A WIC card is a debit card that holds your monthly food benefit from the Women, Infants, and Children program
The WIC card (also called an EBT card in some states) is a plastic debit card that your state's WIC program loads with money each month. You use it to buy specific foods at grocery stores and farmers markets — the same way you would use a regular debit card, but only for items WIC covers. The card replaces the paper vouchers that WIC used decades ago.
When you swipe or insert the card at checkout, the cashier sees it as a WIC transaction. The card will decline if you try to buy something WIC does not cover, like soda, candy, or hot food. The foods you can buy are set by federal rules and include milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, whole grain bread, fruits, vegetables, and infant formula.
Your state WIC office loads your benefit amount onto the card each month, usually on the same day. The money does not roll over — if you do not spend it by the end of the month, it disappears. You cannot withdraw cash from a WIC card, and you cannot use it to buy anything except the foods on the approved list.
Key Takeaways
- A WIC card is a debit card loaded monthly with your food benefit, and you use it only to buy foods on the WIC approved list.
- The card works at most grocery stores and farmers markets, and the cashier will see it as a WIC purchase at checkout.
- Your benefit amount is set by your state based on your household size and income, and unused money does not carry over to the next month.
- You cannot withdraw cash from a WIC card, and the card will decline if you try to buy foods that WIC does not cover.
How to use your WIC card at the store
When you go to the grocery store, put only WIC-approved foods in your cart. At checkout, tell the cashier you are paying with WIC. Hand them your card and your PIN (a four-digit number your state sends you). The cashier will ring up only the items WIC covers and swipe your card for that amount.
If you buy items that are not on the WIC list — like soda, candy, prepared foods, or non-food items — the cashier will remove them from your purchase before running your card. You can pay for those items with cash or another card if you want them. Some stores have a separate checkout lane for WIC customers, but most do not.
At farmers markets, the process is slightly different. You give your card and PIN to the vendor, who uses a portable card reader to process the payment. Some farmers markets also use paper vouchers instead of cards, so check with your local market first.
What foods you can and cannot buy with WIC
WIC covers a specific list of foods chosen for nutrition. You can buy milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, beans (canned or dried), peanut butter, whole grain bread, brown rice, oatmeal, canned tuna, fruits, and vegetables. Infant formula and baby food are covered if you have a child under age five. Some states add items like tofu or soy milk.
You cannot buy meat, poultry, or fish with WIC — only eggs and beans for protein. You cannot buy white bread, regular pasta, or sugary cereals. You cannot buy hot food, prepared food, vitamins, medicine, or anything that is not food. Alcohol, tobacco, and pet food are never covered.
The exact list varies slightly by state, so ask your WIC office for a printed list or check your state's WIC website. Many grocery stores also post the approved foods near the checkout or on their website. If you are not sure whether something is covered, ask the cashier before you buy it.
How much money you get each month
Your monthly WIC benefit depends on your household size, your income, and what your state decides to fund. A mother with one infant might receive $100 to $150 per month, while a family with multiple young children could receive $300 or more. Your state WIC office calculates your benefit when you first receive WIC and updates it if your household changes.
The benefit is loaded onto your card on the same day each month — usually the first or fifteenth. You can check your balance by swiping your card at an ATM (without entering your PIN) or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. Some states also have a website or app where you can check your balance.
If you do not spend your full benefit by the end of the month, the unused money is gone. WIC does not let you save it or roll it over. This is why some families plan their shopping around their benefit load date to make sure they use the full amount.
What to do if your WIC card does not work
If your card is declined at checkout, the most common reason is that you do not have enough balance left for that purchase. Check your balance before you shop, or ask the cashier to tell you how much is left on your card.
If your card is lost or stolen, call the customer service number on the back of your card right away. Your state will cancel the old card and send you a new one, usually within five to ten business days. Do not share your PIN with anyone, and do not write it down where someone else can find it.
If you move to a different state, your WIC benefits do not move with you. You will need to explore for WIC in your new state. Contact the WIC office in your new state to find out what you need to bring and how long the process takes.
Replacing your card if it is damaged or expired
WIC cards expire after a set period — usually three to five years, depending on your state. Your state will send you a new card in the mail before the old one expires. If your card is damaged, cracked, or not working, call the customer service number on the back and request a replacement. A new card usually arrives within one to two weeks.
Keep your card in a safe place and do not bend it or expose it to extreme heat. If you have a young child, keep the card out of reach so they do not damage it or lose it. Some families keep their WIC card in a wallet separate from other cards to avoid confusion at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else use my WIC card?
No. Your WIC card is for you and your household only. The person whose name is on the card should be the one who uses it. If someone else uses your card without permission, report it to your WIC office right away. If your card is used fraudulently, your state may investigate and could ask you to repay the amount.
What happens if I do not use all my WIC money in a month?
Unused money disappears at the end of the month. WIC does not let you save it or use it the next month. This is why many families plan their shopping to use their full benefit before the month ends. If you are not using all your benefit, talk to your WIC office about whether your benefit amount is right for your family.
Can I use my WIC card online or for delivery?
Most states do not allow WIC cards to be used for online grocery orders or delivery. You must shop in person at a store or farmers market. Some states are testing online WIC shopping, so check with your state WIC office to see if this is available where you live.
What if my WIC card is not working at a store that takes WIC?
First, check that you have enough balance on your card. If you do, the store's card reader may be broken or not set up for WIC. Ask to speak to a manager and let them know your card should work. If the problem continues, call the customer service number on the back of your card to report it.