Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps)
Civil Rights/Non-Discrimination Versión en Español actualizado pronto
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS, also known as Food Stamps) is a program that helps eligible people with limited incomes supplement their budgets so they can purchase food. The program is nationally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP.
The benefits are given on an EBT card, which works like a debit card. You can use it to buy food at stores that accept EBT cards. Look for signs that say, “We accept SNAP benefits.”
October and November SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low‑income families buy groceries. SNAP benefits will continue through October 2025. However, because of the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has directed NCDHHS to pause all November SNAP benefits starting November 1, 2025. This means no new benefits will be added to EBT cards in November unless federal funding is restored. You can still use any benefits already on your EBT card and continue to shop at any store that accepts SNAP/EBT. This pause only affects new November benefits and does not take away any benefits already on your card. NCDHHS is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to update partners and beneficiaries, including next steps if the USDA restores funding for November.
About the Situation
The federal government is currently shut down. On October 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) directed state agencies to delay issuance of November FNS benefits until further notice. Additionally, on Oct. 24, USDA sent guidance to states that it would not use contingency funds for the SNAP program in November. Additionally, on Oct. 24, USDA sent guidance to states it would not use contingency funds for the SNAP program in November.
October benefits are not affected. If you normally receive benefits in October, those have already been issued and are available on your EBT card. However, no new November benefits will be issued on EBT cards until NCDHHS receives federal funding.
FNS (also known as SNAP or food stamps) is a federally funded program. During a federal government shutdown, USDA must provide authorization and funding for states to issue monthly benefits. Until that authorization and funding is received, North Carolina cannot load November benefits onto EBT cards.
NCDHHS is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as soon as we receive information from USDA. We are committed to issuing benefits as quickly as possible once we receive federal authorization.
Your Benefits
Yes. Any FNS benefits currently on your EBT card remain available to use. Benefits do not expire due to the federal shutdown.
You can check your balance three ways:
- ebtEDGE mobile app (download from your phone's app store)
- ebtEDGE.com website
- Call 1-888-622-7328 (the number on the back of your EBT card)
Yes. Your EBT card will continue to work normally at authorized retailers. Any benefits currently on your card are available to purchase eligible food items.
If you need immediate food assistance:
- Call 2-1-1 to be connected with local food pantries and emergency food resources in your area.
- You can also visit the NCDHHS website dedicated to food access to find a food pantry closest to you.
- Contact your local Department of Social Services to ask about emergency assistance options
What to do Now
Yes. Please continue to apply if you need food assistance. County DSS offices are open and processing all applications. Applying now will prevent delays in receiving benefits once federal funding is restored.
Yes. It is critical that you submit all renewal paperwork by your deadline. If you miss your renewal deadline, your benefits will end, and you will have to reapply. Continue to submit all required documents on time.
Yes. Please complete all scheduled interviews and submit all requested paperwork. County DSS staff are continuing to process cases so that benefits can be issued without delay once federal authorization is received.
You can apply:
- Online at ePASS.nc.gov
- By phone by calling your local Department of Social Services
- In person at your county DSS office
To find your local office, visit ncdhhs.gov/localDSS or call 2-1-1.
Yes. County DSS offices remain open and staff are available to answer questions about your case, process applications, and provide assistance.
Getting Help
North Carolina’s resilient network of regional food banks and their partner networks of food pantries, meal providers, and nonprofit organizations are mobilizing to support North Carolinians during this potential food insecurity crisis caused by the USDA’s directive to suspend November 2025 FNS benefits.
In addition to NC 211, North Carolina’s regional food banks are crucial resources for helping North Carolinians locate food resources and support during this crisis, as they have been during other moments of hardship for North Carolina.
- Food Bank of the Albemarle (Northeast NC)
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast NC (Fayetteville and Southeast NC)
- Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina (Greater Triangle Region through Coastal NC)
- Inter-Faith Food Shuttle (Greater Triangle Region)
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (Greater Charlotte area)
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC (Greater Triad area and Northwest)
- MANNA Food Bank (Western NC)
- NC 211 - Dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org to connect with local food pantries, meal programs, and other essential services. Available 24/7 and in multiple languages.
Even with robust support, food banks can provide only a fraction of the nutritional assistance that federal programs like FNS provide. For every meal that a food bank provides to neighbors experiencing hunger, FNS provides nine.
Other Latest Updates
- FNS continues to combat card skimming, fraud and benefit theft: If your FNS benefits have been stolen, learn How to Protect Your Information.
- You can now subscribe to get FNS notices electronically and receive messages from your caseworker by text. See more information in the frequently asked questions.
- Get access to new, online features! Ask your caseworker at your next meeting to enhance and link your ePASS account. View the flyers to learn more: English Flyer, Spanish Flyer.
What can we help you do today?
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) eligibility is determined by income, household size, assets, and many other factors. Because the calculation is complex, the best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply.
Don't wait! Your benefits start from the date we get your application — even if it's not complete. Find out how to apply for FNS benefits.
You may be able to get benefits if you:
- Have no job or a low-paying job
- Receive Work First Family Assistance (WFFA), TANF (also known as welfare), or SSI benefits (for people with disabilities)
- Are elderly or disabled, and low-income
- Are experiencing homelessness
To qualify, your household must meet certain rules about how much money you make, how much money and property you have, and where you live.
Here are some basic things you need to know:
1. Applying for yourself or as a household.
You are a household of one (1) if you live alone, are homeless, or have roommates you do not cook and eat meals with. When you apply, remember that your household is just you.
If you live with your family or others and you prepare and eat meals with them, count each of those people in your household. That includes children and seniors in your home.
2. Income and resource limits.
For most people, FNS eligibility has limits to the income you and others in your household can receive. Additionally, there are limits on how much money and property ("resources") you can have. You may still qualify if you work part-time, make a little money, or own a home or car.
After you apply, case workers determine which limits apply to you, and whether certain deductions (like for medical and/or shelter expenses) might help you qualify.
3. Other requirements.
- You must be a North Carolina resident and a U.S. citizen or have certain legal status. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible.
- You must have a Social Security number or have applied for one.
- People convicted of certain drug-related felonies may not be eligible.
- College students are not eligible unless they meet certain work requirements or exceptions.
- If you're an adult without kids and you're able to work, you might have to work or take part in a work program to keep getting benefits.
Ready for the next step?
Apply for Benefits
Applying for FNS benefits – also called Food Stamps – can feel overwhelming, but we have created a checklist to help you prepare:
If you’re ready to apply or are checking on the status of your application, visit the ePASS website.
You can now submit online recertifications. Visit the FNS and SNAP Recertification page to learn more and view frequently asked questions.
You can now submit online change of circumstances. Visit the FNS and SNAP Change of Circumstance page to learn more and view frequently asked questions.
There are several ways to check FNS balances and all are available 24/7. Make sure you have your card number ready. Then you can:
- Call 1-888-622-7328
- Visit ebtEDGE Click on More Information under EBT Cardholders.
- Download the ebtEDGE mobile app. The app is available as a free download on the Apple Store and Google Play.
If you can’t find your card or card number, call 1-888-622-7328 for assistance.
If you are having an issue with your EBT Card, like if it gets lost or you forget your PIN, look through the EBT FAQs here.
You can activate your card, select a PIN, check your card balance, view your transaction history or cancel your EBT card by using the cardholder portal at ebtEDGE or through the EBT Edge mobile app available at Google Play or the Apple Store.
For other questions, you can call the NC EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141 or use our contact form here. The Call Center is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. It is not open on weekends or holidays.
Contact Us
Need additional help? Call the NC EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141, or send an online message to the Division of Social Services.
Other Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
The FNS benefits are issued on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. FNS recipients use EBT cards to access FNS benefits at any USDA-authorized retailer. Most major grocery stores are USDA-authorized retailers. Questions about lost or stolen cards, changing PIN, or checking balances can be answered by calling 1-888-622-7328.
The amount of benefits each household receives is based on several eligibility factors such as the number of people in the household, total income, and allowable deductions.
You are a household of one (1) if you live alone, are experiencing homelessness, or have roommates you do not cook and eat meals with. If you live with your family or others who you prepare and eat meals with, count each of those people in your household. That includes children and seniors in your home.
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit* |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $1,789 |
| Each Additional Member | (+$218) |
*Because many factors go into determining the benefit amount, most households do not receive the maximum. Apply now.
Your EBT benefits will be available on the same day each month according to the last digit of your social security number (SSN), even if that day is on a weekend or holiday.
| If your SSN ends in: | Your benefits will be available after 6 a.m. on the: |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3rd day of every month |
| 2 | 5th day of every month |
| 3 | 7th day of every month |
| 4 | 9th day of every month |
| 5 | 11th day of every month |
| 6 | 13th day of every month |
| 7 | 15th day of every month |
| 8 | 17th day of every month |
| 9 | 19th day of every month |
| 0 | 21st day of every month |
Note: Benefits are available on the 3rd day of every month if you do not have a Social Security Number.
Use our Local Department of Social Services finder to locate the FNS office closest to you.
While you can do many FNS-related tasks online, you may choose to visit the FNS office to apply for benefits, drop off documentation, or speak with a case worker.
Examples of items you can buy with FNS:
- Breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables
- Meats, fish, poultry, dairy
- Bottled water, non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
Examples of items you cannot buy with FNS:
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes
- Any nonfood items such as pet foods, soaps, household supplies
- Vitamins and medicines
- Hot foods or foods already prepared
Contact us
Need additional help? Call the NC EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141, or send an online message to the Division of Social Services.
Complaints
If you have complaints or concerns, you may:
- Contact us at 1-866-719-0141
- Send an online message to the North Carolina Division of Social Services
- Send a letter to:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
mail:
Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
Alexandria, VA 22314; or
*Do not send application/recertification forms here.
fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
email: FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov