How long does it take to get approved for food stamps in nc

All types of people receive SNAP benefits — single adults, families, seniors, and working people. Many people who do not have children are eligible for SNAP benefits.

Table of Contents Show

Benefits: Expedited Food Stamps
Quick Facts
Expedited Food Stamps are food stamps you can get quickly. You are eligible for expedited food stamps if you are in one if the following categories:
If you are eligible for expedited food stamps you can get your food stamps in seven (7) days or less.
How long does it take to get approved for EBT in NC?
How long does it take for SNAP to make a decision?
How do I know if my food stamps were approved online NC?
How much food stamps will I get in NC?

Eligibility is based primarily on household income and certain expenses. Learn more and see if you are eligible by calling Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.

No, SNAP benefits will remain on your EBT card for 274 days (9 months).

To be eligible for expedited benefits, you must meet one of these three criteria:

Income and money in the bank add up to less than the monthly housing expenses
Monthly income is less than $150, and money in the bank is less than $100
The applicant is a migrant worker, and money in the bank is less than $100. If you are eligible for expedited, DTA has to issue you SNAP within 7 days from the date of your application - and make sure you have an EBT card within 7 days.

We suggest you call 1-877-382-2363 (press 7), go in person to your local DTA office, or go to DTAConnect.com to apply.

No. You do not need to be working in order to apply for or be eligible for SNAP.

No. In fact, the costs associated with owning your home are used as deductions in determining your eligibility.

Yes. Many non-citizens are eligible for SNAP. Receiving SNAP will have no impact on your application for citizenship and/or a green card. It is safe to apply for SNAP! If you do not have documented immigration status, you will not be able to apply for yourself, but you may be able to apply for other eligible household members. Children born in the US may receive benefits even if their parents do not have documentation. Learn more about SNAP benefits for immigrants.

Yes. A permanent address is not required to apply for SNAP. You can get benefits whether you live on the street, are staying in a shelter, or are living with family or friends on a temporary basis. Homeless individuals and families who do not have regular shelter expenses can claim an automatic deduction from their income.

No. You can begin an application over the phone by calling Project Bread's toll-free FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.

You may also mail or fax your application to DTA or apply online at DTAConnect.org.

If you live with roomates, and...

you DO buy and prepare most of your food with the people you live with, you are considered a household. You WOULD apply together for SNAP as a household and WOULD put all their names on the application.
DO NOT prepare most of your food together, you would apply as an individual, and would NOT put their names on the application.

Some people must always apply together, including spouses and children under 22 living with a parent or step-parent.

If you are approved for SNAP: you will receive your benefits within 30 days.

If you are approved for expidited/emergency SNAP: you will receive your beneifts within 7 days.

When you apply for SNAP and don’t already have an EBT card, DTA should send you an EBT card by mail. The card may arrive before your application is processed and therefore have a $0 balance. Benefits will be added to the card once your application is fully processed, which an take up to 30 days.

No. SNAP benefits are not considered income.

Yes. SNAP benefits are only for food. However, some people also use their DTA EBT card for EAEDC or have an EBT card for their TAFDC (cash assistance) benefits. You can use TAFDC or EAEDC benefits to purchase food and non-food items.

For information or to apply for on TAFDC or EAEDC eligibility, call your local DTA office or go to contact your local DTA office. You can check your eligibility and apply for TAFDC or EAEDC at www.DTAconnect.com

Benefits: Expedited Food Stamps

Quick Facts

Expedited Food Stamps are food stamps you can get quickly. You are eligible for expedited food stamps if you are in one if the following categories:

1. Your household has less than $150 in monthly gross income, and less than $100 in liquid resources (cash on hand, checking or savings account, or other).

2. You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker without money or resources.

3. Together your monthly income and liquid resources are less than the total of your monthly rent or mortgage and heating costs and utilities.

If you are eligible for expedited food stamps you can get your food stamps in seven (7) days or less.

To find other Legal Aid of North Carolina materials, including any materials mentioned in this document, go to lawhelpNC.org. If you need legal help please go to legalaidnc.org/.

Last Review and Update: Jun 26, 2012

How long does it take to get approved for EBT in NC?

Applications are processed within 30 days from the date the application is received in the local Department of Social Services (DSS). Eligible households automatically receive an EBT card with PIN instructions once the SNAP application is approved. SNAP cases are certified for 36 months.

How long does it take for SNAP to make a decision?

How and when does the SNAP office make its decision? The SNAP office must make its decision of a person's eligibility within 30 days of the date of submission. SNAP benefits will usually be issued from the original date of the application. Applicants will be given 10 days after the interview to provide more documents.