What WIC Covers in Will County

WIC in Will County is a nutrition program run by the Illinois Department of Human Services. It provides food vouchers and nutrition education to pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five whose household income falls below a set threshold. The program does not give cash — it issues a card that works like a debit card at participating grocery stores, and you can only buy foods on the approved list.

The approved foods include infant formula, baby cereal, milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, canned fish, whole grain bread, and fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. You cannot use WIC funds for prepared foods, meat, sugary drinks, or anything not on the list. Each household gets a monthly food package based on who is in the home — a pregnant woman gets a different package than a mother nursing a six-month-old, for example.

Will County WIC also includes nutrition counseling and breastfeeding support at no cost. Participants meet with a nutritionist or health educator who reviews eating habits and answers questions about feeding infants or young children. Some clinics offer lactation consultants if you are breastfeeding or want to start.

Key Takeaways

  • Will County WIC serves pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under five whose household income is at or below 185 percent of the federal poverty line.
  • The program issues a card that buys only approved foods — formula, milk, eggs, beans, bread, produce, and similar items — at grocery stores that accept WIC.
  • You must provide proof of residency in Will County, a signed lease or utility bill, and documentation of your household income to be considered.
  • Nutrition education and breastfeeding support are included at no cost and are offered at Will County health clinics.
  • The program runs year-round, but you must recertify your income and household size every 12 months to keep your benefits.

Income Limits and Household Size

Will County uses the federal poverty guidelines to set income limits. For 2024, a household of three with a monthly income of $3,864 or less may be considered. A household of four with $4,700 or less per month may be considered. These numbers change each year in April when the federal poverty line updates.

Income includes wages, child support, Social Security, unemployment benefits, and some types of information. It does not include WIC benefits themselves or some other programs. When you contact Will County WIC, staff can tell you whether your specific income qualifies based on your household size.

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to receive WIC, but you must live in Will County. Homeless families can receive WIC if they can show they are staying in Will County, even without a permanent address.

How to Contact Will County WIC

Will County WIC is administered through the Will County Health Department. You can reach the program by calling the Will County Health Department main line or visiting their office in Joliet. The health department can tell you the current phone number and hours, as these change periodically.

When you call, tell them you want to learn about WIC. They will ask basic questions about your household size, income, and whether you are pregnant, nursing, or have children under five. If you may be considered, they will schedule an appointment for you to come in and bring documents.

You can also ask your doctor, midwife, or pediatrician for a referral to Will County WIC. Many clinics have WIC staff on site or can connect you directly. If you are already receiving other benefits like SNAP or Medicaid, you can mention that when you call — it may speed up the process.

Documents You Will Need

Bring proof that you live in Will County. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. The document should have your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

Bring proof of income. Recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, tax returns, or a benefits statement from Social Security or unemployment all count. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or a statement of income. If you have no income, bring a letter stating that.

Bring proof of identity — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If you are explore for a child, bring the child's birth certificate. If you are pregnant, bring a letter from your doctor or midwife confirming the pregnancy and due date.

Bring your Social Security number or a document with it on it. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the WIC staff — they can still help you.

What Happens at Your First Appointment

At your appointment, a WIC staff member will review your documents and ask questions about your household. They will weigh and measure you if you are pregnant or nursing, and weigh and measure any children you bring. This is routine and helps the program track nutrition outcomes.

A nutritionist or health educator will talk with you about your diet and your child's diet. They will explain which foods are on the WIC list and how to use your WIC card at the store. They will also discuss breastfeeding if that applies to you, and answer questions about feeding infants or young children.

If everything checks out, you will receive your WIC card at the end of the appointment or within a few days. The card is loaded with your monthly food package and is ready to use at any store that accepts WIC in Will County or elsewhere in Illinois.

Stores That Accept WIC in Will County

Most large grocery chains accept WIC, including Jewel-Osco, Mariano's, and Walmart. Many smaller grocery stores and some farmers markets also accept it. When you get your WIC card, you will receive a list of stores near you that take it.

You can also look up stores on the Illinois WIC website or call Will County WIC to ask which stores are closest to your home. Not every location of a chain accepts WIC, so it is worth checking before you go.

When you shop, you scan your WIC card like a debit card and buy only the foods on your approved list. The cashier will tell you if something is not approved. You cannot use WIC to buy other groceries at the same time — you have to pay for non-WIC items with cash or another card.

Recertification and Changes to Your Household

Your WIC benefits last for 12 months from the date you are first considered. Before that year is up, Will County WIC will contact you to recertify. You will need to bring updated proof of income and confirm your household size. If anything has changed — a new baby, a job loss, a move — tell them then.

If your household income goes up above the limit, you may lose WIC. If a child turns five, they are no longer may be able to access. If you have a new baby, you can add them to your case. Call Will County WIC right away if your situation changes so they can update your file.

If you move out of Will County, your WIC benefits will not work in your new county. You will need to contact WIC in your new county to start over. If you move within Will County, call to update your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my WIC card at farmers markets?

Some farmers markets in Will County accept WIC, but not all. When you get your WIC card, ask the staff which markets near you take it. You can also call Will County WIC to ask about a specific market.

What if I am breastfeeding and also using formula?

WIC can provide both. Your monthly package will include formula and breastfeeding support. A lactation consultant can help you figure out what works best for you and your baby.

Do I lose WIC if I start working?

Not automatically. Your income limit is 185 percent of the federal poverty line, which is higher than many people think. A part-time job may not push you over the limit. At recertification, bring your new pay stubs and let WIC staff calculate whether you still may have access to.

Can I use WIC if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You do not have to be a citizen to receive WIC. You do have to live in Will County and meet the income and household requirements. Bring whatever identification you have.

How long does it take to get my WIC card after my first appointment?

Usually you receive it the same day or within a few days. Some clinics load it on the spot. Ask the staff when you will have it so you can plan your first shopping trip.