WIC?

KatieSetler · April 2015

Anyone else on, or thinking about applying for, WIC? I've never been on an assistance program, and while my husband and I make due, we're certainly not rich beyond our wildest dreams. I'm thinking about applying, just for some extra help. Healthy foods can be expensive!

MayBeSomeDay16 · April 2015

My husband and i are financially stable. I'm on medicaid since my health insurance doesn't cover prenatal and it automatically qualifies me for WIC. I signed up with my last pregnancy and it was ok, didn't save me much in groceries BUT when my daughter was born it made a huge impact since my daughter wasn't a latcher we had to buy formula which is very expensive and having WIC saved me about $150 a month in formula costs. We were not anticipating that cost of not being able to BF so to have the program available to us took the slight burden off our shoulders and let us enjoy our new baby.

babywood15 · April 2015

These posts are hard. IMO, no. I was a single parent working part-time and still didn't get WIC (not saying b/c I was too good for it, or anything like that) but b/c I realized that WIC and assistance programs are for those who REALLY need it, not just the ones who are sick if "skimming by". If your child is going hungry or you don't have a roof of your head, then yes please get assistance! But it's definitely not for "we just want better things". If your child has two parents, and you're able to both work, has a roof, clothes, food and everyone is good, then leave the money to the parents who genuinely need it.

Now I'm getting aggravated so I'll stop...

jessietta · April 2015

If you need it go for it! The help is there ! Be blessed doll!

questisthebest · April 2015

I disagree with babywood on this. If you are eligible for WIC, than you shouldn't feel wrong about using it. If you have had a job, than you have have paid into the program and if times are difficult, you shouldn't have to feel guilty about taking on a little bit of temporary help. They don't offer much, mostly milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, juice, a small fruit and veggie allowance, and very little whole grains. Everything is pretty specific and limited, and I wish I could say some of the options were healthier (more fruits and veggies, less juice and cereal) We have been on WIC for two months now, we signed up when my husband was in between jobs and it is the first time we have received any kind of government assistance. It saves us about $75 a month which feels like it makes a huge difference. It makes me sad that when people are down on their luck, they get judged for accepting the help offered to them.

JumpingJellyBeans06 · April 2015

I'm thinking about it. In my area WIC has a great program for breastfeeding. They have classes, and offer support. I had so many issues with my other two kids that I would really like to have that extra support. I won't be using the coupons though just because I don't feel like I need it. I think its a great program for families. If you need it, go for it.

ash413 · April 2015

babywood15 said:
These posts are hard. IMO, no. I was a single parent working part-time and still didn't get WIC (not saying b/c I was too good for it, or anything like that) but b/c I realized that WIC and assistance programs are for those who REALLY need it, not just the ones who are sick if "skimming by". If your child is going hungry or you don't have a roof of your head, then yes please get assistance! But it's definitely not for "we just want better things". If your child has two parents, and you're able to both work, has a roof, clothes, food and everyone is good, then leave the money to the parents who genuinely need it.

Now I'm getting aggravated so I'll stop...

I agree with this. If it is between paying electric and buying food that is one thing, but honestly I feel public assistance should be a last resort.
There were times my husband and I barely made ends meet due to a series of unexpected expenses. We cut expenses big time, and both got part time Jobs for about 9 months to make it work.
"Healthy foods being too expensive is not a suitable reason to seek assistance in my opinion.

princesslockness · April 2015

If you feel like you need it, use it.
I am a teacher, and H is out of a job. Between car, insurances, rent, and utilities we were unable to go grocery shopping for 3 months.
I signed up for WIC and now I can at least get part of the nutrition that I'm supposed to have. It helps, and the classes are very informational. My EDD is 8/7 and I have met with a dietician, lactation consultant and have my next class for car seat safety.

MayBeSomeDay16 · April 2015

Rainesmommy07 said:
I'm thinking about it. In my area WIC has a great program for breastfeeding. They have classes, and offer support. I had so many issues with my other two kids that I would really like to have that extra support. I won't be using the coupons though just because I don't feel like I need it. I think its a great program for families. If you need it, go for it.

I forgot to mention i did meet with a lactation consultant through WIC and she tried her best to get my DD going but it was a lost cause. I did get a pump since my insurance also didn't cover a pump expense.

oliarnmom1517 · April 2015

Mine covers pregnancy but I still qualify but I make enough to get by and since my mom isn't charging us rent it is a plus except I feel like unless I truly need it I won't apply even though my doctor and a few others who work for the state said I qualified...it just feels weird especially because I don't like asking for things unless it's from my husband...and because I know people that went through it and said it was nice but they were all single mothers and I'm married and we make plenty to get by and even though like the day before pay day hits we may only have $40 or something but that can still get diapers or a few small things if we need them and we decided already that we are breast feeding as long as possible..and we just set a budget so I don't think we will apply unless we positively think we need to...

lanaloulittle · April 2015

My sister has been on wic since her first child was born, and has continued it for her second. Her husband has a good job and she works part time for minimum wage. There is a statistic somewhere that I read once that most people on wic work and can get by. I feel that if you can qualify for assistance, you should take it. I have been on food stamps and was grateful for them. Assistance is there to make things easier for people, that's why it's there. You don't have to be jobless and unable to care for yourself to get it, that's why there are requirements. Apply, if you don't get it then oh well. If you do, then great, that's why it's there!

In my opinion, wic is completely different than most government assistance. It has very different guidelines and requirements and it also limits what you can get. It is not a complete free for all.

mchmadre · April 2015

If it helps you get it. Some people are so ignorant. I make pretty good money but I also have one son already and pay a lot of bills and I know government assistance would be nice. There are people that don't deserve it like people who continue to have multiple children when they can't afford the ones they have or people that don't work and just live off of it but if you are trying to make ends meet and you feel like you need help them take it. That's why it's there in the first place

lizerspitz · April 2015

If you take WIC before you have no other option, you have more of a chance of not needing it in the future. It is often those who wait to get on it that end up depending on it for longer. If it will help you, take it. If you qualify, of course.

nlmosley · April 2015

WIC is not just an assistance program, it is a nutrition program. More people qualify for WIC because the income standards are not as strengent as other assistance programs. I had WIC when my son was a baby. It was just me with my part time job and no car, but plenty of families applied also. If these programs don't get used, they lose funding. WIC is for anyone that qualifies.

ashsagastizado · April 2015

We have been on WIC for almost a year now. After I got pregnant last year I had horrible morning sickness so I had to cut my work hours drastically. Even with tight budgeting, milk was a luxury sometimes but it does supply nutrients and help. It's a government program so they make the rules on how it's used. If you quality go for it if it helps. That's what it's there for. As two college students my husband and I are very thankful for it.

uwodahikamama15 · April 2015

If you qualify and it will benefit your family... Why not? Unfortunately since they count my income AND my husband we don't qualify for anything unless/until I quit working. Certainly not going to stop working, but I will definitely use it when I'm not working and recovering from giving birth.

jenessaumb · April 2015

To the people saying we are ignorant, you should read OP. She said she doesn't need it. She said they live comfortably now. She just wanted a hand out because "healthy foods expensive". Another poster stated we were ignorant then contradicted herself by saying she has a son, has WIC and gets food stamps but she thinks people abuse the system when you keep having babies.... I'll wait.... Uh? You're on food stamps AND pregnant again. If you are thinking about WIC before you get pregnant don't get pregnant.

She had to have known this would be a touchy subject for the people that work hard and take on the responsibility for paying for their own kids

I swear if some McDonald's employee gets on here and starts demanding $15/hr I'll scream. Lol

OP, you're going to do what you want in the end. Same with all your supporters. But... Why get online and remind us we'll be helping pay for your "expensive healthy food"?

kirsty2909 · April 2015

I will be trying for WIC as I am single 20 years old and going through a domestic dispute right now. Assistance is there if you need it!

mchmadre · April 2015

Okay it's ignorant because who are you to judge. What if the person behind the post really is broke and doesn't want to be embarassed by posting she is broke and then you come on here and insult them by saying she wants a hand out. Based on this post which is the post im commenting on she believes WIC could help her and her family. It's just trashy of other people to judge others for what they believe is best for them. And it sounds like her and her husband both work which means they pay taxes just as much as you or I so they have every right to get government help if they need it.

jenessaumb · April 2015

mchmadre said:
Okay it's ignorant because who are you to judge. What if the person behind the post really is broke and doesn't want to be embarassed by posting she is broke and then you come on here and insult them by saying she wants a hand out. Based on this post which is the post im commenting on she believes WIC could help her and her family. It's just trashy of other people to judge others for what they believe is best for them. And it sounds like her and her husband both work which means they pay taxes just as much as you or I so they have every right to get government help if they need it.

If she was embarrassed then why ask a WIC question. If she and her spouse ARE broke why make it a point to say they live comfortably and just don't like paying for healthy items? I'm going by based on the information she gave not my own assumptions. And the people who don't qualify for WIC pay way more into the program than the people that do. It's called tax brackets. People who make more have to pay more. Then people start gaining the mentality of "sure! Why not?" And "Ooh free shit"

For the people that need it, truly need it, use it! But don't abuse the system because milk prices are high.

we ALL suffer when it's time for Social Security to kick in and there is no money for people that earned it because we gave it away to the people who ABUSED the system. (I capitalize to emphasize there is a difference between people that need it and those that just qualify)

mchmadre · April 2015

Either way she thinks it could help her family. So like I said who are you to judge. And obviously she believes she could use the extra help. I don't think in her case it's abusing the system. And what is living "comfortable" even mean? To some people comfortable is making ends meet and that's it. So you don't know her story or why she feels she needs help but the help is there for ANYONE that qualifies. To each his own

MrsBest12 · April 2015

The qualifications exist to prevent people from abusing the system.

If you qualify, it is impossible to abuse the system. It is not abusive to use a program within the confines of the program's design.

valleric · April 2015

If you need it, use it!!!

sdahmes81 · April 2015

WIC is not a program to help those that cant. WIC is a program specifically designed to help people get the right nutrition in their diets. You use financial guidelines, but it really is not designed to be assistance. It's designed to be nutrition.

Ceridwen77 · April 2015

jenessaumb said:

mchmadre said:
Okay it's ignorant because who are you to judge. What if the person behind the post really is broke and doesn't want to be embarassed by posting she is broke and then you come on here and insult them by saying she wants a hand out. Based on this post which is the post im commenting on she believes WIC could help her and her family. It's just trashy of other people to judge others for what they believe is best for them. And it sounds like her and her husband both work which means they pay taxes just as much as you or I so they have every right to get government help if they need it.
If she was embarrassed then why ask a WIC question. If she and her spouse ARE broke why make it a point to say they live comfortably and just don't like paying for healthy items? I'm going by based on the information she gave not my own assumptions. And the people who don't qualify for WIC pay way more into the program than the people that do. It's called tax brackets. People who make more have to pay more. Then people start gaining the mentality of "sure! Why not?" And "Ooh free shit"

For the people that need it, truly need it, use it! But don't abuse the system because milk prices are high.

we ALL suffer when it's time for Social Security to kick in and there is no money for people that earned it because we gave it away to the people who ABUSED the system. (I capitalize to emphasize there is a difference between people that need it and those that just qualify)

"Living comfortably" is a relative statement. What the original poster finds to be comfortable living vs your definition vs mine can vary drastically depending upon our lifestyles. I pay a lot into WIC due to my & my husbands combined income, and I fully support anyone who qualifies to utilize the program if it will provide better nutrition for them and their family.

We have a real health epidemic in the United States and you can trace that back to people's processed food choices. Starting off a child's life with good nutrition and food choices will help set them up to make good choices throughout their lives. This could drastically reduce our healthcare costs for the future, by setting up people to be proactive about health vs reactive and treating issues that could have been prevented with healthful eating and exercise.

DrMommaDVM · April 2015

If you qualify for it and you need it, use it. You are no less deserving than anyone else. Don't ask permission from people who don't know you. It's not anybody else's business.

WeirdAlice · April 2015

I use it. After so long it helps you get into the habit of buying healthier foods you can only stay on for so many years (5 here) with a child and if you qualify, once it's gone your into the habit of looking at the same items you would buy on it instead of items you may have never considered if you wouldn't have gotten into the program. It's not meant for assistance in the fullest, it's nutrition. Helping you LEARN what's healthier for you and child and leading you in that direction. That's why they are so "pushy" For breast feeding and if by chance u can't breast feed then they can help guide you into the best formula direction. Nutrition. Use it if u can.

madds915 · April 2015

Why is for single or not single people and if the help is there take it. What's the problem with asking for help? I can pay my bills and I have a roof over my head thanks to my boyfriend but we didn't expect having a baby so the extra expenses are a little more than more than we can a handle.

gracefula · April 2015

Healthy food is expensive, absolutely. If your choices are between affording healthy food or having a more expensive lifestyle (travel, entertainment, eating out a lot, etc.) then it might be wiser to trim your budget in those other areas so you can feed yourself and your baby high-quality food. Doing without the "extras" so that your baby can be healthy is always a smart move. If you are like my family, where we already have cut out every non-essential expense, you avoid junk food and make a lot of food from scratch, and you still cannot afford to buy enough meat/dairy/produce, then it is probably time to apply for WIC.

While is it admirable when families want to care for their kids without any help, there is nothing wrong with accepting help when you need it. Make the best decision for YOUR family. Cheers!

mchmadre · April 2015

Wow okay she never mentioned any of thee above she didn't say hey we like to travel the world or buy nice things so I want free government aid she said it would help her. And yes some people take pride in the fact that they do it alone but not everyone is that privileged and you sound like a snob just saying

kclilkim · April 2015

I get WIC and times are so hard at the moment. My hubby fell sick at work and had to come home early so, WIC saved us when we had no money for food. It's not much but it's a lot when you have nothing.

vrossolille · April 2015

I'm gonna say this but I am seriously not judging but if you cant grocery shop for 3 months, how do you get pregnant and afford medical?????

mchmadre · April 2015

She didn't say she couldn't afford it she said she believed she could use the help and maybe due to medical insurance

jenessaumb · April 2015

mchmadre said:
She didn't say she couldn't afford it she said she believed she could use the help and maybe due to medical insurance

Who couldn't use the help? Who doesn't want free money. I do

We can just agree to disagree

mchmadre · April 2015

Okay but maybe you and I don't need it and she does you nor I know so sure agree that we neither of us know

Liberty1025 · April 2015

mchmadre said:
Okay it's ignorant because who are you to judge. What if the person behind the post really is broke and doesn't want to be embarassed by posting she is broke and then you come on here and insult them by saying she wants a hand out. Based on this post which is the post im commenting on she believes WIC could help her and her family. It's just trashy of other people to judge others for what they believe is best for them. And it sounds like her and her husband both work which means they pay taxes just as much as you or I so they have every right to get government help if they need it.

I know this is digging up an old thread, but I created an account for the express purpose of responding to this, and my waiting period just ended.

I fully support government programs when they are used as temporary assistance in desperate situations, as the taxpayers intend it to be. My husband was the first in his family to go to college and now does well. I am self employed. Combined, between federal, state, local, FICA, Medicare, etc, we pay over 40% of our income To the government. FORTY PERCENT. so no, I do not accept the argument that people taking assistance as a way of life instead of a stopgap with a finite end "pay taxes just as much as you or I". Because it's simply not true.

If you are on WIC but own smart phones, go on any vacations, or go out to eat, you don't need WIC. I haven't gone on vacation in over a year.

jasbaby2 · April 2015

If you qualify for WIC you should apply for it. There are objective legal income maximums that determine if one qualifies for WIC or not. I don't care what you spend the rest of your money on, that's your choice.

jasbaby2 · April 2015

Liberty1025 said:

mchmadre said:
Okay it's ignorant because who are you to judge. What if the person behind the post really is broke and doesn't want to be embarassed by posting she is broke and then you come on here and insult them by saying she wants a hand out. Based on this post which is the post im commenting on she believes WIC could help her and her family. It's just trashy of other people to judge others for what they believe is best for them. And it sounds like her and her husband both work which means they pay taxes just as much as you or I so they have every right to get government help if they need it.

I know this is digging up an old thread, but I created an account for the express purpose of responding to this, and my waiting period just ended.

I fully support government programs when they are used as temporary assistance in desperate situations, as the taxpayers intend it to be. My husband was the first in his family to go to college and now does well. I am self employed. Combined, between federal, state, local, FICA, Medicare, etc, we pay over 40% of our income To the government. FORTY PERCENT. so no, I do not accept the argument that people taking assistance as a way of life instead of a stopgap with a finite end "pay taxes just as much as you or I". Because it's simply not true.

If you are on WIC but own smart phones, you don't need WIC.

I'm not sure who you are paying taxes to but if you are married filing jointly you aren't even paying 40% of your income above $464,861 because that top tax bracket? The percentage is 39.6% on income above that number so only your income over that amount is taxed at 39%.

Even taking all state taxes into consideration if you are paying an effective tax rate of 40% of your income you need a new CPA. We pay quite a large amount in taxes each year but are no where near 40%.

Smart phones have nothing to do with WIC. It may be your opinion that if someone has a smartphone they don't need WIC but the laws disagree with you. There is an objective income test that determines if a family qualifies for WIC. They look at income and number of people in a family. Smartphones don't come into play.

Liberty1025 · April 2015

jasbaby2 said:

Liberty1025 said:

mchmadre said:
Okay it's ignorant because who are you to judge. What if the person behind the post really is broke and doesn't want to be embarassed by posting she is broke and then you come on here and insult them by saying she wants a hand out. Based on this post which is the post im commenting on she believes WIC could help her and her family. It's just trashy of other people to judge others for what they believe is best for them. And it sounds like her and her husband both work which means they pay taxes just as much as you or I so they have every right to get government help if they need it.

I know this is digging up an old thread, but I created an account for the express purpose of responding to this, and my waiting period just ended.

I fully support government programs when they are used as temporary assistance in desperate situations, as the taxpayers intend it to be. My husband was the first in his family to go to college and now does well. I am self employed. Combined, between federal, state, local, FICA, Medicare, etc, we pay over 40% of our income To the government. FORTY PERCENT. so no, I do not accept the argument that people taking assistance as a way of life instead of a stopgap with a finite end "pay taxes just as much as you or I". Because it's simply not true.

If you are on WIC but own smart phones, you don't need WIC.
I'm not sure who you are paying taxes to but if you are married filing jointly you aren't even paying 40% of your income above $464,861 because that top tax bracket? The percentage is 39.6% on income above that number so only your income over that amount is taxed at 39%.

Even taking all state taxes into consideration if you are paying an effective tax rate of 40% of your income you need a new CPA. We pay quite a large amount in taxes each year but are no where near 40%.

Smart phones have nothing to do with WIC. It may be your opinion that if someone has a smartphone they don't need WIC but the laws disagree with you. There is an objective income test that determines if a family qualifies for WIC. They look at income and number of people in a family. Smartphones don't come into play.

You must not live in New York City. Or be self employed.

jasbaby2 · April 2015

Liberty1025 said:

jasbaby2 said:

Liberty1025 said:

mchmadre said:
Okay it's ignorant because who are you to judge. What if the person behind the post really is broke and doesn't want to be embarassed by posting she is broke and then you come on here and insult them by saying she wants a hand out. Based on this post which is the post im commenting on she believes WIC could help her and her family. It's just trashy of other people to judge others for what they believe is best for them. And it sounds like her and her husband both work which means they pay taxes just as much as you or I so they have every right to get government help if they need it.

I know this is digging up an old thread, but I created an account for the express purpose of responding to this, and my waiting period just ended.

I fully support government programs when they are used as temporary assistance in desperate situations, as the taxpayers intend it to be. My husband was the first in his family to go to college and now does well. I am self employed. Combined, between federal, state, local, FICA, Medicare, etc, we pay over 40% of our income To the government. FORTY PERCENT. so no, I do not accept the argument that people taking assistance as a way of life instead of a stopgap with a finite end "pay taxes just as much as you or I". Because it's simply not true.

If you are on WIC but own smart phones, you don't need WIC.
I'm not sure who you are paying taxes to but if you are married filing jointly you aren't even paying 40% of your income above $464,861 because that top tax bracket? The percentage is 39.6% on income above that number so only your income over that amount is taxed at 39%.

Even taking all state taxes into consideration if you are paying an effective tax rate of 40% of your income you need a new CPA. We pay quite a large amount in taxes each year but are no where near 40%.

Smart phones have nothing to do with WIC. It may be your opinion that if someone has a smartphone they don't need WIC but the laws disagree with you. There is an objective income test that determines if a family qualifies for WIC. They look at income and number of people in a family. Smartphones don't come into play.

You must not live in New York City. Or be self employed.

I am actually self employed and you aren't paying an effective 40% income tax. If you are you are taking no credits and no deductions. Thus....you need a new cpa. I'm not going to spend anymore time on this.

I would also add that the deductions and credits you are entitled to are no different then WIC. They are legal because laws have been passed saying they are. The reasons for all usually being tied back to what lawmakers decide is good public policy.

mchmadre · April 2015

And how many times does it have to be stated WIC is for people who need to eat healthier. And once again your comment still doesn't change the fact that she believes it could help her family. And I pay taxes too so does everyone else so idc how much you pay point is she pays them too

Want a personalized experience?

WIC?

Re: WIC?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards