GOOD FOOD and A WHOLE LOT MORE!

MASSACHUSETTS WIC NUTRITION PROGRAM

Common Questions about your Card

What is a PIN (Personal Identification Number)?

A PIN is a four-digit secret number that, along with 
the card, allows access to your WIC benefits. When 
choosing a PIN, choose four numbers that are easy for 
you to remember, but hard for someone else to figure 
out (for example, your parent’s or child’s birthday).

• DO NOT write your PIN on your card.

• DO NOT give your PIN to anyone that you do 
not want to use your card. If someone knows 
your PIN and uses your card to get your food 
benefits without your permission, those benefits 
will not be replaced.

What if I forget my PIN or want to change it?

Call your Local WIC Program or the toll free number 
on the back of the WIC Card to ask about changing 
your PIN.

What if I enter the wrong PIN?

DO NOT try to guess your PIN. After three incorrect 
attempts, your PIN will be locked. This is done as 
a protection from someone guessing your PIN and 
getting your food benefits. There are three ways to 
unlock your card:

 - call your local program

 - call the 800 number on the back of your card

 - wait until midnight and your account will 
automatically unlock

What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?

Call your local WIC Program right away! They will stop 
anyone from using your food benefits and help you 
get a new card. 

What if my card doesn’t work?

Call your local WIC Program or the number on the 
back of your card.

When will I have my benefits?

Current food benefits loaded at the WIC office will 
be available immediately. Food benefits for upcoming 
months will be available at 12:00 midnight on the 
beginning date and will expire at 12:00 midnight on 
the ending date.

How do I get more benefits after all my benefits have 
been redeemed?

If you don’t already have an appointment scheduled, 
call your local program to make one. You must return 
to your local WIC office to receive your next set of 
benefits.

What happens if I can’t do my own shopping and 
need someone else to shop for me?

You may have someone else shop for you if you wish. 
You can give them your WIC Card and PIN. Just make 
sure this is someone you can trust!

What happens if all the WIC foods are not purchased? 
Will these benefits roll over to the next month?

No, benefits that are not used will expire on the 
ending date.

Where can I shop with my WIC Card?

You can purchase WIC foods and infant formula at 
WIC authorized grocery stores. A complete listing of 
retailers is available on our website at mass.gov/wic 
or on the WIC Shopper app. Please be aware at WIC 
authorized pharmacies, you can only purchase 
infant formula. 

Remember to bring

your WIC Card with you each 

time you go to your WIC 
appointments!

The 

WIC Card

1-800-WIC-1007


Form #363 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

2020



The WIC Card is a fast, easy, and 
convenient way to shop!

WIC purchases are as fast and easy as making a 
purchase with a debit or credit card. All of the foods 
for your whole family will be together on one card.

Checking Your Account Balance

You can check your account balance 3 ways:

• Download the ‘WIC Shopper’ app to your smart 
phone 

• Check your last store receipt

 

• At the store: you can ask the cashier or customer 
service for a balance inquiry before any items 
are scanned. 

Shopping with your WIC Card

• Buy what you need. You do not have to buy all 
your foods at one time!

• Have your card ready at check out.

• Before scanning any of your foods, tell the 
cashier you are using a WIC Card.

• When the cashier tells you, slide your WIC Card 
in the Point of Sale (POS) machine or hand 
your WIC Card to the cashier.

• Enter your PIN and press the ENTER button on 
the keypad.

• The cashier will scan your foods.

• The amount of approved food items and dollar 
amount of fruits and vegetables you purchase 
will be deducted from your WIC account.

• The cashier will give you a receipt which shows 
your remaining benefit balance and the date 
benefits expire. Save this receipt for future 
reference.

• It’s important to swipe your WIC card before any 
other forms of payment. Any remaining balance 
can be paid with either cash, EBT, SNAP, or other 
form of payment accepted by the store.

Reading Your Receipt

Your cash register receipt will list the WIC food items 
you bought and the remaining WIC food benefits and 
expiration date. Here is an example:

Keep your receipt to know 

the balance and the dates to buy 

your WIC foods.

Take Care of Your WIC Card

• Keep your PIN confidential.

• Don’t write your PIN on your card.

• Keep your WIC Card in your wallet or purse.

• Do NOT give your PIN to anyone that you 

 don’t trust.

• Do NOT bend your card.

• Keep your card out of direct sunlight and avoid 
places such as a car’s dashboard.

• Keep your card safe and clean.

• Keep your card away from items such as 
magnets, cell phones, TVs, and microwaves.

Since your family’s WIC food benefits will be deposited 
onto your card, keep your card and bring it with you 
each time you come to your WIC appointments.


Simplify your shopping.

Download the ‘WIC Shopper’ App! 

• Scan a product to determine 
if it’s WIC approved

• Check your WIC balance

• Locate a WIC Authorized store

• Access WIC recipes