Will WIC benefits stop in November like SNAP? Here's who could be impacted

As millions face the looming threat of sweeping nutrition programs being cut off come November, people who rely on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, known as WIC, are contending with a separate risk to funding.

Experts warn WIC could run out of money in just days, even with a recent emergency cash infusion earlier this month, as the government shutdown has put supplemental nutrition programs at risk.

While 25 states plus Washington, DC filed a lawsuit on Oct. 28 in an attempt to force the Trump administration to fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, questions remain about WIC, which also receives funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) but via different monies and processes.

Here's what we know about WIC payments in November.

What is WIC?

WIC is a federal nutrition program that provides food, education and counseling to nearly 7 million at-risk pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding individuals, as well as infants and children up to 5 years old.

What happens to WIC during a government shutdown?

According to a USDA contingency plan dated Sept. 30 that has since been taken off the agency's website, WIC continues to operate in the event of a shutdown as long as funding is available. However, WIC is not designated as "mandatory spending," meaning funding for the program is subject to regular congressional allocation and approval.

WIC can "recover and reallocate unused grant funds from the previous fiscal year" for state-level activities if it becomes strapped for cash; however, federal activities will cease once funding is unavailable, according to the plan. States can carry over up to 3% of fiscal year 2025 funding, if unused, according to the Food Research & Action Center. The remaining funds are returned to USDA to be reallocated for fiscal year 2026.

When federal monies run out, states and local governments can step in to fill the gap, then file for reimbursement from the federal government later, if they can afford to do so.

A handful of states, including California, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina and Utah have issued statements about continuing benefits at least a few weeks into November, either via funding reserves or other plans.

Can tariffs fund WIC?

Earlier this month, the White House issued $300 million in unspent tariff revenue and leftover funding from other programs that temporarily kept the program running. In an Oct. 14 statement, the USDA told USA TODAY that it would continue to utilize tariff revenue to fund WIC "for the foreseeable future."

It's unclear how much funding is available through tariff revenue and how it will sustain the program.

The legality of the tariffs at large is also being challenged in court, with the Supreme Court slated to hear arguments on Nov. 5. The USDA did not immediately respond to a question about plans for future funding depending on the outcome of the case on Oct. 28.

What will happen to WIC if the shutdown continues into November?

Despite the infusion of funds, the National WIC Association (NWA) stated that emergency funding is only enough to sustain the program through Oct. 31, so people could lose access to their benefits beginning Nov. 1 if nothing changes.

"Without additional funding, State WIC Agencies may be forced to take drastic measures that prevent families from accessing the services they need, such as halting food benefits. This would directly jeopardize the health and nutrition of millions of mothers, babies, and young children," NWA CEO Georgia Machell said in an Oct. 21 statement.

In a letter to the White House on Oct. 24, the NWA and 40 co-signing organizations said some states may have to issue furlough notices to clinic staff beginning Oct. 27 if they do not receive additional funding.

"The NWA is warning that millions of families could lose access to their WIC benefits as early as November 1 unless the Trump Administration provides additional emergency funds next week," the organization said in a statement. "To avert this crisis, NWA is calling for an additional $300 million to sustain program operations through the first two weeks of November."

The White House and Office of Management and Budget did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding whether it will issue more emergency funds for WIC.

How many Americans are on WIC? Who uses it?

According to the USDA, WIC served about 6.7 million participants each month in fiscal year 2024, including an estimated 41% of all infants in the United States.

People eligible for WIC include pregnant women, non-breastfeeding women up to 6 months postpartum, breastfeeding women up to 1 year postpartum, infants up to their first birthday, and children up to their fifth birthday.

To qualify, recipients must have a household income up to 185% of the federal poverty guidelines or demonstrate participation in other programs, including SNAP, Medicaid or TANF. Applicants must be at "nutritional risk" as determined by a health professional.

Which states have the most WIC recipients?

California, Georgia, Florida, New York and Texas had the largest number of WIC recipients in 2024, according to USDA data.