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1. What are Food and Nutrition benefits?

Food and Nutrition benefits, also known as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), help low-income individuals purchase food. Authorized Food and Nutrition benefits are placed into an account. The benefits are accessed at authorized merchants using an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.  

2. Do I qualify for Food and Nutrition benefits?

You may be eligible for Food and Nutrition Services if your total income falls below the appropriate gross income limits for your household size. Eligibility workers determine which income limit applies to your household.

Income Chart (October 2022)

HOUSEHOLD SIZE	130% MAXIMUM GROSS INCOME LIMIT	200% MAXIMUM GROSS INCOME LIMIT	MAXIMUM BENEFIT ALLOTMENT
1	$1,473	$2,266	$281
2	$1,984	$3,052	$516
3	$2,495	$3,840	$740
4	$3,007	$4,626	$939
5	$3,518	$5,412	$1,116
6	$4,029	$6,200	$1,339
7	$4,541	$6,986	$1,480
8	$5,052	$7,772	$1,691
Each Additional Member	(+512)	(+788)	(+211)

 

3. How do I apply for Food and Nutrition benefits?

This federal food assistance program is designed to help eligible low-income households buy the food they need for nutritional meals. Verifications are not required to apply but may be addressed or requested during your interview.

• Ways to apply:
• Online at the ePass website
• Emailing your application, verification, report changes or questions to DSSinfo@nhcgov.com
• Phone by calling 910-798-3500, Option 4 http://9107983500/ 
• Print and mail the application ( https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/divisional/social-services/forms/dss-8207-application-for-food-and-nutrition-services/@@display-file/form_file/dss-8207-ia.pdf English https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/divisional/social-services/forms/dss-8207-application-for-food-and-nutrition-services/@@display-file/form_file/dss-8207-ia.pdf  & Spanish) to 1650 Greenfield Street, Wilmington, NC  28401
• Print and fax the application ( https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/divisional/social-services/forms/dss-8207-application-for-food-and-nutrition-services/@@display-file/form_file/dss-8207-ia.pdf English https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/divisional/social-services/forms/dss-8207-application-for-food-and-nutrition-services/@@display-file/form_file/dss-8207-ia.pdf  & Spanish) to 910-798-7824
• In person at 1650 Greenfield Street, Wilmington, NC  28401
• Applications may be mailed upon request
• You can subscribe to receive text messages and secure message from your caseworker for more information go to ePass website. Look for the box that says "Enhance your account"

4. What can I buy with Food and Nutrition Benefits?

Any food for the household, such as:

• Fruits and vegetables;
• Meat, poultry, and fish;
• Dairy products;
• Breads and cereals;
• Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages; and
• Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat.

Households CANNOT use  benefits to buy:

• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements. If an item has a Supplement Facts label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for SNAP purchase.
• Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store).
• Foods that are hot at the point of sale
• Any nonfood items such as:
  - Pet foods  
  - Cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household supplies.
  - Hygiene items, cosmetics

5. When will my Food and Nutrition benefits go into my account?

Your EBT benefits will be available on the same day each month according to the last digit of your social security number, even if that day is on a weekend or holiday. Benefits are available on the 3rd day of every month if you do not have a Social Security Number.

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

6. When will I receive my EBT card?

If your household is eligible, you will receive your EBT card in the mail. Please be mindful that the cards are mailed from out of state and may take 7-10 mail days to receive. 

7. How to I obtain a personal identification number (PIN) and activate my EBT Card?

• Go to www.ebtedge.com and click "More Information" under EBT cardholder. Login and/or register your account.
• Download the ebtEDGE mobile app. the app is available through the Apple Store or Google Play.
• Call  888-622-7328. Follow the prompts, they are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

8. What is the EBT Customer Service Number?

The toll-free number is 1-888-622-7328 and they are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. or you can go to www.ebtedge.com or download the ebtEDGE mobile app. the app is available through the Apple Store or Google Play.

9. Who do I contact if my EBT card is lost or damaged?

You may contact ebtEdge. The toll-free number is 1-888-622-7328 and they are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. or you can go to www.ebtedge.com or download the ebtEDGE mobile app. the app is available through the Apple Store or Google Play. However, if you need a new EBT card and your address has changed, please contact DHHS at 910-798-5000 option 4.