What You Need To Know
Federal grants are provided to states in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The objective of this program is to provide these three groups with nutritional aspects that help to safeguard their health. Amongst the services provided to qualified individuals in this program there is:
- Supplemental foods
- Health care referrals
- Nutritional education
These help the members to stay away from nutrition risk. In New Mexico, this program is aimed to help low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women. Along with them, infants, and children below the age of five are also catered to.
The benefits provided by this program are accessed through an EBT card. An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is very similar to a credit card or debit card. It is used in a similar way as well but only for the purpose of purchasing food items from authorized retailers. The WIC EBT has a chip containing the details of the benefit package provided to qualified individuals. This card is protected with a PIN which is required at all card terminals. It helps to make the process of purchasing easier for its members.
Are You Eligible?
The program requirements involved in this benefit program begin from basics to more specified aspects. Therefore, the interested person who wishes to enjoy the benefits of WIC in New Mexico must be:
- A resident of the state of New Mexico
- Pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women; or infants and children below the age of five.
- Labeled to be at nutritional risk by a proper health professional.
The WIC program has been set up for those individuals who are unable to provide medical treatment for themselves. This means that in order to be eligible, it is important for the person to be in line with the guidelines of the program. These guidelines have been set up by keeping the household size and maximum annual income in mine. Therefore, the annual gross household income of the applicant must either be equal to or less than the following figures:
| Size Of The Household | Maximum Annual Income Level ($) |
| 1 | 23107 |
| 2 | 31284 |
| 3 | 39461 |
| 4 | 47638 |
| 5 | 55815 |
| 6 | 63992 |
| 7 | 72169 |
| 8 | 80346 |
The households that have a greater size than eight must add in an additional $8,177 per person. It is advised that the interested individual checks with their managing agency. This would allow them to stay up-to-date with the most recent guidelines.
A WIC prescreening tool is available to check your eligibility for the program. This online tool makes it easy to determine the potential you have of qualifying for WIC in New Mexico. It is important to remember that the Prescreening tool is not the final application. Therefore, you can apply even if the tool gives you a negative result.
WIC benefits can also be enjoyed by the participants of other benefit programs. Among these programs there is SNAP, Medicaid or TANF. Therefore, members of these are also encouraged to apply for WIC. However, WIC agencies have a limited amount of money. They try to provide the highest number of eligible individuals but they still have a waiting list. This waiting list is made on the basis of priority. This means that women and children who have serious health risks are provided with the benefits first and foremost.
How To Apply
WIC agencies can be found throughout the state of New Mexico. In order to start your application process, you can find the nearest agency to you. By setting up an appointment with them, you will receive all the necessary assistance and guidance. This will help to make sure that you apply on time and do not leave out any important details.
You can get in touch with New Mexico WIC through online websites as well. This can be achieved by visiting the New Mexico Department for Health website. If you meet the eligibility requirements and your documents are verified, you will receive benefits during the first appointment.
For Further Information
New Mexico’s WIC program page can be visited in case more detailed information is required. This can help to clear out any queries the person may have before they apply. In-depth details about this federal program can also be found on the USDA’s Women, Infants, and Children program page.
A toll-free number has also been set up for those who feel more comfortable contacting the authority through telephones. Therefore, interested residents can call the New Mexico Department of Health with the following number:
1(866)867-3124