Disaster Food and Nutrition Services Benefits Approved for 13 Additional N.C. Counties

Governor Pat McCrory announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved his request for citizens in an additional 13 counties slammed earlier this month by Hurricane Matthew to be eligible to receive Disaster Food and Nutrition Service benefits.
 
“The addition of these 13 counties to the 18 counties approved last week is imperative to the recovery of our citizens after Hurricane Matthew,” Governor McCrory said. “With this approval, thousands more families from Princeville and across the state will receive food benefits to help them in their time of need.”
 
This benefit is for individuals who are not current recipients of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), or food stamp benefits. It is approved for residents of Bertie, Craven, Edgecombe, Gates, Lee, Martin, Moore, Nash, Onslow, Pitt, Wake, Washington and Wilson counties, which were declared earlier as major disasters areas eligible for federal assistance just a few days after the hurricane struck.
 
Last week, 18 counties were approved for disaster food benefits. The application period for these 18 counties ends Wednesday.
 
Residents in the impacted counties who are not currently receiving Food and Nutrition Services benefits may qualify for disaster assistance for a one-month period if they have suffered losses from Hurricane Matthew, including:

• Destroyed or damaged homes
• Disaster-related expenses
• Loss of income or food as a result of power outage or household flooding

 The federal government determines eligibility based on available income and resources.

Those applying for Disaster Food and Nutrition Services benefits must provide proof of identity along with proof of residency (if available).  Applicants must apply in the county where they reside.
 
Disaster Food and Nutrition Services: Locations, Service Dates and Hours of Operation
Application sites will operate for five days beginning Thursday, Oct. 27, for the additional 13 counties at the following locations. Dates and hours of operation may vary per county.
 

 
Additional information about the Disaster Food and Nutrition Services
 
Listed below, please find additional information about the Disaster Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Program Information:

What Are Disaster Food and Nutrition Services Benefits?
Disaster FNS Benefits are being provided to residents of your county who suffered loss due to Hurricane Matthew.  Not everyone will be eligible for these benefits, as certain eligibility criteria must be met.  A person must have been living in the disaster area at the time of the disaster.  You can only apply for benefits for those individuals who lived with you before Hurricane Matthew occurred.  If you are unable to apply in person, you may designate (with a signed statement from you) someone to represent you.

How Do I Apply?
You must file an application for benefits.  Your application information must be truthful.  A county department of social services worker will interview you and go over your application with you.  If you do not understand a question, ask the worker to explain it during the interview.  Report all income accurately. Every household that receives disaster FNS benefits is subject to a federal and/or State review or audit.  

What Verifications Will I Need to Complete My Application?
•    Identification:  Photo ID or any other document that verifies your identity
•    Residency (if possible)
•    You can use utility bills, tax bills, or insurance policies, or a collateral (friend, employer, pastor, etc.);
•    Social Security Number and date of birth for each household member (do not need Social Security Cards, just the number);
•    Amount of take home pay for each household member 

How Will We Determine Your Eligibility?
Your total income received (or expected to be received) between October 7, 2016 through November 6, 2016 plus available resources, minus a deduction for disaster-related expenses and shelter expenses, shall not exceed federal income limits.  

How and When Do I Get My Disaster Food and Nutrition Services Benefits?
All Disaster FNS Benefits are placed on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.  You will receive an EBT card from the worker if you are eligible, after you complete your application. If you need assistance with using your EBT card, you may contact the NC EBT Call Center at 1-888-622-7328.

What Can I Use the Food and Nutrition Services Benefits For?
You may use your EBT card at any store that accepts FNS EBT cards.  Only food, seeds, or plants for a garden to grow food may be purchased with the EBT card.  You may also purchase infant formula, ice, and drinking water.  Prepared hot foods may be bought in stores that accept EBT cards until November 14, 2016.  You cannot purchase paper items, soap, vitamins, diapers, medicine, pet foods, tobacco, or alcoholic beverages with your benefits.

Penalties
You must tell the truth when you apply for FNS Benefits.
Do not sell or give away your EBT card and/or FNS Benefits.
Anyone who gives false information will have to pay back any FNS benefits that they are not eligible for.

If you intentionally break the rules of the program or give false information, you may be permanently disqualified from the FNS Program and may be fined up to $250,000 and/or jailed up to 20 years.

It is illegal to receive Disaster FNS Benefits twice for the same disaster. People who get benefits they are not entitled to will be required to pay them back. All State Employee and County Social Services employees who receive Disaster FNS Benefits will be audited at a later time.

Hearings
Any household denied Disaster Food and Nutrition Services Benefits is entitled to request a fair hearing.  You request this at your county department of social services.

Ongoing Food and Nutrition Services Benefits
The application you make today is for Disaster Food and Nutrition Service Benefits only.  If you want to apply for the regular FNS Program to receive ongoing benefits, if you are eligible, you must apply separately.  

Thank you for your cooperation and patience during this application process.