How to get a new WIC card

If you have been approved for WIC and need a card for the first time, or if your card is lost, stolen, or expired, you will pick it up or set up it through your state WIC program office. You do not order it by mail or through a website. You go to the office in person, bring proof of identity, and either receive the card on the spot or set up one that was mailed to you.

The exact process depends on your state. Some states hand you a card when ready after approval. Others mail it to your address and you must visit the office to set up it before you can use it at the store. A few states use a phone set up system. Your approval letter will tell you which method your state uses and where to go.

If you already have an active WIC case and straightforward need a replacement card because yours stopped working, was damaged, or expired, call your local WIC office first. They can often reissue a card within a few days without requiring a new in-person visit, though some offices do ask you to come in.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit your state WIC program office in person to pick up a new card or set up one that was mailed to you — there is no online or mail order process.
  • Bring a photo ID and your approval letter or case number when you go to the office.
  • If your card expired or stopped working and you already have an active case, call your WIC office first to ask whether you can get a replacement without visiting in person.
  • The card itself is free; WIC does not charge a fee to issue or replace it.
  • Once you have the card, you must use it within a certain time frame (usually 30 to 60 days) or it may be deactivated, so set up it as soon as you receive it.

What to bring to the WIC office

Bring your photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or passport. You will also need your WIC approval letter or your case number if you have one. If you were approved recently and received a letter in the mail, bring that letter.

If you are picking up a card that was mailed to you, bring the envelope or any notice that came with it. The office staff will use that to look up your case and set up the card. If you lost the notice, just give them your name and date of birth and they can find your case in the system.

If you are replacing a card because it was damaged or stopped working, bring the old card if you still have it. The office can deactivate it so no one else can use it, and they will issue a new one.

How long it takes to get a card

If you are picking up a card at the office on the day of your approval or at a scheduled appointment, you will have it in your hands the same day. You can use it at the store when ready.

If your state mails the card to you, it usually arrives within 7 to 14 days. Once it arrives, you must go to the WIC office to set up it before you can use it. Some states allow you to set up it by phone instead, but you will need to check with your office.

If you are replacing a card because it expired or was lost, a reissued card typically arrives within 3 to 7 business days if you request it by phone, or the same day if you pick it up in person at the office.

Using your card at the store

Once you have your card and it is activated, you use it like a debit card at any store that accepts WIC. Swipe it or insert it at the checkout, and the cashier will ask you to enter your PIN. The PIN is usually the last four digits of your Social Security number, unless your state assigned you a different one.

The card will only pay for foods that are on your WIC food list. Your state WIC office gave you a list of approved foods when you were approved, or you can find it on your state WIC website. Common approved foods include milk, cheese, eggs, beans, peanut butter, whole grain bread, and infant formula.

If you forget your PIN, go back to the WIC office or call them and ask them to reset it. Do not try to guess it multiple times at the store, because the card may lock after a few wrong attempts.

What to do if your card does not work at the store

If the card is declined at checkout, the most common reasons are that it has not been activated yet, your PIN is wrong, or the card has expired. Ask the cashier to try it again, and if it is still declined, step aside and call your WIC office right away.

Do not leave the store without calling. Your WIC office can tell you in minutes whether the card is active and what the problem is. They may be able to fix it over the phone, or they may ask you to come in the next day.

If the card was mailed to you and you have not activated it yet, that is why it does not work. Go to the WIC office as soon as you can to set up it. Until then, you cannot use it.

Replacing a lost or stolen card

Call your WIC office when ready if your card is lost or stolen. They can deactivate it so no one else can use the benefits on it. Any benefits that were on the card before you reported it lost are usually still there — they do not disappear — but they are frozen until you get a new card.

The office will issue a replacement card, which typically arrives by mail within a week. You will need to set up it at the office or by phone before you can use it. In the meantime, ask your WIC office whether they can issue you a temporary card or emergency vouchers so you can buy food while you wait for the replacement.

Some states offer emergency vouchers that work like a paper version of the card. You take them to the store and the cashier accepts them instead of the card. Not all states have this option, so ask your office what they can do.

If your card expired

WIC cards expire after a set period, usually one or two years depending on your state. Your approval letter will tell you the expiration date. Before the card expires, your WIC office will mail you a new one or send you a notice telling you to come in for a renewal appointment.

If your card has already expired and you did not receive a new one, call your WIC office right away. Your case may still be active, and they can issue a replacement card. If your case expired because you did not recertify on time, you will need to go through the approval process again.

Do not wait until you are at the store to find out your card expired. Check the expiration date on the front of your card now, and if it is coming up within the next month, contact your office to ask what happens next.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else pick up my WIC card for me?

Most states require the person whose name is on the case to pick up the card in person and show photo ID. However, some states allow an authorized representative — such as a spouse, parent, or caregiver — to pick it up if they bring a signed letter from you and their own ID. Call your WIC office to ask whether this is allowed in your state before you send someone else.

What is my PIN and how do I change it?

Your PIN is usually the last four digits of your Social Security number, set automatically by the system. If you want to change it to something else, or if you forgot it, call your WIC office or visit in person and they will reset it for you. Write down your new PIN and keep it somewhere safe.

Do I have to use my WIC card within a certain time after I get it?

Yes. Most states require you to use your card at least once within 30 to 60 days of set up, or it may be deactivated. If your card has been inactive for too long, call your WIC office to ask them to reactivate it. This rule exists to keep the system current and prevent fraud.

What happens to my benefits if my card is damaged?

Your benefits do not disappear. They are stored in the WIC system, not on the card itself. If your card is cracked, does not swipe, or is otherwise damaged, take it to the WIC office and they will issue a new one. Your benefits will transfer to the new card automatically.

Can I get a digital or mobile version of my WIC card?

Some states are beginning to offer mobile WIC apps that let you use your phone instead of a physical card, but this is not yet available in all states. Check your state WIC website or ask your WIC office whether a mobile option is available where you live.