WHO? The United States Congress recently passed the American Rescue Plan Act which includes funding for the WIC program, including a temporary increase in the Cash Value Benefit (CVB) for all eligible WIC participants (women and children).
WHAT? The monthly Cash Value Benefit is temporarily increasing to $35 per month per eligible participant. Note: Just like CVBs now, if the total amount is not used by the “last date to spend,” the benefit will expire. There is no additional procedure to increase the CVBs on food prescriptions. Both food benefits issued in clinic and issued through State Assisted Issuance will include the increased CVB value for all eligible participants (women and children).
WHEN? The temporary increase in CVB starts on June 1, 2021 and goes through September 30, 2021 or First Date to Spend (FDTS) of June 1, 2021 and Last Date to Issue of September 30, 2021 (which translates to a Last Date to Spend (LDTS) = October 30, 2021). WIC participants will have four months of increased benefits for fruits and vegetables!
WHY? The temporary increase in CVB is a part of the American Rescue Plan Act and will help provide additional, healthy options for WIC participants during these unprecedented times.