SNAP Beneficiaries in North Carolina to Receive Partial November Benefits Amid Federal Shutdown

North Carolina residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive partial benefits for November as the federal government shutdown continues, state officials announced. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is working to update its payment system to comply with guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

If federal funding is provided this week as expected, NCDHHS said all partial benefits should be loaded onto EBT cards by next week. Beneficiaries are encouraged to check their card balances regularly. The partial benefits come after the USDA pledged to use $4.65 billion in emergency funds to cover roughly half of the federal SNAP program for November, following a lawsuit filed by North Carolina and 24 other states.

“Families around our state are waiting to see if they’re going to be able to afford groceries. I thank DHHS for working to get them out the door as quickly as possible,” said Governor Josh Stein. “But these half measures from our federal government aren’t enough. It’s past time to give North Carolinians their peace of mind back.”

Secretary of Health and Human Services Dev Sangvai emphasized the critical role of SNAP, saying, “SNAP is more than a benefit – it is a lifeline. It helps children grow, supports working families, and ensures older adults and people with disabilities can put food on the table. While we are encouraged by the decision to require the use of emergency funds, the fact that families will receive only partial benefits is troubling. Food is foundational to health, dignity, and opportunity.”

Attorney General Jeff Jackson added, “I appreciate DHHS working around the clock to get funds out to North Carolina families as quickly as possible. The Department of Justice is going to do everything we can to help, and we all need to step up to support our communities right now.”

SNAP serves more than 622,000 households in North Carolina, including working families, children, and older residents. The funding delay has already affected many beneficiaries: at the beginning of November, over 60% had $25 or less on their accounts, and more than 30% had less than $1. The median EBT card balance was $5.43.

Under USDA guidance, November benefits will be issued at a 50% reduction of maximum allotments. For a household of four, the maximum monthly benefit is $994, which will be reduced to $497. Actual amounts vary depending on household income. Benefits from October for new applicants will still be issued in full.

NCDHHS is urging all SNAP applicants and recipients to continue applying and submitting renewal paperwork on time. County Department of Social Services offices remain open and are processing applications to avoid a backlog when full federal funding is restored.

Beneficiaries should check balances on the ebtEDGE app, online at ebtEDGE.com, or by calling 1-888-622-7328. For immediate food assistance, residents may visit NC211.org or the NCDHHS food access website to locate local food pantries.

The policy change comes as a result of two federal court rulings late last week.