More than 586,000 households in North Carolina who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) received partial payments on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards Friday morning. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced that full November benefits could be added as soon as this weekend after receiving notice from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that it will fully fund the program for the month.
The partial payments came after initial guidance from the USDA to issue November benefits at a 35% reduction of maximum allotments. As a result, households that typically receive the maximum benefit saw their amounts reduced by 35%, while those with modified amounts experienced even greater reductions. Thousands of people received no benefits, and approximately 190,000 households received $16 or less on their EBT cards.
Governor Josh Stein expressed appreciation for NCDHHS’s efforts: “I want to thank NCDHHS for working around the clock to get money on people’s EBT cards today so they can buy groceries this weekend and feed their families,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We will keep working to help folks put food on the table during this challenging time.”
NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai commented on the importance of SNAP and praised his team’s quick response: “SNAP is a critical food assistance program for hard-working families, individuals, children, and seniors and I am grateful for how quickly our NCDHHS team was able to distribute the partial benefits to hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians who rely on SNAP,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Now that the federal government has allowed for full distribution, our team will continue to work as quickly as possible to get the remainder of benefits out to people who are depending on these funds. There is no doubt that the need is great and the sooner the federal shutdown ends the less we have to worry about our neighbors and communities going hungry.”
The USDA stated it would begin processes necessary for states to transmit full SNAP funds to beneficiaries. NCDHHS is working with federal partners so that remaining November SNAP benefits may be loaded onto EBT cards shortly.
NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson addressed legal action taken regarding benefit delays: “We took USDA to court because they broke the law and put our kids’ health in danger. They’re relenting and doing the right thing, which is good news for the families who depend on SNAP benefits to put food on the table,” said NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson.
NCDHHS continues direct communication with affected beneficiaries and provides regular updates through its website dedicated to impacts from the federal government shutdown. The department also updates its SNAP/FNS site with more details and an FAQ section.
Residents are advised to check their EBT card balances using available resources such as ebtEDGE.com or by calling 1-888-622-7328. Any existing balance remains available for use.
Guidance from NCDHHS encourages all residents needing assistance to continue applying or renewing SNAP benefits through county DSS offices, which remain open. Those facing immediate food needs can call 2-1-1 or visit the NCDHHS food access website for local pantry information.
