North Carolina’s residents who receive food stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may see an extra benefit this month. The state is distributing $200 million in emergency funds to help individuals and families struggling with food insecurity due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will provide eligible households with a one-time payment of $250, which will be automatically added to their existing SNAP benefits. This additional assistance aims to alleviate financial burdens and ensure access to nutritious food during these challenging times.
USDA Approves Emergency Allotments for North Carolina Food Stamps
The following provides information about the emergency allotments for North Carolina food stamps, an additional benefit authorized by the USDA to help households cope with the continuing economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SNAP Emergency Allotments in North Carolina
The USDA announced that North Carolina will continue to receive emergency allotments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, for April 2023.
Households already receiving SNAP benefits will automatically receive the emergency allotments, which will be loaded onto their EBT cards no later than April 30, 2023.
Emergency Allotment Amounts by Household Size
The emergency allotments are based on household size and will vary depending on each household’s circumstances.
| Household Size | Maximum Emergency Allotment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $281 |
| 2 | $459 |
| 3 | $632 |
| 4 | $805 |
| 5 | $978 |
| 6 | $1,151 |
| 7 | $1,324 |
| 8 | $1,497 |
| Each additional member | $173 |
Note: Households receiving the maximum SNAP benefit prior to the emergency allotments will not receive additional funds.
Additional Information
- The emergency allotments are intended to provide temporary relief to households facing food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The USDA has approved emergency allotments for all North Carolina counties.
- Households can check their EBT card balance online or by calling the state’s EBT customer service number.
- For more information about SNAP benefits in North Carolina, visit the state Department of Health and Human Services website or call the state’s SNAP hotline.
Food and Nutrition Services: COVID-19 Pandemic
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FNS has taken several steps to help those affected by the crisis, including increasing the amount of food stamp benefits and issuing emergency allotments.
In North Carolina, food stamp benefits are known as Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. These cards can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. The amount of benefits a household receives is based on their income and household size.
Increased SNAP Benefits
In March 2020, the FNS announced that it would be increasing the amount of food stamp benefits for all recipients. The maximum benefit amount for a household of four increased from $646 to $782 per month. This increase was effective for the month of April 2020 and continued through September 2020.
Emergency Allotments
In addition to the increased benefit amounts, the FNS also began issuing emergency allotments to food stamp recipients in April 2020. These emergency allotments were equal to the maximum benefit amount for the household size. For example, a household of four that was receiving $646 in food stamp benefits would have received an additional $782 in emergency allotments.
Emergency allotments were issued on a monthly basis and were effective through June 2020. In July 2020, the FNS announced that it would be extending the emergency allotments through September 2020.
Current Status of Food Stamp Benefits
As of October 2020, food stamp benefits have returned to their pre-pandemic levels. However, some states are still issuing emergency allotments to food stamp recipients. To find out if your state is issuing emergency allotments, please visit the FNS website.
| Household Size | Pre-Pandemic Benefit | Increased Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $194 | $234 |
| 2 | $355 | $430 |
| 3 | $504 | $616 |
| 4 | $646 | $782 |
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Benefits and Eligibility
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers. In North Carolina, SNAP benefits are issued electronically through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
Benefits
- SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food items such as:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Dairy products
- Bread
- Cereal
- Pasta
- Rice
- SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Lottery tickets
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pet food
- Prepared foods
- Restaurant meals
- Non-food items
Eligibility
To be eligible for SNAP benefits in North Carolina, you must meet certain income and asset limits. Income limits are based on the federal poverty level. Asset limits vary depending on household size and composition.
| Household Size | Gross Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,340 |
| 2 | $1,802 |
| 3 | $2,264 |
| 4 | $2,726 |
| 5 | $3,188 |
| 6 | $3,650 |
| 7 | $4,112 |
| 8 | $4,573 |
To apply for SNAP benefits in North Carolina, you can submit an application online or visit your local Department of Social Services office.
Hey folks, I hope this article has shed some light on the current situation with food stamps in North Carolina. I know it can be tough to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of government assistance programs, but I’m here to help you navigate the ins and outs. If you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to drop a comment below, and I’ll do my best to get back to you. In the meantime, thanks for taking the time to read, and I hope you’ll come back soon for more informative and engaging content. Until next time, keep your spirits up, and remember, you’re not alone in this journey.