North Carolina Food Stamps (FNS) Eligibility Calculator
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Understanding Food Stamps Eligibility in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the SNAP program is officially called Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). Eligibility is primarily determined by household size and gross monthly income. Most households in NC qualify under "Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility," which allows for a higher gross income limit than the federal baseline.
NC Income Limits (Effective through September 30, 2024)
For most households in North Carolina, the gross income limit is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). If a household member is elderly (60+) or disabled, the gross income test may be waived, though a net income test still applies.
Household Size
Max Monthly Gross Income (200% FPL)
1
$2,510
2
$3,408
3
$4,306
4
$5,204
5
$6,102
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as income? Gross income includes wages, social security benefits, child support received, and unemployment insurance before any deductions.
Are there asset limits? For most North Carolina residents, there is no "resource" or asset limit (money in bank accounts, cars, etc.) unless a household member has been disqualified for a program violation.
How do I apply? You can apply online via the ePass portal, in person at your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office, or via mail.
function calculateNCEligibility() {
var sizeInput = document.getElementById('nc_household_size');
var incomeInput = document.getElementById('nc_gross_income');
var specialCirc = document.getElementById('nc_elderly_disabled').value;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('nc_fns_result');
var size = parseInt(sizeInput.value);
var income = parseFloat(incomeInput.value);
if (isNaN(size) || size <= 0) {
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#fff3cd';
resultDiv.style.color = '#856404';
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter a valid household size.';
return;
}
if (isNaN(income) || income < 0) {
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#fff3cd';
resultDiv.style.color = '#856404';
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter a valid monthly income amount.';
return;
}
// NC Gross Income Limits (200% FPL) 2023-2024
var limits = [0, 2510, 3408, 4306, 5204, 6102, 7000, 7898, 8796];
var limit = 0;
if (size <= 8) {
limit = limits[size];
} else {
limit = 8796 + ((size – 8) * 898);
}
resultDiv.style.display = 'block';
if (specialCirc === 'yes') {
if (income <= limit) {
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#d4edda';
resultDiv.style.color = '#155724';
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Likely Eligible!Your income of $' + income.toLocaleString() + ' is below the standard limit of $' + limit.toLocaleString() + '. Since your household includes an elderly or disabled member, you may also qualify for additional medical expense deductions which could increase your benefit amount.';
} else {
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#fff3cd';
resultDiv.style.color = '#856404';
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Potentially Eligible.Your income of $' + income.toLocaleString() + ' exceeds the standard 200% gross limit of $' + limit.toLocaleString() + '. However, because your household includes an elderly or disabled member, you may still qualify based on Net Income (income after specific deductions). We recommend applying at your local DSS office.';
}
} else {
if (income <= limit) {
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#d4edda';
resultDiv.style.color = '#155724';
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Likely Eligible!Your monthly gross income of $' + income.toLocaleString() + ' is below the North Carolina limit of $' + limit.toLocaleString() + ' for a household of ' + size + '. You should proceed with an official application.';
} else {
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#f8d7da';
resultDiv.style.color = '#721c24';
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Likely Over Income Limit.Your monthly gross income of $' + income.toLocaleString() + ' is higher than the NC FNS limit of $' + limit.toLocaleString() + ' for your household size. If you have high childcare costs or shelter expenses, you may still wish to consult with a caseworker, but based on gross income alone, you may not qualify.';
}
}
}