This article provides information on North Carolina’s SNAP/Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program, including the latest on the Emergency Allotment (EA) extensions for 2023.
Many state residents benefit from the federally funded, state administered program, which was designed to help families facing pandemic related hardships over the last few years. See further details and payments schedules below.
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2023 Emergency Allotments
North Carolina has requested and received USDA approval for paying the SNAP Emergency (or Maximum) Allotments for January and February 2023.
The SNAP emergency allotment (EA) program provides additional “boosted” payments to households that are already getting regular state Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits.
The extra monthly EA payment will boost monthly SNAP benefits by 15%, up to the maximum amount for their household size. The minimum boost is $95, including for households that are already receiving the maximum benefit amount.
If eligible, you will get the SNAP EA payment/allotment boost on your FNS EBT edge card per the approved waiver notice below.
For February, SNAP/FNS supplementary payments will be made for 10 days, February – 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, March 1st, 2nd & 3rd. This is after and separate to the regular SNAP/FNS payments.
These allotments are a lifeline to many households in the absence of additional stimulus payments or expanded unemployment benefits.
SNAP EA Benefits Ending? Is an Extension Likely?
Despite passing a $1.7 trillion spending bill, no additional funding was allocated for further SNAP Emergency allotments after February 2023.
So the extra SNAP EA boost will end in March 2023 and no further extension is in the works. I will post further updates as applicable or if this changes based on various pieces of legislation Congress is reviewing.
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State SNAP Resources and Payment Schedule
The SNAP program assists low-income households by providing them with financial assistance to purchase food. This program helps individuals and families afford more nutritious options at grocery stores and supermarkets.
Eligible participants will be issued an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT or P-EBT) card, which can be used to make eligible food purchases. The card is secured by a PIN, which you should change regularly to prevent unauthorized use.
See more on the state’s SNAP program page including information on payment schedules and how to apply for this and other state assistance programs.
You can view your regular monthly benefit and current SNAP/FNS EA allotment at www.ebtedge.com or through via their EBT Edge mobile app. You can also call the NCDHHS EBT Call Center at 1-888-622-7328.
Regular monthly FNS benefits are issued between the 3rd and 21st of every month. Emergency allotments are issued on or after the 22nd of the month.
