The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services received notice Friday afternoon that the United States Department of Agriculture will fully fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. While NCDHHS works with federal partners to get the remainder of November processed, beneficiaries could see the additional funds on their EBT cards possibly as soon as this weekend. Partial payments were loaded onto EBT cards Friday morning for more than 586,000 households that rely on SNAP in North Carolina.
NCDHHS is working as quickly as possible to get benefits out to North Carolinians. On Friday, following initial direction from the USDA to issue November benefits at a 35% reduction of maximum allotments, households that normally receive the maximum amount saw a 35% percent reduction of benefits, those that receive a modified amount saw even greater reductions, including thousands of people who received no benefits. Approximately 190,000 households in North Carolina received $16 or less, on their EBT cards today.
"I want to thank NCDHHS for working around the clock to get money on people’s EBT cards today so they can buy groceries this weekend and feed their families," said Governor Josh Stein. "We will keep working to help folks put food on the table during this challenging time."
"SNAP is a critical food assistance program for hard-working families, individuals, children, and seniors and I am grateful for how quickly our NCDHHS team was able to distribute the partial benefits to hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians who rely on SNAP," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "Now that the federal government has allowed for full distribution, our team will continue to work as quickly as possible to get the remainder of benefits out to people who are depending on these funds. There is no doubt that the need is great and the sooner the federal shutdown ends the less we have to worry about our neighbors and communities going hungry."
The USDA issued guidance Friday afternoon stating it would begin the necessary processes to support state transmission of SNAP funds to beneficiaries. NCDHHS will again work quickly to get the remainder of November SNAP benefits loaded on EBT cards.
"We took USDA to court because they broke the law and put our kids’ health in danger. They’re relenting and doing the right thing, which is good news for the families who depend on SNAP benefits to put food on the table," said NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson.
NCDHHS is communicating directly with beneficiaries and people who are impacted and posting regular updates on the NCDHHS website dedicated to providing updates about impacts of the federal government shutdown. We are also updating the SNAP and FNS website to include more details and an FAQ.
North Carolina SNAP beneficiaries should continue to check their balance on their EBT cards. Any benefits on your EBT card are available to use. Check your balance on the ebtEDGE app, at ebtEDGE.com, or by calling the number on the back of your card (1-888-622-7328).
NCDHHS is providing the following guidance for people who depend on food and nutrition benefits:
Continue to Apply and Renew: All residents should continue to apply for SNAP benefits and submit renewal paperwork on time. County DSS offices remain open and are processing all applications.
For Food Assistance: If you or your family is in immediate need for food resources, please call 2-1-1 to be connected with local resources. You can also visit the NCDHHS website dedicated to food access to find a food pantry closest to you.