What will happen at my WIC appointment?You will fill out an application. Your income will be reviewed. You or your child will have your height, weight and iron level taken. WIC staff will review these with you. They will also discuss your diet and any concerns you have. You will be told if you are eligible for WIC. Click here to download applications. What will I need for my appointment?You will need to bring:
Do I have to pick up an application form before I can make an appointment?No, if you don't have an application they will be available when you get to the WIC office. Arrive a couple of minutes before your appointment time to complete any paperwork. You can print a WIC application form from this web site (Click here) and fill it out before your appointment if you want, or you can wait until your appointment and get the form at the WIC office. I work, so it is hard to get to the WIC office. What should I do?Let your WIC staff know. Some offices have early morning, lunchtime, evening or weekend appointments that may work for you. Can both myself and my partner use my WIC?When you apply for WIC you will be asked if you want to allow a second person besides yourself to be listed on your WIC file. This is called an alternate. This person would be able to pick your WIC checks up for you and also use them at the store.
Can you help me with other concerns such as lack of housing or finding a doctor?WIC staff can provide you with referral information on other programs in your area that may be helpful to you. Just ask your WIC staff. We have information on things such as where to get a pregnancy test, where to get immunizations done, where to get a doctor, etc. Why do I have to fill out the same paperwork every six months and bring proof of income if nothing has changed?It is required by USDA regulations. We are required to make sure that your income has not changed. Also, to be eligible for WIC you must have a health or nutrition risk. We are required to take another height and weight for your child and, if needed, check the iron level. I was on WIC in another state and just moved to Alaska, can I get WIC here?Yes, WIC is a nationwide program. Before you leave your current WIC Office ask them to give you a transfer card (called a VOC). Bring that to your WIC appointment when you get to Alaska. If you are currently up to date you will not have to be recertified over again when you arrive. We can put you right on the program. If you did not get a transfer card before you left, let your new WIC office know and they will try to contact the old office for you. It is much faster if you can get this card ahead of time! What if I move from one place to another in Alaska?If you are moving within Alaska, just to a new city, you do not need a transfer card. Let the new WIC office know where you were getting your WIC and they can get the information from the State WIC computer system. How often do I have to come to the WIC office?WIC can give you up to three months worth of WIC checks at a time. Sometimes you and the WIC staff may decide you should come more often, on a monthly basis, for extra assistance. For example, WIC can recheck your child's weight each month if you are concerned about it or to get extra help with breastfeeding. Why am I asked to attend a nutrition class or counseling session?The most important part of WIC is nutrition education. You or your child only receive WIC foods for a short time, but what you learn about good nutrition at WIC can last a lifetime. If you have suggestions about how to improve the nutrition education given by WIC, talk to your WIC staff.
I am not a US citizen. Can I receive WIC?Yes. Foreign citizens may receive WIC provided they meet the income and eligibility guidelines. A 'public charge' is a term used by Immigration to describe those who cannot support themselves and need public assistance. Receiving WIC benefits does not classify you as a 'public charge' or affect your application for immigration or citizenship. I don't want anyone to know I receive WIC or that I am pregnant. How can you protect me?Your WIC file is confidential. We can not give any information to anyone other than yourself or your alternate unless you give us written permission. I share custody with the child's other birth parent. Can we receive WIC?Yes. When parents have joint custody and separate households, either parent may apply for their child if they have custody of the child at least 50 percent of the time. The other parent may not apply for WIC at the same time. The WIC benefits will be provided through the parent who made the application. It is the responsibility of the parents to share the child's WIC foods. I belong to the Military. Can I receive WIC?Yes. There are WIC offices at Fort Richardson, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Eielson Air Force Base, and Fort Wainwright. Military families can also apply for WIC at any other WIC office in the state. You can use your WIC checks at military commissaries. I have been to WIC before and I didn't like the way I was treated. Who can I talk to?We are sorry you were unhappy with your WIC staff. If you feel you have been discriminated against you may call the WIC office and ask to talk to the WIC Coordinator who supervises the office. You may contact the State WIC Director in Juneau at (907) 465-3100. Or you may make a complaint with the USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202)720-5964.
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