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The state provided stand-beside WIC EBT terminals process WIC EBT transactions only. You will need to have a separate terminal to process credit and debit card transactions. 

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UPDATED 05/27/10
The Kentucky WIC office has released a tentative WIC statewide EBT rollout plan to allow retailers (vendors) time to prepare for implementation. The schedule is subject to change.

NOTE: Pages 1-5 lists the respective health districts with pages 6-10 breaking the named districts into associated counties.

Click HERE or on the link below to learn the projected time for your county WIC EBT implementation.

www.kgaonline.org/docs/WIC%20EBT%20Implentation%20Schedule%2005-27-10.pdf

The document lists the KY district health department timelines and associated counties.

NOTE: Pages 1-5 list the ealth respective districts with pages 6-10 breaking the named districts into associated counties.

Please remember that the state will provide retailers with equipment to process the online WIC EBT transactions IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO INTEGRATE PROCESSING INTO YOUR CURRENT POS SYSTEM.

If you wish to integrate the new online WIC EBT processing system into your POS system you need to contact your system provider to plan for your implementation. The state WIC office has a limited amount of funding available to assist retailers (vendors) with their integration plans.

If you have additional questions regarding this rollout schedule or how to work with the state regarding system integration, please call the KGA/KACS office.

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As many of you are aware, the Kentucky WIC Program began piloting a live integrated EBT system in 2009. The first electronic benefits were issued in Barren County during the second week of August and in Warren County on September 28, 2009. Once the pilot is successfully completed, our plan is to aggressively implement WIC EBT across the state of Kentucky, with an optimistic goal of having the entire state implemented by the end of 2010.

In order for us to move this plan forward, it is essential that retailers who desire to have an integrated WIC EBT system in their store begin contacting their point of sale and software providers to indicate and interest in this program. We have found the development of integrated systems to be a slow process, so it is critical that these contacts be made as soon as possible. As long as funding is available, the Kentucky WIC Program will provide subsidies to retailers for assistance in integrating their systems. Request for subsidies may be forwarded to Joe Wilson at joe.wilson@ky.gov or Dennis Hill at dennis.hill@ky.gov.

Additionally, interested parties may visit our website at http://www.wicdirectsystem.com/Home.aspx for technical specifications for WIC EBT. Once you are on the web page, you can click the "For Retailers” link and then the "Systems Integration Documents" link. This will provide detailed specifications of the technical requirements needed to participate in the Kentucky WIC online EBT system.

Vendors who do not wish to establish an integrated system, will be provided with a stand-beside POS device, to make sure that grocers in Kentucky can accept WIC EBT transactions. The state is funding the development of two stand-beside devices. The high end device has a touch screen technology. The base product is limited to WIC transactions but for an incremental cost this device may be upgraded to provide fully functional electronic cash register system.

The low-end alternative uses a POS device with a three line display and an internal printer. The state will provide the low-end solution at no cost to stores that do not wish to develop an integrated system. We will also provide this solution to retailers who are in the process of integrating but do not have integration completed by the time we are ready to implement EBT in their area.

The Kentucky WIC program staff is excited about the opportunity to pilot a live online WIC EBT program in our state. We look forward to working with retailers and point of sale and software providers in this endeavor. Should you have comments or questions, you may forward those to the above e-mail addresses or contact our office directly at (502) 564-3817.

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You must first submit an application for approval to become a "vendor" for the Kentucky WIC program. New stores and store ownership changes must obtain a WIC authorization - program authorizations are not transferable.Click on the link below learn about the program and begin the application process.

http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/mch/Vendor+Management.htm

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Approved Kentucky WIC Foods listings may be found under the "Retail" heading at http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/mch/Vendor+Management.htm