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Vendor Payment A vendor applicant cannot transact eWIC until all pre-authorization procedures are completed and the vendor is authorized. This includes a pre-authorization site visit, completion of Alabama WIC Vendor training, E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding, receipt of signed agreements, and assignment of the vendor ID number. The State WIC Office notifies vendors when the vendor is authorized to process eWIC transactions.

The Department will make payment to authorized WIC vendors upon receipt of valid eWIC transactions. Vendors will receive payment for all eWIC transactions processed in their store through an Automated Clearing House (ACH) system in which payments are directly deposited into the vendor’s bank account. Vendors are responsible for all arrangements with their payment processor, their financial institution, and the State of Alabama eWIC processor.

In eWIC, each item will have a maximum allowable price. The maximum allowable price is also known as the Not to Exceed (NTE) amount. If a vendor submits an item price that is above the NTE, their payment will be decreased to the NTE amount for the item. Vendors shall not seek restitution from customers for eWIC transactions not paid or partially paid by the Department.

The Alabama WIC Program will not reimburse an out-of-state vendor for any eWIC transactions unless the vendor is authorized by the Alabama WIC Program. Vendor ID Number Each authorized WIC vendor is issued their own unique vendor ID number by the State WIC Office. This number is used to identify payment processing for eWIC. The vendor ID number is not transferable and must only be used for transactions redeemed at the location listed in the Alabama WIC Vendor Agreement. If the store is sold, the new owner must complete the application process and, if approved, will be issued a new vendor ID number. Vendors who violate this will be subject to applicable sanctions.