Are you struggling to make ends meet and wondering if you qualify for food assistance in North Carolina? Understanding the income and resource limits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), is the crucial first step in determining your eligibility and securing vital food benefits.

Navigating the complexities of SNAP eligibility can feel daunting. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the income, net income, and asset limits applicable in North Carolina. We'll break down the key requirements, helping you understand the criteria and how to determine if you and your household qualify for much-needed assistance.

The information presented here is for informational purposes only. For the most up-to-date and specific information regarding your individual case, please consult the official North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website or contact your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office.

Here's a summary of the key eligibility requirements for SNAP benefits in North Carolina. Please note that these are subject to change. Always confirm with the DHHS or DSS for the most current information.

Eligibility Requirement	Details
Residency	Must reside in the state of North Carolina.
Income Limits	Gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for most households. However, a gross income limit of 200% of the FPL is used in some cases. Households with elderly members (60+) or those with a disability may have higher net income limits and be eligible based on asset tests. The North Carolina DSS makes this determination.
Net Income Limits	Net monthly income (after deductions) must be at or below 100% of the FPL.
Resource Limits (As of FY 2025)	Maximum countable resources (savings, checking accounts, etc.) must be below $3,000.
Asset Limits	Combined savings and checking balance must be under $2,001 in most cases.
Other Requirements	Applicants typically need proof of identity and residency (if available) and should not be currently receiving FNS benefits.

For further detailed information, see the official North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.

The eligibility criteria for SNAP benefits are subject to change. It's crucial to stay informed about these updates to ensure you have the latest information for your situation.

The determination of eligibility for SNAP in North Carolina hinges on several factors, primarily centered around income and resources. Meeting these criteria opens the door to vital food assistance for eligible residents.

Here's what you need to know to determine your eligibility:

Gross Income: For most households, the gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). However, in certain instances, the gross income limit may be 200% of the FPL.
Net Income: After deductions, the net monthly income must fall within the 100% of the FPL threshold.
Resource Limits: As of fiscal year 2025, there's a limit on countable resources.

The income limits are influenced by the size of your household. The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross income households can earn and still qualify for SNAP benefits in North Carolina. It is important to realize that these numbers are updated every year, and this is just an estimate.

Please note: The following income limits are examples. Always consult official sources for the most up-to-date figures.

Household Size	Maximum Gross Monthly Income (Approximate)
1 Person	$1,383 (Net income of $1,064)
2 People	$1,868 (Net income of $1,436)
3 People	Please check the latest official sources
4 People	Please check the latest official sources
5 People	Please check the latest official sources
6 People	Please check the latest official sources
7 People	Please check the latest official sources
8 People	$8,428 (as an example, check for update.)

Remember: Benefit amounts vary depending on income, expenses, and household size. Furthermore, additional eligibility criteria may also apply.

Expedited SNAP Benefits: Households may be eligible for expedited benefits if they meet certain criteria, such as having less than $150 in monthly gross income and less than $100 in liquid resources. Also, migrant or seasonal farmworkers with less than $100 in liquid resources, can be eligible for expedited SNAP. Also, households whose combined gross monthly income and liquid resources are below a certain limit (as determined by DHHS) might also qualify.

If you are paid weekly or biweekly, be sure to correctly convert your income to a monthly amount. States use different formulas, which can affect the outcome.

Deductions: When calculating net income, certain deductions are allowed. These typically include:

Medical expenses for elderly or disabled individuals.
Childcare expenses.
Legally obligated child support payments.
Shelter costs (rent, mortgage, etc.) that exceed a certain amount.

Important Reminders:

Always check the income and expenses listed on your SNAP case to ensure they are accurate and up-to-date.
Verify all expense categories that are eligible for deductions.

If everyone in your household receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Work First Family Assistance (WF), income limits may not apply.

Key Tests for Eligibility: There are three primary tests:

Gross Income Test: Gross monthly income must be below the specified limit, typically 130% of the FPL.
Net Income Test: Net monthly income (after deductions) must be below the specified limit, typically 100% of the FPL.
Asset Test: Limits apply to the value of countable resources.

Households that include a member who is 60 years or older, or who has a disability may be exempt from certain tests.

For those 60 or older or with a disability, if your gross income is too high, you may still qualify by meeting the net income and asset tests. The Department of Social Services (DSS) will make this determination.

To qualify for SNAP benefits in North Carolina, applicants must also:

Live in the state of North Carolina.
Meet the North Carolina SNAP income limits and asset limits.
Meet the three income and resource tests.
Not be currently receiving benefits through the FNS program.

Proof of Identity and Residency: Applicants should provide proof of identity and proof of residency (if available). Having these documents ready can streamline the application process.

The federal government pays 100% of North Carolina SNAP benefits through federal grants designated for SNAP. The income limits are determined by the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines, and are updated annually.

Navigating the SNAP system can be challenging. Using the resources, and understanding the requirements, will help you to determine your eligibility.