Information on Applying for Food Stamps in North Carolina
The Food and Nutrition Services program, otherwise known as food stamps, helps people with low incomes buy groceries. People can use food stamps to purchase most food items sold in grocery stores, though they cannot use them to purchase alcohol or non-food grocery items like paper products, soap or pet food. In North Carolina, the Division of Social Services administers the food stamps program.
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Eligibility
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People must meet certain income guidelines to qualify for food stamps. In North Carolina, a single person can earn up to $1,174 per month as of 2010. A household of two can earn $1,579 and a household of three can earn $1,984. The amount increases based on household size. Households with elderly or disabled members may be able to earn more and still qualify. The Division of Social Services considers some other factors as well when determining eligibility for food stamps, such as the resources a family has.
Getting an Application
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Visit the North Carolina Division of Social Services in the county in which you live to obtain an application for food stamps. You can also download an application from the North Carolina Division of Social Services website.
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Completing the Application
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Applicants must fill out the food stamps application completely. If they need help completing the application, the Division of Social Services staff will provide assistance.
Required Documentation
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Food stamp applicants must provide a number of documents along with their application, including proof of identity (like a drivers license or state-issued ID), proof of age (like a birth certificate), proof of address (like a lease or rental agreement), Social Security card, proof of any income, proof of assets (like bank statements) and proof of housing and utility costs. The Division of Social Services may request additional information if needed.
Where to Apply
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Apply for food stamps in the country in which you live. Visit the North Carolina Division of Social Services website to find the address of the office in your county. You can take your application to the office or you can mail it or fax it. If your only household income comes from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can also apply for food stamps at your local Social Security Administration office.
Face-to-Face Interview
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Applicants must attend a face-to-face interview with a Division of Social Services caseworker to determine eligibility. Applicants might be able to meet with a caseworker when they turn in their application, but if not, an appointment will be scheduled. The Division of Social Services provides interpreters for non-English speaking applicants.
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