If the federal government shutdown extends into November, North Carolina’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be paused starting Nov. 1, meaning no new November benefits will load to EBT cards until federal funding resumes. Existing October benefits already on cards remain usable. The shutdown reached Day 27 today, the second-longest in U.S. history.
According to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), more than 600,000 households — about 1.4 million residents (roughly 13% of the state) — use SNAP each month. In western North Carolina, county participation rates range from 12.1% to 19.5%. More than 580,000 children rely on SNAP, and over 80% of recipients are working. Four in five families include a child, senior, or an adult with a disability.
Federal officials notified states on Oct. 24 that contingency funds will not be used to cover November SNAP, and states will not be reimbursed if they attempt to self-fund benefits during the shutdown. As of Oct. 27, NCDHHS has not received the federal funding needed to issue November SNAP.
If funding is restored, delayed November benefits are expected to be issued as back pay.
The WIC program (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) may also face disruptions in early November without additional federal dollars. WIC provides food assistance and nutrition support for low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as children up to age 5. More than 262,000 North Carolinians rely on WIC.
What to do now:
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Keep applying and renewing SNAP through your county Department of Social Services to avoid backlogs.
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Check your EBT balance by calling 1-888-622-7328.
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Need immediate food assistance? Call 2-1-1 for local pantries and meal programs.
State officials say they will issue benefits as soon as federal funds are released and will continue to provide updates.
