North Carolina temporarily improves access to food assistance for justice-involved people living in counties affected by Hurricane Helene

The NC Department of Health and Human Services has made two recent policy changes that temporarily allow people with certain drug-related felonies to access Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits through North Carolina’s Food and Nutrition Service Program (FNS). These temporary policy changes apply to people impacted by Hurricane Helene who reside in the following counties:

Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes or Yancey County; or be a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians living in zip code 28719.

If you were impacted by Hurricane Helene but your county is not listed, please contact your local Department of Social Services.

People who are typically not eligible for SNAP because of a drug-related felony conviction or other restrictions can now temporarily obtain food assistance under the Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) program. Eligible individuals can pre-register online, and must register by phone or in-person October 18, 2024 through October 24, 2024. Certain eligibility requirements apply.

TIME SENSITIVE: The deadline to apply for D-SNAP benefits is October 24

Read more about temporary relief

People who have H and I drug-related felonies, have met the six-month disqualification period, and are otherwise eligible for FNS benefits, will not be required to complete a substance use assessment to obtain those benefits until the following recertification period. This pause applies to those with pending applications, those seeking recertification, and those planning to apply for benefits during this time.

Visit the NCDHHS website for more information on how to apply

Individuals who are receiving SNAP benefits cannot apply for D-SNAP.

Those enrolled in SNAP should have replacement benefits available on their cards as of October 6, 2024.

These temporary policies provide food access during a time of incredible need in the western part of our state. Unfortunately, outside of extreme circumstances, such as disaster relief, North Carolina law prevents a person with a class A through G drug-related felony conviction from receiving food assistance for their entire lifetime. This same law bars people with H and I drug-related felonies from food assistance for 6 months, and requires completion of a substance use assessment prior to reinstating eligibility.

The NC Justice Center remains committed to improving access to food assistance for people living in North Carolina. Our efforts include advocating for North Carolina to change its statewide law to remove the bans to food assistance for people with certain drug-related felony convictions.