May fathers apply for children benefits in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)?
• A. Yes, fathers like mothers are eligible to apply for the WIC benefits for their children. The adult benefits, however, are only available to pregnant or lactating women. • Q. Can both a mother and a father apply for WIC benefits for the same child? • If the parents are not living in the same household, either parent may apply for benefits for the children. But both parents cannot apply for benefits for the same month. That is, children are not eligible for double benefits because they spend time with both parents. Children are counted in the family of the parent with whom they reside the majority (more than 50 percent) of the time. It is the income, size and nutritional risk of this family that determines income eligibility. In joint custody cases where both parents are actively seeking WIC benefits, each case is assessed to determine the best arrangement possible within the constraints of the program rules.
