If you’re a recipient of WIC benefits, you’re probably wondering whether these benefits can be used at Walmart. Are they accepted in stores, online, or both?
Today, we’re here to answer all of these questions and more.
Walmart accepts WIC at all retail locations across the United States at both self checkout and traditional check stands. Unfortunately, WIC cannot be used on Walmart.com or through the Walmart app.
WIC is an abbreviated name for the The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, a US federal assistance program available to low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under the age of five.
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How To Get WIC Cards
Receiving WIC benefits starts with contacting your local or state agency that distributes these benefits. Despite relying on federal funding, WIC benefits are distributed at the state and/or county level, so the agency to contact will depend on where you live.
Typically, your state’s Department of Health is the distributing agency. Each state agency should have an online application available by searching for “apply for WIC + [your state]” through a search engine like Google.
Visit the federal resource page regarding WIC and how to apply. You can also review the WIC eligibility requirements to find out if you qualify.
How To Use WIC Cards At Walmart?
Using your WIC card at Walmart is as simple as using any other card at the checkout station.
To shop at Walmart using WIC benefits, follow these steps:
- Select the items you wish to purchase using your WIC benefits (make sure they qualify by looking over the WIC-eligible foods list provided by the USDA)
- When you’re ready to pay for your items, visit any register (including self checkout), and proceed with the checkout process as you normally would
- During the payment process, present your WIC card to the cashier or card reader and follow the prompts on the screen
- If you have sufficient funds in your account and your foods qualify as WIC-eligible, your transaction will be approved
- If some of your food items are not WIC-eligible, you will be asked to pay for the remainder of your purchase with another form of payment
To check your WIC card balance, contact the phone number listed on the back of your card (customer service number varies from state to state).
What Items Can You Purchase With WIC?
WIC-eligible foods vary based on your personal circumstances. The program is designed to provide pregnant women, nursing women, and children with the special nutrition they need, so only specific foods that meet these nutritional needs are covered.
For example, pregnant women with WIC benefits can purchase the following:
- Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables
- 1 dozen eggs
- 4.5 gallons 1% low-fat or nonfat milk (lactose-free and soy options are available)
- 16 ounces cheese or 32 ounces of tofu
- 16 ounces whole grains (Options include whole-wheat bread, pasta, or tortillas; oatmeal, brown rice, corn tortillas and more.)
- 36 ounces of breakfast cereal
- 1 container of peanut butter
- 4 cans of cooked beans or 1 package of dry beans
- 144 ounces juice
- 32 ounces low-fat or nonfat yogurt
WIC cards cannot be used to purchase things like:
- Foods that contain added sugars
- Soda and other non-nutritional beverages
- Herbs and spices
- Creamed vegetables or vegetables with added sauces
- Mixed vegetables containing noodles, nuts, or sauces
- Party platters
- Rice milk
Other Forms Of Payment Accepted At Walmart
The following payment methods are accepted at Walmart, Walmart.com, the Walmart app, and Walmart Pay:
- Debit cards and credit cards (including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express)
- Walmart Capital One Credit Cards
- EBT / SNAP cards (not accepted online in Alaska, Montana, or Louisiana)
- Walmart gift cards (cannot be used to purchase other gift cards)
- PayPal
- Affirm
Click here to view the full list of Walmart’s accepted payment methods.
FAQs
Can you use WIC on Walmart pickup?
No. WIC can only be redeemed in person at a Walmart retail location. Because pickup orders involve the online ordering process, WIC cannot be used as payment.
Can you use WIC on the Walmart app?
No. WIC is not compatible with Walmart.com or the Walmart app.
Can you use WIC for Walmart delivery?
No. Any Walmart orders that involve submitting payment through Walmart.com or the Walmart app are not eligible for WIC payments.
Can you use WIC without a card?
No. You must have your WIC card and PIN in order to avail your WIC benefits.
Are WIC and EBT the same?
No. WIC refers to the The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children while EBT refers to The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is available to anyone with an income and a permanent mailing address who meets the financial requirements, while WIC is only available to pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under the age of five. WIC can be used on a smaller selection of foods than EBT.
