North Carolina SNAP

North Carolina’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is an entitlement program that helps eligible North Carolinians purchase the food they need for a nutritionally adequate and well-balanced diet.

Families are issued an EBT card and pay for their groceries at any USDA authorized retailer by using the card, which works like a debit card, at the checkout counter.

As a condition of eligibility, all SNAP recipients in North Carolina who aren’t exempt must meet the general SNAP work rules or the ABAWD work rules. ¹

FAQ

Who is eligible for SNAP in North Carolina?

In order to qualify for FNS, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Live in North Carolina
Be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident
Show proof of identity
Meet certain income guidelines
Have less than $3,000 in resources

What is the SNAP benefit per month in North Carolina?

SNAP benefits may vary from family to family depending on a variety of factors, including the household size, income and allowable deductions.

For example, a family of three with no income may receive up to $785 in monthly benefits or $485 each month if the family has a net monthly income of $1,000.

Family Size	SNAP Benefits
1	$298
2	$546
3	$785
4	$994
5	$1,183
6	$1,421
7	$1,571
8	$1,789

The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits. Use our SNAP calculator to estimate the amount of benefits you can expect to receive.

What are the income limits for food stamps in NC?

Most families in North Carolina with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level, about $4,442 a month for a family of three, qualify for food stamps. There is no asset limit in North Carolina.

Family Size	Income Limit
1	$2,608
2	$3,525
3	$4,442
4	$5,358
5	$6,275
6	$7,192
7	$8,108
8	$9,025

Effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Gross income limit applies to most households, except those in which at least one person is 60 years of age or older, or receives disability income.

Are you eligible for SNAP?

Find out if you may qualify and get an estimated amount of benefits you could receive.

How do I apply for food stamps in NC?

North Carolina residents can use an online tool called ePASS to submit an application or apply in person at your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office. ²

NC EBT Call Center
(866) 719-0141

How long does it take to get approved for food stamps in NC?

Once your application is received and information verified, you’ll get a notice of your eligibility no later than 30 days. In some emergency cases, you may get “expedited benefits” in seven days or less.

Simplified Nutritional Assistance Program

Elderly age 65 or older who are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be eligible for Simplified Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP ), a simplified version of Regular Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).

To be eligible for Simplified SNAP, applicants must

Reside in North Carolina
Be age 65 or older
Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Not receive Food and Nutrition Services, Food Stamps, or SNAP in another state

North Carolina checks the State Data Exchange (SDX) every month to identify older adults who may be eligible for Simplified SNAP. Those identified through this process are automatically mailed a SNAP application.

ABAWD recipients aged 18-64 must work at least 80 hours a month or participate in qualifying programs to be eligible for SNAP benefits. ↩
Each of North Carolina’s 100 counties has a local social services agency. Select a county on the map to view the respective agency. ↩