North Carolina EBT Card FAQs

We know our readers have various questions regarding the North Carolina Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. We decided to set up this North Carolina EBT Card FAQs page to address the most common questions we get.

More questions will be added as and when we receive reader feedback.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the North Carolina EBT Card program:

What is North Carolina EBT?

An EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card is a plastic card that acts like a debit card that is used to distribute public assistance benefits.

The North Carolina EBT Card is used for the delivery of benefits such as food stamps (SNAP benefits) and Cash Assistance.

Once you are approved for food stamps or one of the programs listed above, you will receive your benefits each month on a North Carolina EBT Card.

Who is Eligible for North Carolina SNAP?

The following information will be required by the SNAP caseworker to determine your eligibility for Food Stamps in North Carolina:

Identification such as a valid driver’s license or ID card
Social Security Cards for all members of the household included in the Food Stamps application
Verification of all income for members of the household included in the Food Assistance Program
Information regarding all resources (bank accounts, 401-K, vehicles, burial plots, etc.)
Verification of Rent or Mortgage Expenses
Verification of Utility Expenses (electric bill, water bill, telephone bill, etc.)
Proof of medical expenses for household members receiving Social Security Disability or age 60 and older

Where do I Apply for North Carolina Food Stamps?

There are three ways to apply for North Carolina food stamps:

Apply online at https://epass.nc.gov/
Apply in Person at your county Department of Social Services (DSS) office. It helps to fill out as much of the application as possible ahead of time.
Fill out a paper application form and mail it to or drop it off at your local county DSS office.

How much will I get in Food Stamps in North Carolina?

If you are approved for SNAP benefits, how much you will receive depends on your household size and net income.

The table below provides the maximum monthly benefit and the estimated average monthly benefit based on household size.

The amount you receive may differ from these amounts due to your income and other factors.

A SNAP budget must be calculated for your household in order to determine your SNAP eligibility and benefit amount.

North Carolina Maximum SNAP Benefit Amount by Household Size
Effective October 1, 2022 – September 30, 2023
Household Size	Maximum SNAP Benefit Allotment	Estimated Average Monthly Benefit
1	$281	$197
2	$516	$377
3	$740	$586
4	$939	$718
5	$1,116	$842
6	$1,339	$981
7	$1,480	$1,062
8	$1,691	$1,282
Each Additional Household Member: Add	$211

How do I Check the Balance on my North Carolina EBT Card?

There are three ways to check your EBT Balance – Over the phone, via your last transaction receipt, and online.

You can check your North Carolina EBT Card balance by calling the Customer Service number on the back of your card.

Here’s the phone number to call: North Carolina EBT Customer Service Number: 1-888-622-7328.

Also, you can check the balance on your North Carolina EBT card through your last transaction receipt.

Additionally, once you have set up a PIN to access your EBT food benefits, you can check your P-EBT card balance by visiting www.ebtedge.com.

What if I forgot my NC EBT Card PIN?

If you forget your North Carolina EBT card PIN, you must call 1-888-622-7328 to get a new PIN.

If you try to use the wrong PIN four times in a row, you will be required to select a new PIN or wait until after 12:01 a.m. the next day to try again.

How do I contact North Carolina EBT Customer Service?

You can reach North Carolina EBT Customer Service at 1-888-622-7328.

You can call this toll-free number 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.

Business Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 5 PM

Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours.

When you call, your call will be answered by an automated system.

The auto-attendant will guide you through menu options to help direct your call.

You may use the helpline to:

Check your SNAP or cash account balance information.
Hear your last ten transactions.
Request a printed 2-month statement of your account history.
File a claim if you suspect that a transaction error occurred.
Change your PIN.
Report damaged, lost, or stolen cards, and request a replacement card be mailed to you.

When are EBT Benefits Deposited?

Your NC food stamp benefits will be deposited onto your North Carolina EBT Card at 6 am on your assigned day between the 3rd and the 21st of each month.

The North Carolina EBT Deposit Schedule is based on the last digit of your Social Security Number (SSN).

Use the chart below to find out your NC EBT Deposit Date:

If your SSN ends in:	Your benefits will be available after 6 am on the:
1	3rd of every month
2	5th of every month
3	7th of every month
4	9th of every month
5	11th of every month
6	13th of every month
7	15th of every month
8	17th of every month
9	19th of every month
0	21st of every month

If you do not have a Social Security Number, your SNAP benefits will be deposited on the third day of every month.

How do I activate my North Carolina EBT Card?

To activate your North Carolina EBT card, you can call customer service at 888-622-7328.

A recorded message with instructions will ask you to enter the card number.

Once you enter your card number, you will then be asked to enter your social security number.

Next, you will have to choose a 4-digit pin number.

At this time, the procedure for individuals without a social security number is to use their birth date. It is recommended that at least temporarily, those without socials should come in and activate the card in the DSS office.

How do I log in to North Carolina EBT Card Account Online?

EBT cardholders can obtain information about their accounts by going to www.ebtedge.com.

Login using your most recent active card number and PIN.
Create an account ID and password.

Once you sign in with a valid card number and PIN, you can perform the following functions online with your account:

Check your SNAP or cash account balance information.
Review up to 15 months of transaction history.
Request a printed 2-month statement of your account history.
Change your PIN.
Report damaged, lost, or stolen cards, and request a replacement card be mailed to you.