How
Do I Use My WIC Checks?
AT THE WIC CLINIC:
You will come to the clinic to pick up your WIC checks every
month, or sometimes every two months. The following is an example
of a WIC Check and the proper way to use them.
Space 1 on the check below
shows the name of the person who is on the WIC program. The foods
listed on the check are for this person only. The amount and types
of food listed on each check depend on the age and nutritional
needs of the person enrolled. The number of checks you receive
depends on when you pick up your checks. If you are more than
a week late for your appointment, you may be given less food.
AT THE GROCERY STORE
Space 2 shows the first day
you may spend your WIC checks. Do not spend your checks before
this date. The last day you can spend your checks is listed in
Space 3. Do not make any changes to these dates. Each check is
good for only one month and will not be accepted by the store
after the day listed in Space 3.
Space 4 tells you what foods
you can buy with Your check and how much you can buy. The back
of the WIC check lists all of the foods allowed on the WIC program,
including the kinds of cereal, cheese, and juice. You may buy
any type of milk, juice, or cheese listed, but you must buy the
least expensive brand of the type you choose. Do not use all the
checks at one time, because foods such as milk may sour before
the end of the month.
As you shop, separate the foods you are buying with WIC checks
from the other foods you are buying.
AT THE CHECK-OUT LINE
Before ringing up your WIC foods, tell the cashier that you will
be using WIC checks. After the cashier rings up the foods, he
or she will write the total of your purchase in Space
5. Make sure that the cashier has written the correct
amount on the check. The check is good only for the actual cost
of the foods you buy. You will not get any change back, and you
will not have to pay anything. In Space
6, sign your name on each WIC check you use while the
cashier watches. Do not sign in this space before you go to the
store. Do not let anyone else use your WIC checks without permission
from the local WIC office. Be sure to take your WIC ID card with
you when you go to the grocery store. The cashier will not accept
your WIC checks without a valid WIC ID card.
