Transferring WIC from Maine to New York
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 New York, New York State Department of Health transfers you in at an appointment — no new income screening until your current period ends.
Official New York WIC agency: New York State Department of Health ↗ (application page)
Your step-by-step checklist
Before you move
- 1
Ask your current WIC clinic for a VOC card
Before you leave Maine, ask your local WIC agency for a Verification of Certification (VOC) card for each enrolled family member — every state must accept a valid VOC (7 CFR 246.7). State WIC office: 207-287-3991 or 1-800-437-9300.
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine DHHS) ↗
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 New York State 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.
Find a clinic / apply ↗
Maine vs New York: the numbers that decide it
| Maine (old state) | New York (new state) | |
|---|---|---|
| Program name | Maine WIC | New York WIC |
| Agency | Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine DHHS) | New York State 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 (Maine) and 2026-08-08 (New York) 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 Maine → New York 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 New York enrolls you without a new income screening until your certification period ends.
What if I forgot to get a VOC before leaving Maine?
Call your old Maine clinic — many can send the VOC or verify your certification for New York State Department of Health directly. If that fails, you can apply fresh in New York; WIC's income limit is the same 185% of the federal poverty level in every state.
Will my Maine WIC benefits card work in New York?
No — WIC benefits are issued on each state's own system, so the Maine card stops working. Your certification transfers via the VOC; New York State Department of Health reissues the food benefits on New York's system.
Where do I actually apply in New York?
Through New York State Department of Health (online application linked above). 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.
- Maine CDC — WIC Nutrition Program — accessed 2026-08-08
- USDA FNA — Maine WIC state agency contact — accessed 2026-08-08
- NYSDOH WIC Program — accessed 2026-08-08