When paying for groceries, the FNS customer's card is run through an electronic reader or a point of sale terminal (POS), and the recipient enters the PIN to access the account. If there are benefits in the account, the recipient's account is debited for the amount of the purchase. The store receipt shows the amount of benefits remaining in the recipient's account.
What is Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)
The Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) program helps families purchase food for children whose access to free or reduced-priced meals at school has been impacted by COVID-19. The purpose of P-EBT program is to provide a food assistance benefit for North Carolina (NC) households with students that are always not attending school in a brick-and-mortar building. Families do not need to apply for P-EBT. Eligibility for P-EBT will be determined through student and learning circumstances during the 2020 – 2021 school year. For more information about P-EBT and who is eligible to receive this benefit please visit www.ncdhhs.gov/pebt.
EBT Issuance Information
Your EBT benefits will be available on the same day each month according to the last digit of your social security number, even if that day is on weekend or holiday.
Benefits are available on the 3rd day of every month if you do not have a Social Security Number.
Remember to check your balance before you shop.
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) are not issued following the same timeframe as regular FNS benefits on an EBT card. For more information on P-EBT and when benefits will be issued, please visit www.ncdhhs.gov/pebt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?
If your card is lost or stolen report it immediately by calling 1-888-622-7328. You can speak or press your answers such as yes, no or card number into the telephone. Say each number separately. For example: 30 is “three zero”; 57 is “five seven”.
How do I change my PIN?
To change your PIN, call the toll-free number on the back of your EBT card. Follow the automated instructions to change the PIN. Assistance is available from a customer service representative 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What if I forgot my PIN?
If you forget your 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 can I check my balance?
There are several ways to check FNS balances 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Using your card number, you can:
- Call 1-888-622-7328.
- Visit www.ebtedge.com. Click on More Information under EBT Cardholders.
- Download the ebtEDGE mobile app. The app is available as a free download on the Apple Store and Google Play.
Once you are approved for SNAP, you will get your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card in the mail. Your monthly benefit will be loaded on this card. You can check the Monthly EBT benefit schedule to see what day your benefit will be loaded to your card every month. You will also be able to get help with employment and job training through the SkillUP Program at no cost to you.
How long will I get help?
You can get SNAP benefits for as long as you are eligible for help. You will be required to complete a mid-certification and a recertification - (Espanol) each year you get SNAP to make sure your household is still eligible. If you do not return your information by the deadline on the form, you may lose your benefits.
- Your mid-certification will happen halfway through your benefit period. We will send you a form in the mail that must be completely filled out, signed, and all pages returned to the Family Support Division by the deadline so you do not lose your benefits. You must complete this form even if you do not have any changes.
- Around the end of your SNAP benefit period, you will get a recertification packet in the mail. You will need to complete this, return it to the Family Support Division, and complete an interview to continue getting SNAP benefits.
NOTE: It is important that you report any changes (Espanol) to your contact information, including your address, so you will get these important letters in the mail. If you do not respond to mail from the FSD, you could lose your benefit.
How do I use my EBT Card?
Cómo usar su tarjeta EBT
You can use your EBT card in any grocery store or retail location in the United States that displays the Quest Mark® logo or online at approved locations. Your EBT card will work much like a debit card, and you will have a PIN number you will need to enter. It is important that you keep your EBT card and PIN number safe and secure (Español) at all times.
You cannot use your SNAP benefits to buy:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Hot prepared foods or foods prepared to be immediately eaten
- Vitamins, medicine, supplements
- Non-food items such as paper products, soap, or pet food
Can I replace food lost in a disaster?
If you lose food purchased with your EBT card due to a power outage caused by weather, ice storm, fire, flood, tornado or other household misfortune outside your control, you may request a SNAP benefit replacement. To report a loss and begin the process of receiving replacement benefits, you must complete and submit an Online Replacement Request within 10 days of the event. You may also print the Replacement Request Form and submit it by fax (573) 526-9400 or mail to your local FSD office.
NOTE: Electricity being disconnected by the power company due to non-payment of the utility bill is NOT considered a household misfortune/disaster.
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