How can I refer a family to WIC?
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Via EPIC or CareLink (preferred method)
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If access to EPIC or CareLink is unavailable, please ask participant to call any of our offices listed here: List of WIC locations.
If referred by EPIC or CareLink, please inform families a referral will be/was made and that submitting the referral does not mean the family has been enrolled.
How long will it take for a family to be enrolled in the program once a referral (both self and provider) has been submitted?
The time may vary depending on when a staff member is able to connect with participants as well as available appointment dates. Once staff gets in contact with a participant, an appointment will be scheduled. While every effort is made to enroll the family as soon as possible, typical appointment availability currently is about 4 weeks.
Are WIC appointments in-person?
We currently offer remote or in-person options for WIC appointments.
How long will it take for WIC benefits to start?
After applicant enrolls in WIC, benefits will begin on the same day. Please note that each enrolled participant will receive benefits.
What are some things I could let families know if they tell me they have not heard from WIC to schedule their first appointment?
Please ask participant to:
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make sure voicemail is set-up
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check voicemail
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make sure voicemail box is not full
If a participant has been unable to connect with a staff member, they may also contact their preferred WIC office. Here is the list of WIC Locations and Hours .
How are appointments being completed?
WIC appointments are currently available by telephone, in-person, video, or online. The options will vary depending on appointment type. WIC staff will review appointment options with participant before scheduling each appointment.
A patient I spoke to today informed me that they missed their last appointment. What is the best way to reconnect them to WIC?
If a participant has the WIC app on their cell phone, please instruct them to call the phone number listed under the Appointments section of the app. If participant does not have the WIC app or their site number is not listed, please share our locations page on our website. They can call one of our sites to schedule a new appointment: WIC Locations and Hours .
A patient informed me that they do not have foods/benefits on their WIC app or card. Why does this happen?
There are various reasons why this may happen:
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Participant may have missed an appointment
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If participant recently changed their telephone number, please advise them to call their preferred WIC office to update their information to avoid interruption to benefits
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Participant has redeemed all of their current month's benefits and the future month's benefits have not yet started
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A PIN on the WIC card has not been set-up. To set-up or reset a PIN, participant may call the toll-free number on the back of the WIC card (1-844-4MY-FAMILY or 1-844-469-3264)
For additional troubleshooting, please ask families to contact their WIC clinic.
My patient told me that they called WIC numerous times yet have not been able to speak with a staff member. How do I support my patient?
When families call the WIC clinic please advise them to:
- leave a voicemail and include their name and telephone number if voicemail is reached
- make sure their voicemail is set-up so in the event staff is unable to reach participant, they are able to leave a voicemail
Staff at each of our WIC offices check voicemail messages regularly and try to return calls within 1-2 business days.
An infant under my care needs therapeutic formula (TF) (i.e., Neosure, Nutramigen, Alimentum, etc.), what do I do?
Send request to a medical supply company such as Coram or Shield. While this is processing, WIC can help to provide the TF temporarily. For WIC to provide TF, infant must be first enrolled in WIC.
For WIC to provide TF, we need a referral. Referrals may be sent
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via EPIC or CareLink (preferred) or
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complete a Medical Formula and Nutritionals Request Form and email to WICRD@sfdph.org . Sections 1 & 2 of the request form must be completed and can only be signed by a healthcare provider (MD, DO, NP). Please ensure the the parent/caregiver's name and telephone number sections are completed and include their preferred language in the comments.
Commonly prescribed therapeutic formulas: