WIC Benefits for Single Mothers in Vermont

Where to start

Quick reference

Who may qualify for Vermont WIC

WIC uses four main tests. The person applying must be in a WIC group, live in Vermont, meet the income rules, and have a nutrition need found during the WIC review.

The Vermont eligibility page says appointments may include proof of identity, Vermont residence, and income, plus a health and growth review and nutrition visit. WIC may also check iron once a year.

Tell WIC if you or the child receives Medicaid, Dr. Dynasaur, 3SquaresVT, Reach Up, or another listed benefit. This may show that the household meets the income part of WIC eligibility. You still need to meet the other WIC rules.

Do not decide on your own that you earn too much. A clinic can explain how it treats pregnancy household size, uneven work hours, self-employment, recent job loss, or a change in household members. USDA’s federal eligibility guide gives the national rules.

For wider food support, read ASMOM’s Vermont SNAP guide. The Vermont assistance guide covers other benefits.

Vermont WIC income limits for 2026-27

The current WIC income limits apply from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. They equal 185% of the federal poverty guidelines. The amounts below are the maximum gross income levels for Vermont and the other contiguous states.

These figures come from the 2026 federal notice. The local WIC office makes the eligibility decision.

Use gross pay before taxes. If income is weekly, every two weeks, seasonal, or irregular, ask which records the clinic wants. If you are pregnant, ask WIC how to count the expected baby or babies. Do not change household size without clinic guidance.

What Vermont WIC provides

Each approved participant receives a monthly food package. The foods depend on pregnancy or postpartum status, breastfeeding status, the infant’s feeding plan, the child’s age, and nutrition needs. Not every participant receives every item.

Common WIC foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, beans, peanut butter, cereal, juice, infant foods, and formula. WIC also offers shopping guidance, nutrition visits, feeding support, and referrals.

For fiscal year 2026, children ages 1 through 4 receive a $26 monthly fruit and vegetable benefit. Pregnant and non-breastfeeding postpartum participants receive $48. Fully or partly breastfeeding participants receive $52. See the USDA child food package and adult food package.

WIC is supplemental. It is meant to add nutritious foods, not cover the entire household grocery budget.

How to apply for Vermont WIC

1. Start the request. Apply online, text Apply to 1-844-839-8942, or call a local health office.
2. List each applicant. Tell staff whether you are applying for yourself, a baby, a child, or several family members.
3. Ask about access needs. Request language help, disability accommodation, remote options, or another appointment time when needed.
4. Provide documents. Follow the local office instructions for identity, Vermont residence, income, and child information.
5. Complete the WIC review. Staff review health, growth, nutrition, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and feeding information.
6. Review your next steps. If approved, ask about eWIC, the food package, nutrition activities, and the next appointment.

The state lists WIC contact numbers of 800-464-4343 and 802-863-7200. Dial 711 first for TTY or TDD help.

Vermont offers phone, video, and in-person visits in many areas. Read the remote appointment guide and ask your local office what is available for your visit. Some health information or measurements may still be needed.

Participants normally complete nutrition activities between WIC appointments. Vermont says two nutrition activities each year help keep food benefits active. Ask your office when your activity is due.

Documents and details to gather

You may not need every item below. Call before canceling an appointment because one document is missing. WIC may accept another form of proof.

ASMOM’s documents checklist can help you keep benefit records together. Ask your local office for help if remote visits or online forms are difficult.

Using your Vermont eWIC card

Vermont loads food benefits at 12:00 a.m. on the first day of the month. They expire at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of the month. Unused benefits do not roll into the next month.

The balance guide lists several ways to check benefits. You can use the ebtEDGE website or app, the WICShopper app, a store receipt, or call 1-855-769-8890 with the card number.

• Check the balance before shopping.
• Match the product to the approved brand, size, and type.
• Use WICShopper to scan foods when possible.
• Keep the receipt to see what remains.
• Shop before the final benefit day.
• Call WIC about repeated checkout errors.

If the card is lost or damaged, contact WIC or the card service quickly. Keep the PIN private. Do not sell, trade, or give away WIC benefits or foods.

Breastfeeding and pump support

Vermont WIC supports parents who breastfeed fully, breastfeed partly, pump, use formula, or change feeding plans. Ask for help without fear of judgment.

The breastfeeding support page lists peer counselors, classes, and professional lactation support. Peer counselors are trained parents and may be available outside normal clinic hours.

Vermont WIC also offers breast pump equipment based on the parent’s situation and program rules. Pumps may be available for returning to work or school. Ask the local office what is available and whether another health plan or provider should be contacted.

For wider pregnancy and postpartum support, read ASMOM’s newborn help guide.

Seasonal and local WIC help

Farm to Family coupons

Vermont WIC participants age 6 months and older may receive one $30 Farm to Family coupon booklet during the summer. Coupons can buy local fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and farm stands. They are first-come, first-served.

Check the WIC discounts page and current coupon pickup schedule. Call before traveling because dates and supplies can change.

Other WIC discounts

Vermont lists discounts and programs that may include museums, recreation, communications, transportation, energy, or other family services. Each offer has its own rules. Show current WIC proof only when the program asks for it.

If transportation is the main barrier, use ASMOM’s transportation help guide. For local family and bill help, see the Community Action guide.

If WIC is denied, delayed, or stopped

Ask for the exact reason and written notice. Find out whether the issue is missing proof, income, residence, participant age, WIC category, nutrition risk, an appointment, or a program violation.

Vermont lets participants request a local conference or a fair hearing. A fair-hearing request must be made within 60 days of the decision notice. If you are already certified and want benefits to continue during the appeal, you must ask within 15 days of the notice and still be within the certification period.

Read the WIC rights page and use the appeal request form. You can ask WIC staff for help completing the form. Keep a copy of the notice and everything you submit.

ASMOM’s denied benefits guide explains how to organize calls and documents. Use a food shelf or 3SquaresVT while the WIC issue is being reviewed.