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Processing eWIC Transactions Vendors must process eWIC transactions accurately, in a timely manner, and in accordance with the terms of the Alabama WIC Vendor Agreement, the eWIC processor Vendor Agreement, the USDA Operating Rules WIC EBT, the WIC EBT Technical Implementation Guide (TIG), and federal regulations.

Transaction processing with the eWIC card is a more streamlined process because there are no paper Food Instruments or Cash Value Vouchers (CVVs) to complete. It is a requirement that a vendor owner, manager, or other authorized representative complete training on eWIC procedures prior to conducting eWIC transactions. Furthermore, the vendor must ensure that all cashiers and store personnel are fully trained in conducting and processing eWIC transactions. The procedures used for eWIC processing are determined by the type of POS system used by the vendor. Because all POS systems operate differently, Alabama WIC does not train store personnel how to conduct an eWIC transaction. Store employees should receive training on how to use their specific POS system from the corporate office, or for independent stores, the company that provides the POS system. Understanding eWIC To understand how eWIC works, you must understand the Approved Product List (APL) and the WIC customer’s benefit balance. Alabama WIC maintains the APL to ensure that the WIC customer purchases only Alabama WIC approved foods. WIC benefits are issued to an electronic benefit account at the local WIC clinic. The WIC customer’s benefit balance includes all benefits that are available for purchase on their eWIC card. The eWIC transaction is driven by the APL and the corresponding benefits on the WIC customer’s card. The Approved Product List The APL file is a database of categorized Universal Product Codes referred to as UPCs. It ensures WIC customers only purchase Alabama WIC approved foods. The APL is maintained by the Alabama WIC Program. The APL file restricts cashiers from overriding items. The Alabama APL file includes the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) Price Look-Up (PLU) Codes. Fresh fruits and vegetables with a UPC must be mapped (linked) to the respective PLU Code found on the IFPS website. This includes store generated fresh fruit and vegetable UPCs. Failure to map fresh fruits and vegetables may result in a loss of sales and a negative shopping experience for the WIC participant.

Tip: If an item is populating as WIC approved in the WIC Shopper app but not registering as WIC approved at the register, that is a sign that the APL is out of date. Contact the State WIC Office or your POS provider for further assistance. An