WIC vs SNAP: What's the Difference and Can You Get Both

Two programs, two rules—but many families can use both.

If you’ve ever wondered why SNAP buys almost anything in a grocery cart while WIC is so specific, you’re not alone. Here’s a clear, no-jargon guide to how they differ—and how to use both without stress. Live in Los Angeles, California? Redemption rules, hotlines, and app tools can vary—check what’s available where you live.

Start here: what to do first

• List who’s in your household and who might qualify for WIC (pregnant/postpartum, infants, kids under 5) versus SNAP (most low-income households).
• Gather key docs: ID, proof of address, income (or proof you already get Medicaid/SNAP/TANF for easier WIC review), and due date/child age info for WIC.
• Apply separately: WIC is run by local clinics; SNAP is run by your state agency. You can be approved for both.
• Expect different shopping experiences:
  • SNAP = a monthly dollar amount with broad food choices.
  • WIC = specific foods/quantities tailored to nutrition needs.
• Keep a simple benefits folder (paper or phone notes) to track case numbers, recert dates, and what documents each program needs next time.

Adjunctive eligibility: how SNAP or Medicaid can fast-track WIC

Some families spend weeks chasing pay stubs when they don’t have to. If you already receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, you may be adjunctively income-eligible for WIC—meaning income paperwork can be simplified.

• Tiny scenario: A parent on Medicaid applies for WIC for a 2-year-old. Instead of gathering pay stubs, the clinic verifies Medicaid participation and moves straight to the nutrition assessment.
• What to bring anyway:
  • Proof you’re on SNAP/Medicaid/TANF (e.g., approval letter, app screenshot).
  • ID and residency documents the clinic requests.
  • For infants/young kids: immunization card or clinic records if available.
• If staff don’t mention adjunctive eligibility, ask—politely—but do ask.
• If you lose SNAP/Medicaid later, your WIC case may need income documents at the next certification, so keep them handy.

Why checkout feels different: approved foods vs. flexible dollars

WIC and SNAP were designed for different jobs—so the rules at the register aren’t the same.

• WIC issues food packages that target nutrients for pregnancy, breastfeeding, infants, and kids under 5; each state approves specific brands/sizes.
• SNAP lets you decide which eligible foods to buy within your monthly budget.
• Store inventories matter more for WIC: if the exact item/size isn’t on the shelf, the register will reject it—even if a similar product is available.
• Practical moves:
  • Use your state’s WIC app (if available) to scan items before checkout.
  • Shop earlier in the week or morning for better stock.
  • Keep a “backup items” list that fit your package so a quick swap won’t derail checkout.
• Online shopping: SNAP widely supports online purchases; WIC online is still limited to pilots in many places, so plan on in-store for WIC.

"Sometimes, to be honest, I don’t even use it,” said Williams, who makes about $7 too much a month to qualify for food stamps, “because it’s so hard to get to and from the grocery store, and find a vendor that does accept (WIC)." — Ashley Yancey, Douglasville, GA
(WSLS, WIC helps moms and kids eat. But finding what you need can be hard)

FAQs for Los Angeles, California

References