FNS gives a monthly amount on an EBT card to buy groceries. Apply through ePASS or at the county DSS. Emergency (expedited) benefits can come within 7 days for people with very little money.
County next steps
Orange · Durham · Wake · North Carolina · Adults 18+
Orange County
Orange County DSS
113 Mayo Street, Hillsborough; or 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill
919-245-2800- Ask about adult Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, or another benefit you need.
- Confirm application options, required documents, interview arrangements, and any emergency processing.
- Use ePASS where available, keep confirmation, and agree on the next follow-up. Eligibility is assessed by the program.
Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.
Durham County
Durham County DSS
414 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701
919-560-8000- Ask about adult Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, or another benefit you need.
- Confirm application options, required documents, interview arrangements, and any emergency processing.
- Use ePASS where available, keep confirmation, and agree on the next follow-up. Eligibility is assessed by the program.
Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.
Wake County
Wake Health & Human Services — Swinburne
220 Swinburne Street, Raleigh, NC 27610
919-212-7000- Ask about adult Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, or another benefit you need.
- Confirm application options, required documents, interview arrangements, and any emergency processing.
- Use ePASS where available, keep confirmation, and agree on the next follow-up. Eligibility is assessed by the program.
Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.
Key facts
- Report changes as the notice explains.
- Protect the card PIN. Card skimming is a real problem.
- Double Up Food Bucks or farmers market programs may stretch benefits.
Who qualifies
- Households with income under the limits (most households: gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level in NC)
- US citizens and eligible qualified non-citizens; ask county DSS about current household and immigration eligibility rules
- Some adults ages 18–64 face SNAP ABAWD work requirements and a three-month time limit unless exempt. Qualifying activities generally total 80 hours per month. Ask county DSS to screen current health-related exemptions and household circumstances.
What to bring (checklist)
Step by step
- Apply on ePASS or at the county DSS. Even a name, address, and signature starts the application date.
- Do the interview (often by phone).
- Send in the documents they ask for by the due date.
- Get the EBT card. Lost or stolen card: call the EBT number on the back.
- Recertify when the notice comes.
Official sources
Last checked October 2026. Amounts and rules change, so confirm with the official source before sharing.