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Mass. WIC

Commonwealth
of Massachusetts

Participant Eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions

Click on any question below to learn more about WIC eligiblity in Massachusetts.
To add a question:

E-Mail us. Your comments about the FAQ are welcome.

1.	What kinds of proof does WIC require from an applicant in order to determine eligibility?
2.	How often does WIC require these proofs?
3.	Does proof of identity have to be a picture ID?
4.	Are applicants allowed to self declare any of the required proof?
5.	In allowing participants to self declare, what would be considered extenuating or difficult situations?
6.	How does it work when an applicant has to self declare any of the required proofs?
7.	How do I know when to use the Verification Form and when to use the Benefactor Letter?
8.	Is there any exemption to the Physical Presence Requirement?
9.	The Proof Requirement Document states that The Benefactor Letter should be completed by a "reliable third party" who has knowledge of the applicants situation. Can you give some examples of a reliable third party?
10.	Can a family member or friend be a reliable third party?
11.	When a participant self declares any or all of the required proofs, how many months' worth of checks should they receive?

Q1:	What kinds of proof does WIC require from an applicant in order to determine eligibility?
A1:	All applicants for the WIC program must show proof of identity residency income Each applicant must also be physically present at the WIC program at the time of certification and must be categorically eligible,that is, be a pregnant, breastfeeding or post-partum woman, an infant or a child who has not yet reached his/her fifth birthday.

Q2:	How often does WIC require these proofs?
A2:	At every certification and recertification.

Q3:	Does proof of identity have to be a picture ID?
A3:	NO. For example, a drivers license, passport, or work ID is a picture ID. However a birth certificate, Infant's crib card, ID bracelet etc. do not include an applicant's picture, but are allowable as proof of identity.

Q4:	Are applicants allowed to self declare any of the required proof?
A4:	Yes, in certain extenuating or difficult situations an applicant may be allowed to self declare some of the required proof.

Q5:	In determining the ability to self declare, what would be considered extenuating or difficult situations?
A5:	Examples would be homeless applicants, victims of disaster such as fire, tornado, flooding, migrant or undocumented workers.

Q6:	How does it work when an applicant has to self declare any of the required proofs?
A6:	Massachusetts WIC Program has two self declaration forms that can be used: The Verification Form and the Benefactor Letter.

Q7:

How do I know when to use the Verification Form and when to use the Benefactor Letter?

A7:

The answer to this question will vary depending on the individual situation; for example:

An applicant who is staying in a shelter and has no income: she should be given referrals to services such as housing, DTA, employment/ training and the Benefactor Letter.
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An applicant who has lost most or all of her possessions in a fire or flood: she should also receive referrals and the Benefactor Letter.
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A person who recently moved to Massachusetts from another state, has a completed VOC Form, a New York driver's license but no proof of address in Massachusetts: she should be allowed to write a detailed statement and sign the Verification Form. Provide referrals as needed.
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A pregnant teenager who lives at home and is being supported by her parent(s),states she has nothing to show except a learner's permit to drive, can produce proof of address but cannot get her parent(s) proof of income: She should be given neither the Verification Letter nor the Benefactor Letter, since she has nothing to prove eligibility. Proof of her parent(s)' income is needed to determine if this teenager is eligible.

Q8:

Is there any exemption to the Physical Presence Requirement?

A8:

Yes, newborn infants are not required to be present at first Certification but should be present for the follow up visit.

Another instance would be: at recertification there is documentation from a medical provider regarding a contagious illness or physical disability or there is documentation of the required anthropometric measurements. In these situations the participant can be exempted for that recertification only.

Q9:	The Proof Requirement Document states that The Benefactor Letter should be completed by a "reliable third party" who has knowledge of the applicant's situation. Can you give some examples of a reliable third party?
A9:	Here are some examples of who can be a reliable third party: appropriate staff of an organization or program that provides services for which the WIC participant could be eligible, for example: Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) Social Service Agencies Relief Organizations Legal Aid Services

Q10:	Can a family member or friend be a reliable third party?
A10:	NO, a reliable third party should be a member on staff of a health and or human services organization that provides assistance/services to eligible individuals and families. Please note that WIC staff cannot serve as a reliable third party for a WIC applicant.

Q11:	When a participant self declares any or all of the required proofs, how many months' worth of checks should they receive?
A11:	Generally, the person who is allowed to complete the Verification Form gets 3 months' worth of checks each time. A person who is given the Benefactor Letter gets only 1 month's worth of checks until he/she returns with the completed letter or proof of automatic income eligibility.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Deval L. Patrick - Governor
Timothy P. Murray - Lieutenant Governor
Judyann Bigby - Secretary of EOHHS
John M. Auerbach - Commissioner - Department of Public Health
Sally Fogerty - Director - Bureau of Family Health and Nutrition
Mary Kelligrew Kassler - WIC Program Director

The Learning Center
63 Fountain Street
Framingham, MA 01702
P: 508-875-8700
F: 508-875-8990
E: tlcinfo@state.ma.us

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