2024 Edition: Account Creation and Identity Proofing in Online Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Applications

On this page, we share data and observations about account creation, authentication, and identity proofing steps in online WIC applications. 

The DBN has been researching digital identity for the past two years, and our interest in this topic is based on our belief that all applicants deserve application processes that help them receive essential, life-saving benefits in a timely, dignified way. The way state agencies structure online account creation processes and requirements for applicants and beneficiaries to prove who they are may impact whether and how quickly individuals can apply for and start receiving benefits. We believe that successful identity management for public benefits requires risk-based, human-centered evaluation of when identity proofing and authentication are necessary, thoughtful selection of methods, and integration of identity management into overall service design.

Because some states combine or integrate applications for multiple programs, this page includes data on a mix of standalone WIC applications and integrated applications. For entries that include combined or integrated applications, our data demonstrates claimant experiences when applying for multiple available benefits – for example WIC, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), and MAGI Medicaid. We took this approach to data collection for practicality and also to document the most comprehensive experience possible for each application flow.

In 2020, Nava PBC conducted research about WIC technology in partnership with the National WIC Association (NWA). The research found that, at the time, 24 state agencies offered online WIC pre-applications, which allowed applicants to share basic information about themselves and invite WIC staff to contact them. As Nava pointed out, there was not—and is not—a singular definition of an online application or pre-application across WIC state agencies. The forms vary greatly in terms of how much information related to eligibility they actually request, and, in 2020, 15 of these pre-applications identified by Nava directed users to the FNS WIC Prescreening tool. Nava released updated research on WIC programs in 2023 which identified 29 online pre-applications. 

In our research, we decided to only include online WIC applications or pre-applications that could be accessed by any state resident as opposed to residents of particular counties. We also only documented applications which include questions related to an applicant’s income eligibility for the program, though there are other demographic and nutritional program criteria. This includes questions about participation in other means-tested programs such as SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid each of which determine categorical eligibility for WIC. Some states have an online option to request a WIC enrollment call or appointment, which we did not include in our dataset if they were not accompanied by income eligibility questions.

As a reference for interested state agencies and community organizations, in 2024, the Food and Nutrition Service released a WIC Online Application Toolkit, including a Model WIC Online Application.
The dataset and details below demonstrate our current understanding of online authentication and identity proofing requirements and practices for this benefit program. You can also view the Digital Benefits Network’s data on account creation and identity proofing practices across core benefits programs.

High-level Findings

Standalone Applications

As in 2023, online applications and pre-applications for WIC are still mainly standalone applications or interest forms, specific to the WIC program.

The total number of WIC applications increased to 20 in 2024. Four states (Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada) allowed people to apply for WIC alongside other benefits programs in 2023 and in 2024. Colorado has maintained its stand-alone WIC application as well, which is still included in the final dataset.

Account Requirements

As in 2023, WIC applications or pre-applications still generally do not require users to register for an account, but there are now more WIC applications that use account creation.

• Six WIC applications require a login to start the application, and 10 applications require the applicant to have an account in order to submit online.
• An email address is required as part of optional or required account creation for nine applications.
• Eight applications that include WIC use additional authentication security measures. The most commonly used methods were security questions, authentication codes sent via email, and codes sent via text message.

This map shows account requirements in online applications that include WIC across states. The color-coding on this map details whether applicants are required to have an account to submit an application. If you hover over an individual state on the map, you can also see whether the application’s account creation process incorporates additional authentication security measures, whether an email address is required to create an account if applicable, and which benefits programs are included on the application. A pattern overlay indicates which states’ accounts integrate with a state single sign-on or other external credentials.

Identity Proofing Requirements

No applications that include WIC require users to take active identity proofing steps when applying online.

• Michigan’s MI Bridges is still the only application that includes WIC which uses optional identity proofing.

This map shows active identity proofing requirements in online applications that include WIC across states. The color-coding on this map details whether applicants are required to take active steps to prove their identities as part of an online application process. If you hover over an individual state on the map, you can also see what identity proofing methods are being used if applicable or known, when identity proofing is used during the application process, and what benefits programs are included on the application.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) Requested

WIC applications, including pre-applications, generally require very limited PII.

• As in 2023, Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, and Nevada are the only states that request Social Security numbers (SSNs) in WIC applications or interest forms, but they continue to allow online submissions without SSN.

Dataset

Account Creation and Identity Proofing in Online WIC Applications

Gallery View: Account Creation and Identity Proofing in Online WIC Applications

Questions?

As always, we’re eager for your feedback! Did we miss something when reviewing a state’s application? Do you have research questions you’d like us to try and answer using the information in this dataset? If so, email us at digID@georgetown.edu.

Data Collection: SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, and Child Care Applications

We collected data on SNAP, WIC, TANF, Medicaid, and child care applications between June 10 and October 15, 2024. After initial data collection, we conducted an internal review of each application entry to ensure accuracy and consistency. Our team spent approximately 75 to 90 minutes working with each application. We have also used the “Public notes” column in the dataset to document nuances and open questions. Read more about our research process on this page.

Citation

​​Cite as: Elizabeth Bynum Sorrell, Ariel Kennan, Anvitha Reddy, Isabelle Granger, Miranda Xiong, Olivia Zhao, and Quinny Sanchez Lopez, “Account Creation and Identity Proofing in Online Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Applications: 2024 Dataset + Analysis” Digital Benefits Network, March 1, 2025.

Data Licensing

We’ve invested in making great data that’s open to use under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).

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• Share: Copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
• Adapt: Remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.

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