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Food

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) (SNAP) for seniors in North Carolina

North Carolina calls SNAP Food and Nutrition Services, or FNS. It puts a monthly amount on an EBT card to help you buy groceries.

Checked

From the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services
An older man unpacks fresh vegetables, apples and eggs in his kitchen

People 65 and older who get SSI and buy and cook their food on their own may get it through a simpler program, with a mailed application, no interview unless they ask, and approval for 36 months.

How to apply in North Carolina

In person
Apply at your county Department of Social Services (DSS) office. You can fill out the paper application ahead of time and bring your documents, or just drop the application off.
By mail
Fill out the paper application and mail it to your county DSS office.

Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.

Apply on the official site

Who may qualify in North Carolina

Who may qualify for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)
Savings limit, household with someone 60+ or disabled, gross income at or under 200% of povertyNo limit
Savings limit if gross income is over 200% of poverty (Oct. 2026 to Sept. 2027)$4,750
Gross income limit for the no-savings-test rule (broad-based categorical eligibility)200% of the poverty level

Source: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (source 3)

Dates, renewals and waiting lists

Dates and renewals
How long approval lasts, people 65+ on SSI in the Simplified Nutritional Assistance Program36 months

Source: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (source 5)

How North Carolina is different

Where North Carolina's rules differ from the federal rules for SNAP for seniors.

  • Simplified Nutritional Assistance Program for people 65 or older who get SSI and buy and cook their food separately: an application is mailed to you automatically, and the benefit is a set amount based on your housing costs
  • No interview in the simplified program unless you ask for one
  • Approval in the simplified program lasts 36 months

Source: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (source 5)

Good to know

  • North Carolina says that since Dec. 1, 2025, adults 18 to 64 who are able to work must take part in approved work activities 80 hours a month unless they qualify for an exemption. Your county DSS checks exemptions at your next renewal.
  • New federal rules for non-citizens took effect in North Carolina on Feb. 1, 2026. Your county DSS will check them at your next renewal.

Source: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (source 6)

Free help

Free help with this in North Carolina

More help in North Carolina

SNAP food benefits in another state

Sources

  1. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  2. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Apply for Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  3. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, FNS Manual 220, Categorical Eligibility (Sept. 30, 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  4. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, FNS Manual 390, Resources (Sept. 30, 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  5. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, FNS Manual 600, Simplified Nutritional Assistance Program (Sept. 30, 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
  6. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Able-bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.

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