In North Carolina, individuals and families with limited income may be eligible for food assistance through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program, commonly known as food stamps. To apply, you can visit your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office or submit an online application through the ePASS system. You will need to provide personal information, proof of income, and details about your household members. Once your application is processed, you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that can be used to purchase food items at authorized retailers.
North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services
The North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. The program is funded by the federal government and administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Food stamps are no longer offered by the FNS since the name changed to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food at most grocery stores and farmers markets. The amount of SNAP benefits you receive each month is based on your income and household size. You can apply for SNAP benefits online, by mail, or in person at your local DHHS office.
Eligibility
- To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a United States citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
- Have a Social Security number.
- Meet the income and asset limits.
Income Limits
The SNAP income limits are based on your gross income, which is your income before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,837 |
| 2 | $2,463 |
| 3 | $3,089 |
| 4 | $3,715 |
| 5 | $4,341 |
| 6 | $4,967 |
| 7 | $5,593 |
| 8 | $6,219 |
Asset Limits
The SNAP asset limits are based on your total assets, which include your bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and other valuables.
- For households with one or two members, the asset limit is $2,500.
- For households with three or more members, the asset limit is $3,750.
How to Apply
You can apply for SNAP benefits online, by mail, or in person at your local DHHS office. The application process is the same regardless of how you apply.
To apply online, you will need to create an account with the North Carolina PEAK system. Once you have created an account, you will be able to fill out and submit the SNAP application online.
To apply by mail, you can download the SNAP application form from the DHHS website. Once you have filled out the application, you can mail it to your local DHHS office.
To apply in person, you can visit your local DHHS office. A DHHS representative will help you fill out the SNAP application.
What to Expect After You Apply
Once you have applied for SNAP benefits, you will receive a notice in the mail from DHHS. The notice will tell you whether you have been approved for benefits and how much you will receive each month.
If you are approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card is like a debit card that you can use to purchase food at most grocery stores and farmers markets.
Eligibility Requirements for Food Stamps
To be eligible for Food Stamps in North Carolina, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a North Carolina resident.
- Have a Social Security number or be a legal permanent resident.
- Meet the income and asset requirements.
- Be unemployed or underemployed.
- Be a member of a household that includes a child under 18, a pregnant woman, a person with a disability, or an elderly person.
The income and asset limits for Food Stamps are as follows:
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,968 | $2,750 |
| 2 | $2,654 | $3,750 |
| 3 | $3,340 | $4,750 |
| 4 | $4,025 | $5,750 |
| 5 | $4,711 | $6,750 |
| 6 | $5,397 | $7,750 |
| 7 | $6,082 | $8,750 |
| 8 | $6,768 | $9,750 |
If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can apply for Food Stamps online or at your local Department of Social Services office.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for food stamps in North Carolina, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include:
- Being a resident of North Carolina.
- Having a Social Security number or a document that proves your lawful presence in the United States.
- Meeting the income and resource limits set by the government. In general, you must have a gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level and resources at or below $2,000 for a single person ($3,000 for a household of two or more).
Application Process
To apply for food stamps in North Carolina, you can:
- Apply online through the ePASS system.
- Apply by mail or in person at your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office.
The application process typically takes about 30 days.
What You Will Need to Apply
When you apply for food stamps, you will need to provide the following information and documents:
- Your Social Security number or a document that proves your lawful presence in the United States.
- Proof of income, such as pay stubs, self-employment records, or Social Security benefits.
- Proof of resources, such as bank statements, investment account statements, or retirement account statements.
- Proof of residency, such as a utility bill or a lease agreement.
Benefits
If you are approved for food stamps, you will receive a debit card that you can use to purchase food at authorised retailers. The amount of food stamps you receive will depend on your household size and income.
How to Use Food Stamps
You can use your food stamps debit card to purchase food at authorised retailers. You can also use your card to purchase seeds and plants that produce food.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the food stamp program in North Carolina, you can contact the Department of Social Services (DSS) at 1-888-622-3300.
| Household Size | Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $250 |
| 2 people | $459 |
| 3 people | $658 |
| 4 people | $835 |
| 5 people | $1,012 |
| 6 people | $1,189 |
| 7 people | $1,367 |
| 8 people | $1,544 |
Benefits of Food Stamps
Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provide numerous benefits to low-income individuals and families in North Carolina, including:
- Increased access to nutritious food: SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and grains.
- Improved overall health: A nutritious diet can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
- Increased economic stability: SNAP benefits can help families stretch their food budget and free up money for other essential expenses, such as housing and utilities.
- Stimulation of the local economy: SNAP benefits are spent at local grocery stores and farmers markets, which helps to support local businesses and create jobs.
Eligibility
To be eligible for food stamps in North Carolina, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of North Carolina.
- Have a low income. The income limit varies depending on your household size and other factors.
- Have limited resources. The resource limit varies depending on your household size and other factors.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified immigrant.
How to Apply
To apply for food stamps in North Carolina, you can:
- Apply online: You can apply for food stamps online at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website.
- Apply by phone: You can apply for food stamps by phone by calling the North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services Division at 1-866-719-0176.
- Apply in person: You can apply for food stamps in person at your local Department of Social Services office.
What You Will Need
When you apply for food stamps, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your Social Security number.
- Proof of income, such as pay stubs or bank statements.
- Proof of resources, such as bank accounts or stocks.
- Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill.
Benefits Amount
The amount of food stamps you receive each month depends on your household size and income. The maximum benefit amount for a household of one person is $250 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of two people is $383 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of three people is $504 per month. The maximum benefit amount for a household of four people is $628 per month.
Using Food Stamps
You can use your food stamps to purchase food at authorized retailers. Authorized retailers include grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers markets. You cannot use your food stamps to purchase alcohol, tobacco, pet food, or prepared food that is sold hot.
| SNAP Benefit Allotment | Household Size |
|---|---|
| $250 | 1 |
| $383 | 2 |
| $504 | 3 |
| $628 | 4 |
Well folks, that’s all there is to it! I hope this article was helpful in guiding you through the process of applying for food stamps in North Carolina. I know the whole process can seem daunting, but I promise it’s worth it. Food stamps can help you put food on the table for your family, and they can give you peace of mind knowing that you have a safety net in case of financial hardship. So, if you’re struggling to make ends meet, don’t hesitate to apply. And remember, I’ll be here whenever you need me. Just hop on back to this article, or check out my other writing on similar topics. Thanks for reading!