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 July 2020 for their household size. This amount is in the addition to those received for March, April, May and June. For example, a family of four would be eligible to receive a total of $646 for each of the three months no matter what their usual amount is. The increase is subject to the following guidelines: 

  • Households that have already received the maximum amount for their household size will not receive the temporary increase.
  • The household size will not include ineligible or disqualified members.
  • Households that were ineligible in March, April, May June or July 2020 will not receive a temporary increase for the month(s) they were ineligible.
  • Households that were eligible for an allotment but prorated to $0 during those months will receive a supplement for the prorated month.
  • If a household had a prior overpayment that was being recouped during March, April, May, June or July that will not affect the supplement amount. 

Additional benefits for June should have been added beginning June 22 and additional benefits for July will be issued beginning July 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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