eWIC
What is eWIC?
eWIC is short for "electronic WIC", meaning the new eWIC cards (shown below). Prior to June 1, 2016 WIC benefits were issued to participants in the program through WIC checks. The Iowa WIC Program began piloting eWIC on October 25, 2015 and completed statewide roll-out on May 31, 2016. The Iowa WIC Program began issuing WIC benefits exclusively on the eWIC card on June 1, 2016.
eWIC Requirements for WIC Vendors
The USDA/FNS provides two publications that govern WIC EBT processing standards for all entities involved. These are the Operating Rules for WIC EBT and the Technical Implementation Guide (TIG). The Operating Rules address the operation of WIC EBT for all entities, including: retail system vendors, WIC Vendors, Acquirers and Processors. The TIG consists of the implementation guidelines of the X9.93 standards and specifications for processing WIC EBT transactions. If you are an Iowa WIC Vendor, these documents contain the information you will need to provide to your cash register system/point-of-sale support to integrate WIC EBT into your existing system.
Resellers
The following is a list of VARs/Resellers that offer ECR systems with TPP pathways which are pre-certified for conducting eWIC transactions in the state of Iowa. While you may select to contract with one of these providers, you are not limited to those shown here. The Iowa WIC Program does have a process for certifying other providers to conduct eWIC transactions. Only systems that pass the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Capability Assessment as outlined in the Vendor Guidance will be certified for eWIC transactions.