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Unanticipated Effects of Electronic Benefits Transfer on WIC Stores and Redemptions: Evidence From Administrative Data on Vendors

Author

Listed:
  • Charlotte E. Ambrozek
  • Timothy K. M. Beatty
  • Marianne P. Bitler
  • Xinzhe H. Cheng
  • Matthew P. Rabbitt

Abstract

We evaluate the effects of the nationwide transition in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) from paper vouchers to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards on store decisions to seek authorization to accept WIC benefits. We combine novel administrative data from “The Integrity Profile” (USDA administrative data on stores participating in WIC and their WIC reimbursements) with new nationwide policy data on WIC EBT implementation. Using a staggered adoption difference‐in‐differences approach, we find that the transition had heterogeneous and occasionally unanticipated effects across states. The number of WIC‐authorized independent vendors declined 10% following WIC EBT implementation. We find no significant effect of WIC EBT implementation on WIC redemptions in a subset of ZIP codes with sufficient vendors for data sharing. Vendors in states that were early adopters of WIC EBT have more negative effects on the probability of WIC authorization, which may be due to learning effects or improvements in technology over time. Past experience with EBT implementation by financial services providers hired by states to help them implement WIC EBT processing (processors) reduces the magnitude of these negative effects of EBT implementation on store participation in WIC.

Suggested Citation

  • Charlotte E. Ambrozek & Timothy K. M. Beatty & Marianne P. Bitler & Xinzhe H. Cheng & Matthew P. Rabbitt, 2026. "Unanticipated Effects of Electronic Benefits Transfer on WIC Stores and Redemptions: Evidence From Administrative Data on Vendors," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 45(1), January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jpamgt:v:45:y:2026:i:1:n:e70072
    DOI: 10.1002/pam.70072
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H5 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty
    • I30 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General

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