https //epass.nc.gov/citizen portal/application.do : Apply for Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps) in NC
By enhancing your ePASS account, you will gain increased access to your case. This requires two-step verification when you sign in to ensure your account is protected. The first step is your username and password.
– ePASS is a way to apply for Benefits and services in North Carolina.
– New applicants and existing beneficiaries can create an account.
– An enhanced account for Medical Assistance lets you report changes and view case details online.
Before you can be granted electronic access to protected information or systems, you must be uniquely identified. You may have already encountered similar processes through various interactions with banking systems, credit reporting agencies, and shipping companies. NC FAST uses the Experian remote identity proofing service to confirm your identity.
Most users are able to enhance their account in less than five minutes.
Enhancing your account does not impact your credit score, and you will not incur any charges related to this credit inquiry. When you go through Experian’s remote identity proofing process, Experian creates something called a soft inquiry. Soft inquiries are visible only to you and no one else. Soft inquiries have no impact on your credit report, history, or score other than being recorded and maintained for you to see for 23 months.
By enhancing your ePASS account, you will gain increased access to your case. This requires two-step verification when you sign in to ensure your account is protected. The first step is your username and password. The second step is entering in a one-time code that is sent to you in the form or a text message or email. Rates may apply for texting and/or using data. If you log in from a personal computer or device, you’ll be able to skip the second step of the login process in the future by choosing to have the system remember your login information.
What are some tips for success with enhancing my account?
Name: When entering your name, you must use your full legal name. Refer to your Driver’s License or financial account information. Do not user nicknames. If you have a two-part name, enter the second part in the middle name field. (e.g., Billy Bob would have Billy in the first name field and Bob in the middle name field).
Address: When entering your address, enter your current residential address where you receive financial statements including credit cards and/or utilities. If you have a recent change in address, you can try to go through RIDP with a prior address.
Phone: When entering a phone number enter a personal landline phone number (if you have one). A cell phone can be used, but a residential landline is preferred.
Apply for Energy Assistance
You can apply for Energy Assistance without creating an account.
If you choose this option, you will not be able to return to your application or review your application status. If you lose power or internet connectivity while you are applying, your application data will be lost.
Applications now available online with NC ePASS
Food & Nutrition Services
Program Description: Food and Nutrition Services provides monetary assistance to households with limited income to purchase food. You can now apply for Food and Nutrition Services benefits (FNS) with North Carolina ePASS online.
Program Description: SNAP identifies and provides Food and Nutrition Services benefits to North Carolina residents who meet certain requirements such as to those age 65 or older who receive Supplemental Security Income. You can now apply for Simplified Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) with North Carolina ePASS online.
Program Description: Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income individuals and families who cannot afford health care costs. Medicaid serves low-income parents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Medicaid is a little different, depending on who you are and your situation. You can now apply for Medical assistance with North Carolina ePASS online.
Program Description: North Carolina’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is called Work First. Parents can get short-term training and other services to help them become employed and self-sufficient. Most families have two years to move off Work First Family Assistance. All adults who are included in the assistance payment must have a Mutual Responsibility Plan of Action agreement that requires the individuals to work or participate in work-related activities. These adults must complete all of the requirements on their agreement each month before receiving Work First cash assistance.
Application Process: you must apply in person. Completing the work book before you come into apply might be helpful, but is not required.
ePASS is an easy-to-use internet-based tool that allows individuals to apply online for Food and Nutrition Services and/or Medicaid without having to visit a Social Services office. ePASS is accessible from any computer that has access to the internet. Interested individuals may also use the ePASS tool to check for potential eligibility for programs before doing an actual application.
Once the user answers a few questions online, ePASS will display the programs for which the individual may be potentially eligible to receive and application instructions. The individual may then complete and electronically submit the application to the local DSS office where a final eligibility decision will be made. To take advantage of this new tool, please visit epass.nc.gov.