Following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has temporarily halted the distribution of full SNAP benefits. The pause responds to an appeal by the Trump administration against a lower court order to release additional funds. This delay affects low-income households in North Carolina that were expecting full SNAP benefits to purchase essential items.
Before the Supreme Court’s decision, NCDHHS began distributing partial SNAP benefits for this month yesterday, with plans to release the remaining funds over the weekend. Because of the hold, over 586,000 households received roughly 65% of their usual maximum allotment, leaving many with reduced assistance. NCDHHS noted that a significant number of households received $16 or less.
Responding to the disruption, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein expressed concerns. “This is about a basic necessity – food – being caught in the middle of political chaos,” he stated in a press release by NCDHHS. Governor Stein urged the courts to resolve the situation quickly and called on the Trump administration to show “some humanity” so that families can meet their needs.
In response to the legal challenges, NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai said in a press release, “Our department stands ready to issue full benefits to the North Carolinians who depend on SNAP to feed their families and buy nutritious groceries – all we need is clarity from the Federal government.” She noted that, following USDA guidance, the department had to distribute reduced payments, and that the current situation “hits working families the hardest.” Thousands of households have received little to no benefits under the USDA’s current SNAP allocation formula.
Amid the uncertainty, NCDHHS has been providing regular updates to beneficiaries on their website and has added detailed information and an FAQ section to the SNAP site. Beneficiaries are encouraged to check their EBT card balances via the ebtEDGE app, online, or by calling the number on the back of their cards.
Residents can still apply for SNAP benefits and submit renewal paperwork, which County DSS offices will process. Those in immediate need of food assistance can call 2-1-1 for local resources or visit the NCDHHS website to find nearby food pantries.
