Meeting an income guideline alone does not complete WIC eligibility. The agency must also determine that each applicant is at nutritional risk, subject to limited rules such as presumptive eligibility for certain pregnant applicants.
Two broad types
- Medically based risks: conditions identified through health history, measurements, tests, growth information, or documented medical factors.
- Dietary risks: eating patterns or practices that may impair health or nutrition and meet approved WIC criteria.
Examples
Federal regulations list examples such as anemia, underweight, overweight, unusual pregnancy weight gain, low birth weight, growth concerns, nutritionally related medical conditions, and certain high-risk pregnancy factors. The examples do not mean every person with a listed condition automatically qualifies.
Who makes the determination
A competent professional authority working with WIC determines nutritional risk using the agency’s approved criteria. WhatDoIFile, a general eligibility tool, or a household member cannot make the official determination.
How it is used
The finding supports the eligibility decision and helps the clinic tailor the food package, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals. A participant who reapplies may need a new assessment for the next certification period.
Related terms
- Income eligibility: a separate financial requirement.
- Categorical eligibility: belonging to a participant group served by WIC.
- Certification period: the period for which the agency has found the participant eligible before recertification is required.