WIC services and federal budget updates
We understand the uncertainty families and service providers may feel as the United States Congress works to approve a federal budget for Federal Fiscal Year 2026 (October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026).
WIC is committed to serving and keeping California families informed. This webpage is a resource for the latest information and guidance on WIC services during this time.
Background
On October 1, 2025, the United States federal government entered a shutdown. The federal government shutdown will end
once the United States Congress passes a federal budget or a Continuing Resolution. WIC offices remain open at this time.
What you should know
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California WIC continues to serve and enroll families.
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WIC offices will remain open.
What you can do
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Continue to use your WIC benefits.
Use your WIC food benefits at WIC-authorized stores as usual.
Your WIC food benefits can help you stretch your food dollars.
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Keep attending your WIC appointments.
Families should continue attending their scheduled WIC appointments.
WIC will continue to help you get healthy foods, nutrition tips, breastfeeding support, and referrals.
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Stay in contact with your WIC office.
Your local WIC office can offer you support and guidance.
How you can stay informed
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Check the MyFamily website.
Visit this website regularly for updates and announcements. WIC will keep participants informed of any changes to services.
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Check the California WIC App.
Download and check the California WIC App for alerts, appointment reminders, and your food benefits. The WIC App is available for
iPhone
and
Android
phones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
Will my WIC food benefits stop during the government shutdown?+
No. Continue to use your food benefits at
WIC authorized stores
as you normally would unless your local WIC office tells you otherwise.
Use the free
California WIC App
to check your food balance.
If you have questions about your WIC foods, you can:
-
Will my WIC office still be open?+
Yes. WIC continues to provide services at this time. Stay in contact with your WIC office and visit this website regularly
to see updates in case of changes during the federal government shutdown.
-
Should I still go to my scheduled appointments?+
You should continue attending your scheduled WIC appointments.
Your local WIC office will keep you informed if there are changes to your appointments.
Call or text your local WIC office if you have questions or concerns about your WIC appointments.
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Can I still use my WIC food benefits?+
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Will I still be able to receive formula for my baby?+
Yes. You will still be able to receive issued formula and use your WIC benefits at this time.
Check your California WIC App to see your issued food benefits.
Call or text your
local WIC office
if you have questions about your food balance.
WIC will keep families informed of any changes to services or benefit amounts.
-
Will my food benefit amounts change?+
The benefit amounts are set by the United States Congress.
Families should continue checking this website for updates.
Families should also continue checking the
California WIC App
for their food balance.
-
If benefits were already issued before a shutdown, can they still be used?+
Yes. You should continue to use your WIC food benefits at
WIC authorized stores.
Your issued WIC benefits will not stop or be taken away.
Use the
California WIC App
to check your food balance or call your local WIC office if you have questions about your specific food benefits.
-
Will I have any issues shopping for my WIC foods at the store?+
You should not have issues shopping at this time.
WIC authorized stores
will continue to process your WIC Card transactions as usual.
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Will the WIC Card still work after a shutdown?+
Yes, your WIC Card will still work.
Continue to shop for your WIC food benefits at
WIC authorized stores
as normal.
If you ever have trouble with your WIC Card, please contact the following numbers:
-
Can I still apply to WIC?+
Yes. WIC continues to enroll eligible families at this time. The process of applying and enrolling with WIC remains the same.
Page Last Updated: October 2, 2025
