How to Apply for Food Stamps in Albemarle, North Carolina

North Carolina's food stamp program allows families to buy non-prepared food from all stores and farmer's markets that accept the benefits. Officially called Food and Nutrition Services, the program is administered through local county departments of social services (DSS) offices throughout the state. To determine eligibility, you will need to fill out an application and meet with a caseworker at the local county office in Stanly County. It takes about 30 days from the day your application is turned in to get benefits, except for emergency situations, which takes about seven days.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine whether you are eligible for benefits. All North Carolina residents can access the Electronic Pre-Assessment Screening Service, or ePASS, an online screening tool that lets you assess benefits eligibility. For the screening process, you will need the following information for each household member: name and birthdate, gross income, cash on hand, checking, saving and Money Market accounts, expenses (such as rent, mortgage and utilities), medical costs, child support paid, and dependent care. If you do not have access to this information, skip the online screening tool.

• 2

  Get an application from your local department of social services or download the application from: info.dhhs.state.nc.us/olm/forms/dss/dss-8207-ia.pdf. Although North Carolina's food stamp program is a statewide program, it is administered on the county level. Your residence needs to be located within the specific county of the office where you are applying.

  Stanly County DSS

  1000 North First Street, Suite 2

  Albemarle, NC 28001

  Tel. [phone]

  Fax [phone]

• 3

  Gather all necessary documents that you need for the application and interview process. This includes identification (drivers license or Social Security cards), proof of Social Security numbers, and all the documentation listed in step 1. If you don't provide a Social Security number for a household member, he may not be considered eligible for benefits.

• 4

  Fill out the application and turn it into your local DSS office as soon you can. You can also mail or fax the application to the office. The sooner you fill out the application and get it to DSS, the sooner you will receive services. If you are having trouble answering some of the questions on the application, a caseworker at your local DSS can assist you.

• 5

  Interview with a caseworker. This is mandatory for anyone applying for Food and Nutrition Services benefits. Typically, you will interview the day you bring your application to the DSS. Bring proof of ID, such as a driver's license, Social Security card, or alien papers, and all the additional information specified in step 1. Also bring proof of your address, such as a mortgage statement or a rental agreement. Tell your caseworker if you don't have access to any necessary paperwork.