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As of July 1, 2025, Idaho law requires CDH to verify the lawful presence of those applying for public benefits through our agency.

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As of July 1, 2025, Idaho law requires CDH to verify the lawful presence of those applying for public benefits through our agency.

The programs impacted by this change are:
  • WIC applicants who are not on Medicaid, SNAP, or TAFI
  • Clinic services for which a sliding scale is used
  • Licenses and permits for food establishments
  • Licenses and permits for septic onsite, pumper and installer services

You can review the policy here and then complete the form below to verify your lawful presence online or you can visit one of our CDH offices to confirm in person.

Lawful Presence Online Forms: English | Spanish

WIC: English | Spanish

Support Programs

Women, Infants, Children

Women, Infants, Children (WIC) is a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children up to age 5. It provides nutritious supplemental foods, breastfeeding support, as well as nutrition education and referrals to other services at no cost to eligible families.

 

 

Non-Discrimination Statement

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

USDA – Nondiscrimination Statement

 

 

Program

Locations

Eligibility

You need to meet the following requirements to qualify for WIC:

  • WIC serves women during pregnancy and up to 1 year postpartum, as well as infants and children until their 5th birthday.
  • Your household’s total gross income (income before taxes) must be at or below the income eligibility guidelines (shown below). This is based on the size of your household.
    • Pregnant women can count their unborn child as a household member.
    • If you receive Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), or TAFI (family employment program), your income already qualifies you for WIC.

WIC income eligibility guidelines (gross income)

Effective July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

Household sizeAnnual grossMonthly grossTwice monthly grossBi-weekly grossWeekly gross
1$28,953$2,413$1,207$1,114$557
2$39,128$3,261$1,631$1,505$753
3$49,303$4,109$2,055$1,897$949
4$59,478$4,957$2,479$2,288$1,144
5$69,653$5,805$2,903$2,679$1,340
6$79,828$6,653$3,327$3,071$1,536
7$90,003$7,501$3,751$3,462$1,731
8$100,178$8,349$4,175$3,853$1,927
Each add'l family member$10,175$848$424$392$196

Things to Know

  • You need to live in the area served by your local health department.
    To confirm where you live, bring a current bill or a rent or mortgage receipt that shows your street address to your first appointment.
  • You need to show identification for each family member applying for WIC.
    This may be a picture ID, birth certificate.
  • WIC is an equal opportunity program.
    Any information requested about your racial and ethnic background is for record keeping only.

 

 

What to Expect

A WIC health professional will determine your medical or nutrition-based condition during your first appointment. They will measure the height and weight of you and your children and may take a small blood sample to check iron levels. A WIC health professional will discuss these results with you, along with your family’s eating habits, current and past medical conditions, and any nutrition-related concerns you may have. They are there to listen and answer your questions.

 

 

Apply

Click Here to Apply Online

  1. Submit your application
  2. Wait to be contacted
    • You will be contacted by phone or text within 2 business days to schedule an appointment.
  3. Gather required documents
    • To be served at your appointment, you must bring or submit at least 2 of the three required documents below.
      • Proof of physical address (No P.O. Boxes)
      • Proof of income from the past 30 days (not required if you receive Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, or SNAP)
      • Proof of ID for all individuals applying, including the adult applying on behalf of a child or infant
    • Note: Providing 2 of the 3 documents allows for temporary certification. You’ll have 30 days to submit the remaining document to complete your certification.
  4. Submit your documents
    • Submitting documents before your appointment will reduce check-in time. You can:
      • Attach documents to the online form
      • Request a secure upload link by texting 208-327-7488
      • Email documents to WICProof@cdh.idaho.gov (include your name in the subject line)
      • Bring documents with you to your appointment
  5. Attend your appointment
    • Be sure to bring proof of ID and any required documents you haven’t submitted in advance.

Please note: This online WIC application form is only for Ada County, Boise County, Elmore County, and Valley County.

 

 

Breastfeeding

All our WIC staff are trained to encourage and support breastfeeding, as breastfeeding is the optimal method of feeding for most infants.

Did you know that as a breastfeeding mom you have certain rights? There are laws in place to help you meet your breastfeeding goals, including laws about breastfeeding in public and pumping at work. Talk to the CDH team about breastfeeding laws in your area and see these links for more information:

Classes

Central District Health’s Breastfeeding Basics class is open to all WIC participants and covers the following topics:

  • Your body is built for breastfeeding.
  • How the breast makes milk including breast anatomy, milk supply, American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations.
  • Having a breastfeeding plan to take to the hospital which includes exclusive breastfeeding, importance of skin-to-skin, rooming in.
  • Health benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby. When to feed your baby: hunger cues, feeding guidelines, cluster feedings.
  • How can I tell if my baby is getting enough to eat including growth spurts, counting diapers, proper weight gain, and keeping a feeding log.
  • Expressing and pumping milk, nipple care, and warning signs of problems.
  • Breastfeeding support at WIC, feeding in public, and returning to work or school.
  • Please contact the Boise WIC Office at 208-327-7400 for more information.

Experts & Peer Counselors

Central District Health is pleased to provide evidenced-based Peer Counseling to assist in breastfeeding promotion and support. A WIC breastfeeding peer counselor is a mother in the community with personal breastfeeding experience who is trained to give information and support to new moms. She will help give mothers basic breastfeeding information, counseling, support, and help them meet their breastfeeding goals, including:

  • Basic information about breastfeeding.
  • Ideas on how your family and friends can support you.
  • Ways to get a good start with breastfeeding.
  • Tips for a healthy supply of breast milk for your baby.
  • Support when you have breastfeeding concerns.
  • Tips on how to breastfeed comfortably and discreetly, even in public.
  • Advice to help you stick with breastfeeding after you return to work or school.

Peer Counselors will contact mothers regularly during the pregnancy and during the early days and weeks of breastfeeding. Peer Counselors also assist with prenatal breastfeeding classes and are available to new mothers outside the usual working schedule who have breastfeeding questions.

Peer Counselors refer mothers to appropriate lactation experts or healthcare professionals if the mother’s concerns are outside the peer counselor’s scope of practice.

Nursing is Normal

The following video, “Nursing is Normal” was created by a coalition of community partners including Central District Health, St. Alphonsus, Saint Luke’s, Elmore Medical Center and a local pediatrician. The video aims to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding.

 

 

Resources

Flyers, Social Media & Websites

Nutrition / Recipes and Breastfeeding Resources

Car Seat Finder & Safety

Community Resources

 

 

Free Nutrition Education

WICSmart

The WIC program is now offering WICSmart; a free nutrition education application.

With this option low risk participants are able to take nutrition education online from the convenience of your home computer or on the go from your phone. For more information, please contact your local WIC office to see if you qualify.

Learn More About WICSmart