North Carolina SNAP

North Carolina’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is an entitlement program that helps eligible North Carolinians afford 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.

Benefits can be used for most food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and cereals, as well as seeds and plants to grow food.

As a condition of eligibility, all SNAP recipients in North Carolina who aren’t exempt must either 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 income limits and other financial eligibility rules
Have less than $3,000 in resources or $4,750 if at least one member is elderly or disabled

How much is SNAP in North Carolina?

For the period through September 30, 2027, a family of three may receive up to $808 per month with no income or about $508 per month if the family has a net monthly income of $1,000.

Household Size	SNAP Benefits
1	$306
2	$562
3	$808
4	$1,023
5	$1,217
6	$1,463
7	$1,616
8	$1,841

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 is the income limit for SNAP in NC?

Most families in North Carolina with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or about $4,553 per month for a family of three, may qualify for food stamps. There is no asset limit in North Carolina.

Household Size	100%Net Income	200%Gross Income
1	$1,330	$2,660
2	$1,803	$3,607
3	$2,277	$4,553
4	$2,750	$5,500
5	$3,223	$6,447
6	$3,697	$7,393
7	$4,170	$8,340
8	$4,643	$9,287

Effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Gross income limit applies to most households, except when at least one member is age 60 or older or receives disability income; in these cases, only the net income test applies.

North Carolinians, 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

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP)
(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.

Sources & notes

Data and figures on this page come from the sources and notes below:

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. ↩