How to Apply for WIC in Tennessee

Step-by-Step Guide

📅 Last reviewed: May 4, 2026 · Last updated: May 4, 2026

Tennessee WIC Agency

Agency Tennessee Department of Health

Phone 1-800-342-5942

Website Official Tennessee WIC Site

In-Person Only

Online Application

Check Agency

Telehealth Appointments

Same Day

Benefits if Approved

Applying for WIC in Tennessee

Tennessee WIC does not have a statewide online application. To apply, you need to contact the WIC clinic or county health department in your area to schedule a certification appointment. WIC services are available through 126 sites organized across 14 regional zones statewide — there is a clinic in or near every county.

Step 1: Find Your Local Clinic and Schedule

Visit tn.gov/health/wic and use the clinic finder to search by county or city. Then call your local clinic directly to schedule a certification appointment.

For general WIC information and clinic referrals statewide, call 1-800-DIAL-WIC (1-800-342-5942).

Shelby County residents only: Do not use the statewide line. Call the Shelby County Health Department Call Center at (901) 222-9980 or email schd.callcenter@shelbycountytn.gov to schedule all WIC appointments.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Bring the following to your certification appointment:

Proof of identity for yourself and any children applying — a driver's license, birth certificate, state ID, or other government-issued document
Proof of Tennessee residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, official mail, or any document with your current Tennessee address
Proof of income — a pay stub dated within the last 30 days, bank statement showing gross income, employer letter, or documentation of SNAP, Families First (TANF), or TennCare enrollment. If you receive any of those programs, that documentation replaces income proof entirely.
Immunization records for children applying — bring updated shot records if you have them
TennCare cards for yourself and any children, if applicable
For pregnant applicants: documentation from a healthcare provider confirming pregnancy

Step 3: Your Certification Appointment

At the appointment, a WIC health professional will verify your documents, conduct a brief nutritional and health assessment (including height, weight, and sometimes a blood test for anemia), and determine your food package. In many cases you can be certified and receive your first TNWIC card loaded with benefits on the same day.

Tennessee WIC also uses the appointment to make referrals — if staff identify potential eligibility for TennCare, SNAP, or other services, they will connect you with those programs.

WIC Smart Nutrition Education

WIC Smart is a federal nutrition education platform that may be offered at some Tennessee WIC clinics. If WIC Smart is available at your location, your clinic will provide your family ID and let you know what is expected.

Recertification

Pregnant women are certified through pregnancy and six months postpartum (twelve months if breastfeeding). Infants are recertified at around six months and again approaching their first birthday. Children are certified every six to twelve months until age five. Monitor your TNWIC card balance and expiration notices closely — benefits for each monthly period expire at midnight on the last day of that period and do not roll over. Contact your clinic before your certification period ends to schedule a renewal appointment and avoid a gap in benefits.

Application FAQ — Tennessee WIC

No. Tennessee does not have a statewide online WIC application. You need to contact your local county health department or WIC clinic to schedule a certification appointment in person. Find your nearest clinic at tn.gov/health/wic or call 1-800-DIAL-WIC (1-800-342-5942). Shelby County residents call (901) 222-9980 instead.

Bring proof of identity for yourself and each person applying (driver's license, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Tennessee residency (utility bill, lease, or official mail), and proof of income — or proof of SNAP, Families First (TANF), or TennCare enrollment if you receive those, which replaces income documentation. Bring your child's updated immunization records and TennCare cards if applicable. For pregnancy, bring documentation from your healthcare provider.

In many cases, yes. Tennessee WIC can certify eligible applicants and issue a TNWIC card loaded with the first month of benefits at the certification appointment itself. There is no separate waiting period after approval. Call your local clinic ahead of time to confirm same-day benefit issuance at that specific location.

Moving within Tennessee: contact the WIC clinic in your new county to transfer your benefits. Your TNWIC card and certification period carry over. Moving out of Tennessee: ask your current WIC clinic for a Verification of Certification (VOC) card before you move. Bring it to a WIC clinic in your new state to continue benefits without a full recertification. You cannot use your Tennessee TNWIC card outside of Tennessee.

Certification periods vary: pregnant women are certified through pregnancy and six months postpartum (twelve months if breastfeeding); infants are recertified around six months and again near their first birthday; children are certified every six to twelve months until age five. Contact your clinic before your period ends to schedule a renewal appointment. Benefits for each monthly allotment expire at midnight on the last day of that specific monthly period — they do not roll over — so it is important to use benefits within their window and not let your certification lapse.