1. What is the New Mexico eWIC Card?
2. Where do I get my New Mexico eWIC Card and when can I use it?
3. Can I use my New Mexico eWIC Card at any store?
4. How do I use the New Mexico eWIC Card to buy food?
5. What happens if the wrong PIN number is used?
6. What if my card is lost or stolen?
7. What happens when I move?
8. What should I do if my card won’t work at the store?
9. If I do not agree with my Food Package, what should I do?
10. What if a food item loaded on my New Mexico eWIC Card won’t scan?

1. What is the New Mexico eWIC Card?

Answer: The New Mexico New Mexico eWIC Card is a way of providing food benefits to NM WIC participants. It is a “smart” card because it contains a chip holding all your food benefit information. One card will contain all the food benefits for your entire family currently certified on the WIC program. The card will be used like a credit or debit card at your local grocery store.

2. Where do I get my New Mexico eWIC Card and when can I use it?

Answer: Your food package can only be loaded onto your New Mexico eWIC Card at your local WIC clinic. Your food package is available on the first day of your benefit period start date. Your benefit period start date will be the same day for your entire family each month. You will have 30 days to spend all of your food benefits. Any WIC food benefits that are not purchased by the end of your benefit period will be removed before a new benefit period is provided. You will choose a Personal Identification Number or PIN at the clinic, which will allow you to use the card at the grocery store. Your PIN number is a number known only to you. The number should be shared only with people you trust. Don’t write your PIN number on your card or the card sleeve.

3. Can I use my New Mexico eWIC Card at any store?

Answer: To purchase the items in your WIC food package you can only shop at an authorized WIC EBT vendor. Check your WIC clinic for local stores accepting the New Mexico eWIC Card. You may also look for the Green Chili EBT “New Mexico WIC Smart Card” sign displayed in an authorized grocer’s window.

4. How do I use the New Mexico eWIC Card to buy food?

Answer: Separate your WIC purchases from your other purchases. Insert your New Mexico eWIC Card into the terminal until it clicks and leave it in until the sale is completed. Enter your secret PIN number. Press the “enter or yes” key. The cashier will scan all of your food items. These items will be taken off your food package. Once the sale is complete, press the “enter or yes” key. The WIC receipt will provide your beginning food balance, food purchases and ending balance.

5. What happens if the wrong PIN number is used with my New Mexico eWIC Card?

Answer: The card will only work with the PIN you choose. If you enter the wrong PIN, the terminal will ask for the PIN again. If the wrong PIN is entered seven times in a row, the card may lock up and the terminal will say, “Return to Clinic”. Locking the card protects you from someone else finding your card and trying to use it. If the card is locked, you will have to return to the WIC clinic to get it unlocked. If you have forgotten your PIN number, you will need to return to the clinic with the card in order to select a new PIN number.

6. What if my card is lost or stolen?

Answer: If your card is lost or stolen, call your local WIC clinic to report it. They will place the card on a “Hot Card” list. No one will be able to use your lost card unless they know your PIN number. Only tell people you trust as your alternate shopper(s). You will have to wait five (5) business days to receive a new card at your local WIC clinic. At this point your remaining food benefits will be placed on the new card, you will select a PIN number and you will be able to use your new New Mexico eWIC Card at the grocery store.

7. What happens when I move?

Answer: Try to contact your local WIC clinic before you move. They will give you transfer information you can take to your new area. If you cannot contact the clinic before you move, take the following steps:

1. If moving within New Mexico, schedule an appointment at the new clinic. Use your eWIC card in the new area. Take the card with you to your WIC appointment.
2. If you are leaving New Mexico, contact your current clinic for transfer information so that the new clinic will be able to easily put you on their program. Ask for a Verification of Certification Card (VOC). This can be easily produced from the WIC computer program. After making an appointment, take the VOC card to your new clinic. The card information will allow the new WIC clinic to transfer your records and food benefit information. It will be helpful to the new clinic for you to provide the start date of your most recent benefits.

8. What should I do if my card won’t work at the store?

Answer: If your card is damaged, it may not work at the store. If this happens, you will need to go to the WIC Clinic that issued the card to have it checked and replaced if needed.

9. If I do not agree with my Food Package, what should I do?

Answer: 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 than the amount of food benefits placed on your card. If you have a question about the food items on the card, please contact your WIC Clinic.

10. What if a food item loaded on my New Mexico eWIC Card won’t scan?

Answer: Contact your local WIC clinic to report the problem. Be sure to tell them the name of the store where the problem occurred. They will call the State WIC Office, who will investigate and fix the problem.