If you have a North Carolina EBT Card, there are several ways you can obtain the balance on your card. In this post, we will explain in detail the three ways you can check your North Carolina EBT Card Balance.
This Post Will Cover:
- How to Check North Carolina EBT Card Balance
- List of Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery
- North Carolina EBT Frequently Asked Questions
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is responsible for administering North Carolina Food Stamp benefits to approved, low-income households. These benefits allow households to buy the food they need for good health.
If you are approved for North Carolina food assistance, your benefits will be deposited electronically on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. The North Carolina EBT Card, also known as the North Carolina Benefit Security Card is similar to a standard ATM or debit card.
Food stamp benefits are deposited on your North Carolina EBT Card on the same day every month. North Carolina EBT benefits can be accessed by 5AM the morning after they are posted to your Benefit Security Card account.
Benefits can be used to make approved food purchases at eligible retail locations. Most North Carolina grocery stores accept the Benefit Security Card as payment.
For instructions on how to check the balance on your North Carolina EBT Card, keep reading below.
How to Check your North Carolina EBT Card Balance
There are three options for checking your North Carolina Benefit Security Card balance. Here they are:
Option 1 – Locate Your Last Purchase Receipt
One of the easiest ways to check your North Carolina EBT Card balance is to find the most recent purchase receipt or ATM receipt (for TANF recipients only).
At the bottom of the receipt, you will find the current balance on your card. In order to use this method to check your balance, be sure to save all of your recent North Carolina Benefit Security Card receipts.
Option 2 – Check Your Benefit Security Card Balance Via Phone
Another option is to check your card balance by calling the North Carolina EBT Benefit Security Card Customer Service phone number at 1-888-622-7328.
Representatives are available to help you retrieve your Benefit Security Card balance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Before you call, be sure to have your EBT Card number, 4-digit PIN, and Social Security Number (SSN) ready.
You must provide this information to receive your Benefit Security Card balance information.
Option 3 – Check Your Benefit Security Card Balance Online
The last option to check your North Carolina Benefit Security Card balance is online.
You can find out your EBT Card balance online by using the North Carolina EBT Edge website.
Once you are on the site, click “Cardholder Login” button on the left side of the page.
If you do not have a NC Benefit Security Card Account, you can sign up for one here.
List of Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery
As you may be aware, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started a pilot program (Online Purchasing Pilot) to allow select grocery stores to start accepting EBT cards online for grocery shopping, including delivery to your doorstep.
Currently, there are 18 grocery stores that accept North Carolina EBT Cards online for grocery delivery or pick-up.
The grocery stores listed below have been approved for and allow NC EBT Cardholders to buy food online:
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Carlie C’s
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Compare Foods
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Compare Foods Clayton
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Deep Roots Market
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Earth Fare
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Fairvalue Grocery Stores
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Piggly Wiggly (Kinston)
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Sam’s Club Scan and Go
For more information about how you can use your EBT Card to shop online for delivery, click here.
North Carolina EBT Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the North Carolina EBT Card.
How much will I get on my EBT card each month?
The amount of benefits you receive on your Benefit Security Card each month is determined by your income and household size. You can use the Maximum Monthly SNAP Amount Chart to find out the highest amount of benefits you can receive each month.
I have seen people purchase non-food items with an EBT card. I thought SNAP was only for food?
Yes, SNAP benefits are only for food. However, some people have an EBT card for their TANF (cash assistance) benefits. You can use TANF benefits to purchase food and non-food items. For information on TANF eligibility, contact your local government benefits assistance office.
Can I have someone else help me shop using my EBT account?
Ask your local North Carolina Food Stamps caseworker about setting up an Authorized Representative (AR). The AR will have a separate card with his or her own account number and PIN. In addition, the EBT system is able to track which card is used at any time. The AR will have access to your entire benefit account.
Can I use my EBT card in other counties and other states?
Your EBT card will work at any store or ATM that accepts EBT Cards in the United States, as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.
There are no rules against using your EBT card outside of your state of residence. However, you are required to report any address change to your local county public assistance office.
If I don’t use all of the benefits I received this month, will these benefits still be available to me next month?
Yes, benefits that are not used in the month issued will stay in the EBT account. You may use these benefits in the following months.
What do I do if I suspect someone has stolen benefits from my EBT Benefit Security Card account?
If your EBT card is stolen or compromised, immediately call the North Carolina Benefit Security Card Customer Service phone number. The Tennessee EBT Card toll-free help hotline is 1-888-622-7328.
A customer service representative will cancel your Benefit Security Card and have a new one mailed to you. Replacement cards will be received within 3-5 business days.
You should also contact your local DHHS caseworker to alert them, as well as file a police report.
How do I report a store or person that I think is misusing food or cash benefits (committing fraud)?
Misusing benefits on purpose is a federal crime. If you misuse benefits, your benefits can be taken away. To report a store or person misusing benefits, click here.
What items am I allowed to purchase with my EBT card?
For information on items that you are allowed to purchase with EBT food benefits, click here. Cash aid may be used to purchase anything that can be legally purchased with currency (cash).
Can I go to a bank teller and withdraw money from my EBT account?
No, you may only withdraw money from an ATM or through a cash-back/cash-only withdrawal at a participating store. Additionally, bank tellers do not have information or access to EBT accounts.
Are there any fees for using my North Carolina EBT Card?
There is never a charge for using your card to buy food. However, any Bank surcharges (if any) for using cash machines will be taken from your account.
How do I buy food and items with my Benefit Security Card?
Here’s how to use your Benefit Security Card to purchase food items:
- Swipe your card at the store’s payment machine.
- Then select “EBT” from the card options.
- Next, enter your 4-digit PIN.
- Complete the transaction and take your receipt – it will show your current Benefit Security Card balance at the bottom.
North Carolina EBT Card Account
We hope this article on how to check your North Carolina EBT Card Balance was helpful.
If so, we encourage you to share this article with anyone who may also find it helpful by using the “Share this” button below.
If you have additional questions about the Benefits Security Card including the North Carolina SNAP eligibility and application process, please leave those in the comments below.
Plus, check out our article on all the amazing discounts and deals just by being a North Carolina EBT Cardholder!
You can save on phone service, internet, museum admission, and even Amazon Prime!
In the meantime, be sure to check out our other articles about North Carolina Food Stamps and EBT, including:
- North Carolina EBT Discounts & Freebies
- Income Limit for North Carolina Food Stamps
- How to Apply for Disaster Food Stamps in North Carolina
- Grocery Stores that Accept EBT online
- How to Get 50% off Amazon Prime with EBT
- Eligible Food Stamps Items