Food insecurity is a serious issue nationally and in North Carolina for college students. Studies have shown that college students face food insecurity at consistently higher rates than the national prevalence. SNAP/FNS is the largest program in the United States aimed to alleviate hunger by providing individuals and families with benefits to purchase food.

EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards are used to administer benefits to individuals eligible for SNAP/FNS benefits. EBT cards work like debit cards and allow participants to purchase food products in-store or online from certain stores.

No. SNAP/FNS benefits do not impact student financial aid, and SNAP/FNS benefits do not impact taxes.

North Carolina FNS is the name of the state program responsible for providing SNAP benefits. SNAP and FNS in North Carolina are the same program and often referred to informally as food stamps.

ePass is an online system in North Carolina where people can apply for benefits such as SNAP/FNS.

The application process can be lengthy, but there are steps to ensure that your application is processed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

1. An application can be submitted with only your name, address, and signature. You must provide additional information to your caseworker once your application is processed.
2. You should try to have your application materials on hand during the application process to facilitate the interview and review process.

Documents to have ready include:

• Identification (ID, driver’s license or birth certificate)
• Social Security Number and card
• Pay stubs, bank statements, and other information indicating how much money you have in cash, bank accounts, or investments. This includes earned and unearned income like social security, child support, or Medicaid.
• Household bills (utilities, rent/mortgage, water, sewage, etc.)
• Proof of half-time enrollment at an institution (FAFSA, Transcripts, Enrollment Certificates)

Additional information may be required.

Households qualify for emergency benefits if their gross monthly income is $150 or less, they have under $100 in cash or in the bank, and their rent and utilities exceed their monthly gross income. If you believe you are eligible for emergency benefits, complete a SNAP/FNS application via ePass or contact your local Department of Social Service office directly.

If you are attending a business, technical, trade, or vocational school and enrolled in a program that requires a high school degree or equivalent, you are considered enrolled in an institution of higher education.

You are considered a student if you are enrolled at a college or university at least half-time in a regular curriculum program, regardless of whether the program requires a high school degree or equivalent. To read more about institutions of higher education and SNAP/FNS, visit USDA’s website.

You are considered enrolled at least half-time if you are taking at least 6 hours as an undergraduate student or 4.5 hours as a graduate/professional school student.

Your household size is the number of people you buy and prepare food with. If you do not buy and prepare food with your roommate or parents, they are not a part of your household.

You do not need to include your roommate in your household unless you buy and prepare food with them. It doesn’t matter if they receive SNAP/FNS benefits if you’re not included in their household. You cannot’t apply for SNAP/FNS if you’re part of someone else’s household on a SNAP/FNS application.

Yes, you can live on campus and be eligible for SNAP/FNS benefits if you do not have a meal plan or your meal plan covers less than 11 meals per week per semester.

Federal work study funding does not count as income. Educational stipends, fixed and regular payments in an education setting do not count as income. However, grants and scholarships designated for room and board count as income when applying for SNAP/FNS benefits.

No. SNAP/FNS benefits do not impact your financial aid, and SNAP/FNS benefits do not impact your taxes.

As long as you live and attend school in North Carolina, you can apply for SNAP/FNS benefits.

To receive SNAP/FNS benefits, you must be a U.S. citizen or have a certain legal status. To learn more about the eligibility requirements for non-citizens, visit USDA’s website. If you are undocumented or do not meet the non-citizen exemptions, you are not eligible for benefits.

You may still be eligible even if you are not a college student. Visit the NC DHHS website for more information on eligibility requirements.

Many chronic and temporary conditions exempt a student from work requirements. If you believe you may be exempt from working, you should apply for benefits or contact your local Department of Social Services Office. You may be required to provide a letter from a medical professional to verify.

Students may be asked to provide a range of documentation verifying enrollment status, financial aid, and employment. Students may need help verifying hours worked if paystubs do not include hours worked and are a monthly stipend.

You can receive SNAP/FNS benefits as long as you are eligible. You must recertify your eligibility every 6 months. Recertification can be done online through ePass or by mail.

Your benefits will roll over if you do not use them. However, if you don’t use your SNAP/FNS benefits at all for 9 months, then your benefits may be permanently removed.

Your status as a student continues during summer break as long as you are enrolled for the next semester.