Transferring WIC from Arizona to Arkansas
Ask for one thing before the move: the VOC card. Federal WIC rules (7 CFR 246.7) require every state to accept it as proof of your certification. Once in Arkansas, Arkansas Department of Health transfers you in at an appointment — no new income screening until your current period ends.
Official Arkansas WIC agency: Arkansas Department of Health ↗
Your step-by-step checklist
Before you move
- 1
Ask your current WIC clinic for a VOC card
Before leaving Arizona, ask your local WIC clinic for a Verification of Certification (VOC) card; the new state must accept it and honor the rest of your certification period (7 CFR 246.7).
Arizona Department of Health Services ↗
Moving week
- 2
Carry the VOC with your moving documents
Your current state's WIC food benefits stop working after you leave its issuing system, but the VOC keeps your certification alive.
After you arrive
- 3
Contact Arkansas Department of Health and book a transfer appointment
Bring the VOC and proof of your new address. With a valid VOC you are enrolled without a new income screening until your current certification period ends. Stated timing: up to 20 days.
Arkansas Department of Health ↗
Arizona vs Arkansas: the numbers that decide it
| Arizona (old state) | Arkansas (new state) | |
|---|---|---|
| Program name | Arizona WIC Program | Arkansas WIC |
| Agency | Arizona Department of Health Services | Arkansas Department of Health |
| Income limit | 185% of the federal poverty level (federal, same in every state) | 185% of the federal poverty level (federal, same in every state) |
| Accepts VOC transfer card | Yes (federally required) | Yes (federally required) |
Verified 2026-08-08 (Arizona) and 2026-08-08 (Arkansas) against the official sources cited below.
Moving with more than one benefit?
The checklist generator merges Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, unemployment, and TANF into one ordered to-do list for this exact move.
Build the full Arizona → Arkansas checklistCommon questions
What exactly is the VOC card?
The Verification of Certification is a document your current WIC clinic issues that proves you are certified. Federal rules (7 CFR 246.7) require every state agency to accept it, so Arkansas enrolls you without a new income screening until your certification period ends.
What if I forgot to get a VOC before leaving Arizona?
Call your old Arizona clinic — many can send the VOC or verify your certification for Arkansas Department of Health directly. If that fails, you can apply fresh in Arkansas; WIC's income limit is the same 185% of the federal poverty level in every state.
Will my Arizona WIC benefits card work in Arkansas?
No — WIC benefits are issued on each state's own system, so the Arizona card stops working. Your certification transfers via the VOC; Arkansas Department of Health reissues the food benefits on Arkansas's system.
Where do I actually apply in Arkansas?
Through Arkansas Department of Health. Official WIC pages for both states are cited at the bottom of this page.
Related guides
Official sources
Every fact above was checked against these official pages. Last verified.
- USDA FNS — Arizona WIC contacts — accessed 2026-08-08
- AZDHS — Arizona WIC — accessed 2026-08-08
- Arkansas Department of Health — WIC — accessed 2026-08-08