In Greensboro, North Carolina, all residents have the right to apply for food stamps through SNAP, the government-funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP provides EBT, or electronic benefit transfer debit cards to low-income families and individuals in need of nutritional meals. SNAP EBT cards are preloaded monthly with a fund, and the owner can use them at local grocery stores, convenience stores and even farmer's markets. To apply for SNAP, you may determine your eligibility online, but you need to mail, fax or submit your application in person to the Greensboro Department of Social Services, or DSS.
Step 1
Check your eligibility for the North Carolina SNAP through ePASS, an online screening service located at epass.nc.gov. Before you fill out the online questionnaire, make sure you have your personal information handy, such as a monthly gross income estimate of each household member, all of your housing, utility, healthcare and child care bills, an estimate of your family assets, and social security or disability information on any household member, if any.
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For a list of eligible monthly gross income per family size, as well as asset limits, visit North Carolina's DSS website at ncdhhs.gov/dss/. From the homepage,click on the "programs and services" link in the left-hand navigation bar. On the next page, click on the "Food and Nutrition Services" link of all income and asset limitations.
Step 2
Fill out the SNAP application. You may obtain an application from the Guilford County DSS by stopping in to their Greensboro Office in person, requesting an application via mail or fax, or printing the application form online.
To print out a copy of the SNAP application form online, visit the Guilford County DSS website. From the home page, scroll down and click on the "Food and Nutrition Services" link. On the next page, click on the website link in the "Can I apply on-line for service?" section. On the next page, click on "Department of Social Services." On the final page, scroll down through the forms and click on "DSS-8207", which will open the PDF version of the application.
Guilford County Department of Social Services Greensboro Office 1203 Maple Street Greensboro, N.C. 27405 336-641-3000 Fax: 336-641-6868 co.guilford.nc.us/government/socservices/index.html
Step 3
Mail in your completed application form to the Guilford County DSS Greensboro Office, or bring in the form in person. Once they receive the application, they will notify you within five business days if you meet the requirements.
Tip
The Guilford County DSS' Greensboro Office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. When you arrive, take a number from the Customer Care Professional at the desk; he will call your number when it is your turn to speak with an intake caseworker or social worker. The average wait time is two to three hours.
Things You'll Need
Personal information, including
Monthly income of each household member
Household bills
Healthcare or childcare bills
Household assets
Rent or lease agreement
Social security or disability benefits of household members, if applicable
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