WIC participants await the 2007 statewide implementation of the New Mexico Connections Card, which resembles a credit-debit card powered by a little computer chip. The card holds two to three months worth of a WIC participant’s benefits information (and possibly any Food Stamp and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families information). The chip can hold all this same information for up to six family members.

The card is being used instead of WIC checks in several pilot project cities in southern New Mexico, including Roswell, Truth or Consequences and Hatch. The United States Department of Agriculture has provided funding for the pilot. The benefit of using the card instead of the WIC check is that the card allows separate visits to a grocery store during a 30-day benefit period, whereas the WIC check requires all food benefits be purchased at one time.

Grocery store check out time is faster with the card since once it is inserted into the scanner terminal and a PIN is entered by the WIC participant, the WIC foods can be immediately purchased—at the contract price or shelf price of the food. Meanwhile, the card provides data on the type, brand and cost of each WIC food item so that New Mexico WIC can better control food costs through informed food package decisions and maximization of rebates on infant formula and other foods.

An instructional video and assistance by WIC staff have helped participants get ready to use the New Mexico Connections cards, which are being accepted by independent grocery stores and national grocery store chains in the pilot locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Connections Card?
2. Where do I get my Connections Card and when can I use it?
3. Can I use my Connections Card at any store?
4. How do I use the Connections Card to buy food?
5. What happens if the wrong PIN number is used?
6. What if my card is lost or stolen?
7. What happens when I move?
8. What should I do if my card won’t work at the store?
9. If I do not agree with my Food Package, what should I do?
10. What if a food item loaded on my Connections Card won’t scan?

1. What is the Connections Card?

Answer: The New Mexico Connections Card is a new way of providing food benefits to NM WIC participants. It is a “smart” card because it contains a chip holding all your food benefit information. One card will contain all the food benefits for your entire family currently certified on the WIC program. The card will be used like a credit or debit card at your local grocery store.

2. Where do I get my Connections Card and when can I use it?

Answer: Your food package can only be loaded onto your Connections Card at your local WIC clinic. Your food package is available on the first day of your benefit period start date. Your benefit period start date will be the same day for your entire family each month. You will have 30 days to spend all of your food benefits. Any WIC food benefits that are not purchased by the end of your benefit period will be removed before a new benefit period is provided. You will choose a Personal Identification Number or PIN at the clinic, which will allow you to use the card at the grocery store. Your PIN number is a number known only to you. The number should be shared only with people you trust. Don’t write your PIN number on your card or the card sleeve.

3. Can I use my Connections Card at any store?

Answer: To purchase the items in your WIC food package you can only shop at an authorized WIC EBT vendor. Check your WIC clinic for local stores accepting the Connections Card. You may also look for the Green Chili EBT “New Mexico WIC Smart Card” sign displayed in an authorized grocer’s window.

4. How do I use the Connections Card to buy food?

Answer: Separate your WIC purchases from your other purchases. Insert your Connections Card into the terminal until it clicks and leave it in until the sale is completed. Enter your secret PIN number. Press the “enter or yes” key. The cashier will scan all of your food items. These items will be taken off your food package. Once the sale is complete, press the “enter or yes” key. The WIC receipt will provide your beginning food balance, food purchases and ending balance.

5. What happens if the wrong PIN number is used with my Connections Card?

Answer: The card will only work with the PIN you choose. If you enter the wrong PIN, the terminal will ask for the PIN again. If the wrong PIN is entered seven times in a row, the card may lock up and the terminal will say, “Return to Clinic”. Locking the card protects you from someone else finding your card and trying to use it. If the card is locked, you will have to return to the WIC clinic to get it unlocked. If you have forgotten your PIN number, you will need to return to the clinic with the card in order to select a new PIN number.

6. What if my card is lost or stolen?

Answer: If your card is lost or stolen, call your local WIC clinic to report it. They will place the card on a “Hot Card” list. No one will be able to use your lost card unless they know your PIN number. Only tell people you trust as your alternate shopper(s). You will have to wait 3 business days to receive a new card at your local WIC clinic. At this point your remaining food benefits will be placed on the new card, you will select a PIN number and you will be able to use your new Connections Card at the grocery store.

7. What happens when I move?

Answer: Try to contact your local WIC clinic before you move. They will give you transfer information you can take to your new area. If you cannot contact the clinic before you move, take the following steps:

1. If moving to an EBT Clinic within New Mexico, schedule an appointment at the new clinic. Use your EBT card in the new area. Take the card with you to your WIC appointment.
2. If moving to a NON EBT Clinic within New Mexico, schedule an appointment at the new clinic. Take the card with you to your appointment; the EBT benefits will be transferred on to WIC Checks.
3. If you are leaving New Mexico contact your current clinic for transfer information so that the new clinic will be able to easily put you on their program. Ask for a Verification of Certification Card (VOC). This can be easily produced from the WIC computer program. After making an appointment, take the VOC card to your new clinic. The card information will allow the new WIC clinic to transfer your records and food benefit information. It will be helpful to the new clinic for you to provide the start date of your most recent benefits.

8. What should I do if my card won’t work at the store?

Answer: If your card is damaged, it may not work at the store. If this happens, you will need to go to the WIC Clinic that issued the card to have it checked and replaced if needed.

9. If I do not agree with my Food Package, what should I do?

Answer: The amount you receive in your food package is set by the New Mexico WIC Program and cannot be changed by the store cashier. You cannot purchase more than the amount of food benefits placed on your card. If you have a question about the food items on the card, please contact your WIC Clinic.

10. What if a food item loaded on my Connections Card won’t scan?

Answer: Contact your local WIC clinic to report the problem. Be sure to tell them the name of the store where the problem occurred. They will call the State WIC Office, who will investigate and fix the problem.