Skip to content

How to Use WIC on the Walmart App: A Complete Guide

3 min read

A growing number of states allow WIC participants to shop online for approved foods. The Walmart app enables WIC cardholders in select states to place online orders. This guide provides a step-by-step process, from adding the card to checking out.

Quick Summary

This guide covers using WIC on the Walmart app for online grocery orders. It details how to add a WIC card, identify eligible items, and complete the checkout process, ensuring a smooth experience for pickup or delivery.

Key Points

  • State Eligibility: Online WIC shopping on the Walmart app is available in certain states, such as Washington and Massachusetts.

  • Card Setup: Create a Walmart account, then add your WIC card number and PIN to your digital 'Wallet' within the app.

  • Identify Items: Use the app's 'WIC Eligible' filter to find products that match your WIC food list.

  • Checkout Process: The app separates WIC and non-WIC items at checkout. You will enter your PIN for the WIC portion and a separate payment method for other items.

  • Pickup and Delivery: Both pickup and delivery are available, but delivery fees are not covered by WIC benefits.

  • Benefit Expiration: WIC benefits expire monthly, so ensure your order is completed before the end of the benefit period.

  • Troubleshooting: Common issues include incorrect PINs or non-eligible items; check your card status, benefits, and refer to your WIC food list.

In This Article

Checking Your State's Eligibility

Before beginning, it is important to confirm that your state participates in the online WIC program with Walmart. Online WIC is available in a limited number of states, such as Washington and Massachusetts. Attempting to add your card outside of an approved state will result in an error. If your state is not included, you must shop for your WIC items in-store. Walmart is expanding its online WIC capabilities, so check for updates on the Walmart WIC landing page or your state's WIC agency website.

Adding Your WIC Card to the Walmart App

Once you have confirmed your state's eligibility, add your WIC card as a payment method. This process secures your benefit information within your Walmart account.

Here are the steps:

  • Open the Walmart App: Launch the application on your mobile device and log into your account.
  • Navigate to Your Account: Tap on the 'Account' icon.
  • Access the Wallet: From the 'Account' menu, select 'Wallet'.
  • Add a New Payment Method: Tap 'Add new payment method' and choose the 'WIC Card' option. You may also find a link on the dedicated Walmart WIC landing page.
  • Enter Your Card Information: Input your WIC card number and PIN when prompted.

Shopping for WIC-Eligible Items

After your card is added, the Walmart app will help identify eligible items. This feature simplifies shopping by matching the results to your prescription.

Methods to find WIC items:

  • Shop Your WIC Benefits: Go to the WIC landing page within the app. From there, you can shop a list of eligible items based on your prescription.
  • Use the Search Bar: Type the item into the search bar (e.g., "WIC milk"). Eligible items will be marked with a "WIC Eligible" tag.
  • Filter Your Search: Use the filter options and select the 'WIC eligible' filter to display only approved products.

Remember that the "WIC Eligible" tag indicates general eligibility. Always refer to your personal WIC food list to confirm an item is covered before placing your order.

Completing Your WIC Order

When you've finished adding items to your cart, proceed to checkout. The app will separate your order into WIC-eligible and non-WIC items.

  • Review Your Cart: Verify that all the WIC items in your cart align with your benefits.
  • Select Pickup or Delivery: Choose your preferred method.
  • Enter PIN and Pay: On the payment screen, you will be prompted to enter your WIC PIN. If you have non-WIC items or a delivery fee, add a separate payment method to cover the remaining balance.

Troubleshooting Common WIC App Issues

Problem Common Cause Solution
Card not recognized Incorrect state or expired benefits Confirm you are in an eligible state and check your benefit balance on the app or with your WIC agency.
PIN error Incorrect PIN entry You have four attempts before your card locks for 24 hours. Call your WIC clinic or customer service if you need to reset it.
Item is not covered Specific item variant not on your prescription Even if an item is tagged "WIC eligible," it may not be on your specific list. Check your benefit details and scan the item with the WIC Shopper app if available.
Expired benefits Expired monthly benefits WIC benefits expire at the end of each month. Orders must be picked up or delivered before your benefits expire to be covered.
Order adjustment charge Weighted items and price adjustments This is a normal charge for items like produce. You will be refunded any amount not used after the final weight is determined.

Conclusion

Using WIC on the Walmart app provides a convenient way for eligible families to shop online, with pickup or delivery options in participating states. By following the steps to add your card, using the in-app filters, and properly checking out, you can streamline your shopping experience. As the program expands, more WIC participants will benefit from this service. Always double-check your state's online WIC status and review your personal food list to ensure a smooth transaction. For more information, visit the official Walmart WIC hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, WIC online shopping on the Walmart app is a pilot program available in select states, such as Washington and Massachusetts. Check with your local WIC agency or the Walmart WIC hub for the latest state list.

Open the Walmart app, go to 'Account', select 'Wallet', and tap 'Add new payment method'. Choose the 'WIC Card' option and enter your card number and PIN.

After adding your WIC card, items will display a 'WIC Eligible' label in search results. You can also use the 'Benefit Programs' filter.

Yes, in eligible states, you can choose delivery. However, WIC benefits cannot pay for the delivery fee.

At checkout, the app separates WIC-eligible and non-WIC items. You will use your WIC benefits for the eligible items and a different payment method for the others.

If you enter the wrong PIN four times, the card will be locked. Contact your WIC clinic to reset it.

This can happen with weighted items. The final price is determined after picking the item, and any overage will be credited back to your card. For non-WIC items or fees, a separate payment is required.

References

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.