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North Carolina EBT Card Balance: Everything about North Carolina EBT

– North Carolina EBT Card Balance –

North Carolina EBT Card Balance: The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is responsible for providing benefits to licensed low-income households from the North Carolina Food Stamp. These benefits enable households to buy the food they need for healthy living.

North Carolina EBT Card Balance

If you are eligible for food assistance in North Carolina, your benefits will be automatically deposited on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card.

The North Carolina EBT card is identical to a regular ATM or debit card, also known as the North Carolina Gain Security Card.

Every month, food stamp benefits will be deposited on your North Carolina EBT Card the same day. After they are added to your Insurance Protection Card account, you can access the North Carolina EBT Card benefits by 5 am the morning.

Benefits can be used to make approved purchases of food at qualifying retail locations. Most grocery stores in North Carolina accept the Reward Protection Card as their payment.

North Carolina Food Stamp Program

The Food Stamp Program is a Federal program that offers a monthly allocation of Food Stamp benefits distributed through Electronic Benefit Transfer Cards (they are called EBT Cards, like ATM cards).

The Food Stamp Program is an entitlement program, meaning the assistance is available to all qualifying persons and households.

Food Stamp benefits can be used at participating stores to purchase much of the food. They should not be used to buy cigarettes, pet food, paper goods, soap, or alcoholic beverages.

Applications are made at local social services offices in the locality where the household is living. Some counties have offices for Food Stamp distribution, too.

Applicants or beneficiaries who live in households consisting solely of SSI (Supplementary Security Income) can apply for Food Stamp benefits at the Office of Social Security Administration.

Registered households must collect Food Stamp payments no later than thirty days from the application date. Individuals with special circumstances must be granted the opportunity to seek compensation from Food Stamp no later than seven days from request.

What’s the North Carolina EBT Card?

  • EBT = electronic benefits transfer.
  • EBT card = a card that looks and works like a debit or credit card but is loaded with food stamps and/or cash benefits. You can use it at stores that accept EBT.
  • You’ll get the North Carolina EBT Card once you’re approved for benefits.
  • North Carolina’s EBT customer service number is 1-888-622-7328.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of North Carolina and meet one of the following requirements:

  1. You have a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or
  2. You have a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 and share your household with one of the following:
    • a person or persons age 60 and over or
    • a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself)

In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is less than or equal to the following amounts:

Annual Household Income Limits (before taxes)
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $24,980
2 $33,820
3 $42,660
4 $51,500
5 $60,340
6 $69,180
7 $78,020
8 $86,860

*For households with more than eight people, add $8,840 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

North Carolina EBT Payment Schedule

The North Carolina EBT Card (also known as the Benefits Security Card) holds the food help benefits assigned to you each month. Your benefits will be deposited onto your EBT card according to the schedule below:

If your Social Security Number ends in Benefits are deposited on the
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

Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can begin using them with your North Carolina EBT card to purchase eligible food items.

List of Stores That Take EBT Online for Delivery

As you may know, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started a pilot program (Online Purchasing Pilot) to allow select grocery stores to start accepting EBT cards online for grocery shopping, including delivery to your doorstep. The grocery stores listed below have been approved for the pilot that will offer the ability for EBT cardholders to buy food online for delivery.

  • Amazon
  • Dash’s Market
  • FreshDirect
  • Hart’s Local Grocers
  • Hy-Vee, Inc.
  • Safeway
  • ShopRite
  • Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
  • Wright’s Markets, Inc

Where can’t I use my North Carolina EBT Card?

You cannot use your North Carolina EBT Card at the following locations:

  • Casinos
  • Poker Rooms
  • Card Rooms
  • Smoke & Cannabis Shops
  • Adult Entertainment Businesses
  • Nightclubs/Saloons/Taverns
  • Tattoo & Piercing Shops
  • Spa/Massage Salons
  • Bingo Halls
  • Bail Bonds
  • Racetracks
  • Gun/Ammo Stores
  • Cruise Ships
  • Psychic Readers

Foods and Products Not Eligible for Purchase with the North Carolina EBT Card

  • Hot foods from deli/foods to be eaten in store
  • Vitamins or medication
  • Pet food
  • Paper or cleaning products
  • Alcohol/tobacco products.

For a full list of approved food items, see the Food Stamps Eligible Food List here.

How to Check North Carolina EBT Card Balance

Here’s how to check the balance on your North Carolina Benefits Security Card.

North Carolina EBT Card Balance

Option 1 – Check your Last Receipt

The first way to verify the balance of the North Carolina Protection Card benefits is to search the last receipt. This is the fastest and simplest way to find the latest balance on your North Carolina EBT Account.

Your balance will be displayed at the bottom of your most recent grocery store or receipt from an ATM. You can get used to having your most recent EBT receipt, so before you shop, you always have a fast way to test your balance.

Option 2 – Login to your Edge EBT Account

The second choice for testing your card balance is available online through the EBT Edge website. To sign in, go to the Link EBT website, then enter your User ID and Password here.

You will access your current balance and transaction history once you’ve signed in. If you don’t have an EBT account Link, you can build a user account.

Option 3 – Check by Phone

The last way to check your card balance is by mobile. Call the EBT Customer Service Number on the back of your card (1-888-622-7328).

Hotline Customer Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Input your sixteen (16) digit EBT card number after you call and you will hear your new food help or cash account balance(s).

North Carolina EBT Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions about the North Carolina EBT Card.

How do I buy food and items with my Benefit Security Card?

Here’s how to use your Benefit Security Card to purchase food items:

  • Swipe your card at the store’s payment machine.
  • Then select “EBT” from the card options.
  • Next, enter your 4-digit PIN.
  • Complete the transaction and take your receipt – it will show your current Benefit Security Card balance at the bottom.

I have seen people purchase non-food items with an EBT card. I thought SNAP was only for food?

Yes, SNAP benefits are only for food. However, some people have an EBT card for their TANF (cash assistance) benefits. You can use TANF benefits to purchase food and non-food items. For information on TANF eligibility, contact your local government benefits assistance office.

Can I have someone else help me shop using my EBT account?

Ask your local North Carolina Food Stamps caseworker about setting up an Authorized Representative (AR). The AR will have a separate card with his or her own account number and PIN. In addition, the EBT system is able to track which card is used at any time. The AR will have access to your entire benefit account.

How do I report a store or person that I think is misusing food or cash benefits (committing fraud)?

Missing benefits on purpose is a federal crime. If you misuse benefits, your benefits can be taken away. To report a store or person misusing benefits, click here.

Can I go to a bank teller and withdraw money from my EBT account? 

No, you may only withdraw money from an ATM or through a cash-back/cash-only withdrawal at a participating store. Additionally, bank tellers do not have information or access to EBT accounts.

Are there any fees for using my North Carolina EBT Card?

There is never a charge for using your card to buy food. However, any Bank surcharges (if any) for using cash machines will be taken from your account.

How much will I get on my EBT card each month?

The amount of benefits you receive on your Benefit Security Card each month is determined by your income and household size.

Can I use my EBT card in other counties and other states?

Your EBT card can operate at any store or ATM that accepts EBT Cards in the United States, as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

There are special no rules against using your EBT card outside of your state of residence. However, you are required to report any address change to your local county public assistance office.

If I don’t use all of the benefits I received this month, will these benefits still be available to me next month?

Yes, benefits that are not used in the month issued will stay in the EBT account. You may use these benefits in the following months.

What do I do if I suspect someone has stolen benefits from my EBT Benefit Security Card account?

If your EBT card is stolen or compromised, call the North Carolina Reward Protection Card Customer Service telephone number immediately. The toll-free help hotline on the Tennessee EBT card is 1-888-622-7328.

A customer service agent will have your Insurance Protection Card canceled and a new one sent to you. Replacement cards are to be issued within three to five business days. To warn them, you can also contact your nearest DHHS caseworker, and file a police report.

 

We hope this article has been helpful on how to test your North Carolina EBT Card Balance. If so, by using the “Share this” button below, we invite you to share this article with anyone who might also find it helpful.

Please leave those in the comments below if you have additional concerns about the Benefits Protection Card including the eligibility and verification process of the North Carolina SNAPs. We’re just happy to assist!

 

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