Can you use WIC on Walmart orders for online delivery and pickup?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

As of early 2025, an online ordering pilot program allows WIC recipients in select states to use their benefits for online Walmart orders. This marks a significant change from historical WIC guidelines, which previously only permitted in-store purchases.

Quick Summary

WIC can be used for Walmart online orders, but only in specific states like Washington and Massachusetts, where a pilot program is active. Purchases are restricted to eligible items and can be made for either pickup or delivery through the Walmart website or app. Availability is expected to expand over time.

Key Points

Pilot Program Only: WIC can only be used for Walmart online orders (pickup or delivery) in select pilot states like Massachusetts and Washington.
In-store is Different: WIC is accepted for in-store purchases at authorized Walmart locations nationwide, but the online process is separate.
Add Your Card: In eligible states, you must add your WIC card as a payment method on the Walmart website or app.
Check Eligibility: Always verify that your specific state is participating in the online pilot program by contacting your local or state WIC agency.
WIC-Only Transactions: To avoid checkout issues, separate your WIC-eligible items from other groceries into separate transactions.
No Fees with WIC: WIC benefits cannot cover delivery or service fees; a different payment method is required for these costs.
Monitor Substitutions: If an item is out of stock, double-check that any substituted items are also WIC-approved before accepting them.

Current Status of WIC Online Orders at Walmart

Historically, WIC participants could only use their benefits in person at authorized stores. However, a pilot program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is changing this. As of 2025, WIC recipients in specific states can now make online purchases for pickup or delivery at participating Walmart locations. The primary pilot states are Massachusetts and Washington, but WIC participants in other states should always check with their state WIC agency for the latest updates on program expansion. This initiative aims to increase access to nutritious food by alleviating barriers like lack of transportation or limited mobility.

How to Place a Walmart Online Order with WIC

For eligible WIC participants in pilot states, the process for ordering online from Walmart is designed to be user-friendly. By following a few key steps, you can ensure a smooth transaction:

Create or log into a Walmart account: Visit Walmart.com/wic or use the Walmart app to start your order.
Add your WIC card: Navigate to the payment options and add your WIC card information to your account. If you are not in an eligible pilot state, the system will not allow you to add the card.
Shop for eligible items: WIC-eligible foods will be tagged or identified within the online store. It's crucial to only select WIC-approved products to avoid issues at checkout. You can use your state's WIC app to help identify approved items if needed.
Separate transactions: It is a good practice to keep WIC-eligible items and non-WIC items in separate transactions to prevent any payment complications.
Pay for non-WIC items: If your order contains non-WIC groceries, you will be required to use a separate form of payment, like a credit or debit card, for those items.
Complete the order: Choose your preferred method (pickup or delivery) and finalize the transaction.

In-Store vs. Online: WIC at Walmart

While the online program is a new development, WIC has been accepted in Walmart stores for years. However, the process and available features differ. The following comparison table highlights the key differences between using WIC in-store and online at Walmart.


Feature	WIC In-Store at Walmart	WIC Online Orders at Walmart
Availability	Accepted nationwide at authorized Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets.	Currently limited to select states participating in a USDA pilot program, such as Massachusetts and Washington.
Payment Process	Swipe your eWIC card at the register or self-checkout. Requires PIN entry.	Add card details to your online Walmart account. Payment is processed virtually.
Checkout Procedure	Can mix WIC and non-WIC items in a single transaction at cashier lanes, with the WIC balance deducted first. Some locations allow WIC at self-checkout.	Requires keeping WIC-eligible and non-WIC items in separate transactions to avoid payment errors.
Shopping Convenience	Requires physical travel to the store, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues or without reliable transport.	Offers pickup and delivery options, increasing convenience and accessibility.
Product Identification	You must visually identify WIC-approved items, sometimes requiring staff assistance.	WIC-eligible products are tagged and easy to find within the website or app.

How to Confirm WIC Online Availability in Your State

Since the WIC online ordering initiative is still in the pilot phase, availability varies greatly by state. The best course of action is to directly contact your local or state WIC agency for the most up-to-date information. You can also use the WICShop+ or your state's WIC mobile app to check for updates on participating retailers and online ordering capabilities. Information is subject to change, so periodic checks are advised. An additional resource for national program updates is the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.

Tips for a Successful WIC Online Order

Use the correct platform: Make sure you are shopping through the main Walmart website or app and have added your WIC card under payment methods.
Review your benefits: Know your monthly food package. Use a state WIC app or check your last receipt to confirm your remaining benefits before placing an order.
Check for substitutions: The online system will automatically offer substitutions if a selected item is out of stock. Always review these suggested alternatives to ensure they are also WIC-approved before accepting them.
Understand fees: WIC benefits cannot be used to pay for service or delivery fees. A separate payment method is required for these costs.

Conclusion

While the ability to use WIC on Walmart orders is a major step forward, it is not yet universally available. For now, WIC participants in states like Massachusetts and Washington can take advantage of online ordering for pickup and delivery. This pilot program aims to reduce food access barriers and improve the shopping experience for families receiving WIC benefits. As the USDA continues to evaluate and expand the initiative, more states are expected to join in the future. Always confirm the latest program status with your state WIC agency to see if online ordering is an option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of 2025, WIC online ordering for Walmart pickup and delivery is available in states participating in the USDA pilot program, including Massachusetts and Washington.

No, you can only use WIC for online pickup at Walmart stores located in the pilot states, such as Massachusetts and Washington. The service is not available nationwide for online orders.

In an eligible pilot state, you must add your WIC EBT card as a payment method in your Walmart account. Your card will be charged for the WIC-eligible items when you check out.

No, WIC benefits cannot be used to pay for service, delivery, or other online ordering fees. A separate form of payment is required for these charges.

If an item is out of stock, the online system will suggest a substitution. You must review the replacement to ensure it is also a WIC-approved item before completing the purchase.

You can check your remaining WIC benefits through your state's WIC mobile app, by reviewing your last store receipt, or by calling your state's WIC customer service line.

The better option depends on your location and needs. Online ordering offers convenience if you live in a pilot state, while in-store shopping is available nationwide and doesn't require splitting your purchases.