Division of Community Nutrition

Subject: Categorical Eligibility Policy: CRT 02.0 Reference: CFR §246.7 Effective: August 12, 2013 Supersedes: August 1, 2007

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I. Policy:

An applicant shall be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman, infant, or child under five (5) years of age to be eligible for WIC benefits and services.

II. Procedure(s):

A. Determine if an applicant is in a category served by the WIC Program:

1) Pregnant Women: women with one (1) or more embryos or fetuses in utero.

2) Breastfeeding women: women up to one (1) year postpartum who are partially or fully breastfeeding an infant.

3) Postpartum women: women up to six (6) months after termination of pregnancy, including still birth, miscarriage, and therapeutic abortion.

4) Infants: persons under one (1) year of age.

5) Children: persons who have had their first birthday but have not yet attained their fifth birthday.

B. Accept self-declaration as proof of pregnancy for a pregnant woman.

1) WIC Personnel shall inform participant that she will be financially liable to the WIC Program if she is obtaining WIC benefits and services under false pretenses.

2) If multiple fetuses are claimed, see CRT 05.2

3) WIC Personnel shall inform participant that she is to inform the local agency of any changes regarding her status as a pregnant woman (i.e. miscarriage, still birth, therapeutic abortion). WIC Personnel shall also request documentation as to the result of the pregnancy (still birth, miscarriage, adoption, or therapeutic abortion) at a woman’s subsequent certification as a postpartum woman.