Colorado WIC Program Policies and Procedures Section 4: Organization and Management Revised: 10/01/2023

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Issuing eWIC Cards

Policy: Local agency staff must issue an eWIC card to WIC families at the same time as notification of certification. Foster children must be issued their own eWIC cards.

Regulation: 7 CFR 246.7, 7 CFR 246.12

Procedure/Additional Guidance: eWIC Card Issuance At the WIC staff person:  Chooses the participant’s individual food package from the Compass model food package drop down list in the Food Package panel. (Alternatively, staff may tailor a food package, or create a new package “from scratch.”) Verify the correct food package(s) are assigned to each participant in the economic unit.  Assigns one eWIC card to each economic unit. Each foster child receives their own eWIC card.  Accesses the Card Operations panel, selects the “Initial Setup” button.  The PAN pop-up appears.  Swipes the eWIC card in the magnetic card reader (or manually enters the 16-digit PAN). Compass performs a search to: o Verify the PAN is associated with numbers received by that clinic; and o Is not assigned to another economic unit. If the PAN is not assigned and is in the clinic card inventory, the pop-up closes and the active PAN displays at the top of the Card Operations panel.  Accesses the Food Benefits panel. Verifies the appropriate issuance (1-3 months) and clicks the “Issue Benefits” button to issue food benefits to the family’s PAN.  Obtains the endorser or proxy’s electronic signature or verbal acknowledgement in Compass to acknowledge receipt of food benefits and record their proof of identification.  Completes back of eWIC card:  When appropriate, writes the foster child’s name on the back of the eWIC card.  Local Agency option: writes the FID on the back of the eWIC card.  Instructs the endorser how to: o Either initial or additional endorser signs the “Authorized signature” line on back of the eWIC card.  Set a Personal Identification Number (PIN);  Use and protect the eWIC card;  Change their PIN;  Report lost/stolen/damaged cards.  Reviews/Explains:  The Family Food Benefits printout and provides a printed copy (can be mailed or emailed) to the endorser/proxy. For subsequent food benefit issuance after the certification visit, staff must offer a printed copy of the Family Food Benefits but are not required to provide it if the participant/endorser declines a copy. The Family Food Benefits can be viewed from the WICShopper app, EBTEdge website, or obtained from the customer service line (844-234-4950).  To the endorser/proxy that they can only purchase their WIC foods at Colorado WIC-authorized stores.  To the endorser/proxy that they can only purchase the items listed on the current month’s Family Food Benefits printout.  The Colorado WIC Food List & Shopping Guide shows the specific brands, amounts and sizes of WIC foods that can be purchased at the store.  How to select WIC foods at the store and use the eWIC card at checkout.  Ways to obtain the remaining WIC food balance.  Authorized stores are required to follow certain rules and provide only the approved items. Otherwise, they risk not getting paid or being disqualified as a CO WIC-approved retailer.  Potential misuse violations and consequences (as stated on the Participant Rights and Responsibilities)  At subsequent WIC visits, the eWIC card serves as a proof of identification for all participants and endorsers of that household.

Colorado WIC Program Policies and Procedures Section 4: Organization and Management Revised: 10/01/2023

Page 2 of 2

PIN Unlock If an endorser or WIC shopper incorrectly enters their PIN 4 times in a row, their account will be locked until midnight. WIC staff may unlock a participant’s PIN prior to the re-set at midnight, however WIC staff must first verify the endorser’s (or proxy’s) identity. This may be done over the phone by asking the participant/endorser the PAN on the card, participant’s DOB and address. When in person, staff recognition, or any other acceptable proof of ID may also be used. For security reasons the signed eWIC card may not be used as proof of identity in this particular situation.