Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps) [Prototype]
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS, also known as Food Stamps) is a program that helps eligible low-income people supplement their food budgets so they can purchase food. The benefits are given on an EBT card, which works like a debit card. You can use it to buy food at stores that accept EBT cards. Look for signs that say, “We accept SNAP benefits.”
Latest Updates
- Extra benefits given during the COVID-19 pandemic ended February 2023. More Info
- P-EBT benefits will continue for some students in summer 2023. More Info
- Increasing reports of "card skimming" and stolen benefits. Protect yourself
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What can we help you do today?
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) eligibility is determined by income, household size, assets, and many other factors. Because the calculation is complex, the best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply.
Don't wait! Your benefits start from the date we get your application — even if it's not complete. Find out how to apply for FNS benefits.
You may be able to get benefits if you:
- Have no job or a low-paying job
- Receive TANF (Work First Family Assistance, also known as welfare) or SSI benefits (for people with disabilities)
- Are elderly or disabled, and low-income
- Are experiencing homelessness
To qualify, your household must meet certain rules about how much money you make, how much money and property you have, and where you live.
Here are some basic things you need to know:
1. Applying for yourself or as a household.
If you live alone, are unhoused, or have roommates you do not cook and eat meals with, you have a household of one (1). When you apply, remember that your household is just you.
If you live with your family or others who you and prepare and eat meals with, count each of those people in your household. That includes children and seniors in your home.
2. Income and resource limits.
For most people, there are limits to the income you and others in your household can receive, and how much money and property ("resources") you can have. You may still qualify if you can work part-time or make a little money, or if you own a home or car.
However, the income and resource rules are complex. After you apply, eligibility workers determine which limits apply to you, and whether certain deductions or credits (like for medical expenses) might help you qualify.
3. Other requirements.
- You must be a North Carolina resident and a U.S. citizen, or have certain legal status. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible.
- You must have a Social Security number, or have applied for one.
- People convicted of drug-related felonies may not be eligible.
- College students are not eligible, unless they meet certain work requirements or exceptions.
- If you're an adult without kids and you're able to work, you might have to work or take part in a work program to keep getting benefits.
Ready for the next step?
Applying for FNS benefits – also called Food Stamps – can feel overwhelming, but we have created a checklist to help you prepare.
If you’re ready to apply or are checking on the status of your application, visit the ePASS website.
There are several ways to check FNS balances and all are available 24/7. Make sure you have your card number ready. Then you can:
- Call 1-888-622-7328
- Visit www.ebtedge.com. 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.
If you can’t find your card or card number, call 1-888-622-7328 for assistance.
If you are having an issue with your EBT Card, like if it gets lost or you forget your PIN, look through the EBT FAQs here.
You can activate your card, select a PIN, check your card balance, view your transaction history or cancel your EBT card by using the cardholder portal at www.ebtEdge.com or through the EBT Edge mobile app available at Google Play or the Apple Store.
For other questions, you can call the NC EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141 or use our contact form here. The Call Center is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. It is not open on weekends or holidays.
Contact Us
Need additional help? Call the NC EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141, or send an online message to the Division of Social Services.
Other Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
The FNS benefits are issued on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. FNS recipients use EBT cards to access FNS benefits at any USDA authorized retailer. Most major grocery stores are USDA authorized retailers. Questions about lost or stolen cards, changing PIN, or checking balances can be answered by calling 1-888-622-7328.
The amount of benefits each household receives is based on several eligibility factors such as number of people in the household, total income, and allowable deductions. Most households do not receive the maximum benefit amount.
If you live alone, are unhoused, or have roommates you do not cook and eat meals with, you have a household of one (1). If you live with your family or others who you and prepare and eat meals with, count each of those people in your household. That includes children and seniors in your home.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit* |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $516 |
| 3 | $740 |
| 4 | $939 |
| 5 | $1,116 |
| 6 | $1,339 |
| 7 | $1,480 |
| 8 | $1,691 |
| Each Additional Member | (+$211) |
* Because many factors go into determining the benefit amount, most households do not receive the maximum. Apply now.
Your EBT benefits will be available on the same day each month according to the last digit of your social security number, even if that day is on weekend or holiday.
| If your SSN ends in: | Your benefits will be available after 6 a.m. on the: |
| 1 | 3rd day of every month |
| 2 | 5th day of every month |
| 3 | 7th day of every month |
| 4 | 9th day of every month |
| 5 | 11th day of every month |
| 6 | 13th day of every month |
| 7 | 15th day of every month |
| 8 | 17th day of every month |
| 9 | 19th day of every month |
| 0 | 21st day of every month |
Note: Benefits are available on the 3rd day of every month if you do not have a Social Security Number.
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Items you can buy with FNS:
- Breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables
- Meats, fish, poultry, dairy
- Bottled w ater, non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
Items you cannot buy with FNS:
- Beer , wine, liquor, cigarettes
- Any nonfood items such as pet foods, soaps, household supplies
- Vitamins and medicines
- Hot foods or foods already prepared
Contact us
Need additional help? Call the NC EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141, or send an online message to the Division of Social Services.
Complaints
If you have complaints or concerns, you may:
- Contact us at 1-866-719-0141
- Send an online message to the North Carolina Division of Social Services
- Send a letter to:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, DC 20250-9410
Fax: (202) 690-7442 or email program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.