If you're an authorized Illinois WIC vendor currently using a stand-beside POS device, transitioning to an integrated cash register system can improve operations and enhance the shopping experience for your WIC customers.
Follow these simple steps to get started:
Step 1: Choose a Certified POS Provider
Review the list of certified POS systems that are approved to process eWIC in Illinois. Your current POS provider may already be on this list. If your Point of Sale (POS) provider is not listed, they are not certified to process WIC in Illinois. At this time, the Illinois WIC Program is not accepting new POS providers.
Step 2: Notify the Illinois WIC Program
You must tell the Illinois WIC Program that you plan to switch to an integrated POS system.
Fill out the "Change of Vendor Information" form using DocuSign. You can find this form on the Communications and Materials page of our website.
This helps us:
- Keep your vendor file updated
- Offer support during the transition
- Coordinate any necessary compliance checks
Step 3: Contact Your POS Provider
Ask your provider:
- Are you on a Release that currently accepts eWIC in Illinois?
- For payments like SNAP or credit card, are these processed through your POS software or through another system, such as NCR Connected Payments? (This usually does not apply to IBM stores.)
- Who do you use as your Third Party Provider for Electronic Payments?
- Will you test the system in your office before installing it in the store?
- How will you pick up the APL file? Will the POS team pick up the file and push to the retailer? Are you already picking up the APL?
Your provider will coordinate with their Third-Party Processor (TPP) to begin the integration setup.
Step 4: Installation & System Testing
Before starting this step, make sure your POS provider has your WIC Vendor ID, which is listed on the Addendum A of your WIC contract.
Your POS provider and TPP will:
- Install and configure the integrated WIC system
- They will need you to provide them with your WIC Vendor ID that is listed on the Addendum A of your contract.
- Your POS Provider will need to coordinate with the ILklinois eWIC Payment Processor, Solutran at EBTServices@solutran.com to complete a balance inquiry and test connectivity with their systems using a test card.
- Once a Balance Inquiry has successfully been completed with the test card.
- After the test is successful, Solutran will contact the WIC Vendor Relations office. Then, a Live Validation test will be scheduled at your store. This test checks if WIC purchases, balance checks, and refunds are working correctly.
- Live Validation will be performed at the vendor location and will focus on in-lane processes - balance inquiries, purchases, and voids.
Step 5: Go Live and Start Accepting WIC via Integrated POS
Once testing is complete and the system is approved, you're ready to process WIC transactions using your integrated system! Be sure your staff are trained on:
- How WIC items appear on screen
- How to review the benefit balance with customers
- How to troubleshoot any transaction issues
Step 6: Return Stand-Beside Equipment
Within 10 business days of successfully completing the Live Validation tests, you will be provided with instructions on how to return the stand-beside equipment. You must return this equipment. If you do not, you may be charged for the cost, and your WIC authorization may be paused or removed.
Need Help?
We're here to assist you through the process.
