Are you part of the WIC program? If you are, you can use your benefits at your local Walmart. WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children. It helps pregnant women, new moms, breastfeeding moms, and kids up to five years old.
It gives them healthy food choices. Walmart, a big store, wants to make sure these important foods are easy for you to get. When you’re in this program, you get an eWIC card. This card is like a particular credit card for buying food. You can use it at stores that accept it, like Walmart.
This article is here to help you. It will show you how to use your WIC benefits easily when you check out by yourself at Walmart. This way, you can buy the healthy food you need without any trouble.
In this article:
What to Know Before You Go!
Before you go to Walmart with your WIC card, remember these essential tips:
First, check what foods you can buy with WIC. Different states have different rules for WIC-approved foods. You can call your local WIC clinic to find out what you can buy in your area. Another way is to look at the USDA’s WIC website.
Next, plan your shopping. Look at what WIC benefits you have. Then, make a list of the foods you need to buy. This will make your shopping trip easy and quick. You won’t get mixed up when you’re at the store.
Finally, remember to bring two things: your WIC card and your ID. You need these to use your WIC benefits at Walmart, where you can buy the healthy food you and your family need.
How To Use a WIC Card At Walmart Self-Checkout?
Before you use the self-checkout lane at Walmart with your WIC card, here are some helpful tips:
First, only shop for items that WIC allows. Make sure you check your WIC benefits list. You can also use the store’s guide to determine what you can buy, which will help you pick the right food.
When you’re at the self-checkout:
- Start by scanning all your WIC items. Just scan the barcodes like you usually do.
- Look for how to pay with WIC. The checkout might have a special button for WIC. It might say “WIC,” “eWIC,” or ask you to choose a payment method.
- Next, use your WIC card. Follow the screen instructions. You might swipe or put your card in the machine.
- If you need to, put in your PIN. Make sure you do this carefully on the keypad.
- Check your WIC items on the screen. Make sure everything is right.
- The checkout will check your WIC benefits and say OK for the items WIC pays for. You might get a receipt just for these items.
- If you have other items not covered by WIC, scan them next. Then, pay for them with cash, a debit card, or another method you prefer.
Some things to remember:
- If you have any trouble, ask a Walmart worker for help.
- Not all Walmart stores allow WIC at self-checkout. If you’re unsure, look for signs or ask someone who works there.
Following these steps, you can easily use your WIC card at Walmart’s self-checkout for your desired food.
What Can I Buy at Walmart with My WIC EBT Card?
When you use your WIC card at Walmart, the things you can buy depend on two things. One is what your state’s WIC program says is OK to buy. The other is what you and your family need. But, some foods are usually OK to buy with WIC in most places. These include:
- Infant formula, which is a unique food for babies.
- Milk is a good drink for solid bones.
- Cheese, which is tasty and good for you.
- Eggs are great for breakfast or any meal.
- Cereal is a quick and easy breakfast choice.
- Fruits and vegetables are essential for staying healthy.
- Juice is a sweet drink that’s good for you.
Remember, what you can buy might be different in your state. However, these are the common foods that most people can get with WIC.
Where can I find these items in Walmart?
WIC programs are different in each state, so the places where you find WIC-approved items at Walmart can be different, too. But, there are some usual spots in the store where you can look:
- You’ll find infant formula, baby food, and baby cereal in the baby aisle.
- In the dairy aisle, you can look for milk and cheese that are OK to buy with WIC.
- The produce department has many fruits and vegetables, many of which are often included in WIC. If you’re unsure which ones to pick, you can always ask someone at Walmart to help you.
- For WIC-approved cereals, go to the cereal aisle. That’s where you’ll find them.
Remember, these are common areas where you might find WIC items. It’s always a good idea to ask for help if needed!
Can I Use My WIC Card for Anything Else at Walmart?
No, Your WIC card is only for buying certain food items. Knowing that you can’t use it for things other than food is important. This means you can’t buy non-food items like diapers, wipes, or cleaning supplies with your WIC card.
So, when you shop with your WIC card, make sure to pick only the food items that are allowed.
How to Maximize Your WIC Benefits?
When you use your WIC benefits at Walmart, here are some helpful tips to get the most out of them:
- Shop when there are sales. Look for WIC-approved items on sale. This way, you can buy more with your benefits.
- Compare different brands. Many WIC-approved food groups have cheaper options. These might be store-brand or generic brands. They cost less but are still good.
- Think about how much you need. Look at the serving sizes on WIC-approved products. This will help you not buy too much, so you only get what you really need.
These tips can help you make the best choices when shopping with WIC at Walmart!
Can You Use a WIC Card and Cash Together at Walmart?
Yes, you can use your WIC benefits, cash, or another way to pay at Walmart. Here’s how you do it:
First, scan all the items you’re buying with your WIC benefits. If you have more items that aren’t part of WIC, you can pay for them with cash or another payment method you like. This way, you can do all your shopping at once!
What to Do if Your WIC Card Isn’t Working at Walmart?
If your WIC card doesn’t work at the store, don’t worry. Just stay calm and tell the cashier about the problem. The cashier might need to call your local WIC clinic to check what’s happening.
You can also contact your WIC clinic yourself to find out why your card isn’t working. They can help you fix any problems with your card. Remember, asking for help is OK if something isn’t working right.
Can I Use Walmart Online Grocery Ordering with WIC?
Currently, Walmart doesn’t let you use WIC benefits to buy groceries online, but you can still use their website for a good idea. You can look at WIC-approved foods at Walmart, list what you need, and then go to the Walmart store to buy these items with your WIC card. This way, you can plan your shopping before you go to the store!
Final Thought
With these helpful tips, using your WIC benefits at Walmart can be easy and smooth. Doing things this way can save you a lot of time and make your shopping better. WIC is a great program that helps families get healthy food. If you have any questions, you can always ask at your local WIC clinic or the customer service desk at Walmart. They are there to help you!
Remember, asking for help when needed is OK, especially when getting good food for your family.
Relevant:
Can You Return the Unopened Formula to Walmart?
Can You Return the Food to Walmart?
What is Walmart’s Diaper Return Policy?
How to Get a Receipt from Walmart Online Order?
FAQs
Can you use a WIC card at self-checkout in Pennsylvania?
As of March 2024, it depends on where you are. Pennsylvania began a pilot program for WIC self-checkout in June 2023, but it’s only in three counties: Bucks, Erie, and Lackawanna. There’s yet to be an announcement for the entire state about a full rollout of WIC self-checkout. If you’re in Bucks, Erie, or Lackawanna County, you can use WIC at self-checkout in some Walmart stores. However, in other countries, this option may be available later. To find out more, you can contact your local WIC clinic or ask at the customer service desk at your local Walmart.
What if you forget to pay for something at Walmart?
If you accidentally don’t scan or pay for an item, the best thing to do is tell a Walmart employee immediately. Be ready to show your receipt for the items you did pay for. You should cooperate with store security if they need to check the situation and be prepared to pay for the item you forgot.
Can you use WIC self-checkout in all states?
No, this option varies by state. Each state has its own rules for the WIC program, so what you can do in one state might be different in another.
Are there limits to using WIC at self-checkout?
Yes, there can be. Each store can decide whether to participate even in places where it’s allowed. Some stores might not allow WIC self-checkout for larger purchases. You might also need assistance from store staff to use your WIC card and verify your benefits.
What if your WIC card is declined?
There are a few reasons this could happen. Your benefits might be used up for the month or specific items. Your card could expire, or there might be a problem with the card itself. Sometimes, an error during checkout can cause the card to be declined.
