How to find household ID for WIC: Your guide to accessing benefits

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 6.2 million people participate in the WIC program, but losing your essential identification can create a frustrating roadblock to accessing nutrition benefits. Learning how to find your household ID for WIC is a common issue with straightforward solutions, helping you quickly get back on track with your family's health and wellness.

Quick Summary

Learn how to recover your WIC household or family ID by checking your eWIC card, online portal, or contacting your local clinic. This guide provides steps for existing clients to retrieve their number and resume benefit usage.

Key Points

Check Your Card: The WIC Household ID, also called Family ID, is often printed on the back of your eWIC card.
Access Online Portals: Your state's WIC website or official mobile app (e.g., myWIC, WIC Connect) can display your Family ID under your account details after you log in.
Call Your Local Clinic: If you cannot find your ID through other means, call your local WIC office. They can provide your case number after verifying your identity.
Prepare for Verification: When calling the clinic, have your personal identification details ready to confirm your identity to the WIC staff.
Know Your Terms: Household ID, Family ID, and case number are often used interchangeably, though specific formats can vary by state (e.g., adding leading zeros).
Report Lost Cards: If you lose your eWIC card, report it to your clinic immediately. They can freeze your benefits and issue a replacement, protecting your account from unauthorized use.

Finding your WIC household identification number is a straightforward process once you know where to look. This unique identifier, sometimes referred to as a Family ID or case number, is essential for managing benefits, checking appointments, and accessing online resources. Below is a comprehensive guide detailing all the methods you can use to locate your WIC household ID.

Check Your eWIC Card

One of the simplest places to find your WIC ID is on the physical card itself. Many states print the Family ID or case number on the back of the eWIC card. This is often an 8 or 9-digit number and is crucial for accessing online education portals and apps.

Where to look on the card:

On the back: Flip your card over and look for a printed number, often labeled 'Family ID.'
Check the receipt: Sometimes the Family ID is included on receipts from a WIC-authorized store. Keep a recent receipt handy if you can't read the number on your card.

Use Online Portals and Mobile Apps

If you have previously created an online account for managing your WIC benefits, your household ID is often stored there. Many states offer a dedicated portal or mobile app for this purpose.

How to find your ID online:

Log into your account: Go to your state's WIC website or the associated mobile app (e.g., myWIC, WIC Connect).
Navigate to 'My Account': Once logged in, your account details page, often labeled 'My Account,' 'My Profile,' or 'Family Information,' will list your Family ID.
Check for specific instructions: Some portals, like WIChealth.org in certain states, will direct you to enter your WIC card number upon first login to generate and display your Family ID.

Call Your Local WIC Clinic

If you're unable to find your ID through digital means, or if you are not set up with an online account, the most reliable method is to contact your local WIC clinic. Clinic staff have access to your records and can provide your household ID after verifying your identity.

Steps for calling your clinic:

Have your information ready: Be prepared to provide the primary WIC participant's date of birth and social security number. Having a form of identification on hand will also be helpful.
Verify your identity: The staff member will ask you a few questions to confirm your identity and that you are an authorized representative of the household.
Ask for the ID: Once your identity is confirmed, the staff can give you your Family ID or case number over the phone.

What if Your Card is Lost or Stolen?

If you have lost your physical WIC card and need a replacement, you will need to contact your local WIC clinic immediately. They can deactivate the old card and arrange for a new one to be issued. The process often involves a visit to the clinic with proper identification.

Note: When a new card is issued, you will likely receive a new physical card but your core Family ID/Household ID will remain the same. Reporting a lost or stolen card is crucial to protect your benefits.

Comparison of Methods to Find Your WIC Household ID


Method	Best For	Required Information	Timeframe	Notes
Check eWIC Card	Quickest access if card is present	WIC card	Instant	ID may be worn off or unclear.
Online Portal / App	Convenient digital record-keeping	Login credentials, eWIC card number for first login	Immediate access after login	Requires prior setup or registration.
Local WIC Clinic	Lost card, lost documents, new clients	Proof of identity (ID, social security), household information	Same-day (phone) or appointment-based (in-person)	Most reliable method if all else fails.

Conclusion

Whether your WIC household ID is hiding on the back of your eWIC card, available through a state mobile app, or safely stored in your clinic's records, retrieving it is a manageable task. If you are having trouble, the most reliable method is always to contact your local WIC clinic directly. By using the resources detailed above, you can quickly find the information you need to keep your WIC benefits active and accessible. For additional information about the WIC program and eligibility, visit your state's official WIC site. For general program details, you can visit the USDA WIC website.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find your WIC Family ID number on the back of your physical eWIC card. Alternatively, it is often available within your account details on your state's WIC mobile app or online portal.

Yes, these terms are typically used interchangeably. Many states, apps, and online portals will use 'Family ID' to refer to the same unique identifier for your household.

If you have lost your card or cannot find your ID online, the best course of action is to call your local WIC clinic. They can look up your ID for you after confirming your identity.

When you contact your local WIC clinic, you will likely need to provide the authorized representative's date of birth, social security number, and possibly other identifying details to verify your identity.

Immediately contact your local WIC clinic to report a lost or stolen card. They will cancel the old card and schedule a time for you to come in and get a replacement. Your Household ID will remain the same, but the card itself will be new.

Yes, in many states, your WIC card can be used as a form of identification during your WIC appointments.

You can find your local WIC office's number by visiting your state's official WIC website or by calling the toll-free number provided on the USDA WIC website.