Do I always have to report changes of ownership to the WIC Program?
Yes. Per Ill. Adm. Code 672.205, vendors have an obligation to notify the Department in writing of material changes in information contained on the Application after Authorization and throughout the term of the WIC Vendor Authorization. Notification must be made in writing within 30 calendar days of the change (Ill. Adm. Code 672.425) by completing the Vendor Withdrawal Form.
When should I notify the WIC Program about a change of ownership at the store?
Vendors must notify the Department of any scheduled sale, lease, bankruptcy or cessation of the Vendor's Business Entity or of any sale of a majority interest in the Vendor's Corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or Business Entity at least 15 calendar days before the change takes place.
If a vendor fails to do so and continues to redeem WIC vouchers, the store may be required to reimburse the WIC Program for the cost of the WIC Benefits redeemed after the effective date of the change.
Can my store continue to accept WIC if there has been a change of ownership?
It depends. If the change results in the majority share of the business changing to a new owner, the authorization will be terminated and the store will need to apply as a new vendor. The vendor will not be able to accept WIC from the date of sale until a new agreement is in place with the new owner.
What does a new owner need to do to be authorized to sell WIC?
The new owner must complete all of the steps identified in the New Store Information section of the webpage.
