Families affected by Hurricane Helene can apply for help starting October 18. Applications will be open until October 24
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has received authorization to initiate the first phase of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), aimed at helping families affected by natural disasters such as Hurricane Helene. This program will offer a one-time benefit for food purchases through EBT cards, allowing beneficiaries to buy essential food items. The first phase will cover 25 counties in the western part of the state.
According to Francisco Guzmán, NCDHHS minority outreach coordinator, it is estimated that more than 150,000 people will be able to apply for the benefit, which could total up to $120 million. However, the application period is limited, so eligible families are encouraged to start their applications as soon as possible.
How to Apply?
Applications will be open from October 18 to October 24 and can be submitted in the following ways:
- By phone: By calling the Virtual Call Center at 1-844-453-1117. Applications will be processed by last name on the following dates:
- October 18: Last names A-G
- October 19: Last names H-M
- October 20: Last names N-S
- October 21: Last names T-Z
- October 22-24: Open to all last names.
- Online: Through the ePASS tool, available for pre-registration from October 15 to October 22.
- In person: At the D-SNAP designated centers in each county. For a complete list of sites, you can visit the website ncdhhs.gov.
Benefits and Coverage
Approved households will receive an EBT debit card, valid for nine months, which can be used to purchase food. The amount of the benefit will depend on family size, income, and losses incurred.
The 25 counties included in this phase of the program are: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. Additionally, the NCDHHS is working with the USDA to include two other counties in a second phase, the date for which will be announced soon.
Application Results
Applicants will receive a notification about the status of their application within three days. If approved, they will be able to pick up their EBT card at the D-SNAP center in their county or receive it by mail..