In our post today we will outline a step-by-step guide on how to apply for food stamps in North Carolina online. Food stamps are a part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that provide crucial support to low-income families to end hunger and improve health and nutrition. The program helps eligible low-income households buy the food they need for a nutritionally adequate diet. SNAP benefits are administered by the North Caroline Department of Health and Human Services.
If you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits in North Carolina, you’ll be issued an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Eligibility for NC SNAP benefits are based on a variety of factors such as number of people in your household, annual household income and expenses. You may be eligible for SNAP if your total income falls below the appropriate gross income limits for your household. To see if you qualify, please refer to the income chart below. Please be aware that the eligibility workers at your local county department determine which income limit applies to your household and have many other factors to consider in determining if you are eligible.
If you’re eligible to receive SNAP benefits in North Carolina, you’ll be issued an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. EBT is an electronic system that replaced paper food stamp coupons with a magnetic striped, debit-like card. Benefits are electronically delivered to your EBT card on the same day every month – according to the last digit of your social security number. Your EBT card is used to access benefits at any USDA authorized retailer for the purchase of approved food items. Some of the items you cannot purchase with your EBT card are listed below.
- Tobacco
- Pet Food
- Paper Products
- Soap Products
- Alcoholic Beverages
If you believe you qualify to receive benefits, then follow our step-by-step guide on how to apply for food stamps in North Carolina. If you wish to apply for SNAP benefits, keep reading below.
How to Apply for Food Stamps in North Carolina Online:
Step 1 – Do you qualify to receive Benefits?
Before going through the process of applying for benefits, it’s important that you determine whether you are eligible or not. To determine eligibility, complete the North Carolina ePass pre-screening tool at the following link. The pre-screening tool is a quick and easy way for individuals and families to learn about and apply for available benefits and services. You will also learn whether you are potentially eligible for benefits by completing the electronic pre-assessment screening. The tool will ask you for some personal information regarding yourself and the people in your household, so please have that ready.
Step 2 – Apply for North Carolina SNAP Benefits
Once you’ve determined that you’re eligible to receive benefits in North Carolina, you must complete the application process. To apply for benefits online, go to the North Carolina ePass website. You must first sign up for an account before you can complete the application. If you are unable to apply online, an application must be completed at your local Department of Social Services in the county which you reside. To locate your nearest department office, click here. You can download an application for food and nutrition services, here.
Step 3 – Complete an Interview
Once your application has been received and processed at your local DSS, an agent will contact you to set up an interview. Interviews are usually done in-person or by phone. You will receive more information regarding the interview process once your application has been submitted. You may be asked to provide more information to determine your eligibility during your interview. Your agent will explain what information is needed and help you if you need assistance. Please be aware all information is confidential.
Step 4 – North Carolina EBT Card
If you’ve made it to this step, then that means you’ve been approved to receive SNAP benefits in the state of North Carolina! You’ll be receiving your debit-like EBT card in the mail within a few days. Be sure to set up your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) once your EBT card is received in the mail. Do not share this number with anyone.
If you wish to know the current balance on your EBT card, please access that information by logging into your ebtEDGE account or check your last transaction receipt.
We hope you found this guide useful when applying for SNAP benefits in North Carolina. If you have any questions or problems during the application process, please be sure to leave your feedback below. We would love to hear from you!