SNAP vs WIC: What's the Difference? Can You Get Both?

SNAP and WIC are both federal food assistance programs, but they serve different purposes, different populations, and provide different benefits. The good news: you can receive both at the same time. Here's how they compare.

Quick Comparison

Feature	SNAP (Food Stamps)	WIC
Full name	Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program	Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
Who qualifies	Anyone meeting income limits	Pregnant/postpartum women, infants, children under 5
Income limit	130% FPL (gross)	185% FPL (gross)
Benefit type	Monthly $ amount on EBT card	Specific approved foods on eWIC card
What you can buy	Almost any grocery food	Only WIC-approved items (milk, eggs, cereal, produce, etc.)
Average benefit	~$194/person/month	~$50-80/month in food value
Citizenship required	Yes (with exceptions)	No
How long	As long as you qualify	Until child turns 5 (or 6 months postpartum)
Application	Online, in person, by mail	In person at WIC clinic
Processing time	7-30 days	Same day at appointment

SNAP: Broader Coverage, More Flexibility

SNAP is the larger program — serving 42+ million Americans regardless of age, gender, or family status. Benefits are loaded as dollar amounts on an EBT card, and you can buy almost any grocery item (except alcohol, tobacco, and hot prepared food).

SNAP's strength is flexibility: you choose what to buy, where to shop, and how to spend your monthly allotment. The average benefit is about $194 per person per month, though it varies based on household income and deductions.

WIC: Targeted Nutrition for Mothers and Young Children

WIC is more specialized — it only serves pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5. Instead of a flexible dollar amount, WIC provides specific approved foods chosen for nutritional value: milk, eggs, whole grains, fruits/vegetables, and infant formula.

WIC's strength is nutritional targeting: the program is designed to ensure that mothers and young children get specific nutrients critical for healthy development. WIC also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthcare referrals — benefits that SNAP doesn't offer.

Can You Get Both SNAP and WIC?

Yes — and you should. SNAP and WIC are completely separate programs. Receiving one does not disqualify you from the other. In fact:

Receiving SNAP automatically qualifies you for WIC's income requirement
Receiving WIC does not reduce your SNAP benefit amount
You can also combine SNAP and WIC with food pantry visits, school meals, and any other food program

According to the USDA, about 85% of WIC participants also receive SNAP or are eligible for it.

Which Should You Apply for First?

If you're pregnant or have young children: Apply for WIC first — you can often get approved the same day at your appointment. Then apply for SNAP (takes 7-30 days).
If you don't have young children: Apply for SNAP — WIC isn't available to you. Check all programs you qualify for.
If you need food today: Visit a food pantry while both applications process — no application needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does WIC count as income for SNAP?

No. WIC benefits are not counted as income when determining SNAP eligibility or benefit amounts.

Can fathers apply for WIC?

The WIC benefit is for the child, not the parent. Fathers (or any legal guardian) can apply on behalf of eligible infants and children.

Do I need to be a citizen for WIC?

No. WIC does not require citizenship or documentation. All eligible women, infants, and children can receive WIC regardless of immigration status, and it does not affect public charge determinations.

Apply Now

Apply for SNAP — monthly grocery benefits
Apply for WIC — nutrition support for mothers and young children
Check eligibility for all programs
Find a food pantry near you — free food while you wait

Sources

USDA Food and Nutrition Service. "SNAP Overview."
USDA Food and Nutrition Service. "WIC Overview."
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. "Food Assistance Programs."