by Paula Jacobs

Created on: July 07, 2010

North Carolina residents who need help with their grocery bill can get food stamps to supplement the rising cost of groceries.  Food Stamps are a crucial link between overall health and nutritious foods for residents who cannot afford to purchase adequate food for themselves and their family. To determine if a household is eligible, there are several requirements that must be met.

The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) in North Carolina are responsible for the Federal Food Stamps Program. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAPS) was created for North Carolina residents to teach them about the importance of proper nutrition. This program provides support through educational programs and food stamps, issued on a debit card to qualifying low-income homes throughout the State.

If you or someone you know need financial support to buy healthy foods, a six month supply of Food Stamp can be very beneficial. Listed below are the requirements an applicant must meet in order to obtain food stamps in North Carolina. The initial requirements are:

Residency

* You must be a US Citizen or a qualified immigrant
* You must be a resident of North Carolina

Income

There are also restrictions on income levels and other income requirements for a family who receive Food Stamps.

Family of 1 - Gross income must be less than $1174
                 2 - Gross income must be less than $1579
                 3 - Gross income must be less than $1984
                 4 - Gross income must be less than $2389

Savings and Assets:

If the applicant has a substantial amount of savings and/or assets, their application will be denied. A limited amount of cash-on-hand, savings and other assets are allowed;

* Under $2,000 for most applicants
* Under $3,000 if someone in your household is disabled or age 60 or older. A free screening tool for food stamp eligibility is available on the USDA website.

Anyone who receive food stamps in North Carolina must be gainfully employed and/or a participant in the Food and Nutrition Services work program. Some of the situations that sometimes instantly qualify an applicant are;

* If you are pregnant 
* You live in a home with a child under 18
* You are disabled
* Live in a North Carolina

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