North Carolina Food Stamp Program

The Food Stamp Program is a Federal program that provides a monthly allotment of Food Stamp benefits issued via Electronic Benefit Transfer cards (like ATM cards, they are called EBT cards). The Food Stamp Program is an entitlement program; so all eligible individuals and households can receive assistance. Food Stamp benefits may be used to purchase most foods at participating stores. They may not be used to purchase tobacco, pet food, paper products, soap products, or alcoholic beverages. Applications are taken at county Departments of Social Services in the county in which the household resides. Some counties have Food Stamp outreach offices as well. Persons who live in households consisting only of SSI (Supplemental Security Income) applicants or recipients may apply for Food Stamp benefits at the Social Security Administration Office. Eligible households must be given the opportunity to receive Food Stamp benefits no later than thirty days from the date of application. Individuals with special circumstances must be given an opportunity to receive Food Stamp benefits no later than seven days from the date of application.