|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutrition

NC Food Stamp Qualifications

North Carolina refers to its food stamp program as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). County-specific social services departments administer the federally funded program for low-income individuals and families. Recipients of FNS benefits use the electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, a debit card resembling typical bank debit cards. The following eligibility requirements provide a general outline of qualifications for North Carolina food stamps. However, more qualification requirements may apply. Your county's social services department makes final decisions regarding food stamp eligibility.

  1. Household Size and Income

    • North Carolina regards household members as persons living in a residence who share food costs and preparation. Income calculated based on household size determines eligibility for food assistance benefits. The state of North Carolina uses two limits on maximum monthly income: 130 percent of the federal poverty level and 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Your county's representative chooses which limit to use based on your household's particular circumstances and assets. Household income at 130 percent of the federal poverty level is: $1,174 for one; $1,579 for two; $1,984 for three; $2,389 for four; $2,794 for five; $3,200 for six; $3,605 for seven; $4,010 for eight and increases by $406 per month for each additional member of the household. Household income at 200 percent of the federal poverty level is $1,805 for one; $2,428 for two; $3,052 for three; $3,675 for four; $4,298 for five; $4,922 for six; $5,545 for seven; $6,168 for eight and $623 for each additional member of the household.

    Minimum Employment

    • Recipients of North Carolina food stamps must work at least 20 hours a week within three months of enrollment in the food stamp program. Otherwise, to continue receiving benefits, you must participate in a government employment- or employment-training program.

    Bank Account Balances

    • Assets such as bank accounts may not exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for households with disabled persons and/or elders. If your assets exceed these amounts, you might not be eligible for food stamp assistance.

    Immigrants

    • Lawful permanent residents may not receive food stamps within their first five years of residency, unless they are more than 65 years old and have resided in the United States since at least Aug. 22, 1996. Other immigrants may not receive benefits in North Carolina, unless they are refugees, U.S. veterans or family of U.S. veterans.

Nutrition - Related Articles