New Retail Vendor

 WIC Vendor Applications Temporarily Closed

We are not currently accepting new vendor applications while we update and streamline the application process. The application window will re-open in October 2025.

If you would like to be notified when applications reopen, please email your store name, location, and a contact name and email address to DHS.WICVendor@illinois.gov.  

Who is eligible to apply to become a vendor?

The Illinois WIC Program accepts applications from large and small grocery stores and pharmacies throughout Illinois.

Which POS Systems are certified to process eWIC in Illinois?

All new WIC vendors must be able to accept WIC with an Integrated Cash Register System unless they meet participant access criteria. "Integrated System" means a network of cash registers in a store that is capable of processing WIC EBT transactions through a third-party processor (TPP). Integrated cash registers must be able to provide a benefit balance prior to WIC purchase and a receipt including the remaining monthly benefit balance to WIC clients. The currently certified POS providers in Illinois are:

What are the eligibility criteria to become an authorized WIC Vendor?

Any applicant seeking authorization to become a WIC Retail Vendor has an obligation to meet, at a minimum, the following authorization criteria listed in Section 672.210 of the Ill. Adm. Code. These criteria are summarized below for reference.

  • The vendor must be located within the state of Illinois boundaries.
  • The vendor is only authorized to accept WIC sales at the fixed location provided on the WIC Vendor application form during normal business hours.
  • The price charged to the WIC Program for WIC Foods shall not exceed those prices charged to cash paying customers nor the prices posted at the Vendor Site.
  • 70% or more of all gross receipts must be from the sale of non-alcoholic products. In other words no more than 29% of gross receipts may be from the sale of alcohol.
  • The percentage of sales revenue from food purchased with WIC Food Benefits shall not exceed 50% of total SNAP eligible food sales.
  • If a vendor is authorized to participate in the USDA SNAP program, they may not have been denied, suspended, disqualified, terminated, or assessed a civil money penalty during the 2 years preceding the application for authorization and may not be current disqualified as a SNAP Vendor.
  • Neither the applicant, Vendor, nor any officers or officials shall have been involved in bribery as prohibited under Section 50-5 of the Illinois Procurement Code.
  • The applicant or approved Vendor shall be barred from receiving State contracts as a result of any default on any educational loans as that term is defined in the Educational Loan Default Act [5 ILCS 385].
  • Neither the applicant, Vendor, nor the applicant or Vendor's spouse or minor children shall hold an elective office in the State of Illinois, a seat in the General Assembly, appointment or employment in any of the offices of State government during the period of any WIC Vendor authorization as prohibited under Section 50-13 of the Illinois Procurement Code.
  • Neither the applicant, Vendor, its officers, directors, individual partners, nor their spouses or minor children who owns more than 7.5% ownership or beneficial interest in the business entity seeking authorization to participate in the WIC Program shall be employed by the WIC Program of a local agency.
  • Neither the applicant, nor the Vendor shall have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving fraud, misuse or theft of State or federal funds or of any felony.
  • The applicant or Vendor shall be barred from bidding on or entering into a WIC Vendor Contract as a result of a violation of Sections 33E-3 or 33E-4 of the Criminal Code of 2012.
  • Neither the applicant, Vendor, nor any owner of 30% or more ownership shall have been terminated from the WIC Program in the previous 3 years.
  • The applicant or Vendor shall adhere to all of the provisions of the USDA WIC Regulations, the Act, the Ill. Administrative Code, and, once authorized, the WIC Vendor Contract.
  • The vendor applicant's shelf prices must be competitive with other similar size vendors in similar geographical areas per 7 CFR 246 12(g)(4).
  • The Vendor shall maintain minimum quantities, sizes, and types of WIC Foods necessary at a Vendor Site as specified in the WIC Vendor Contract based on peer group assignment.
  • The Vendor shall demonstrate readiness to process WIC EBT transactions with a WIC-enabled integrated cash register system, except where participant access criteria are met in Section 672.200(d).

What else do I need to know about being a vendor in the WIC Program?

Before you apply:

If you have any questions about the requirements, please send an email to DHS.WICVendor@illinois.gov.