WIC Card Help: Balance, Lost Card & Declined Card
Your WIC card works a little differently in every state: who you call, which app you use, and how a lost card is replaced. Find your state below for its balance options, replacement steps, and what to do when a purchase is declined.
Last checked: · Published by Robert B.
Everything here comes from each state's own WIC pages, and each section links to them. Where a state doesn't publish an answer, we say so instead of guessing. Phone numbers and steps change, so confirm with your state or clinic before you rely on them.
At a glance
Compare all states
| State | Check your balance | Lost card | Card help line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Receipt, EzWIC app, ebtEDGE.com, or eWIC Customer Service (24 hours) | Call eWIC Customer Service or visit your local WIC office | 1-877-214-7439 eWIC Customer Service |
| Florida | Phone, the online EBT system, a store card machine, your receipt, or the app | Call 1-866-629-1095, then your local WIC office for a replacement | 1-866-629-1095 WIC EBT customer service |
| Georgia | Receipt, store balance terminal, wicconnect.com portal, or Customer Service | Call Customer Service or your clinic right away; the clinic replaces the card | 1-844-309-5653 Georgia WIC Customer Service |
| Ohio | WICShopper app, your receipt, your clinic, or the store service desk | Take your picture ID to the clinic that issued the card; expect a waiting period | 1-800-755-4769 Family Health Hotline (Help Me Grow) |
| Texas | myWIC app, the Card Management Line, or a receipt | Replace it in myWIC, by phone (mail), or at your WIC office | 833-966-1382 Texas WIC Card Management Line |
| Washington | Automated line (24/7), WIC Line, back-of-card number, WICShopper app, or receipt | Call the WIC Line (option 1, then 2) or your clinic | 1-800-841-1410 WIC Line, Mon-Fri 8-5 |
Arizona
The card: eWIC card. Slide it or hand it to the cashier, then enter your PIN. It can't be used at self-checkout.
Check your balance
Arizona lists four ways to check your balance: your last shopping receipt, the EzWIC app, the ebtEDGE.com website, or eWIC Customer Service, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The receipt shows what you have left and the date your benefits expire.
The state suggests checking before you shop, then using your eWIC card first and your SNAP card second.
Note: Arizona's card brochure has no printed date (the file was posted in 2022). Check the number against the back of your card or ask your clinic.
Sources: Arizona eWIC card brochure (AZDHS) Arizona WIC families page (AZDHS)
Lost, stolen, or damaged card
Call eWIC Customer Service, or visit your local WIC office to get a replacement card. Once a card is reported lost it stops working, even if you find it later, and Arizona says there may be a delay.
If you forget your PIN, call the same number or go to ebtEDGE.com to change it. You can also reset it at your WIC office. Four wrong PIN tries lock your account until after 12:00 am local time.
Keep the card after your benefits are used. The same card works again when new foods are added.
Not stated by Arizona: Arizona's pages don't say how long a replacement takes, whether remaining benefits move to the new card, or what to do with a damaged card. Ask your clinic when you report it.
Sources: Arizona eWIC card brochure (AZDHS)
Card declined or not working
The state brochure says that if your card doesn't work, call eWIC Customer Service or go to your WIC office for help. Before the cashier scans anything, tell them you are using an eWIC card.
For questions about WIC foods, shopping with the card, or the EzWIC app, Arizona also runs a Shoppers Helpline.
Not stated by Arizona: The Shoppers Helpline hours aren't printed on the state page.
Sources: Arizona eWIC card brochure (AZDHS) Arizona WIC families page (AZDHS)
When benefits expire
Benefits appear in your account at 12:00 am local time on the beginning date and expire at 11:59 pm local time on the last date. They do not roll over to the next month. Your receipt shows your expiration date.
You don't have to buy everything at once.
Not stated by Arizona: Arizona's pages don't give a fixed calendar-month period, so use the dates on your receipt or in the app.
Sources: Arizona eWIC card brochure (AZDHS)
The state app
EzWIC is free and made by the Arizona Department of Health Services. After you register your eWIC card, it shows your balance, lets you scan a barcode to see whether you can buy an item, shows your clinic's details, and sends reminders such as appointment and benefits-expiring notices.
Good to know
Tribal WIC: the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA) runs its own WIC program and gives its own card help number, 1-844-892-2933, on its eWIC page. Use that number if ITCA is your WIC agency.
Arizona's WIC families page also lists an online complaint form and a Fraud Hotline at 1-866-229-6561.
Florida
The card: WIC EBT card. Swipe it at the checkout and enter your PIN. It works only at approved stores in Florida.
Check your balance
Florida's EBT page lists three ways to check before you shop: call WIC's EBT customer service, use the online EBT system, or slide your card and enter your PIN at a store card machine, if the store has one. Every receipt also shows the foods you have left and the expiration date.
The Florida WIC app shows your food benefits along with their start and end dates.
Not stated by Florida: The hours for the EBT customer service line aren't printed.
Sources: Florida WIC EBT card page (Florida Department of Health)
Lost, stolen, or damaged card
Stolen card: call 1-866-629-1095 to cancel it. You'll need the authorized representative's name, date of birth and ZIP code. Then call your WIC office and go in for a replacement. Lost card: Florida's EBT page says to call your WIC office and go in; its How WIC Works handout says to call 1-866-629-1095 first, then your local office. Doing both is the safe order.
A card reported stolen can't be used again, even if it comes back to you. Foods used by someone who knows your PIN will not be replaced. If someone knows your PIN, call 1-866-629-1095 right away and change it.
Three wrong PIN tries lock the PIN. To unlock it, call Florida WIC at 800-342-3556, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern.
Not stated by Florida: Florida's pages don't say what to do about a damaged card, how long a replacement takes, or whether remaining benefits move to the new card.
Sources: Florida WIC EBT card page (Florida Department of Health) How WIC Works (Florida Department of Health, PDF)
Card declined or not working
If you have questions or problems using your card, call the EBT customer service line. Know your PIN before you go, and bring your shopping list. Florida doesn't allow substitutions, so an item that doesn't match your package won't go through.
The card works only at approved stores in Florida.
Not stated by Florida: Florida's pages don't include step-by-step instructions for a declined purchase, a shoppers' helpline, or a "tell the cashier" rule.
Sources: Florida WIC EBT card page (Florida Department of Health) Smart Shopping With Your WIC EBT Card (Florida Department of Health, PDF)
When benefits expire
Benefits are available at midnight on the beginning date and expire at midnight on the ending date. The dates are on your household's shopping list, not a fixed calendar month. Benefits do not roll over. Everyone in the household shares one WIC EBT account, and you don't have to buy all your foods at one time.
The state app
The Florida WIC Mobile App lets you view upcoming appointments and benefits, scan an item to see if it is WIC-approved, find clinics and authorized stores, upload and sign documents, and submit food items for approval. To register, use your WIC family ID number or your WIC EBT card.
Good to know
Two different numbers: 1-866-629-1095 is EBT customer service for card and PIN questions. 1-800-342-3556 is the state WIC office.
Don't write your PIN on the card. You have the right to know the prices being charged on your card.
Georgia
The card: eWIC card. Swipe it and enter your 4-digit PIN. It works only at Georgia WIC-approved stores.
Check your balance
Georgia lists four ways: your store receipt, the balance inquiry terminal at an authorized WIC retailer, the cardholder portal on wicconnect.com (you create a user ID and password), or a call to Georgia WIC Customer Service. The Georgia WIC app also shows the benefits issued to you.
Note: One paragraph of the portal page prints a different number, 1-844-540-3013. Every other Georgia page uses 1-844-309-5653, so that is the one listed here. The customer service hours aren't printed.
Sources: Georgia eWIC page (Georgia DPH, last updated 10/24/22) Georgia WIC cardholder portal
Lost, stolen, or damaged card
Call Georgia WIC Customer Service or your local clinic right away. You can also report the card online through the portal. A reported card is deactivated and can't be used again, even if you find it.
Georgia's policy for clinics (FD-910.02) says the clinic must replace the card within 24 hours of being notified, and a card sent by mail can take up to 7 days. The clinic checks ID, and replacement cards can't be given to a proxy. Replacing a card doesn't change the amount of food benefits, and the PIN stays the same. Benefits reported missing or stolen can't be reissued.
If you enter the wrong PIN three times, the card locks. Call Customer Service to set a new PIN, or wait for it to unlock at 12:01 a.m. the next day. Clinic staff can't set a PIN for you.
Note: The replacement timing comes from a clinic policy document, which has no printed date.
Sources: eWIC card issuance, policy FD-910.02 (Georgia DPH, PDF) Georgia WIC cardholder portal
Card declined or not working
For card problems or a PIN change, call Customer Service. When you buy WIC and non-WIC foods together, swipe your eWIC card first. Foods your benefits don't cover need another form of payment.
Georgia WIC benefits can only be used at Georgia WIC-approved stores.
Not stated by Georgia: Georgia has no dedicated declined-purchase page, shoppers' helpline, or "tell the cashier" rule.
Sources: Georgia eWIC page (Georgia DPH, last updated 10/24/22) Georgia WIC cardholder portal
When benefits expire
Your first and last day to use benefits are on your WIC shopping list and your last receipt. Benefits not used by midnight on the last day expire and don't roll over. Georgia's policy says the benefit period is usually 30 days, and up to 3 months of benefits can be loaded on the card at a time. The same card is used each month.
Note: The portal also says benefits are deposited on the first of each month. Georgia's own pages point to the dates on your receipt and shopping list, so go by those.
Sources: Georgia eWIC page (Georgia DPH, last updated 10/24/22) eWIC card issuance, policy FD-910.02 (Georgia DPH, PDF)
The state app
The Georgia WIC app, made for the state, lets you view upcoming appointments and the food benefits issued to you, scan UPCs while shopping, and find WIC stores and clinics.
Not stated by Georgia: Georgia's listings describe viewing appointments. Booking an appointment in the app isn't mentioned.
Sources: Georgia WIC app listing (Apple) Georgia WIC (Georgia DPH)
Good to know
You can use coupons and loyalty cards on WIC purchases. The PIN is set by phone or through the portal, not by clinic staff, and benefits can't be used until a PIN is set. Anyone who knows the PIN can use the card.
Ohio
The card: WIC Nutrition Card, an EBT card you put into the card reader, then enter your 4-digit PIN. It works anywhere in Ohio but not out of state.
Check your balance
Ohio's WICShopper app shows your balance under My Benefits once you register your card. The balance can be up to a day behind. You can also read your store receipt, which prints an ending balance, or ask at your WIC clinic or at the store's service desk or checkout.
Note: Ohio's health department doesn't publish card details. Most of this section comes from the state's contracted WICShopper vendor and from county WIC agencies, which are named with each source.
Not stated by Ohio: Ohio's pages list no website or card phone line for checking a balance.
Sources: Ohio WIC page (WICShopper vendor, JPMA) Dayton and Montgomery County WIC (Public Health)
Lost, stolen, or damaged card
Take your picture ID to the WIC clinic that issued your card and report it right away. The vendor's Ohio page says there will be a waiting period. Lorain County says a 4-day hold applies before a new card can be issued, and Allen County says the same 4-day wait. Allen adds that if fewer than 4 days are left in the month, the remaining foods will be lost.
A PIN can be reset at the clinic that issued the card. Ohio's vendor page says the card locks if the PIN is entered incorrectly more than seven times.
Not stated by Ohio: No statewide lost-card phone number is published, and no source says whether remaining benefits move to the new card. Call your own clinic.
Sources: Ohio WIC page (WICShopper vendor, JPMA) Lorain County Public Health: WIC shopping Allen County Public Health: WIC FAQ
Card declined or not working
A locked card is fixed at the clinic that issued it, with your picture ID. Check your balance before you shop, and scan items in the WICShopper app first.
If the app says "No Eligible Benefits," the food is WIC-approved but isn't part of your household's package. If an item you think is allowed gets denied, report it in the app with the "I Couldn't Buy This!" button. Fresh produce often shows as not allowed in the app but still works at the register, according to Lorain County.
For help, Ohio's vendor page points to the Family Health Hotline (Help Me Grow) at 1-800-755-4769.
Not stated by Ohio: Ohio publishes no shoppers' helpline or "tell the cashier" rule.
Sources: Ohio WIC page (WICShopper vendor, JPMA) Lorain County Public Health: WIC shopping
When benefits expire
Food benefits not bought in a month don't carry over to the next month. Your foods are loaded onto the card during your clinic visit, and the card works the same day anywhere in Ohio. Your certification lasts 6 to 12 months depending on your child's age, according to Allen County.
Not stated by Ohio: Ohio's sources don't give the start and end dates of the monthly benefit period. Your receipt shows what is left in the current month.
Sources: Ohio WIC page (WICShopper vendor, JPMA) Allen County Public Health: what to bring
The state app
Ohio uses WICShopper, made by JPMA. Select Ohio as your WIC agency. It scans products, checks your balance, finds stores that accept WIC, lists allowed foods, shows recipes, and finds your clinic so you can call it from the app.
Not stated by Ohio: Booking appointments isn't a listed feature.
Sources: Lorain County Public Health: WIC shopping Summit County Public Health: WICShopper app
Good to know
Your Ohio card is reusable. Keep it and bring it to your next appointment. If you move to another Ohio clinic, the new clinic transfers your file.
Ohio's vendor page lists the 24/7 Ohio Statewide Breastfeeding Hotline at 888-588-3423.
Texas
The card: Texas WIC card. Since July 1, 2026 it is a new card you swipe by its magnetic stripe, then enter your PIN. The old chip card no longer works.
Check your balance
The myWIC app and online portal show your current and future monthly benefits and your purchases, and update right after you shop with the new card. You can also call the Texas WIC Card Management Line to hear your current month's benefits and recent purchases, ask a cashier for a receipt with your current balance, or ask your WIC office for a printed list.
If your card is frozen, you can check in myWIC or call the line. If it was cancelled and you don't use myWIC, contact your WIC office.
Not stated by Texas: The hours for the Card Management Line aren't printed.
Sources: Texas WIC card (texaswic.org) Shopping with WIC (texaswic.org)
Lost, stolen, or damaged card
Texas lists three ways to replace a lost, stolen or damaged card: in myWIC (Account, Card Management, pick the card that starts with 6117, then Replace Card), by calling the Card Management Line, or by contacting your local WIC office. In myWIC you choose mail or pickup at your WIC office. You can also lock the card in myWIC.
A card sent by mail takes 7 to 10 business days. If it hasn't arrived after 10 business days, contact your WIC office. Go to the office instead if you need a card quickly or it is near the end of the month.
To reset your PIN, use myWIC or call the line and enter the ZIP code from your mailing address and the parent or guardian's date of birth. Another Texas page says WIC will cancel your card and protect your benefits.
Note: An older Texas shopping page says a new card takes up to three days and gives 800-942-3678. That is older wording from before the new card. The card page describes the current process.
Sources: Texas WIC card (texaswic.org) myWIC (texaswic.org) Shopping with WIC (texaswic.org)
Card declined or not working
Texas explains what the card reader's messages mean. "PIN Not Selected": set your PIN in myWIC or by phone. "Invalid PIN": you entered the wrong PIN, and the card locks on the fourth wrong try. "PIN Tries Exceeded": the card is locked. Reset the PIN, or it unlocks by itself at midnight. "No Account on File": contact your local WIC office.
If an item won't scan as a WIC item, check that you have those benefits left and that the size and brand match the shopping guide or myWIC. If it still doesn't scan, you can pay for it with your other groceries or put it back. You can report it to the WIC support line or by email.
Not stated by Texas: Texas doesn't publish a store-specific shoppers' helpline or a "tell the cashier" rule.
Sources: Texas WIC card (texaswic.org) Shopping with WIC (texaswic.org) Contact us (texaswic.org)
When benefits expire
Monthly benefits left on your card don't roll over to the next month, so use them before the end of the month. You can split purchases across trips, for example one box of cereal this week and another next week. myWIC shows your future monthly benefits.
Not stated by Texas: Texas doesn't publish the exact day each month's benefits start or expire.
Sources: Shopping with WIC (texaswic.org)
The state app
myWIC is free, in English and Spanish. Its official description: schedule appointments, view benefits, get help with shopping and more. It includes the shopping guide and a scanner, card management (PIN, freeze, replace), and uploads for documents before an appointment. To register, use the 19-digit number of your new card. After July 1, only new cards starting with 6117 can register. New clients ask their clinic for an invite.
Good to know
You must set your PIN before you shop with the new card. The Texas card works only in Texas. Texas says benefits can now be added to the card remotely. Look for the pink WIC Approved Item stickers on milk, cheese and juice.
If someone else shops for you, Texas says to give them your card and PIN.
Note: texaswic.org's card page still has pre-launch wording ("coming soon"). A Texas Health and Human Services release dated July 2, 2026 says the new cards launched, so this page follows the release.
Sources: Texas WIC card (texaswic.org) Upgraded WIC cards (Texas HHSC, July 2, 2026)
Washington
The card: WIC Card. Swipe it and enter your PIN. Receipts call the benefits "eWIC."
Check your balance
Washington has an automated line that works any time, day or night, to check your balance, hear your transactions, see what is available and when it expires, and change your PIN. A customer service representative on the WIC Line can also check your balance and benefits end date, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (press option 1, then option 2). The number on the back of your card also works.
You can also call your clinic during its normal hours, use My Benefits in the WICShopper app after registering your card, or read the final receipt from the store.
Note: Washington's shopping guide warns that balance receipts printed at the store don't show every type of allowed item, so the app or clinic shopping list can differ.
Not stated by Washington: Washington has no website login for checking a balance.
Sources: WIC card help (Washington DOH) WIC Washington Shopping Guide (DOH 960-278)
Lost, stolen, or damaged card
Report a lost, stolen or damaged card to the WIC Line (option 1, then option 2, Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) or to your local WIC clinic, which can report and replace it. The 24/7 automated line is listed for PIN changes, balances and benefit dates, not for reporting a lost card.
If it isn't urgent or it's after hours, you can email Cascades.Support@doh.wa.gov with your name, phone number, the card number on the front and a short description. Washington says it will call you within the next business day.
Your PIN locks after 4 unsuccessful tries, and locked PINs unlock after midnight.
Not stated by Washington: Washington's pages don't say how long a replacement takes or whether remaining benefits are protected or moved.
Sources: WIC card help (Washington DOH)
Card declined or not working
The WIC Line representative can help with issues using your card at the store, and your clinic can troubleshoot card issues. Tell the cashier you are using a WIC Card before they begin scanning, and have your WIC items rung up first so you know if something isn't covered.
If an item isn't covered the way you expected, you don't have to buy it. You can pay with SNAP, cash, debit or credit, or put it back. There is a 50-item limit per WIC transaction, and the cashier can split a larger purchase. In WICShopper, the "I Couldn't Buy This!" button reports a food you think is allowed but couldn't buy. Fresh produce scans as "Not a WIC Item" in the app even though most of it is allowed.
Not stated by Washington: Washington doesn't publish a separate shoppers' helpline.
Sources: Shopping with WIC (Washington DOH) WIC card help (Washington DOH) WIC Washington Shopping Guide (DOH 960-278) WICShopper app (Washington DOH)
When benefits expire
Each benefit month has a first and last day to spend, and it doesn't follow the calendar month. The shopping guide's example runs from 2/26 through 3/25. The dates are on your clinic shopping list and in the app. Benefits expire at midnight on the last day, and your next benefits are available at 12:01 a.m. the next day. You can shop as often as you like between the first and last day, and the guide suggests using benefits before the last day so staff have time to fix problems.
Not stated by Washington: The guide doesn't say whether unused benefits carry over. It says they expire at midnight on the last day.
The state app
WICShopper is the app Washington points to. After you install it, choose Washington. It scans barcodes, lists allowed foods, shows your balance under My Benefits once your card is registered, reports foods you couldn't buy, finds WIC offices and stores, and has a produce calculator and cereal calculator. Without a registered card it still works for most features, but it won't know which items your family is allowed.
Not stated by Washington: Booking appointments isn't a listed feature.
Sources: WICShopper app (Washington DOH)
Good to know
WIC Online Ordering is available at all Washington Walmart stores for pickup, shipping and delivery. You add your WIC card number and PIN as a payment method, and the same 4-try PIN lock applies online.
You can't sell WIC foods or formula.
Common questions
How do I check my WIC card balance?
It depends on your state, and your state's section above has the exact steps. Every state we cover points you to an app that shows your benefits, and your last store receipt shows what is left. Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Texas and Washington also give a customer service number for balances. Ohio's pages list the WICShopper app, your receipt, your clinic or the store's service desk, but no card phone line.
What should I do if I lose my WIC card?
Report it as soon as you notice. Who you call depends on your state: the eWIC line in Arizona, the EBT line and then your WIC office in Florida, Georgia's customer service line or your clinic, the Card Management Line in Texas, the WIC Line or your clinic in Washington, and the clinic that issued your card in Ohio. Arizona, Florida and Georgia say a card reported lost or stolen can't be used again, even if you find it.
Why was my WIC card declined?
We can't tell from here, but the state pages name a few common causes. The PIN may be locked: most of these states lock it after three or four wrong tries, and Ohio after more than seven. The item may not match your package by size, brand or type. Your benefits may be used up or expired. The card may not be activated yet, or you may be in a different state, since Florida, Georgia, Ohio and Texas say their card works only in that state. Your state's section lists who to call.
Do unused WIC benefits roll over to next month?
Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Ohio and Texas say they do not. Washington says benefits expire at midnight on the last day to spend and doesn't describe a rollover. Dates differ by state, so check your receipt, shopping list or app.
Is this the official WIC card site?
No. This is an independent guide that collects what each state's WIC program publishes and links to it. For your own account, use your state's line, app or clinic.
Next: WIC appointments: how to book and what to bring
How to book a visit, walk-in rules, and the documents to bring.
Find a WIC office or clinic
Addresses, phone numbers, and hours for each state.
About this page: This is general information, not legal, medical or nutrition advice, and it does not replace what your WIC clinic or state agency tells you. WIC Compass is an independent website, not part of the USDA, the WIC program, or any state agency. Phone numbers, apps and steps change, so check the source linked in each section or the number on the back of your card. See how we verify our information. Found a wrong number, link, or step? Tell us and we will check it against the state's page.