Transferring WIC from Tennessee to Nebraska
Mostly yes. The certification transfers via a VOC card from your Tennessee clinic; the benefits themselves are reissued by Nebraska's system. Two steps: request the VOC before moving, then bring it (plus proof of your new address) to Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Income is not re-verified mid-certification.
Official Nebraska WIC agency: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services ↗
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 Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services 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.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services ↗
Tennessee vs Nebraska: the numbers that decide it
| Tennessee (old state) | Nebraska (new state) | |
|---|---|---|
| Program name | Tennessee WIC | Nebraska WIC |
| Agency | Tennessee Department of Health | Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services |
| 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 (Nebraska) 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 → Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services directly. If that fails, you can apply fresh in Nebraska; WIC's income limit is the same 185% of the federal poverty level in every state.
Will my Tennessee WIC benefits card work in Nebraska?
No — WIC benefits are issued on each state's own system, so the Tennessee card stops working. Your certification transfers via the VOC; Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services reissues the food benefits on Nebraska's system.
Where do I actually apply in Nebraska?
Through Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. 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
- Nebraska DHHS WIC — accessed 2026-08-08