A. Agreement and Handbook
The partnership between WIC-authorized vendors and the Department is essential to this successful nutrition program. Working together, vendors and the Department ensure that WIC families receive the nutritious foods prescribed for them and that stores receive the correct payment for the items purchased. This Illinois WIC Vendor Handbook (Handbook) sets forth the roles and responsibilities of vendors and the program.
B. eWIC Card
WIC families receive an eWIC card at their local WIC agency (LA) to take to the store when shopping. The same card is used month after month. Several months of food benefits may be issued to the family's account. However, only the current month's benefits are available to the family. Benefits become available on the first day of the benefit month, expire at midnight on the last day of the benefit month, 30 days later, and do not roll over to the next month.
C. eWIC Food Balance
During their visit to the LA, the family is given a family WIC shopping list at the store. This shopping list may include specific items, general food categories, and/or a dollar amount.
- ITEM: Specific prescribed WIC food item and quantities to be purchased (for example, 4 gallons of Whole Milk),
- FOOD CATEGORY / SUBCATEGORY: Set of options to choose from at the store (for example, Infant Fruits and Vegetables (4oz single or two pack of 4oz containers)), and/or
- DOLLAR AMOUNT: Fixed dollar amount available to a WIC customer to purchase fruits and/or vegetables.
In addition to the WIC shopping list received at the clinic, WIC shoppers have several options to request and find their current eWIC balance:
- AT THE STORE: a balance inquiry can be printed at the register.
- ON THE BACK OF THEIR EWIC CARD: WIC shoppers can call the phone number or visit the web portal on the back (pictured right) to inquire about their remaining balance.
- ON THEIR SMARTPHONE: After the WIC shopper registers their eWIC card, the BNFT mobile app will show their current balance.
- ON A COMPUTER: WIC shoppers can look up current benefits by logging into the BNFT portal after registering their eWIC card.
D. Peer Grouping
The Department uses a vendor peer group system (i.e., grouping similar stores) to determine competitive price criteria and allowable reimbursement levels to ensure that WIC pays authorized vendors competitive prices. Vendors are assigned a peer group based on the store type, geographic area, and number of their WIC-enabled cash registers. Vendors are told their peer group at the time of authorization and any subsequent reauthorization and encouraged to contact the Department for more information.
E. Communications
WIC-authorized grocers, pharmacies, and commissaries are encouraged to communicate with the Department when they have questions, need assistance, or have suggestions for improvement. The Department appreciates input from our retail partners on reducing barriers and making the shopping experience the best for both cashiers and WIC families. Vendors may email the Department at DHS.WICVendor@illinois.gov or by phone at 844-901-0962. In addition, the Department hosts regular quarterly phone calls on the 2nd Tuesday of every third month (February, May, August, and November), where updates are provided, and callers can ask questions.
