» How do I receive food benefits from WIC?
» Where do I get my WIC checks and when can I use them?
» Can I use my WIC checks at any store?
» How do I use my WIC checks to buy food?
» What happens if my check is damaged or the signatures do not match?
» What happens if my checks are lost or stolen?
» What happens when I move?
» If I do not agree with my food package, what should I do?
» What if the cashier rejects my food selections?
» Can someone else cash my WIC checks?

How do I receive food benefits from WIC?

Food benefits are provided to WIC clients on WIC Checks. Each certified participant in the family will receive two checks each month. The checks are good for 30 days, from the first day to spend to the last day to spend. Both dates are clearly printed on the check. The checks must be signed by the participant at the clinic, and then countersigned at the store’s check-stand. The signatures on the checks must match. Signatures that do not match will be rejected at the check-stand.

Where do I get my WIC checks and when can I use them?

WIC checks are provided at your local WIC clinic. Your food package will be available on the first day of your benefit period start day. If you are being re-certified on the WIC program before or after your benefit period start day, you may receive ˝ package of food in addition to the full package you receive on your start day. You may redeem your WIC checks immediately after receiving them.

Can I use my WIC checks at any store?

There are over 250 stores in New Mexico that accept WIC checks. Look for the Blue “WIC Checks redeemed here” sign in the window near the entrance to the store.

How do I use my WIC checks to buy food?

Separate your WIC purchases from your other purchases. Let the cashier know that this is a WIC food purchase. The cashier may ask you for your ID as well as ask you to sign the checks in front of her. Use your New Mexico WIC Program authorized food list to assist you in selecting the correct food items.

What happens if my check is damaged or the signatures do not match?

Store cashiers are trained to look for damaged or fraudulent checks. If the check is damaged, or the signatures do not match, the cashier will reject the check. If this occurs, return to the WIC clinic with the damaged check. WIC staff will replace the check for you.

What happens if my checks are lost or stolen?

Lost or stolen checks may be replaced at your local WIC clinic. WIC staff will call to determine whether the checks were sent to the bank. At this point, staff will void the lost or stolen checks and replace them for you.

What happens when I move?

Try to contact your local WIC clinic before you move. They will give you transfer information you can take with you to your new area. If you are moving within New Mexico, you can still use your WIC checks in the new area. Your new clinic will transfer your records from the previous clinic once you have notified them you are a transfer client. You will be able to receive your food benefits once the transfer is completed. If the new clinic is an EBT clinic, use your WIC checks up before you are issued a New Mexico Connections Card. The new card will be used in place of checks in your new area. Transfers within New Mexico may take 24-48 hours to process.
If you are leaving New Mexico, contact your local WIC clinic for transfer information. Ask for a Verification of Certification card (VOC). Clinic staff will produce the card from the WIC computer program. The WIC Clinic in the new state will use the VOC card to transfer your records and benefit information. The new WIC clinic may ask for the start date of your most recent benefits.

If I do not agree with my food package, what should I do?

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 food than is on the check. You must purchase all of the food items on the check. Any changes to your food package will need to be made at the clinic. Inform the nutritionist during your WIC clinic appointment of special food requests before your checks are made. If there is a problem with the food items on the check at the store, no substitutions will be made. Return to the WIC Clinic with the check to request food package changes.

What if the cashier rejects my food selections?

Be sure to take the New Mexico WIC Program authorized foods list with you. You may choose your food items from this list, provided they are also items listed on your check. Most foods must be the least expensive brand, except cereal, formula and infant cereal. Showing the list to the cashier may help clear up any issues regarding foods allowed.

Can someone else cash my WIC checks?

If there is a need, you may choose a proxy to pick up and sign your checks. A proxy is a person designated to sign checks for you as well as purchase foods when you are not able to. A proxy can be a friend or a relative you trust. Ask for a proxy form at your local WIC clinic. You may also provide a signed, dated note to identify your proxy. The proxy will need to sign the checks at the clinic as well as at the check-stand in the store. The proxy should be someone you trust to get your WIC foods to you.