How WIC Protects and Shares Your Information
WIC wants to make sure you are aware of other programs that can help you and your family. While WIC keeps your family’s information private, there are some cases where WIC can share your information with other government programs that also support WIC families.
The sections below outline how WIC protects your information. They also describe situations where your information may be shared with other government programs.
If you have any questions about the sharing of your information, please contact your WIC local agency.
Privacy
WIC is required to protect your information. Your written approval is needed before WIC shares your family’s information with anyone outside of the WIC program, except as permitted by law. Federal regulations allow WIC to share information about your participation in the WIC program with other government programs that also serve WIC families.
Information Sharing
Information sharing involves the secure and confidential exchange of information with other government programs to help WIC participants access the benefits for which they may qualify.
The programs that the California State Health Officer has approved to receive WIC applicant and participants’ confidential WIC information are:
- Medi-Cal/Medicaid
- CalFresh/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
These programs can only use confidential WIC applicant and participant information:
- To conduct outreach for their programs.
- To determine eligibility for their programs.
- To improve the health, education, or well-being of WIC applicants and participants in their programs.
- To streamline program procedures.
- To determine how California’s health system responds to participants’ needs.
If the California State Health Officer approves additional programs, they will be added here.
Page Last Updated: July 10, 2024