The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has temporarily stopped issuing full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits following a U.S. Supreme Court decision late Friday. The court granted the Trump Administration’s request to pause the distribution of full SNAP benefits, which affected plans to provide remaining November benefits over the weekend.
Governor Josh Stein addressed the situation, stating, “This is about a basic necessity – food – being caught in the middle of political chaos. The hard-working people and families who rely on SNAP benefits deserve certainty, not confusion about whether they’ll be able to put meals on the table this weekend and the rest of the month. I am urging for a swift resolution by the courts and some humanity from the Trump administration so North Carolina families can receive the support they need.”
Governor Stein also noted that private partners have contributed nearly $22 million to support local food banks across North Carolina.
NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said, “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. While partial payments were distributed on Friday based on USDA guidance, they fall far short of what people need. With more than 190,000 households receiving $16 or less, and some receiving no benefits at all, this reduction hits working families the hardest. We continue to urge federal leaders to come together and restore stability for the people who are paying the price for this inaction.”
According to NCDHHS, partial November SNAP benefits were distributed Friday morning at approximately 65% of normal maximum amounts for over 586,000 households. Households usually receiving maximum amounts saw their benefits reduced by 35%, while those with smaller allotments faced deeper cuts or received nothing due to USDA’s benefit formula. About 190,000 households got $16 or less on their EBT cards.
NCDHHS continues outreach efforts by communicating directly with beneficiaries and posting updates on its website dedicated to information about impacts from federal actions affecting state services. Beneficiaries are encouraged to check balances using ebtEDGE resources or by calling customer service.
Residents should keep applying for or renewing SNAP as county social services offices remain open and processing applications as usual. Those facing urgent food needs are advised to call 2-1-1 for local assistance or visit NCDHHS’s website listing nearby food pantries.
