Income Eligibility Guidelines
To qualify for food stamps in North Carolina, you must meet certain income and asset limits. The income limits are based on the federal poverty level, which is adjusted each year. The asset limits are also based on federal guidelines.
Income Eligibility
To qualify for food stamps in North Carolina, your household’s gross income must be at or below the following limits:
- For a household of one person, the gross income limit is $1,354 per month.
- For a household of two people, the gross income limit is $2,021 per month.
- For a household of three people, the gross income limit is $2,688 per month.
- For a household of four people, the gross income limit is $3,355 per month.
- For each additional person in the household, the gross income limit increases by $667 per month.
The gross income limit is the total income of all members of the household before any deductions are taken out. This includes wages, salaries, tips, commissions, self-employment income, Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), pensions, annuities, and unemployment benefits.
Asset Eligibility
In addition to meeting the income eligibility guidelines, you must also meet the asset limits to qualify for food stamps in North Carolina. The asset limits are as follows:
- For a household of one or two people, the asset limit is $2,000.
- For a household of three or more people, the asset limit is $3,000.
Assets include cash, checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, real estate (other than your primary residence), vehicles, and personal property. Vehicles and personal property are exempt from the asset limit if they are used for work, school, or medical purposes.
Qualifying for Food Stamps
If you meet the income and asset eligibility guidelines, you can apply for food stamps online or at your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office. You will need to provide proof of your income, assets, and household size. Once your application is approved, you will receive a Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers.
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,354 |
| 2 | $2,021 |
| 3 | $2,688 |
| 4 | $3,355 |
| Each additional person | +$667 |
Asset Limits for Food Stamps
Aside from meeting the income guidelines, you also need to meet or fall below certain asset limits. These limits vary depending on your household size. If any kind of asset exceeds these limits, you won’t be eligible for SNAP benefits.
Not all assets count toward the limit. The following are excluded:
- The home and lot where you live.
- One licensed vehicle per adult household member (or two vehicles if one is used for work, school, or medical transportation).
- Household goods and personal belongings.
- Savings and checking accounts up to $2,000 per individual, or $3,000 for a household.
- Retirement accounts and pensions.
All other assets, such as real estate, investments, and cash, are counted toward the limit.
For households with elderly or disabled members, the asset limit is higher. For households with members who are blind and/or disabled, the limit is even higher still.
| Household Size | Asset Limit | Asset Limit for Elderly or Disabled | Asset Limit for Blind and/or Disabled |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,500 | $3,750 | $10,000 |
| 2 | $3,750 | $5,625 | $15,000 |
| 3 | $5,000 | $7,500 | $20,000 |
| 4 | $6,250 | $9,375 | $25,000 |
| 5 | $7,500 | $11,250 | $30,000 |
| 6 | $8,750 | $13,125 | $35,000 |
| 7 | $10,000 | $15,000 | $40,000 |
| 8 | $11,250 | $16,875 | $45,000 |
| 9 | $12,500 | $18,750 | $50,000 |
| 10 | $13,750 | $20,625 | $55,000 |
| Each additional member | $1,250 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
How to Qualify for Food Stamps in North Carolina
To qualify for food stamps in North Carolina, you must meet certain eligibility requirements set by the state and federal government. These requirements include:
Income and Asset Limits
- Gross income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
- Net income must be at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.
- Assets must be below $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for households.
Work Requirements
- Able-bodied adults aged 18-49 without dependents must work or participate in a workfare program for at least 20 hours per week.
- Exemptions to the work requirement include: full-time students, those with disabilities, and those caring for children or adults.
Citizenship and Residency
- Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
- Must be a resident of North Carolina.
How to Apply
- Submit an application online through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website.
- Mail a paper application to your local Department of Social Services office.
- Visit your local Department of Social Services office to apply in person.
Benefits
- Food stamp benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
- The amount of benefits you receive is based on your household size and income.
- Benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
To learn more about food stamps in North Carolina, visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website or call the Food and Nutrition Services hotline at 1-888-622-1022.
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit | Net Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,336 | $1,069 | $2,000 |
| 2 | $1,789 | $1,430 | $3,000 |
| 3 | $2,242 | $1,792 | $3,000 |
| 4 | $2,695 | $2,153 | $3,000 |
| Each additional person | $453 | $363 | $3,000 |
Applying for Food Stamps in North Carolina
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federal program that helps low-income individuals and families buy food. In North Carolina, SNAP is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). To be eligible for SNAP in North Carolina, you must meet certain income and asset limits. You can apply for benefits online, by mail, or in person at your local DHHS office.
Who is Eligible for SNAP in North Carolina?
- Households with a gross income that is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- Households with a net income that is at or below 100% of the federal poverty level
- Households with assets that are at or below $2,000 for a single person or $3,000 for a household of two or more people
There are some exceptions to these income and asset limits. For example, households with a child under the age of 6 or a pregnant woman may be eligible for SNAP even if their income and assets are slightly higher than the limits.
How to Apply for SNAP in North Carolina
To apply for SNAP in North Carolina, you can follow these steps:
- Gather the required documents. You will need to provide proof of your income, assets, and household size. You can find a list of the required documents on the DHHS website.
- Apply online. You can apply for SNAP online at the DHHS website.
- Apply by mail. You can mail your application and the required documents to the DHHS office in your county.
- Apply in person. You can apply for SNAP in person at your local DHHS office.
After You Apply
After you apply for SNAP, the DHHS will review your application. You will be notified of the decision within 30 days. If you are approved for benefits, you will receive a SNAP card in the mail. You can use your SNAP card to buy food at authorized retailers.
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive will depend on your income, household size, and other factors. The average SNAP benefit amount in North Carolina is $250 per month for a household of four.
Contact Information
If you have questions about SNAP in North Carolina, you can contact the DHHS at 1-888-622-3300.
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit | Net Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,337 | $1,070 |
| 2 | $1,784 | $1,427 |
| 3 | $2,231 | $1,784 |
| 4 | $2,677 | $2,141 |
| 5 | $3,124 | $2,498 |
| 6 | $3,570 | $2,855 |
| 7 | $4,017 | $3,212 |
| 8 | $4,463 | $3,569 |
Well, that’s pretty much all you need to know about qualifying for food stamps in North Carolina. I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any more questions, you can always check out the NC DHHS website or give them a call. Thanks for reading, and remember to come back again soon for more informative content just like this. Take care and have a great day!