Find out if you might be eligible for SNAP:
You can also use the information below to learn more about eligibility and the application process.
Eligibility
College students who are enrolled at least half-time are eligible for SNAP but must meet additional criteria. Students must meet income requirements and one additional requirement to receive monthly benefits to pay for food.
Income Requirement*
Your household size is the number of people who buy and make food with you. (That’s the number in parentheses below.)
Your gross monthly income, the amount your household make before taxes, must be less than the household income guidelines below. You may add $858 for each additional household member to calculate your household size’s gross monthly income limit.
(1) $2,430
(2) $3,288
(3) $4,144
(4) $5,000
*Current through September 30, 2024
Additional Requirement
In addition to the income requirement, you only need to meet ONE of the requirements below:
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- 17 years or younger; or 50 years or older.
- Physically or mentally unfit for work.
- Work a minimum of 20 hours/week or 80 hours/month.
- Responsible for a child 6-11 years old and childcare is unavailable.
- Full-time single parent with a child under 12 years old.
- Participating in on-the-job training.
- Participating in a work-study program.
- ***TO SEE THE FULL LIST, GO HERE***
- Use this site to understand which requirements you fulfill((((*********
I meet the requirements. What now?
How to Apply
You can apply online at NC ePass or through a paper application, which can be mailed or delivered to your local DSS office. You will be asked to provide documents to verify your identity.
Required Documentation
These are some of the documents you will need to include as part of your application process:
- Proof of identity — These are documents that can prove you are a U.S. citizen and state resident (such as ID, social security cards, lease documents or utility bills). You may be required to provide additional documentation.
- Proof of income — These are documents that show your earned and unearned income. These documents may include pay stubs, letters from employers, etc. You may be required to provide additional documentation.
- Proof of student status — These documents show you are at least enrolled half-time. You may provide a transcript, certificate of enrollment, or financial aid information. You may be required to provide additional documentation.
After Applying
After you apply, a caseworker will interview you in person or by telephone. Your contact might ask you additional questions to confirm your eligibility. If you are approved for SNAP benefits, you will be mailed an EBT card, which can be used online and in-person to spend your monthly benefits on food.
Benefits are administered via a card and can be used online and in-person.