SNAP / Food Stamps
NC SNAP Payments: North Carolina EBT Schedule by SSN
Quick Answer
North Carolina loads SNAP benefits between the 3rd and the 21st of every month. Your day depends on the last digit of your Social Security number — 1 on the 3rd, 0 on the 21st — and benefits are available after 6 a.m., even on weekends and holidays.
In North Carolina, SNAP is called Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). It is overseen by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and run by your county Department of Social Services (DSS). Benefits go onto your NC EBT card on the same day every month.
NC SNAP Payment Schedule by SSN
Look at the last digit of your Social Security number. NCDHHS says benefits are available after 6 a.m. on your day, "even if that day is on weekend or holiday" (NCDHHS EBT).
| Last Digit of SSN | Deposit Day (every month) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 3rd of the month |
| 2 | 5th of the month |
| 3 | 7th of the month |
| 4 | 9th of the month |
| 5 | 11th of the month |
| 6 | 13th of the month |
| 7 | 15th of the month |
| 8 | 17th of the month |
| 9 | 19th of the month |
| 0 | 21st of the month |
If you do not have a Social Security number, benefits are available on the 3rd of every month. P-EBT, when offered, follows a different timeline.
How Much Is SNAP per Month in NC?
From October 1, 2026 the maximum monthly benefit is $306 for 1 person, $562 for 2, $808 for 3 and $1,023 for 4, plus $225 for each extra person (USDA). Only households with no countable net income get the maximum; most get the maximum minus about 30% of net income.
November 2026 and Extra Food Stamps
- Has NC received SNAP benefits for November? Yes. Federal funding runs through December 11, 2026 under H.R. 6500, signed September 2, 2026 (White House), so benefits load on your usual day.
- Is NC giving extra food stamps this month? No. The temporary emergency allotments ended after February 2023 (NCDHHS); only the regular monthly benefit is paid.
North Carolina Food Stamp Changes in 2026
NCDHHS lists these changes from the 2025 federal law H.R. 1 (NCDHHS, May 26, 2026):
- Work rules (since December 1, 2025): able-bodied adults without dependents now include ages 18 through 64. Only a child under 14 (instead of under 18) exempts a parent. Adults who don't meet the rules or an exemption can get only 3 months of benefits in 36 months.
- Non-citizens (since February 1, 2026): eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, Cuban and Haitian entrants and COFA migrants. Refugees, asylees and some parolees can regain eligibility only after becoming permanent residents.
- Higher maximum benefits since October 1, 2026 (see above).
Check Your NC EBT Balance
- By phone: NC EBT call center, 1-888-622-7328 — balance, lost or stolen card, PIN changes.
- Online or app: ebtEDGE.com or the ebtEDGE mobile app, 24/7.
- Your case: log in to ePASS or contact your county DSS.
SNAP Income Limits and Maximum Benefits (Oct 2026 – Sep 2027)
USDA updates these figures every October 1. The table shows the federal limits for 48 states and DC that apply from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027: gross income at or below 130% of the poverty level, net income (after deductions) at or below 100%, and the maximum monthly benefit.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income (130%) | Net Monthly Income (100%) | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,729 | $1,330 | $306 |
| 2 | $2,345 | $1,804 | $562 |
| 3 | $2,960 | $2,277 | $808 |
| 4 | $3,575 | $2,750 | $1,023 |
| 5 | $4,191 | $3,224 | $1,217 |
| 6 | $4,806 | $3,697 | $1,463 |
| 7 | $5,421 | $4,170 | $1,616 |
| 8 | $6,037 | $4,644 | $1,841 |
| Each additional member | +$616 | +$474 | +$225 |
Your county DSS makes the final eligibility decision.
The maximum benefit goes only to households with no countable net income. Most households get less, because SNAP expects about 30% of net income to be spent on food.
How to Apply for Food Stamps in North Carolina
- Apply online with ePASS (you may need to create an account first), or in person at your county Department of Social Services.
- Complete the interview with your county DSS.
- Get your decision within 30 days, or 7 days if you qualify for expedited service (7 CFR 273.2).
Frequently Asked Questions
When are NC SNAP payments made?
North Carolina loads Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP) benefits between the 3rd and the 21st of each month, based on the last digit of your Social Security number: 1 on the 3rd, 2 on the 5th, 3 on the 7th, 4 on the 9th, 5 on the 11th, 6 on the 13th, 7 on the 15th, 8 on the 17th, 9 on the 19th and 0 on the 21st. Without an SSN, benefits come on the 3rd.
What time are SNAP benefits available in North Carolina?
NCDHHS says benefits are available after 6 a.m. on your scheduled day, even if that day falls on a weekend or holiday.
How much is SNAP per month in NC?
It depends on household size and income. From October 1, 2026 the maximum is $306 a month for 1 person, $562 for 2, $808 for 3 and $1,023 for 4, plus $225 for each extra person. Most households get less, because about 30% of net income is subtracted.
Has NC received SNAP benefits for November 2026?
Yes. Federal funding is in place through December 11, 2026, so November 2026 benefits in North Carolina are loaded on the usual day for your SSN digit.
Is NC giving extra food stamps this month?
No. The temporary emergency allotments ended after February 2023. Since then North Carolina pays only the regular monthly benefit.
What changes will North Carolina food stamps have in 2026?
Under the 2025 federal law: since December 1, 2025, work rules apply to adults 18 through 64, and only a child under 14 (instead of under 18) exempts a parent; since February 1, 2026, refugees, asylees and some other lawfully present immigrants are no longer eligible unless they become permanent residents; and since October 1, 2026, maximum benefits are higher.
How do I check my NC EBT balance?
Call the NC EBT call center at 1-888-622-7328 (balance, lost or stolen card, PIN), or check your balance at ebtEDGE.com or in the ebtEDGE mobile app, available 24/7.
How long does a SNAP application take?
Federal rules require a decision within 30 days of applying, or within 7 days if your household qualifies for expedited service (7 CFR 273.2).
Sources
Checked on November 4, 2026. Rules and amounts change; the agency's own page always wins.
- NCDHHS — Electronic Benefit Transfer (issuance schedule)
- NCDHHS — H.R. 1 work requirements and noncitizen eligibility changes (May 26, 2026)
- NCDHHS — FNS Emergency Allotments Ending (Jan 11, 2023)
- ePASS
- USDA FY 2027 SNAP cost-of-living adjustments (Aug 21, 2026)
- White House — H.R. 6500 (funding through Dec 11, 2026) signed into law