Food and Nutrition / SNAP

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Emergency Allotment Ending

FNS benefits have been temporarily increased because of the COVID-19 public health emergency (“emergency allotments”). This means you have been getting more benefits on your EBT card each month than you normally would to help meet emergency needs during the pandemic. The federal government will be ending FNS emergency allotments, with February 2023 being the final month for emergency allotments. As a result, your benefits will go back to pre-pandemic, regular monthly benefit amounts starting March 2023. 

DHHS Press Release

View notice in English & Spanish (PDF)

View DHHS Multi-language notice (PDF)


Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), also known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

This federal food assistance program is designed to help eligible low-income households buy the food they need for nutritional meals. Verifications are not required to apply but may be addressed or requested during your interview.

Ways to apply:

  • Online at the ePass website
  • Phone by calling 910-798-3500, Option 4
  • Print and mail the application (English and Spanish)  to 1650 Greenfield Street, Wilmington, NC  28401
  • Print and fax the application (English and Spanish)  to 910-798-7824
  • In person at 1650 Greenfield Street, Wilmington, NC  28401
  • Applications may be mailed upon request

If you are pregnant, and/or have a child/children age(s) 5 and under, you may be eligible for Women Infants and Children (WIC) services by calling 910-798-3500, option 5.

Mobile Outreach Events:

Beginning June 13, New Hanover County Health and Human Services will hold mobile outreach visits in the community during the second full week of each month to help individuals and families connect with financial assistance programs like Medicaid and SNAP.  Assistance is available for first-time applicants only and is not intended for individuals currently receiving benefits or who may need recertification. 

For June, these outreach sites will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the following community locations: 

  • Tuesday, June 13: Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church (1002 Castle Street, Wilmington) 
  • Wednesday, June 14: Nir Family YMCA (2710 Market Street, Wilmington) 
  • Thursday, June 15: YWCA (2815 College Rd, Wilmington)

Income Guidelines

 You may be eligible for Food and Nutrition Services if your total income falls below the appropriate gross income limits for your household size. Eligibility workers determine which income limit applies to your household.

The maximum benefit amount for households receiving Food and Nutrition Services increased for the period of October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023. 

HOUSEHOLD SIZE130% MAXIMUM GROSS INCOME LIMIT200% MAXIMUM GROSS INCOME LIMITMAXIMUM BENEFIT ALLOTMENT
1$1,473$2,266$281
2$1,984$3,052$516
3$2,495$3,840$740
4$3,007$4,626$939
5$3,518$5,412$1,116
6$4,029$6,200$1,339
7$4,541$6,986$1,480
8$5,052$7,772$1,691
Each Additional Member(+512)(+788)(+211)

FNS Issuance Dates Based on Social Security Number

If you do not have a Social Security Number, benefits are available on the 3rd day of every month.

If your SSN ends in:

Benefits will be available on the:
1
3rd day of every month
2
5th day of every month
3
7th day of every month
4
9th day of every month
5
11th day of every month
6
13th day of every month
7
15th day of every month
8
17th day of every month
9
19th day of every month
0
21st day of every month


For more information, please call 910-798-3500 option 4.