Current Status: WIC and Online Shopping
As of late 2025, the ability to use WIC benefits for online grocery shopping is not widely available, and specifically, you cannot use WIC through Amazon to purchase WIC-approved food items. The WIC program operates differently from other electronic benefit transfer (EBT) systems, like SNAP, which some retailers including Amazon do accept. The unique, item-specific nature of WIC benefits presents a complex technological challenge for online payment systems. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working with states to modernize the process, widespread online shopping for WIC participants is not yet a reality.
Why WIC Online Shopping is Different
The fundamental difference between WIC and SNAP (or traditional debit cards) lies in how benefits are tracked. A SNAP card deducts a dollar amount from a general account, which is a relatively simple system to adapt for online transactions. In contrast, a WIC card tracks the exact quantity of specific, WIC-approved food items. For example, a card might be loaded with benefits for a certain number of gallons of milk and a specific brand of cereal. An online system must be able to verify and track these specific items, not just a monetary value, which requires a specialized and complex point-of-sale system.
Understanding the Pilot Programs
Despite the current limitations, progress is being made through USDA-funded pilot programs. These are designed to test the technology and logistics of online WIC shopping in a controlled environment.
- How they work: Participating state WIC agencies partner with specific, local retailers to test online ordering and payment.
- Example in Washington: Washington State's WIC program, for instance, participated in a pilot allowing families to use WIC benefits for online pickup or delivery orders through Walmart.
- Not a universal solution: These pilots are not a green light for all online shopping. A participant in a pilot state cannot simply use their benefits with any online retailer; they must use the specific system developed with the authorized pilot partner.
Comparing WIC and SNAP Online Shopping
| Feature | WIC Online Shopping | SNAP Online Shopping |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Limited pilot programs in select states with specific retailers. | Widely available with many major online retailers (e.g., Amazon, Walmart). |
| Retailers | Limited to authorized retailers participating in state-specific pilot programs. | Many major retailers, including Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods, accept SNAP EBT. |
| Payment | Complex system to track specific food items and quantities. | Standard EBT cash value system, easier for online integration. |
| Products | Restricted to very specific items based on state-issued food lists. | Covers a broader range of grocery items, excluding hot foods and non-food items. |
| Future Outlook | Expansion is underway, but a slow process due to system complexities. | Already established and expanding coverage with more retailers. |
How to Shop with WIC Offline
Given the current online limitations, WIC participants should plan their shopping trips to authorized physical stores. Here are some tips:
- Use the WICShopper App: This mobile application is a powerful tool for planning your shopping trip. You can download it, select your state agency, and scan products in-store to verify their WIC eligibility. The app provides real-time updates on your remaining benefits.
- Check Your State's Website: Every state's WIC program has its own approved food list and list of authorized retailers. Visit your state's official WIC website for the most accurate information.
- Review Your Benefit Balance: You can check your remaining food balance through the WICShopper app, the eWIC web portal (ebtedge.com), or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead for WIC and Amazon
While the current answer to "can you use WIC through Amazon?" is no, the landscape is evolving. The USDA and various state agencies are actively working to expand online purchasing options. The complexities of WIC's benefit structure mean that progress is slower than for SNAP, but the pilot programs show a commitment to modernizing the program for greater convenience. In the meantime, WIC recipients can take advantage of the Amazon Prime discount available to them through the Amazon Access program, but must continue to use physical stores or authorized pilot programs for grocery shopping. For the most up-to-date information, checking your local WIC agency's website or the WICShopper app is always the best strategy.
How WIC Benefits Work with a WICShopper app
- Download the app: Find the WICShopper app on your smartphone's app store.
- Select your state: Choose your specific state's WIC agency within the app.
- Register your card: Use the 16-digit number from your WIC EBT card to register.
- View benefits: The app will automatically display your current and future benefits.
- Scan and verify: Use the app to scan product barcodes in the store. It will tell you if an item is WIC-eligible and if you have the benefits to purchase it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't WIC participants use Amazon for food purchases?
Because WIC benefits are item-specific rather than cash-based, they require specialized processing systems that Amazon does not currently have in place for the WIC program, though they do accept SNAP.
Does Amazon accept SNAP EBT?
Yes, Amazon does accept SNAP EBT for eligible grocery purchases, including on Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods orders. This is a different program from WIC.
Can I get a discount on Amazon Prime with WIC?
Yes, Amazon offers a discounted Prime membership to customers who receive government assistance like WIC. You can verify your eligibility through the Amazon Access program using your WIC eligibility information.
Are there any states that allow online WIC shopping?
Yes, some states have participated in USDA pilot programs to test online WIC transactions with specific, authorized retailers. These pilots are limited and not available to all WIC participants.
How can I find retailers that accept online WIC orders?
To find authorized online retailers, you must check with your specific state's WIC agency. The WICShop+ website also provides information on projects funded to develop online shopping capabilities.
Is the WICShopper app an online shopping platform?
No, the WICShopper app is a tool to help you shop in physical stores by verifying WIC-eligible products and tracking your benefits. It is not an online shopping platform.
Will Amazon eventually accept WIC for groceries?
While Amazon has previously participated in online grocery pilots with the government for other programs like SNAP, there is no public timeline for when or if they will accept WIC. The complex technical requirements of WIC make it a slower process to implement.
