Food Stamps

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) are controlled by the North Carolina Division of Social Services, which is the state’s food stamp program. The program uses funds from the USA to provide low income people and their families with benefits to purchase food in order to stay healthy. The Food and Nutrition Services are working constantly to ensure that there is no hunger within the state of North Carolina. All benefits are provided through the use of an EBT card. The Food and Nutrition Services provide those who are receiving benefits with various ways that they can offer a well-rounded and nutritional diet to their families. If you want to learn more about your eligibility or discover more information about the program, you can start by visiting the North Carolina Division of Social Services online. Individuals who are in emergency situations can receive aid within 7 days.

To read about applying for the food stamp program, it’s recommended to browse the information and requirements listed on the North Carolina Division of Social Services website. You can use a screening tool online to help you determine if you are going to qualify for cash assistance or food stamps. This information is available at the ePASS portal. You can download and print the application for food and nutrition services at the link listed on this page and turn it in at a local county department for social services. There is a listing of these locations provided on this page also. You can also fax, mail, or bring the application into the office in the county where your household is present. Persons who are in households that only have SSI recipients can apply through using the Social Security Administration Office site.

The first step in being able to determine your eligibility is to start with the screening tool that is provided on the ePASS website. You will be able to read some information about what is required to be eligible. This includes your name, birthdate, expenses, liquid resources, gross income, and other elements. You have to be a citizen and resident of the state. Liquid resources are considered to be your cash on hand, savings, checking account , deposits, and any money market accounts. You have to qualify as being low income. If you have a household of four and you are making over $2422 per month, you are not going to be considered eligible for benefits. However, these amounts vary if you have someone disabled or elderly in your household. If you are approved, you will receive an EBT card that you can use anywhere that SNAP benefits are accepted.

To learn more about getting access to SNAP benefits in the Charlotte, North Carolina area the following contact information has been provided.

Helpful Links and Phone Numbers

Division of Social Services – http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/foodstamp/ Requirements – http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/foodstamp/apply.htm ePASS – https://epass.nc.gov/ Application – http://info.dhhs.state.nc.us/olm/forms/dss/dss-8207.pdf Office Listing – http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/local/index.htm For County – http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/local/dir_meck.htm Social Security Administration – http://www.ssa.gov/ Screening Tool – https://epass.nc.gov/ePASS/cw/PlayerPage.do? Guidelines – https://epass.nc.gov/ePASS/cw/PlayerPage.do ?&id=-8429713757600481280&page=NCScreeningOptionalLogin SNAP Offices – http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/local/index.htm Related Programs: (F&C Medicaid, NC Health Choice, Adult Medicaid & Food and Nutrition Services, Work First) Fax: (704) 353-1325 Food & Nutrition Services: Charlotte Guthrie (704) 353-1470