WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, is a federal assistance program.
This program is to ensure they are getting assistance in consuming the right kinds of food. We are talking about fruit and vegetables, legumes, poultry, and meat. However, and probably most importantly, access to milk and formula supplies for mothers-to-be.
Buying your formula and grocery items in bulk and with the ease of front-door deliveries makes sense, especially after Amazon entered the supermarket sector by buying Whole Foods in 2017.
So, does Amazon take WIC?
Let’s find out…
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Does Amazon Accept WIC For Payments?
Sadly, for fresh food, pantry, and other grocery items, the WIC benefits are not accepted as a form of payment on Amazon.com. There are plenty of other stores that do, and I’ll touch on them later. However, it’s not all doom and gloom…
Being the holder of a WIC card does give you access to a half-price Amazon Prime subscription! So at least you can enjoy cheaper movies, music, exclusive discounts and coupons, as well as same-day and free deliveries.
Why Doesn’t Amazon Accept WIC?
The company hasn’t given an exact reason to date; however, I have my theories. The reason Amazon doesn’t currently accept WIC payments online might be due to the different laws regarding WIC in each of the 50 states. Keeping abreast of the laws of each state would be too complicated as they are forever changing.
Therefore it would make the process of Amazon distribution too difficult to be fully and legally compliant. Another is that not all WIC recipients have an actual plastic card. Some are still issued via coupons and vouchers.
Times are changing…
However, this is all set to change as there was a law introduced that each state must start issuing cards to receivers of WIC starting in 2020. Also, the technology used for administering WIC was often not the same, and therefore a completely coherent working system across the states and territories of America is not yet available.
Is There Another Way I Can Use My WIC Payment Card For Amazon Grocery Shopping?
Although currently, you cannot use WIC to pay for online ordering through Amazon, you will be able to use it in-store! If you head to any Amazon, Amazon Fresh, or Whole Foods Grocery Stores, then you will be able to use the card in-store.
No, but Does Amazon Accept Another Type Of Benefits Card?
It’s a yes! Amazon has partnered with the U.S. government to allow SNAP EBT as a payment method for items in some states. So, depending on where you are located, SNAP EBT might be an accepted form of payment for your online Amazon orders!
To use your SNAP EBT card, visit www.amazon.com/SNAP and follow the instructions on the screen. You will need to create an account if you are not an Amazon customer. There are also opportunities to add your SNAP EBT card during checkout or in your digital wallet.
Which Items Are Eligible For SNAP EBT Payments?
You will be able to clearly see which items are eligible on the website. But first, you must ensure that you have added your SNAP EBT payment details to your Amazon account. Once this is done, food items that accept SNAP as a form of payment will have a special label “SNAP EBT eligible.” This label can be found quite clearly on the product listing, so it will be easy to spot.
It’s important to note that only items sold and shipped by Amazon are eligible. No third-party sellers at this stage. But fear not, as this includes many products on Amazon Fresh and Amazon.com. Another amazing benefit of using your SNAP EBT card is that you’ll get FREE access to Amazon Fresh selection and FREE delivery on qualifying orders.
What Kind Of Foods Are Eligible For SNAP & WIC?
The United States Department of Agriculture commonly referred to as the USDA, has compiled a detailed list. Did you know that 53% of all infants born are on the receiving end of help? Which is why WIC and SNAP are so important.
Typically, food items that you can prepare at home and are healthy and nutritious make the eligible list.
These types of foods include, but are not limited to:
- Fruits – You can purchase either fresh, canned, or frozen. Think apples, oranges, bananas, watermelons, canned peaches, frozen berries, etc.
- Vegetables – Again, you have the option of fresh, canned, or frozen. Think frozen peas, fresh corn on the cob, broccoli, carrots, and canned spinach.
- Meat/Poultry/Fish – Again, there is a wide range of meat, poultry, and fish products available on the scheme, from all the fresh, frozen, and canned departments. Think frozen shrimp, canned sardines, fresh chicken breasts, chuck steaks, and fresh salmon fillets.
- Dairy Products – Choose from fresh dairy items like milk, yogurt, and cheese, or opt for shelf-stable items like long-life milk or cream.
- Bread/Cereal – Many bread options to choose from, and it’s the same with cereals. Think fresh loaves of thick bread for toasting, many baked goods, or that bag of oatmeal for a hot and filling morning breakfast.
- Snack Foods – Think pretzels, popcorn, chips, and bars.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages – Items like water, iced tea, coffee, juice, and some sodas.
- Seeds/Seedlings/Plants – Natural produce food for the household to eat.
- Baby Formula.
- Staple Pantry Items – Flavouring items like herbs, spices, seasonings, oil, cake mix, flour, ketchup, condiments, maple syrup, honey, sugar, artificial sweeteners, etc.
- Dairy-Free Substitutes – Think oat milk, soy milk, coconut yogurt, etc.
What Happens If My Order Contains Items Not Eligible?
If this is the case, then you will need to ensure you have a separate payment option available. Depending on where you decide to shop, this can be in many forms. But usually, a debit or credit card, a pre-paid cash card, a gift card, an eGift voucher, or even a PayPal account will be accepted alongside your WIC or SNAP payment.
Does WIC Or SNAP Cover The Delivery Fees?
Unfortunately, it’s a no. Your WIC and SNAP benefits are only available to be used to pay for actual grocery items, not delivery fees or shipping costs. However, if you have ordered enough items to cover the delivery fee, then delivery will be free, and you won’t need to worry about it.
Also, if you receive both WIC and SNAP EBT payments, then if you sign up for Amazon Prime with WIC, you will receive free delivery anyways. Combine that with purchasing eligible items with your WIC card, and it will work out beautifully for you.
How Will I Know If I’m In An Eligible Postcode?
During the sign-up process for Amazon, you will need to input your SNAP EBT details, as well as your zip code information. When you have completed these steps, you will be notified whether or not your zip code is eligible.
Why Might My Zip Code Not Be Eligible?
Both WIC and SNAP are government-piloted programs. Therefore it is not down to any of the sellers; it actually is determined by the government. As mentioned earlier, each state’s program has different rules and regulations, therefore determining which zip codes are eligible.
Make The Most Of Your Online Shopping Experience
..with all the info you could ever need! So, find out more about the Amazon Order Cancellation Policy if you’re not happy with your order, followed by Can You Hide Orders On Amazon for your more discreet shopping, and Does Amazon Do Price Adjustments, to make sure you get the best deal?
When it comes to checkout time, you might want to know Can You Split Payments On Amazon, Does Amazon Take Apple Pay and Does Amazon Accept Afterpay, as well as Does Amazon Accept PayPal, and if you have a voucher, Where Is The Claim Code On An Amazon Gift Card, and Where Can I Use My Amazon Gift Card, in 2023?
Furthermore, you’ll need to know Does Amazon Prime Deliver On Sunday, What Time Does Amazon Deliver, and How Late Does Amazon Deliver, or if you’re delivery has been delayed, Why Is Amazon Shipping So Slow Lately?
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately, not. WIC recipients can receive 50% off an Amazon Prime subscription but are unable to use their benefits to purchase eligible food items.
However, it can be used in brick-and-mortar stores. If you have a SNAP EBT card, then you will be able to purchase grocery items online in select states. I recommend combining the Amazon Prime subscription deal with WIC along with SNAP benefits to get the most out of Amazon shopping. This way, you’ll be able to use your money for groceries while getting free deliveries and cheap movie and music streaming.
Good luck with your online shopping with Amazon!