SNAP Eligibility Calculator – North Carolina

SNAP Eligibility Calculator (North Carolina)

Determine your eligibility for SNAP benefits in North Carolina with our easy-to-use calculator. Enter your household details below to estimate your monthly benefits for 2025. This tool provides an estimate based on federal and state guidelines.

Include people you live with and buy food with.

Your household includes everyone who lives with you, shares meals, and buys food together in North Carolina. This typically includes spouses, children, and other relatives or roommates who share food expenses. Count each person, including infants and elderly members.

In North Carolina, urban areas (e.g., cities) may have different living costs compared to rural areas. Select 'Rural' if you live in a less populated area, which may affect utility deductions.

An elderly person is 60 or older. A disabled person in North Carolina includes those receiving disability benefits (e.g., SSDI) or with a condition that limits daily activities. Households with elderly or disabled members may qualify for higher deductions and asset limits.

In North Carolina, students enrolled at least half-time in higher education may not qualify for SNAP unless they meet exemptions, such as working 20+ hours/week, caring for a child, or being disabled. Select 'Yes' if any household member is a student.

Include wages before taxes.

Include all earned income in North Carolina, such as wages, salaries, tips, or self-employment income before taxes or deductions. For hourly workers, estimate monthly income by multiplying weekly hours by your hourly rate and then by 4.33 (average weeks per month).

Include Social Security, disability, etc.

Other income in North Carolina includes unearned income like Social Security, disability payments, pensions, unemployment benefits, or child support received. Do not include loans, gifts, or one-time payments.

Include bank accounts, exclude home.

Resources in North Carolina include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and vehicles (excluding one primary vehicle). Do not include your home, retirement accounts, or personal property. The limit is $3,000 ($4,500 if elderly/disabled).

Include costs paid for childcare or care for disabled adults in North Carolina to allow you to work, seek employment, or attend training. Examples: daycare, babysitters, or in-home care. Enter the total monthly amount paid.

Enter legally obligated child support payments you make in North Carolina. This deduction only applies if you pay court-ordered child support to someone outside your household. Do not include voluntary payments.

Include your monthly rent or mortgage payment in North Carolina. For homeowners, include principal and interest. Do not include utilities or other housing costs here; those are entered separately.

Include insurance, taxes, HOA fees.

In North Carolina, housing costs include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees for homeowners, or renter’s insurance for renters. Do not include utilities like electricity or water; those are entered below.

You are considered homeless in North Carolina if you lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes living in shelters, vehicles, or public spaces. Homeless households may qualify for a standard deduction and relaxed eligibility rules.

Select all utility bills you pay in North Carolina. Heating/cooling includes gas or electric bills for HVAC or LIHEAP payments over $20. 'Other' includes garbage or sewer fees. These affect your shelter deduction, which can increase your SNAP benefits.

If your household includes an elderly or disabled member in North Carolina, enter out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35/month. This includes prescriptions, doctor visits, medical equipment, or insurance premiums.

How do I know if I qualify for SNAP in North Carolina?

Eligibility depends on income, household size, residency, deductions, and citizenship status. The calculator estimates whether your household may qualify under NC SNAP rules.

How much does 1 person get in food stamps in North Carolina?

The maximum benefit for a 1-person household is about $291/month in FY2025. Actual benefits depend on your net income and deductions.

Does North Carolina use gross or net income limits for SNAP?

Most NC households must meet both the gross income test and net income test. The calculator checks both automatically.

Do rent and utility bills affect SNAP benefits in North Carolina?

Yes, North Carolina uses Standard Utility Allowances (SUA). Shelter costs can increase your allowed deduction and may improve your estimated benefit.

Can seniors in North Carolina qualify for SNAP?

Yes — seniors often qualify even with Social Security income because medical costs and shelter deductions reduce net income.

Do Social Security and SSDI count as income in North Carolina SNAP?

Yes, these are considered unearned income and should be entered into the calculator.

Are college students eligible for SNAP in North Carolina?

Yes — if they meet student exemption rules such as work hours, work-study, disability, dependent care, etc. The calculator screens these.

Can I get SNAP if I am unemployed in North Carolina?

Yes. SNAP eligibility is based on income — not employment. The calculator supports zero-income situations.

Do assets or bank accounts count for SNAP in North Carolina?

No — most NC households do not have asset limits because of broad-based categorical eligibility.

Does child support paid reduce SNAP income in North Carolina?

Yes — legally owed child support paid is allowed as a deduction and is included in the calculator.

Do medical expenses matter for SNAP in North Carolina?

Yes. Elderly or disabled households can deduct medical expenses. The calculator includes a field for this.

How does North Carolina define a household for SNAP?

A SNAP household is the group that lives together and shares food purchases. People who buy food separately may be separate households.

Does NC count gig work income like DoorDash or Instacart for SNAP?

Yes — gig earnings count as earned income. Enter average monthly gig income in the calculator.

Do SNAP benefit amounts update each year in North Carolina?

Yes — income limits and benefit amounts update every October 1. The calculator uses current values.

Where do I apply after checking eligibility in North Carolina?

You apply through NC DHHS (North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services). After you apply, there is an interview and documentation step.