Healthy Communities

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) System

Arkansas WIC EBT

The "Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010" was created to improve child nutrition. The Act requires all states to distribute WIC benefits using EBT by October 1, 2020. Arkansas WIC completely shifted from a paper-based food delivery system to an EBT system for the entire state at the end of 2018. image of WIC EBT card

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a system that allows recipients to use authorized government benefits to pay for items. Currently, Arkansas SNAP uses EBT. Arkansas WIC EBT is in the process of being developed and will allow participants to use an electronic benefits card instead of paper checks. This will provide more freedom to participants by allowing them to purchase only those items needed without losing all remaining benefits. 

 

WIC EBT Frequently Asked Questions

Resources
Arkansas WIC Program (video)

eWIC Vendors

The purpose of the eWIC Vendor Team is “To partner with the Arkansas WIC Program in an effort to transition to EBT as efficiently and quickly as possible.” During this transition, Arkansas WIC will work to maintain strong relationships with the vendor community through eWIC Vendor Team Meetings. These meetings will provide valuable insight to current and future developments in EBT.  If you are an authorized WIC vendor and are interested in participating in these meetings, contact the WIC program at ADHWICVENDOR@arkansas.gov

The eWIC Vendor Team meets during the third week of every other month via conference call. Please click below to view the meeting agendas, minutes and pictures. All authorized Arkansas WIC vendors and other representatives of the retailer community in Arkansas such as; Grocery Associations and Value Added Resellers are encouraged to participate.

Contact Brian Musick at (501) 661-2087 or Brian.Musick@Arkansas.gov to find out when the next meeting is, or to get minutes from previous meetings. To join the meeting, call toll-free 1-877-336-1831. The access code is 8951404.

 

Smart Card Certified Systems

Please click on the link for the list of certified point-of-sale (POS) devices to accept eWIC cards. Please contact eWIC at (501) 661-2087 for questions regarding ongoing certifications, or the steps necessary for a system to be certified

Public Health Accrediation Board
Arkansas Department of Health
© 2017 Arkansas Department of Health. All Rights Reserved. www.healthy.arkansas.gov
4815 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205-3867
1-800-462-0599