Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Certification Integrity

This interim rule amends regulations for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The rule adds three legislative requirements that affect the application and certification process for the WIC Program. The legislative requirements can be found in the William F. Goodling Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 1998. Therefore, this rulemaking requires WIC applicants, except in limited circumstances, to present documentation of family income at certification for those individuals who are not certified based on adjunctive income eligibility procedures; present proof of residency as part of a State agency's system to prevent dual participation; and, physically present themselves at certification. The intent of these provisions is to strengthen the integrity of the WIC certification process.