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eWIC Vendor Enablement and Certification Since 2019, the Alabama WIC Program has issued WIC benefits to an eWIC card. eWIC transactions occur at authorized WIC vendors statewide. To process eWIC transactions, vendors must obtain the appropriate Point of Sale (POS) system and/or software. The POS system must be certified prior to accepting eWIC transactions.

To become an authorized WIC vendor and maintain an authorized status, all vendors must have their POS system certified to accept eWIC by Alabama’s eWIC processor or a Third-Party Processor (TPP) certified by the state’s eWIC processor. Failure to obtain certification of an integrated POS system or a stand-beside (single function) device will result in termination of the vendor’s Alabama WIC Vendor Agreement. Level III Certification Level III Certification is a live in-store test by WIC staff to verify the proper installation and set-up of the store’s cash register system. Level III Certification involves successfully completing an eWIC balance inquiry, purchase, and void of an eWIC transaction.

Note: If the vendor’s POS system is not already certified with the Alabama eWIC processor prior to becoming an authorized Alabama WIC vendor, a Level III Certification is required before accepting eWIC transactions.

Point of Sale Systems There are two types of Point of Sale (POS) systems in eWIC: Integrated Vendor – WIC software is part of the store’s cash register system. Integrating WIC into the POS system and normal business processes are the preferred solutions as they allow grocers to manage inventory, payment, and settlement for WIC foods within the same system that manages transactions for cash and other payment tenders. WIC authorized retailers that use an integrated POS: Accept all forms of electronic payment – eWIC, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), credit, and debit. Allow for a mixed basket transaction. Provide a more streamlined purchase experience for the WIC customer.