While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Table of Contents 

What Is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children?

The Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals and support, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk. The WIC program in Alaska is administered through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Division of Public Assistance.

Learn more about WIC in Alaska on the Department of Health and Social Services WIC page here.

What Services Does WIC Provide?

WIC assists women and children by providing nutrition assistance and health support. If you are eligible for WIC, you will be able to access the following services:

  • Nutrition cash assistance
  • Health screenings
  • Breastfeeding information and support
  • Health and nutrition information from licensed dietitians
  • Health and medical referrals

Monthly nutrition assistance benefits are placed on an eWIC card. The eWIC cards are issued to eligible participants after they are approved for the program.

After you receive your eWIC card, you will have to set up your account. Call 1 (844) 386-3149 or click here to begin the process online. You will need to select a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the setup.

The eWIC card functions like a debit card, allowing participants to swipe their card and enter their PIN to complete a transaction at participating vendors. You can find stores that accept WIC benefits near you by downloading the WICShopper App here.

The WICShopper App also provides information on all the food items you can purchase with your WIC benefits.

To learn more about WIC services in Alaska, click here.

How Much Assistance Does WIC Provide?

After you are accepted into the WIC program, you will be assigned a specific food package category by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Division of Public Assistance. The food package you will be assigned is dependent on:

  • Who is the participant — infant, child or woman
  • Stage of pregnancy
  • Amount of breastfeeding – whether a mother is fully breastfeeding, partially breastfeeding or not breastfeeding at all (formula feeding)

For women and children, each food package comes with a set list of covered food items and the maximum amount of the food item that will be covered by the program (in ounces or fluid ounces) each month. Items included in food packages for women and children are:

  • Juice
  • Milk
  • Cereal
  • Cheese
  • Eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Bread
  • Fish
  • Legumes or peanut butter

Infant food packages are provided in the same level of detail but vary based on the age of the infant and how they are fed (breastfed vs. formula fed). Covered food items based on these factors include:

  • Infant cereal
  • Baby food fruits, vegetables and meat
  • Formula

Learn more about WIC Food Packages and Maximum Monthly Allowances here.

Who Can Qualify for WIC in Alaska?

To be eligible for WIC in Alaska, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a resident of Alaska,
  • Meet the income limits set by the WIC program, AND
  • Be a woman who is pregnant, who is nursing, or who has had a baby in the last six months OR
  • Be the parent or guardian of a child that is younger than 5 years old.

The WIC income limits are based on the number of members in your household and are categorized by time period. Gross household income - which is income before any taxes are imposed - must be below weekly, monthly, and annual income limits. They are as follows.

Household MembersGross Income/MonthGross Income/Year
1$2,808$33,689
2$3,799$45,584
3$4,790$57,480
4$5,782$69,375

Note that pregnant women count as two people within a household. For each additional person in your household, add $11,896 per year to determine your income limit.

For more information about WIC eligibility, visit the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Division of Public Assistance page here.

To test your eligibility for WIC benefits, use the WIC Prescreening Tool here. Using the WIC Prescreening Tool is not an application. 

How to Apply for WIC in Alaska

To apply for WIC in Alaska, complete the following three steps:

  1. Review the eligibility requirements for WIC benefits to see if you qualify.

Learn if you may be eligible for WIC benefits by using the WIC Prescreening Tool here.

  1. Gather documentation related to your household’s finances and medical situation.

Learn what documents and information you need here.

  1. Set up a WIC certification appointment at a local WIC clinic.

You must schedule a WIC certification appointment at a WIC clinic to apply. To set up an appointment by phone, call your local WIC clinic. Your eligibility for WIC benefits will be verified during your appointment.

Click here to find your nearest local WIC clinic and contact information.

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Care Line Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM AKDT:

  • Phone: 211 or 1 (907) 465-3100
  • Fax: (907) 465-3416
  • TTY: (907) 465-3347

About the WIC Certification Appointment

The WIC certification appointment is the applicant's first appointment at a WIC clinic. The purpose of the certification appointment is to determine your eligibility for WIC benefits. During the certification appointment, applicants will meet with a WIC representative and present all the necessary documents to apply for WIC benefits.

Applicants should have the following items on hand for their WIC appointment:

  • Identification for you and your children (if applicable)
  • Immunization records for all eligible children (if applicable)
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
  • Proof of address

All applicants, including the mother and all eligible children, must be present at the appointment.

After providing the necessary documentation, trained staff at the WIC clinic will conduct a health exam on each of the applicants to determine if they are at medical or nutritional risk. The assessment will include a blood test, a health questionnaire and measurements of their height and weight.

For more information on what to bring to your WIC appointment, click here.

How to Check Your Application Status

If you apply for WIC in Alaska, your eligibility will be determined during your certification appointment at the WIC clinic. You will learn whether you have been approved or denied at the appointment.

However, if your location does not have sufficient funds to serve all eligible applicants, you may be put on a waiting list to receive benefits. In this situation, applicants will receive benefits based on a priority system that gives those in most need earlier access to benefits.

Learn more about the Waiting List here and the WIC Eligibility Priority System here.

What Happens After You Apply for WIC?

After you set up your WIC appointment and apply for benefits at a local WIC clinic, your eligibility will be determined by the representative who processes your application.

If you are approved for benefits, you will receive your check or eWIC card in the mail within 14 days of being approved. You can use these monetary benefits to purchase WIC-approved foods. For information on what foods you can purchase with your WIC benefits, click here.

You will also be able to access WIC clinic support programs right away, including:

  • Nutrition education
  • Breastfeeding information and support
  • Health referrals

Learn more information about WIC benefits and what to expect from the program on the Alaska WIC FAQ page here.

How to Appeal a Denial of WIC Benefits

If your WIC application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal. You can submit the appeal to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services in person or by mail within 60 days of when you are notified about your ineligibility.

To file an appeal in person, visit a local Department of Health and Social Services office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest Alaska Department of Health and Social Services office location here.

To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your phone number
  • The reason for your appeal
  • Your desired solution for how the Department of Health and Social Services should remedy the situation

You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail. Submit your appeal request to the following address:
State of Alaska WIC Program
130 Seward St.
Juneau, AK 99801

Learn more information about the appeal process by reviewing the Preparing for Your Fair Hearing PDF provided by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services here.

How to Replace a Lost eWIC Card

If your eWIC card is lost, stolen or damaged, you must contact the EBT card customer service team to shut down your eWIC card and request a replacement.

To replace your eWIC card in Alaska, call 1 (386) 892-3149 and a replacement will be mailed to the address on your WIC account.

Learn more about the eWIC card here.

Need More Help?

For help with obtaining WIC benefits, or for any further questions about the program, call the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services at 1 (907) 465-3100.

You can also visit or call a local WIC clinic for further assistance. Find your nearest location and contact information here.

If you have questions about your eWIC card, call eWIC customer service at 1 (844) 386-3149.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions.  Our goal is to provide you useful information on the process to help you get the benefits you need.

Our free WIC Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.

Table of Contents 

How to Apply for WIC in Alaska

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. The WIC program in Alaska is administered through the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

To apply for WIC in Alaska, complete the following three steps:

  1. Review the eligibility requirements for WIC benefits to see if you qualify.

Learn if you may be eligible for WIC benefits by using the WIC Prescreening Tool here.

  1. Gather documentation related to your household’s finances and medical situation.

Learn what documents and information you need here.

  1. Set up a WIC certification appointment at a local WIC clinic.

You must schedule a WIC certification appointment at a WIC clinic to apply. To set up an appointment by phone, call your local WIC clinic. Click here to find the contact information for WIC clinics near you.

Your eligibility for WIC benefits will be verified during your appointment.

If you have questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Care Line Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM AKDT:

  • Phone: 211 or 1-907-465-3100
  • Fax: 907-465-3416
  • TTY: 907-465-3347

Note: Currently, in-person applications have been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To schedule an appointment, call your regional WIC clinic or the main WIC program office at (907) 465-3100 to submit an application remotely.

About the WIC Certification Appointment

The WIC certification appointment is the applicant's first appointment at a WIC clinic and is used to determine their eligibility for benefits. Applicants meet with a WIC representative and present all the necessary documents to apply for assistance.

Applicants should have the following items on hand for their WIC appointment:

  • Identification for you and your children (if applicable)
  • Immunization records for all eligible children (if applicable)
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)
  • Proof of address

All applicants, including the mother and all eligible children, must be present at the appointment.

After providing the necessary documentation, trained staff at the WIC clinic will conduct a health exam on each of the applicants to determine if they are at medical or nutritional risk. The assessment will include a blood test, a health questionnaire and measurements of their height and weight.

For more information on what to bring to your WIC appointment, click here.

How to Check Your Application Status

If you apply for WIC in Alaska, your eligibility will be determined during your certification appointment at the WIC clinic. You will not need to wait to find out if your application is approved.

However, if your location does not have sufficient funds to serve all eligible applicants, you may be put on a waiting list to receive benefits. In this situation, applicants will receive benefits based on a priority system that gives those in most need earlier access to benefits.

Learn more about the Waiting List here and the WIC Eligibility Priority System here.

What Happens After You Apply for WIC?

After you set up your WIC appointment and apply for benefits at a local WIC clinic, your eligibility will be determined by the representative who processes your application.

If you are approved for benefits, you will receive your check or eWIC card in the mail within 14 days of being approved. You can use these monetary benefits to purchase WIC-approved foods. For information on what foods you can purchase with your WIC benefits, click here.

You will also be able to access WIC clinic support programs right away, including:

  • Nutrition education
  • Breastfeeding information and support
  • Health referrals

Learn more information about WIC benefits and what to expect from the program on the Alaska WIC FAQ page here.

How to Appeal a Denial of WIC Benefits

If your WIC application was denied, you have the right to file an appeal. You can submit the appeal to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services in person or by mail within 60 days of when you are notified about your ineligibility.

To file an appeal in person, visit a local Department of Health and Social Services office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. You will also need to bring your benefit determination letter and evidence that supports your appeal. Find your nearest Alaska Department of Health and Social Services office location here.

To file a claim by mail, you will need to write a letter that includes the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your phone number
  • The reason for your appeal
  • Your desired solution for how the Department of Health and Social Services should remedy the situation

You must also enclose a copy of your determination letter when filing an appeal by mail. Submit your appeal request to the following address:
State of Alaska WIC Program
130 Seward St.
Juneau, AK 99801

Learn more information about the appeal process by reviewing the Preparing for Your Fair Hearing PDF provided by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services here.

Need More Help?

For help with obtaining WIC benefits, or for any further questions about the program, call the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services at 1 (907) 465-3100.

You can also visit or call a local WIC clinic for further assistance. Find your nearest location and contact information here.

If you have questions about your eWIC card, call eWIC customer service at 1 (844) 386-3149.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free WIC Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.