How to Apply for Food Stamps in North Carolina

This article will show you what you need to do to apply and emergency food assistance. Applying for food stamps (EBT) Services can be challenging. If you are embarrassed to go to the Department of Social Services, you may be able to apply for them online.

I understand the stigma one may feel after having been totally self-sufficient to have to receive Food Stamps.

Needless to say, today, many families are receiving government assistance, who never thought, they would every walk into the Department of Social Services to receive help.

At the head of your house, it is your responsibility to do whatever your have to do to feed your children. You may have a job and receive a severe cut in pay or you may only have a part-time job. You may be eligible to apply for and receive EBT services.

In some states you can apply for EBT or Food Stamps over the phone and don’t have to go into the DSS Office. Call you state office to find out what the policy is in your state.

Online: In some areas, you are able to go on line and enter your financial information to determine if you and your family are eligible to receive Food Stamp service. Most people would rather use the online calculation form to determine if they are eligible, rather than to go into that horrible office and only to be rejected.

By Mail: You can also, call and request an application to be sent to your home. You should receive correspondence from them in 7 to 10 days. Fill out the application and return it in the prepaid envelope. They will send you a second letter informing you of what verification is needed. You can also mail this information back.

By Phone: The phone interview is also a private way of applying for food stamps. A counselor will take your information over the phone and screen you to verify if you are eligible to receive help.

In Person: If you decide physically go into the Department of Social services, you will be seen that day and told if you are eligible and what documentation to send back.

Since the latest financial crisis, you may be away that the Department of Unemployment has extended benefits longer than at any other time in history. 

The Department of Social services, also realize that many people are desperate and in dire straights and need immediate help.

Many people are eligible for expedited Food Stamps. This will entitle you to receive help in seven days of less rather than the standard one month.

If you need food on the day are evaluated, you can receive groceries for your family as well as get a referral to a food pantry near you.

When or if you are eligible for Food Stamps you will receive a letter confirming your status, the amount and when you will receive food assistance each month.

Getting an EBT Card: You will be given a credit card type card, by which you use to purchase food. Your EBT or Electronic Benefit Transfer card should be treated as money and never give anyone you don’t trust, your pin number.

Re-certification

Every three to six months you will be required to submit ran application to determine if your situation has changed or if you still require food assistance. If you situation is the same your will continue to receive EBT services.