North Carolina SNAP
Last updated: October 18, 2026
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps eligible low-income North Carolina households buy groceries each month. In North Carolina, SNAP is known as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) and is administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) Division of Social Services. Benefits are delivered on the North Carolina EBT card.
What is SNAP?
SNAP provides monthly food benefits loaded onto a North Carolina EBT card, which works like a debit card at any store that accepts SNAP, and for approved online grocery orders. Benefits can be used for foods like fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, dairy, and bread and cereal. They cannot be used for tobacco, alcohol, vitamins, medicines, or non-food items.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based on household size, income, and resources. Working families, older adults, people with disabilities, and others with limited income may qualify. Most adults ages 16 to 59 must follow SNAP work rules. Households where everyone is age 60 or older, or has a disability, may qualify under simplified rules.
North Carolina SNAP income limits and maximum benefits (Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027)
These are the SNAP figures in effect from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027, from USDA’s fiscal year 2027 cost-of-living adjustments and SNAP eligibility page. North Carolina uses broad-based categorical eligibility, so its gross income limit is higher than the federal 130%: 200% for most households, according to USDA’s June 2026 chart of BBCE states. You may qualify even if your income is close to these amounts; the state agency decides when you apply.
| Household size | Gross monthly income limit (200% of poverty) | Net monthly income limit (100% of poverty) | Maximum monthly benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 | $1,330 | $306 |
| 2 | $3,607 | $1,804 | $562 |
| 3 | $4,554 | $2,277 | $808 |
| 4 | $5,500 | $2,750 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $6,447 | $3,224 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $7,394 | $3,697 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $8,340 | $4,170 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $9,287 | $4,644 | $1,841 |
| Each additional person (households of 9 to 17) | +$947 | +$474 | +$225 |
| 18 or more people | +$947 for each person over 8 | +$474 for each person over 8 | $3,887 |
Households with a member who is 60 or older or has a disability do not have to meet the gross limit, but must meet the net limit (USDA). Net income is income after allowed deductions, such as 20% of earnings and a standard deduction ($217 for households of 1 to 3 in the 48 states and D.C.). The maximum benefit is for a household with no countable income; most households get less.
How we figured the gross limits: we take the HHS 2026 poverty guideline ($15,960 a year for one person), multiply by the percentage, divide by 12 and round up to the next dollar, the same rounding USDA uses for its own SNAP tables. North Carolina’s own published table may differ by a dollar or two. The net limits and maximum benefits are USDA’s published figures.
How to apply
NC DHHS lists three ways to apply: online, in person, or by mail (NC DHHS: Apply for Food and Nutrition Services). After applying, you will have an interview with a case worker, in person, by phone or by video, and provide documents to verify income and household details. Benefits start from the day you submit the application, even if it is incomplete.
Apply online
Create an account and apply at epass.nc.gov (ePASS), where you can also check your case and upload documents.
Apply in person or by mail
You can apply, or drop off a paper application, at your county Department of Social Services (DSS) office, or mail a paper application to your county DSS office.
Phone help
NC DHHS does not list applying by phone. For interpreter services or communication assistance, it lists 1-866-719-0141 (Relay: 711). The same number is the NC EBT Call Center, open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, not on weekends or holidays.
Official source
This guide is based on information from the official program source: NC DHHS — Food and Nutrition Services. Income limits and benefit amounts can change; always confirm current figures with NC DHHS.
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