocery flexibility
While there may be a stigma around receiving government-funded assistance, it is important that you do not let shame or embarrassment prevent you from receiving the help you need. You and your family’s health is the utmost priority. If you qualify for SNAP, WIC, or both, don’t hesitate to contact your local state agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are SNAP and WIC the same program?
No. Both help low-income families access nutritious foods, but WIC focuses on women, infants, and children up to age five, while SNAP covers a wider population, including families, seniors, and individuals of all ages.
Who qualifies for WIC versus who qualifies for SNAP?
WIC is limited to pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women, infants, and kids under five. SNAP helps all low-income households that meet certain income requirements. Both have different eligibility factors; if you meet WIC’s strict category requirements and the income threshold, you can also potentially apply for SNAP.
What foods can I buy with WIC versus SNAP?
WIC only covers approved foods chosen for their nutritional value (e.g., milk, cereal, eggs, peanut butter, formula). SNAP allows more general grocery items, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and grains, but excludes hot prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, and non-food items.
How do WIC benefits differ from SNAP benefits?
WIC benefits usually range around $50–$150 per month depending on participant type (pregnant woman, infant, etc.). It also offers nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, and health referrals. SNAP provides a monthly dollar amount on an EBT card for broader grocery purchases.
Can I apply for both WIC and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. Qualifying for one doesn’t prevent you from enrolling in the other. In fact, many families use both to ensure they have enough nutrient-rich foods and additional grocery flexibility throughout the month.
How do I apply for WIC?
Contact your state WIC office. You’ll schedule an in-person or phone appointment and provide proof of income, address, and identity. You’ll also undergo a quick health screening (often on-site) to confirm any nutritional risk. Check your state’s WIC website for specific instructions.
How do I apply for SNAP?
Find your state’s SNAP agency (via USDA or a local benefits website), fill out an application (often available online), and provide documentation like pay stubs or proof of benefits. Approval usually takes up to 30 days, unless expedited for emergencies.
What if I’m unsure which program suits my household’s needs?
If you have children under five or are pregnant/breastfeeding, WIC is beneficial. SNAP offers broader coverage for all household members. You can apply to both if eligible. For more details on eligibility and enrollment, visit difference-snap-wic-programs or contact your local state agency.