OAR 333-053-0000: Suspension of WIC Program

(1) Notwithstanding any other rules in this division, all WIC program benefits are suspended if there is a government or WIC program closure or if the government does not provide WIC funding. A suspension shall remain in effect until such time as funding is approved or as soon as the closure ends and only to the extent benefit issuance to participants is approved by the federal government. (2) Notice of suspensions shall be made by the Oregon Health Authority by posting a notice on the WIC program website. Notice of suspensions shall include the suspension effective date. As soon as funding is restored or as soon as the closure has ended, the Authority shall notify participants of the date that a suspension is lifted. (3) Benefits may not be issued to participants and participants shall not redeem WIC food instruments they have already received during a suspension. (4) Participants who disagree with a suspension are not entitled to continuing benefits or a contested case hearing but may challenge a suspension through a rule challenge under ORS 183.335 or 183.400.