The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) acknowledges the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision issued late Friday night granting the Trump Administration’s appeal to temporarily halt the distribution of full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. After issuing partial November SNAP benefits to North Carolinians on Friday morning, NCDHHS was on track to issue the remaining full benefits over the weekend. However, due to the White House decision to appeal a court order that would have provided full benefits, NCDHHS paused this effort. In response, Governor Stein and NCDHHS Secretary Sangvai issued these statements.
“This is about a basic necessity – food – being caught in the middle of political chaos,” said Governor Josh Stein. “The hard-working people and families who rely on SNAP benefits deserve certainty, not confusion about whether they’ll be able to put meals on the table this weekend and the rest of the month. I am urging for a swift resolution by the courts and some humanity from the Trump administration so North Carolina families can receive the support they need.”
Yesterday, Governor Stein announced that private partners continue to join the state’s efforts to support local food banks across NC, now totaling nearly $22 million.
“Our department stands ready to issue full benefits to the North Carolinians who depend on SNAP to feed their families and buy nutritious groceries – all we need is clarity from the Federal government,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “While partial payments were distributed on Friday based on USDA guidance, they fall far short of what people need. With more than 190,000 households receiving $16 or less, and some receiving no benefits at all, this reduction hits working families the hardest. We continue to urge federal leaders to come together and restore stability for the people who are paying the price for this inaction.”
NCDHHS worked around the clock this week to ensure SNAP benefits could be issued as quickly as possible. On Friday, following initial guidance from the USDA, partial November SNAP benefits were distributed at approximately 65% of the normal maximum allotment for over 586,000 households. Households that typically receive the maximum amount saw their benefits reduced by 35%, while those who normally receive less experienced even deeper reductions. Thousands of households received no benefits at all due to USDA’s SNAP benefit formula. In total, about 190,000 North Carolina households received $16 or less on their EBT cards on Friday.
NCDHHS is communicating directly with beneficiaries and people who are impacted and posting regular updates on the NCDHHS website dedicated to the federal government shutdown. We are also updating the SNAP 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.