This site is privately owned and is not affiliated with any government agency. Learn more here.

Food Stamps

ViewArticles

If you have a baby, then you know the importance of making sure you always have formula in the house. Your little one may be eating up to 6 or more times in a 24 hour period. The good news is, SNAP benefits and WIC cover baby formula. There are a few things you should know about the combined food benefit programs, when it comes to baby formula.

WIC Has Limits

The WIC policies on baby formula are consistent throughout the United States. WIC is a supplemental program and not meant to be used as the primary source for purchasing baby formula. You will be limited to the type of formula and the amount you may purchase. You will also be under an age limit guideline. At 12 months the formula benefits will stop. This means that if you want to have your child on formula beyond 12 months you will need to find a way of supplying that formula yourself.

SNAP Has No Limits on Formula

When it comes to your baby’s nutrition, SNAP has no limits on the type of formula you can purchase. They will also allow you to purchase baby formula well beyond the 12 month of age. The only limit on SNAP is with the amount you receive per month. Though SNAP will allow you to purchase as much formula as you want, up to your benefits limit, combining the benefits with WIC is optimal.

Prescription Formula Limitations

There are certain formulas considered to be prescription formulas. In general, you may purchase these formulas on SNAP benefits. However, if you only have WIC you will need the prescription and it can take awhile for the approval to process or for the appointment to discuss the prescription with a WIC representative. If you aren’t sure if the formula your baby needs is covered on WIC or if it is a prescription, then contact your local WIC office.

Supplementing Formula

You may be breastfeeding and using formula to supplement. In this case a combination of WIC and SNAP benefits are best if you are eligible for both. WIC will cover the food you need for breastfeeding and the additional food the baby may need. SNAP benefits will cover formula and food.

If you have a child under the age of 12 months and you are eligible for both WIC and SNAP, then the combined benefits are the best option. These are just a few of the guidelines, restrictions, and facts to keep in mind with the programs. For further information regarding combining the benefit programs, contact your local SNAP office.

Comments

There are currently no comments, be the first to post one.