Transferring WIC from Tennessee to Georgia
Unlike Medicaid or SNAP, WIC has a real transfer mechanism: the Verification of Certification. Get one from your Tennessee clinic, then contact Georgia Department of Public Health for a transfer appointment. With a valid VOC, Georgia enrolls you without re-checking income until your certification period runs out.
Official Georgia WIC agency: Georgia Department of Public Health ↗
Your step-by-step checklist
Before you move
- 1
Ask your current WIC clinic for a VOC card
Before you leave Tennessee, request a Verification of Certification (VOC) for each participant — Tennessee WIC directs participants to call 1-800-DIAL-WIC (1-800-342-5942) to request a VOC. Federal rules (7 CFR 246.7) require your new state to accept it, so your WIC certification moves with you. Then contact a WIC clinic in your new state to transfer.
Tennessee Department of Health ↗
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 Georgia Department of Public 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.
Georgia Department of Public Health ↗
Tennessee vs Georgia: the numbers that decide it
| Tennessee (old state) | Georgia (new state) | |
|---|---|---|
| Program name | Tennessee WIC | Georgia WIC |
| Agency | Tennessee Department of Health | Georgia Department of Public 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 (Tennessee) and 2026-08-08 (Georgia) 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 Tennessee → Georgia 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 Georgia enrolls you without a new income screening until your certification period ends.
What if I forgot to get a VOC before leaving Tennessee?
Call your old Tennessee clinic — many can send the VOC or verify your certification for Georgia Department of Public Health directly. If that fails, you can apply fresh in Georgia; WIC's income limit is the same 185% of the federal poverty level in every state.
Will my Tennessee WIC benefits card work in Georgia?
No — WIC benefits are issued on each state's own system, so the Tennessee card stops working. Your certification transfers via the VOC; Georgia Department of Public Health reissues the food benefits on Georgia's system.
Where do I actually apply in Georgia?
Through Georgia Department of Public 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.
- TN Department of Health — Tennessee WIC Program — accessed 2026-08-08
- Georgia DPH — WIC — accessed 2026-08-08
- Georgia WIC Policy CT-850.01 Transfer of Certification — accessed 2026-08-08