Food and Nutrition Services Employment and Training Program

Food and Nutrition Services Employment and Training Program is sponsored by NCDHHS Division of Child and Family Well-Being. Supports employment and training programs for Food and Nutrition Services recipients.

NC DHHS: Food and Nutrition Services Food Stamps Civil Rights/Non-Discrimination Versión en Español Food and Nutrition Services (FNS, also known as Food Stamps) is a program that helps eligible people with limited incomes supplement their budgets so they can purchase food. The program is nationally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , commonly known as SNAP.

The benefits are given on an EBT card, which works like a debit card. You can use it to buy food at stores that accept EBT cards. Look for signs that say, “We accept SNAP benefits.

” Latest Updates - Changes in SNAP Work Requirements and Non-Citizen Eligibility H. R. 1, signed into law on July 4, 2025, made significant changes to SNAP eligibility requirements.

Two changes affect North Carolina SNAP participants: expanded work requirements (effective December 1, 2025) and new non-citizen eligibility rules (effective February 1, 2026). Your county's Department of Social Services will screen you for these changes at your next recertification.

Submit a Recertification Online Submit a Change of Circumstance Online Get Help with Your Benefits Find Additional Resources Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) eligibility is determined by income, household size, assets, and many other factors. Because the calculation is complex, the best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply. Don't wait!

Your benefits start from the date we get your application — even if it's not complete. Find out how to apply for FNS benefits.

You may be able to get benefits if you: Have no job or a low-paying job Receive Work First Family Assistance (WFFA), TANF (also known as welfare), or SSI benefits (for people with disabilities) Are elderly or disabled, and low-income Are experiencing homelessness To qualify, your household must meet certain rules about how much money you make, how much money and property you have, and where you live.

Here are some basic things you need to know: 1. Applying for yourself or as a household. You are a household of one (1) if you live alone, are homeless, or have roommates you do not cook and eat meals with.

When you apply, remember that your household is just you. If you live with your family or others and you prepare and eat meals with them, count each of those people in your household. That includes children and seniors in your home.

2. Income and resource limits. For most people, FNS eligibility has limits to the income you and others in your household can receive.

Additionally, there are limits on how much money and property ("resources") you can have. You may still qualify if you work part-time, make a little money, or own a home or car. After you apply, case workers determine which limits apply to you, and whether certain deductions (like for medical and/or shelter expenses) might help you qualify.

You must be a North Carolina resident and a U.S. citizen or have certain legal status. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible. You must have a Social Security number or have applied for one.

People convicted of certain drug-related felonies may not be eligible. College students are not eligible unless they meet certain work requirements or exceptions. If you're an adult without kids and you're able to work, you might have to work or take part in a work program to keep getting benefits.

Applying for FNS benefits – also called Food Stamps – can feel overwhelming, but we have created a checklist to help you prepare: If you’re ready to apply or are checking on the status of your application, visit the ePASS website. Submit a Recertification Online You can now submit online recertifications. Visit the FNS and SNAP Recertification page to learn more and view frequently asked questions.

Submit a Change of Circumstance Online You can now submit online change of circumstances. Visit the FNS and SNAP Change of Circumstance page to learn more and view frequently asked questions. There are several ways to check FNS balances and all are available 24/7.

Make sure you have your card number ready. Then you can: Visit ebtEDGE Click on More Information under EBT Cardholders. Download the ebtEDGE mobile app.

The app is available as a free download on the Apple Store and Google Play . If you can’t find your card or card number, call 1-888-622-7328 for assistance. Learn more about your EBT Card.

Get Help with Your Benefits If you are having an issue with your EBT Card, like if it gets lost or you forget your PIN, look through the EBT FAQs here. You can activate your card, select a PIN, check your card balance, view your transaction history or cancel your EBT card by using the cardholder portal at ebtEDGE or through the EBT Edge mobile app available at Google Play or the Apple Store.

For other questions, you can call the NC EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141 or use our contact form here . The Call Center is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday through Friday. It is not open on weekends or holidays.

Find Additional Resources Need additional help? Call the NC EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141, or send an online message to the Division of Social Services.

Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) More Than A Job NC Program Simplified Nutritional Assistance Program SNAP North Carolina State Nutrition Action Coalition Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) Impact of Proposed Federal SNAP Cuts in North Carolina If I’m approved, how will I get my benefits? How much will I receive in benefits? When will I get my benefits?

Where is my nearest FNS office? What can I buy with my benefits? If I’m approved, how will I get my benefits?

The FNS benefits are issued on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. FNS recipients use EBT cards to access FNS benefits at any USDA-authorized retailer. Most major grocery stores are USDA-authorized retailers.

Questions about lost or stolen cards, changing PIN, or checking balances can be answered by calling 1-888-622-7328. How much will I receive in benefits? The amount of benefits each household receives is based on several eligibility factors such as the number of people in the household, total income, and allowable deductions.

You are a household of one (1) if you live alone, are experiencing homelessness, or have roommates you do not cook and eat meals with. If you live with your family or others who you prepare and eat meals with, count each of those people in your household. That includes children and seniors in your home.

Household Size Maximum Benefit* 1 $298 2 $546 3 $785 4 $994 5 $1,183 6 $1,421 7 $1,571 8 $1,789 Each Additional Member (+$218) *Because many factors go into determining the benefit amount, most households do not receive the maximum. Apply now. When will I get my benefits?

Your EBT benefits will be available on the same day each month according to the last digit of your social security number (SSN), even if that day is on a weekend or holiday. If your SSN ends in: Your benefits will be available after 6 a. m.

on the: 1 3rd day of every month 2 5th day of every month 3 7th day of every month 4 9th day of every month 5 11th day of every month 6 13th day of every month 7 15th day of every month 8 17th day of every month 9 19th day of every month 0 21st day of every month Note: Benefits are available on the 3rd day of every month if you do not have a Social Security Number. Where is my nearest FNS office?

Use our Local Department of Social Services finder to locate the FNS office closest to you. While you can do many FNS-related tasks online, you may choose to visit the FNS office to apply for benefits, drop off documentation, or speak with a case worker. What can I buy with my benefits?

Examples of items you can buy with FNS: Breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables Meats, fish, poultry, dairy Bottled water, non-alcoholic beverages Seeds and plants that produce food Examples of items you cannot buy with FNS: Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes Any nonfood items such as pet foods, soaps, household supplies Hot foods or foods already prepared Need additional help?

Call the NC EBT Call Center at 1-866-719-0141, or send an online message to the Division of Social Services. If you have complaints or concerns, you may: Send an online message to the North Carolina Division of Social Services U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Food and Nutrition Service, USDA 1320 Braddock Place, Room 334 * Do not send application/recertification forms here.

fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or email: FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda. gov