How to Use WIC Online at Walmart: A Step-by-Step Guide

As of a recent USDA-funded pilot program, WIC participants in specific states can now use their benefits for online orders. This guide will walk you through the process of how to use WIC online at Walmart, offering a flexible and convenient way to shop for healthy foods.

Quick Summary

A step-by-step guide to shopping for WIC-eligible items on Walmart.com or the app. Covers adding your WIC card, locating approved products, and completing the checkout process for delivery or pickup.

Key Points

• Limited Availability: Online WIC shopping at Walmart is currently only available in specific states participating in a pilot program, such as Washington and Massachusetts.

• Account Setup Required: You must have a free Walmart account and add your WIC card to the 'Wallet' in your profile before you can place an online order.

• Use Filters for Eligible Items: On Walmart.com or the app, use the 'Benefit Programs' filter and select 'WIC eligible' to easily find and add approved foods to your cart.

• Second Payment Needed for Extras: Any items not covered by WIC or service fees for delivery require a separate payment method at checkout.

• Order for Pickup or Delivery: Depending on your location and the pilot program rules, you can choose between a free grocery pickup or a paid delivery service for your WIC order.

• Check Your State's Status: Availability is state-dependent, so always confirm online WIC is offered in your state before starting your order.

Online WIC Shopping at Walmart: What You Need to Know

Shopping for groceries online with WIC provides a major convenience for busy families, particularly for pickup or delivery services. Walmart currently accepts online WIC orders only in specific states as part of a pilot program, and it's essential to confirm if your state participates. The process leverages the digital Walmart platform to identify and purchase WIC-approved items with your EBT card, just as you would in-store, with a few key differences in the online experience.

Step 1: Check Availability and Set Up Your Account

First and foremost, you must verify that your WIC-issuing state and local Walmart store are participating in the online program. At present, online WIC shopping at Walmart is primarily available in Washington and Massachusetts.

1. Visit the Walmart WIC Hub: Navigate directly to the official Walmart.com/wic page to confirm the program is active in your area.
2. Create or Log in to Your Account: You must have a free Walmart account to place an online order. If you don't have one, create an account on Walmart.com or within the Walmart app.
3. Add Your WIC Card to Your Wallet: Go to your account's 'Payment Methods' section, click 'Add new payment method,' and enter your WIC card number and PIN. Your card will be saved for future online orders.

Step 2: Browse and Select WIC-Eligible Items

The online shopping experience is designed to help you easily find eligible items, though it is still your responsibility to ensure you are purchasing items on your approved list.

• Shop via the WIC Landing Page: The simplest method is to use the Walmart WIC hub (Walmart.com/wic), which automatically filters for eligible items based on your added WIC card and benefits.
• Use the WIC Filter: When browsing the general grocery section, apply the 'Benefit Programs' filter and select 'WIC eligible' to narrow your search. Note that this filter displays all potentially eligible items, but the system will cross-reference with your specific benefits at checkout.
• Review Your Benefit Balance: You can view your remaining benefits at any time on the WIC landing page in your account.

Step 3: Checkout for Pickup or Delivery

Once your cart is full of WIC-eligible products, you can proceed to checkout, where the payment system will automatically apply your benefits.

1. Select a Service: Choose between grocery pickup, which is free, or delivery, which may incur a fee not covered by WIC.
2. Enter Your PIN: At checkout, after reviewing your order, you will be prompted to enter your WIC card's PIN to authorize the payment.
3. Use a Secondary Payment: If your order includes non-WIC items, or if the total exceeds your WIC balance, you must enter a secondary form of payment to cover the remaining cost.

Comparison: Online Shopping vs. In-Store Shopping with WIC

Feature	Online Shopping (Pickup/Delivery)	In-Store Shopping
Convenience	Order anytime, anywhere. Skip the lines and aisles. Great for those with limited mobility or transportation.	Requires physical travel to the store and in-person checkout.
Item Selection	Access to a filtered online inventory of WIC-eligible items. Can easily see current balance and what's covered.	Physically browse shelves. Requires manually checking items against your WIC food list.
Checkout Process	Automated system separates WIC and non-WIC items. Requires a PIN entry during checkout. Second form of payment needed for delivery fees or non-WIC items.	Manual separation of items at the register. Swipe WIC card and enter PIN at the terminal.
Location Dependency	Only available in specific pilot states (e.g., Washington, Massachusetts) and must align with your benefit-issuing state.	Available at any Walmart that is a WIC-authorized vendor, regardless of online pilot participation.
Order Changes	Can edit orders while still in the processing stage, including adding/removing items or changing substitution preferences.	Cannot change an order once you are at the register. May require a return or second transaction.

Conclusion: The Future of WIC Shopping at Walmart

The expansion of WIC online shopping at Walmart marks a significant step toward improving accessibility for families in need. While currently limited to a few states through a pilot program, the initiative aims to simplify the grocery shopping process by integrating WIC benefits with online convenience. By following the steps outlined above, eligible participants can take advantage of pickup and delivery options, making it easier to acquire nutritious foods. As the program is evaluated and expands, more WIC recipients will hopefully gain access to this modern and flexible way to shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WIC online shopping at Walmart available in every state?

No, as of the pilot program, Walmart only accepts online WIC orders in specific states like Washington and Massachusetts. Availability is expected to expand in the future.

Can I pay for delivery fees with my WIC card?

No, WIC benefits cannot be used to pay for delivery fees or other associated service charges. You must use a secondary form of payment for these costs.

What if I have both WIC and non-WIC items in my online cart?

When you check out, the system will automatically separate the WIC-eligible items and apply your WIC benefits. You will then be prompted to use a different payment method for the remaining items and fees.

How do I find WIC-eligible items on Walmart.com or the app?

After adding your WIC card to your account, you can either visit the Walmart.com/wic hub or use the 'Benefit Programs' filter and select 'WIC eligible' when browsing for groceries.

What happens if an item I ordered with WIC is out of stock?

Walmart will notify you of any out-of-stock items and may offer a substitution based on your preferences. If a substitution is not available or you decline it, your WIC funds will be automatically adjusted.

Can I use the Walmart app for WIC online shopping?

Yes, you can use the Walmart shopping app to add your WIC card, browse for WIC-eligible items, and complete your order for pickup or delivery, provided you are in a participating state.

What should I do if my online WIC payment isn't working?

Ensure your WIC card has been correctly added to your Walmart account and that you are in a participating state. For technical issues, contact Walmart's customer support or review the help section on their website.

Citations

• Mass.gov: State health officials launch first-ever online grocery ordering program for Massachusetts WIC participants. URL: https://www.mass.gov/news/state-health-officials-launch-first-ever-online-grocery-ordering-program-for-massachusetts-wic-participants
• Walmart.com: Shop with Your WIC Card. URL: https://www.walmart.com/help/article/shop-with-your-wic-card/1ccc76e567f1460e9948ecf862b84ef1
• Mass.gov: SHOP ONLINE USING THE WALMART WEBSITE OR APP. URL: https://www.mass.gov/doc/how-to-shop-online-at-walmart-pdf/download
• Walmart.com: WIC Online. URL: https://www.walmart.com/global/wic/hub
• Walmart.com: WIC Online FAQ. URL: https://www.walmart.com/global/wic/hub?povid=GlobalNav_rWeb_BabyKids_WICHUB
• Reddit: Adding WIC Card to Walmart Wallet. URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/walmart/comments/1ibsdvv/adding_wic_card_to_walmart_wallet/
• Yahoo Finance: Walmart launches WIC online shopping in 2 states. URL: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/walmart-launches-wic-online-shopping-110000470.html
• nhawic.org: Shopping With Your eWIC Card. URL: https://www.nhawic.org/wic/shopping-with-your-ewic-card

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use WIC online at Walmart for delivery?

Yes, if you are in a state where Walmart is part of the WIC online pilot program (like Washington or Massachusetts), you can use your WIC card for delivery orders. However, any delivery fees must be paid with a different payment method.

How do I add my WIC card to my Walmart account?

Log in to your Walmart account, navigate to the 'Payment Methods' or 'Wallet' section, and select 'Add new payment method.' Then, enter your WIC EBT card information and PIN.

Will Walmart's online system automatically separate WIC items from non-WIC items?

Yes, the checkout process is designed to automatically identify and apply your WIC benefits to eligible items first. You will then pay for any remaining non-WIC items or fees separately.

Can I use my WIC benefits to buy non-grocery items online?

No, WIC benefits can only be used for approved food items. Non-grocery items, such as household goods, will need to be paid for with a different payment method.

What if an item is marked 'WIC eligible' online but my benefits don't cover it?

The 'WIC eligible' filter shows all products that may be covered, but your specific benefits are based on your individual food prescription. The system at checkout will only apply benefits to items covered by your personal plan, so always cross-reference with your WIC shopping guide.

Do I need a Walmart+ membership to use WIC online?

No, a Walmart+ membership is not required to use WIC benefits online. However, WIC recipients may be eligible for a discounted Walmart+ Assist membership, which offers benefits like unlimited scheduled delivery.

How do I check my WIC benefit balance when shopping online?

After adding your WIC card to your Walmart account, you can check your available balance on the dedicated WIC landing page within your account or during the checkout process.

Can I use my WIC benefits for shipping fees?

No, WIC benefits cannot be used to cover shipping fees. You will need to use an alternative payment method for any shipping costs.

What happens if I don't pick up my WIC online order?

If you fail to pick up your order within the specified timeframe (usually 24 hours), the order will be canceled, and the funds will be returned to your WIC card. If your benefit period has already expired, you will lose those benefits.