You can use your WIC card to make WIC-eligible purchases online at Walmart. To do so, you’ll need to create a Walmart account and link your WIC card to it. Once you’ve done that, you can add WIC-eligible items to your cart and checkout using your WIC card as the payment method. You can also use your WIC card to pay for WIC-eligible purchases through Walmart’s mobile app.
Eligibility and Participation Guidelines
To participate in the WIC program and use your WIC card online at Walmart, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:
- Being a pregnant woman, a breastfeeding woman, or a child under 5 years old.
- Meeting income guidelines set by the USDA.
- Living in a WIC-approved area.
Once you have determined that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply for WIC at your local WIC clinic. The clinic will screen you for eligibility and, if you qualify, will issue you a WIC card.
Your WIC card can be used to purchase WIC-approved foods at authorized WIC retailers, including Walmart. When you use your WIC card at Walmart, you will need to present your card to the cashier along with your ID. The cashier will then scan your card and deduct the cost of the WIC-approved foods from your balance.
Here is a table that summarizes the eligibility and participation guidelines for the WIC program:
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Pregnancy status | Pregnant women |
| Breastfeeding status | Breastfeeding women |
| Child’s age | Children under 5 years old |
| Income guidelines | Meet USDA income guidelines |
| Residential area | Live in a WIC-approved area |
Redeeming Benefits on Walmart’s Website
Walmart allows you to redeem your WIC benefits online for select WIC-eligible items. Follow these steps to use your WIC card online at Walmart:
- Create a Walmart.com account or sign in to your existing account.
- Add WIC-eligible items to your shopping cart.
- At checkout, select “WIC EBT” as your payment method.
- Enter your WIC card number and PIN.
- Review and confirm your WIC benefits.
- Complete your order and choose your delivery method (shipping or pickup).
Note: You can only use your WIC card to purchase WIC-eligible items online at Walmart. Non-WIC items must be purchased separately using a different payment method.
| State | Online WIC Card Acceptance |
|---|---|
| California | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes |
| Illinois | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Yes |
| Michigan | Yes |
| Minnesota | Yes |
| Missouri | Yes |
| Nevada | Yes |
| New Mexico | Yes |
| Ohio | Yes |
| Oregon | Yes |
| Texas | Yes |
| Utah | Yes |
| Washington | Yes |
Accepted Payment Methods
Walmart accepts a variety of payment methods, both online and in-store. WIC is a government-funded program that provides food assistance to low-income women, infants, and children. WIC benefits are provided in the form of vouchers that can be used to purchase certain foods, including fruits, vegetables, milk, and cheese.
Walmart accepts WIC vouchers both online and in-store. However, there are some restrictions on using WIC vouchers online. WIC vouchers cannot be used to purchase non-food items, such as clothing or household products. Additionally, WIC vouchers cannot be used to pay for shipping or handling charges.
In order to use WIC vouchers online at Walmart, you will need to create a Walmart account and link your WIC card to your account. Once your WIC card is linked to your account, you can add WIC-eligible items to your cart and checkout using your WIC vouchers.
Here is a table summarizing the accepted payment methods at Walmart:
| Payment Method | Accepted Online | Accepted In-Store |
|---|---|---|
| WIC vouchers | Yes | Yes |
| Credit cards | Yes | Yes |
| Debit cards | Yes | Yes |
| Gift cards | Yes | Yes |
| Cash | No | Yes |
| Checks | No | Yes |
Restrictions and Limitations
While the convenience of online shopping is undeniable, it’s essential to note that WIC benefits are subject to certain restrictions and limitations when used at Walmart’s online store:
- Limited Product Selection: WIC-eligible items available online are a subset of those available in physical Walmart stores. Some specialized or organic products may not be available for purchase with WIC benefits.
- No In-Store Pickup: Unlike in-store purchases, WIC-eligible items cannot be picked up at your local Walmart store. All online orders are shipped to your designated address.
- Order Minimums and Shipping Fees: Walmart may impose minimum purchase requirements for online orders, and additional shipping fees may apply. These fees are not covered by WIC benefits and must be paid separately.
- Substitute Items: In case a specific WIC-eligible item is out of stock, Walmart may offer substitute items. However, the substitute item must meet the same nutritional requirements as the original item.
- Redemption Period: WIC benefits have a limited redemption period. If an online order is not completed and submitted within the redemption period, the WIC benefits may expire.
| Restriction | Description |
|---|---|
| Limited Product Selection | Only a portion of WIC-eligible items are available online. |
| No In-Store Pickup | Online orders cannot be picked up at physical Walmart stores. |
| Order Minimums and Shipping Fees | Additional fees may apply for minimum purchase requirements and shipping. |
| Substitute Items | Substitutes may be provided for out-of-stock items, meeting the same nutritional criteria. |
| Redemption Period | WIC benefits have a limited validity period for online redemption. |
Thanks for sticking with me through this WIC deep dive! I hope you found the information you were looking for. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local WIC office or visit the official WIC website. Keep an eye out for more updates and tips on navigating the WIC program. Until next time, happy grocery shopping!