Changes for Food and Nutrition Services

If you already receive help buying food through Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), the NC Department of Health and Human Services has received permission to enhance your benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maximum Allotments for Eligible Households

All families that receive FNS will receive the maximum amount allowed for September 2020 for their household size. This amount is in the addition to those received for March, April, May, June, July and August. These supplements are subject to the following guidelines: 

  • The supplement is the difference between the household’s actual September 2020 benefits and the maximum allotment for their household size.
  • Households that have already received the maximum amount for their household size will not receive a supplement.
  • The household size will not include ineligible or disqualified members.
  • Households that were ineligible in March, April, May June, July, August or September 2020 will not receive a temporary increase for the month(s) they were ineligible.
  • Households that were eligible for a prorated allotment of $0 in September 2020 will receive a supplement for the prorated month.

Additional benefits for September will be issued beginning September 22. They will be randomly generated and staggered every workday until all eligible households have received their temporary increase.

Recipients will continue to receive their regular benefits and should be aware they will receive two separate payments during March, April, May, June and July.

FNS participants are able to purchase groceries online using their EBT cards at authorized online EBT retailers.

Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents

With many businesses closing to reduce the spread of COVID-19, work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD) are being temporarily and partially suspended beginning April 1, 2020, until the public health emergency declaration is lifted. All active FNS beneficiaries are being notified of this change. This change affects pending applications and future applications until the declaration is lifted. 

Information

  • Visit www.ebtedge.com and click on More Information under EBT Cardholders.
  • Download the ebtEDGE mobile app. The app is available as a free download on the Apple Store and Google Play.
  • Call the EBT Call Center at 1-888-622-7328.

Families and individuals who do not currently receive benefits can apply online with ePass.

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