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WIC Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)

What is EBT?

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Public Law 111-296, was signed into law by President Obama on December 13, 2010. The act expanded several nutrition assistance programs, including WIC. It also mandates that State WIC food issuance migrate from a paper-based benefit delivery system to an EBT system by October 1, 2020.

WIC EBT Improving the Delivery of Benefits

WIC EBT has been successfully implemented in several states, with many other states in the process of migrating to EBT. EBT implementation has brought several improvements to the WIC program.

Elimination of paper vouchers has improved the shopping experience for WIC participants
Electronic approval of WIC items has improved the check-out experience for cashiers
Electronic payment processing has improved the reconciliation process for retail vendors
EBT issuance of benefits has streamlined the process in the WIC clinic

WIC EBT for Iowa

Choosing an EBT system that is right for Iowa begins with a close analysis of the current system and processes in use by IDPH, Iowa WIC clinics, Iowa retail vendors, and Iowa WIC participants. This analysis will guide planning for EBT, with the end result being an EBT solution that is right for Iowa. Implementation will begin in “pilot” areas first, with state-wide expansion to follow.

Iowa WIC Planning for EBT

The Iowa WIC program is beginning the process of exploring EBT implementation. Analysis and planning activities will be ongoing through 2011 and much of 2012. A comprehensive EBT planning and feasibility study will be conducted to determine the feasibility of a WIC EBT system for Iowa. Based on the information gathered from the feasibility study, a two to five year plan will be developed outlining steps to be taken to pursue WIC EBT for the State of Iowa.

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To file a complaint of discrimination, write U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (voice) or (202) 260-1026 (local). For TTY calls (800) 735-2942 (English) and (800) 264-7190 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.