In plain words
A certification period is the length of time a person stays approved for . Each category has its own period. For pregnant participants, the period usually runs through the end of pregnancy and six weeks after birth. After that, breastfeeding participants can be certified until the baby's first birthday, and postpartum participants who do not breastfeed are certified for up to six months after birth. Infants and children have their own periods. At the end of the period, the family is re-screened, which includes checks on income and . Between screenings, a participant's benefits are used through approved stores. Missing a re-screen can pause benefits until the family is seen again. The exact lengths are set by federal rule and may be stated differently in each state.
The deeper version
Federal WIC rules (7 CFR part 246) set certification periods by category. For pregnant participants the period runs through the end of pregnancy and six weeks postpartum. After that, periods run from six months to a year depending on category, as the federal rules specify. Re-certification includes anthropometric and hematologic screening and an income determination. The length of a certification period is a design choice that trades administrative burden against continuity of benefits. Evaluations have examined whether longer periods improve participation and retention.
Where it comes up
- WIC and food assistanceCalifornia: Leave, Money, and Paperwork
- Formula feeding: choosing, preparing, and doing it wellFeeding Your Baby
- What to eat in pregnancy: the short versionPregnancy: Eating
What mothers here say about certification period
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Sources
- US Department of Agriculture — WIC program regulations, 7 CFR part 246, certification periods
- California Department of Public Health — WIC Program certification and recertification information