North Carolina Food Stamps Schedule: When February Benefits Are Sent

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North Carolina distributes its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits according to the same schedule every month, including February 2023. Benefits are paid between the 3rd and the 21st of the month, based on the last digit of your Social Security number.

SNAP, previously called food stamps, is a federal program that provides nutrition benefits to low-income households. North Carolina’s SNAP program — which is referred to as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) — is administered by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHSS). SNAP benefits are deposited into North Carolina Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.

The NCDHSS determines FNS eligibility by looking at your household size and income. You can apply online through the ePASS portal or in person at your county Department of Social Services (DSS) office, or you can fill out a paper application and mail, fax or drop it off at your county DSS office.

Your EBT card comes with additional perks, like discounts on certain products and services. For example, SNAP recipients can sign up for an Amazon Prime EBT discounted subscription for almost 50% off, and free or low-cost landline or cell phone service is available through the federal Lifeline program. You can also get free or discounted admission to hundreds of museums, aquariums and zoos nationwide by presenting your EBT card.

SNAP/FNS benefits are deposited on the same day each month depending on the last digit in your Social Security number. If you don’t have a Social Security number, then benefits are paid out on the third of each month.

Here is the February 2023 SNAP/FNS payment schedule in North Carolina:

FNS recipients can use their EBT card at any grocery store and USDA-authorized retailer. To find out where you can use your SNAP benefits, visit the USDA’s SNAP Retailer Locator to search for the nearest locations.

You can also use your SNAP EBT card at participating farmers’ markets. The USDA’s Food Nutrition Service (FNS) provides a monthly list of the names and locations of markets across the country that are currently authorized to accept SNAP benefits.

SNAP benefits can be used to purchase the following food items:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry and fish
• Dairy products
• Breads and cereals
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat.

There are limitations on what your SNAP dollars can buy. The USDA prohibits the purchase of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, medicines, supplements, live animals and other nonfood items using your EBT card. North Carolina doesn’t participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, so you can’t use SNAP to purchase hot meals.

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