WIC vs. SNAP: What's the Difference?

Here's everything you need to know to decide which program is right for you.

Both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) provide much-needed food assistance to low-income families throughout the United States. But the two programs are not the same.

They differ in terms of the services they provide, who's eligible for benefits, and how you apply. Below, we'll look at these differences in more detail so you can determine which one best suits your needs.

What services do WIC and SNAP provide?

Here's a quick breakdown of what benefits you can expect from SNAP vs. WIC.

SNAP services

SNAP gives qualifying participants an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card, and automatically loads a certain dollar amount onto it each month. Your state agency determines how much to give based on your household size and income.

You can use your SNAP card to purchase most foods, including fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, cereal, and snacks. If you have a green thumb, you can also use it to purchase seeds or plants that will grow into food. But you cannot use SNAP benefits for alcohol, tobacco, supplements, most live animals, or pet foods.

WIC services

WIC participants receive a WIC card that's similar to a SNAP EBT card. But instead of providing a monthly dollar limit participants can spend up to, it authorizes you to purchase certain types of foods that the program has approved. These can include fruits and vegetables, meats, cereals, dairy products, and infant formula, among other things. Benefits expire on the last day of the month.

In addition to this direct food assistance, WIC can also connect people with nutrition education and breastfeeding support. These services can help families squeeze the most value out of their WIC benefits.

Who's eligible for WIC and SNAP benefits?

Here's a closer look at who qualifies for each program. It's worth noting that you could be eligible for both types of benefits if you meet the criteria for both programs.

SNAP eligibility requirements

Your state agency will determine if you're eligible for SNAP by checking to see if your gross and net income meets certain criteria for your state and family size. Gross income is your total household income before any deductions. Your net income is your income after certain allowable deductions for things like earned income, dependent care costs, and some medical expenses are made. 

Generally, your gross income cannot be more than 130% of the poverty line and your net income may not be more than 100% of the poverty line. However, those who are elderly or disabled may be eligible for the program even if their income is higher than this. You may also be deemed categorically eligible if you qualify for another government assistance program, like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

When determining eligibility for SNAP, your state agency also looks at your household resources, including the amount of cash you have in your bank account. Typically, you cannot have more than $2,750 in countable resources or $4,250 if at least one member of the household is over 60 or disabled. But certain things, like your home or retirement plan income, don't count toward your household resources.

WIC eligibility requirements

WIC is open to pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women as well as households with infants or children under the age of five. Eligibility lasts only as long as the household continues to meet at least one of these criteria.

The WIC program has income requirements as well. To qualify, you must have an income at or below the level your state agency sets. This must be at least 100% of the poverty line but can be as high as 185% of the poverty line if your state agency permits this. You may also qualify automatically if you're eligible for SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF.

The final requirement to receive WIC benefits is nutrition risk. This means you or a member of your household has qualifying medical or dietary conditions, like anemia, being underweight, or a history of poor pregnancy outcome. A doctor, nurse, or nutritionist must determine this. It's usually done at a WIC clinic at no cost, but you can have your personal doctor conduct this assessment as well.

How do you apply for SNAP and WIC benefits?

State agencies handle applications for SNAP or WIC benefits. Here's what you need to know to apply.

Applying for SNAP

Use the State Directory of Resources on the USDA website to find your state SNAP agency. From here, you can view a list of local offices and the online application, if your state offers one. Fill out this application or contact your state SNAP agency to get the process started. You will need to submit information proving your household income.

If you're found to be eligible for SNAP benefits, you'll receive a notice telling you how long you will receive them. This is known as your certification period. Before this ends, you'll get another notice with instructions on how to recertify if you wish to do so.

Applying for WIC

If you believe you're eligible for WIC, find your state agency by using the USDA's WIC Directory. This will provide you with contact information. Reach out to the agency and follow its instructions in order to apply.

You will need to provide income information and information about your children or pregnancy. If your application is approved, your state agency should inform you about how long you'll be eligible for these benefits.

SNAP or WIC: Which is right for you?

WIC benefits are definitely worth pursuing if you believe you meet the income requirements and you are pregnant or have young children. SNAP benefits appeal to a wider audience, because the only criteria is income. But you don't have to choose one or the other if you believe you qualify for both.

Taking advantage of these programs can free up additional cash in your budget that you can use to pay down debt, save for your long-term goals, or build an emergency fund. Just make sure you stay up to date on the rules for each program you qualify for, as these could change over time.