SNAP and food help for older adults in North Carolina

In short: In North Carolina, SNAP is called Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). If you are 65 or older, get SSI and buy and cook your food on your own, the state may mail you a short form for the Simplified Nutritional Assistance Program, with no interview and a 36-month approval. Everyone else applies for regular FNS online at epass.nc.gov or at the county Department of Social Services (DSS).

Two ways to get food benefits

North Carolina has two versions of SNAP for older adults. Both put money on an EBT card you use at grocery stores.

Simplified program (NC "SNAP") Regular Food and Nutrition Services
Who 65 or older, on SSI, one-person household Any household that meets FNS rules
How you apply A form the state mails to you, or the county DSS epass.nc.gov, county DSS or mail
Interview Only if you ask for one Set by the county
How the amount is set By your rent or mortgage only By income and allowed costs
How long you stay approved 36 months Set by the county

The Simplified Nutritional Assistance Program

Who qualifies

You must meet all of these:

  • You are 65 or older.
  • You get SSI (Supplemental Security Income). You may have other income too.
  • You buy and prepare your food separately from other people in your home. Everyone in this program is a one-person household.
  • You live in North Carolina and not in an institution.
  • You do not get SNAP in another state.

How it works

  • You may not need to ask. The state matches its records with Social Security. People who seem to qualify are mailed a short application (form DSS-6240). The forms go out between the 4th and 10th of each month. If you do not send it back within 30 days, a second one is mailed.
  • Send the form to your county DSS by mail, fax, or in person. The county decides within 30 days of getting it. If you are approved, an EBT card and PIN instructions are mailed to you.
  • Already on regular FNS? If you qualify and the simplified amount is the same or more than what you get now, your case may be switched over automatically.
  • No interview unless you ask for one. The county uses the Social Security information and what you write on the form.
  • Your benefit is a set amount based only on your monthly rent, mortgage or lot rent. There are three levels: no housing cost, a small housing cost, and a higher housing cost. Ask your county DSS for this year's amounts.
  • You stay approved for 36 months. Before the end, you get a renewal notice.
  • You do not have to report changes, because Social Security updates the state's records. If you do report a change, the county acts on it within 10 days.

When regular FNS may pay more

The simplified program is easier, but it does not look at most of your costs. If your rent or mortgage is high (above the top housing level), or your medical bills are over $35 a month, you may get more from regular FNS. If a change in your life would make regular FNS pay more, the county should tell you to apply for it. You can apply for regular FNS at any time.

Regular Food and Nutrition Services

Anyone can apply, including older adults who do not get SSI or who live with others.

  • Online: epass.nc.gov.
  • In person or by mail: at your county DSS. Find yours at ncdhhs.gov/localDSS.
  • Help: NCDHHS Customer Service Center, 1-800-662-7030.

Tip: If you are 60 or older, tell the county about your medical costs and housing costs, and keep copies of the bills. Ask DSS which papers to send with your application.

Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program

If you are 60 or older and your income is no more than 185% of the poverty level, you may get vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers.

Household Monthly income limit (2026)
One person $2,461
Two people $3,337
  • It runs July 1 to September 30, and only in some counties.
  • The 2026 season is over. Watch the NCDHHS Division of Aging page in late spring for next year, or ask your Area Agency on Aging.

Senior meals

The NC Division of Aging funds meals for people 60 and older:

  • Group meals: a lunch at a senior center or other meal site, with a chance to see other people.
  • Home-delivered meals: a lunch brought to your home if you are frail or homebound. The driver also checks that you are safe.

Find a provider through the Division of Aging's online directories at ncdhhs.gov/congregate-and-home-delivered-meals, or call 1-800-662-7030.

After you apply

  • You will get a letter saying if you are approved and how much you get.
  • Regular FNS must be renewed. Answer every letter from DSS by the date shown.
  • If you disagree with a decision, ask your county DSS for a hearing. The notice explains how and by when.

Things people miss

  • The simplified form is not junk mail. Open mail from the county DSS and send the form back.
  • Living with family does not always rule you out. If you buy and cook your food apart from them, you can be your own household. But a married couple living together cannot be separate households.
  • Medical costs matter for regular FNS if you are 60 or older.

Free help

  • NCDHHS Customer Service Center: 1-800-662-7030.
  • Area Agency on Aging: use the Division of Aging's map, or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.

See all benefits in North Carolina.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for North Carolina agencies

Check what you may qualify for

Sources

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18