Documents You’ll Typically Need for North Carolina SNAP (Food and Nutrition Services)

North Carolina’s SNAP program is officially called Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). It helps eligible households buy groceries each month using an EBT card.

This guide walks through the documents people are usually asked to provide when they apply for North Carolina SNAP and when they recertify. It is meant for general guidance only. For exact, current requirements, you’ll need to check with your county Department of Social Services (DSS) or the official North Carolina benefits portal.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, cannot accept applications, and cannot check your case. This article is here to help you get ready to work with official offices more confidently.

Overview: What Is North Carolina SNAP (FNS) and Who Typically Qualifies?

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is North Carolina’s version of the federal SNAP program. It provides monthly food benefits loaded onto an EBT card, which can be used at many grocery stores and some farmers markets.

In general, you may qualify if:

• You live in North Carolina
• Your household income is under certain limits
• You meet citizenship or immigration rules
• You share food and living expenses with the people in your “household” as defined by the program

The exact rules can be more detailed. Some households with older adults, people with disabilities, or very low income may have different limits or special deductions.

Because the rules involve income, expenses, identity, and household size, the county DSS office will usually ask for documents to verify what you put on your application.

The Main Types of Documents North Carolina SNAP Usually Requires

North Carolina counties often ask for documents in several common categories:

1. Identity
2. Residency (you live in North Carolina)
3. Social Security number (or proof you’ve applied)
4. Citizenship or immigration status (for each person applying)
5. Household composition (who lives and eats together)
6. Income
7. Resources (for some households)
8. Housing and utility costs
9. Other expenses (child care, medical, support payments)

Not every household will need to provide every item on this list. Requirements can depend on your age, disability status, immigration status, and income type, as well as the county handling your case.

Quick Reference: Common SNAP / FNS Documents in North Carolina

Below is a simplified summary of documents that are often requested. Your county DSS might ask for different or additional items.

*This table is for general guidance. The county DSS decides what is acceptable in your specific case.

1. Proving Identity

Why it’s needed: To confirm that the person applying is who they say they are and can legally sign the application.

Documents commonly used for identity

You usually only need one of these:

• North Carolina driver’s license or state ID
• U.S. passport
• School ID with photo (for students)
• Employer ID with photo
• Military ID
• Voter registration card (sometimes accepted)
• Other government-issued photo ID

If you don’t have a standard ID, your county may allow other documents or may ask additional questions. Contact your local DSS office to ask what they will accept.

2. Proving You Live in North Carolina

Why it’s needed: SNAP is run by each state. North Carolina FNS is for people who live in North Carolina.

You typically need a document that shows your name and current NC address, such as:

• Lease or rental agreement
• Mortgage statement
• Utility bill (electric, gas, water, trash, internet) with your name and address
• Official mail from a government agency
• Property tax bill
• A letter from a shelter or transitional housing program stating that you live there

If you are homeless or staying with friends/family, you might not have a lease or utility bill. In those cases, the county may accept a written statement from the person you’re staying with or from a shelter. Ask the county DSS how they want this written.

3. Social Security Number (SSN) or Proof You Applied

SNAP generally requires a Social Security number for each person in the household who is applying for benefits, if they can get one.

Documents often used

• Social Security card
• Letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) with your SSN
• Official SSA printout

If someone does not have an SSN yet, the county may ask for proof that they have applied for one. They can tell you what specific proof they prefer.

People who are not applying for benefits in the household may not need to provide an SSN, but rules can be more complex in mixed immigration-status households. It’s usually best to check directly with your county DSS.

4. Citizenship or Immigration Status Documents

SNAP has specific rules for citizens and non-citizens. Not everyone in the home must be a citizen, but only certain non-citizens can get benefits.

For U.S. citizens, common documents include:

• U.S. birth certificate
• U.S. passport
• Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
• Some tribal documents for members of federally recognized tribes

For eligible non-citizens, common documents include:

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
• Employment authorization documents
• Other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or USCIS paperwork

You do not have to provide immigration information for people who are not applying for benefits, but the county still needs to know who lives in the home for income and household size purposes.

If you have concerns about sharing immigration information, you can ask the county DSS about their privacy rules and how information is used.

5. Proving Who Is in Your Household

SNAP/FNS defines a household as people who buy and prepare food together, not just everyone at the same address.

To verify who is in the home, the county might ask for:

• Names and dates of birth for each person
• School records for children (sometimes)
• Birth certificates (especially for children)
• Documents showing relationship, like a marriage certificate, if needed to clarify the household

Not every county will require physical proof of every person. Sometimes a detailed application and interview answers are enough. But be prepared in case the county DSS requests more documentation.

6. Income Documents (Very Important)

Income is usually one of the most important parts of a North Carolina SNAP application. You will need to show all income for everyone in the SNAP household.

A. Earned income from work

For people who work for an employer, counties often ask for:

• Recent pay stubs – usually covering the last 4 weeks
• If you don’t have pay stubs:
  • A letter from your employer with:
    • Your name
    • Rate of pay
    • Average hours worked per week
    • How often you are paid
  • Or, other proof of pay, such as a work contract

If your hours or pay have changed recently, try to provide documents that show the new situation. Let your caseworker know what changed.

B. Self-employment income

If you’re self-employed (for example, ride-share driving, cleaning, childcare, freelance work, or your own small business), you may be asked for:

• Recent tax returns
• Profit and loss statements
• Invoices, receipts, or other records showing your earnings
• Bank statements that reflect deposits and business income

Counties understand that self-employment income can be irregular, but they still must estimate your average monthly income.

C. Other types of income

You should usually report any other income, such as:

• Social Security or SSI
• VA benefits
• Unemployment benefits
• Workers’ compensation
• Pension or retirement income
• Child support received
• Alimony (spousal support)

To verify these, you might need:

• Award letters
• Benefit determination letters
• Printouts or payment histories from the agency
• Bank statements showing regular deposits

If there is no income in your household, the county may ask you to explain how you are meeting basic needs (for example, staying with family, help from friends, staying in a shelter, etc.). They may ask for a statement from the person or organization helping you.

7. Resources and Bank Accounts (Varies by Household)

For many households in North Carolina, resources like bank account balances are not the main factor. However, certain households (such as some with members who are disqualified for specific reasons) may have to meet a resource limit.

You may be asked for:

• Bank statements (checking, savings, credit union)
• Statements for:
  • Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA)
  • Stocks or bonds
  • Certificates of deposit (CDs)
  • Life insurance policies with cash value (only in some situations)
• Ownership information for second vehicles or property (not usually your primary home)

If your household falls under a category that must meet resource rules, your county DSS will tell you what they need.

8. Housing and Utility Cost Documents

Housing and utility costs can increase your benefit amount in some cases because they reduce your “countable income” after deductions.

Housing costs

Common documents:

• Lease or rental agreement
• Rent receipts
• Letter from your landlord stating:
  • Your name
  • Address
  • Monthly rent
• Mortgage statement
• Property tax bills
• Homeowners insurance bills

If someone else pays your housing costs, you might be asked for a statement from that person explaining what they pay on your behalf.

Utility costs

You may be asked for recent bills for:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• Sewer
• Trash collection
• Telephone or cell phone
• Heating fuel (oil, propane, wood, etc.)

Even if you don’t have your own account (for example, utilities are in someone else’s name), let the county know how much you contribute or how the arrangement works.

9. Child Care, Dependent Care, and Medical Expenses

Certain necessary expenses may be deducted from your income, which can help you qualify or increase your benefit.

Child care and dependent care

If you pay for someone to watch your child or another dependent so you can work, look for work, or attend school/training, you may be able to claim that cost.

Common documents:

• Receipts from the child care provider
• Statements or invoices
• Contract with daycare, after-school program, or babysitter
• A written statement from your provider with:
  • Their name
  • Your child’s name
  • Amount you pay
  • How often you pay

Medical expenses (for some older adults or people with disabilities)

If someone in the household is age 60 or older or gets certain disability benefits, you may be able to claim unreimbursed medical expenses over a certain amount.

Examples include:

• Health insurance premiums
• Co-pays and deductibles
• Prescription medicine costs
• Some over-the-counter medicines (if prescribed)
• Doctor, dentist, or therapist bills
• Medical equipment (like walkers, oxygen equipment)
• Transportation costs to medical appointments (mileage logs, gas receipts, or transit fares, as allowed)

Common documents:

• Bills and receipts
• Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance
• Statements showing regular prescription costs

You do not have to claim these expenses, but doing so may help your case. Ask your county DSS worker how to document them correctly.

10. How to Apply for North Carolina SNAP and Where to Submit Documents

HowToGetAssistance.org is not an application portal. To actually apply or send documents, you must use official North Carolina channels.

Common options include:

1. Online

   • North Carolina has an official online benefits portal for FNS and other programs.
   • You can typically:
     • Create an account
     • Complete an application
     • Upload scans or photos of your documents
   • To find it, search for your state’s official NC FNS application site or look up your county DSS page.

2. In person

   • Most people can apply at their county Department of Social Services (DSS) office.
   • You can usually:
     • Fill out an application
     • Turn in copies (or sometimes originals) of your verification documents
     • Ask staff how to provide any missing items later

3. By mail or fax

   • Many counties allow you to:
     • Mail your written application and copies of documents
     • Fax documents to your local office
   • Call your county DSS to get the correct mailing address or fax number.

Whenever you send documents, try to:

• Put your full name and case number (if you have one) on each page
• Keep copies of what you submit for your records

11. What Happens After You Apply

After you submit an application through official channels, this is the general process many people experience:

1. Application is received

   • The county logs your application date, which can affect when benefits start if you’re approved.

2. Interview is scheduled

   • You are usually contacted for a SNAP/FNS interview, often by phone, sometimes in person.
   • They’ll review your application, ask follow-up questions, and remind you about missing documents.

3. Verification period

   • If the county needs more documents, they will usually give you a deadline and a list of what to provide.
   • If you can’t get a document in time, tell them before the deadline. They may suggest alternatives.

4. Eligibility decision

   • Once they have enough information, they decide whether you qualify, your benefit amount, and your certification period (how long the approval lasts).

5. Notice of decision

   • You should receive an official notice by mail (and sometimes electronically) explaining:
     • Whether you were approved or denied
     • Your monthly benefit amount
     • When benefits will start and end (unless renewed)
     • Your appeal rights, if you disagree

If you are approved, you’ll typically receive an EBT card separately, along with instructions on how to use it.

12. Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed or Denied

Many people run into problems because of missing or unclear documents. Some frequent issues include:

• Not providing proof of income (missing pay stubs, benefit letters, or self-employment records)
• No ID or unclear proof of identity
• No proof of address or residency
• Unclear household information, such as who buys and prepares food together
• Missed interview and not calling back to reschedule
• Missed verification deadline, so the county closes the application before making a decision

If you run into trouble:

• Contact your county DSS office as soon as possible.
• Ask what exactly is missing and whether there are alternative documents that will work.
• If you can’t meet a deadline, explain why and ask whether it can be extended.

13. Recertification: Documents You May Need Again

SNAP/FNS is not permanent. You must recertify (renew) periodically. North Carolina will send a recertification notice when your review is coming up.

You may be asked to provide updated:

• Income proof (new pay stubs, benefit letters, self-employment records)
• Housing and utility bills
• Child care costs
• Medical expenses (for eligible household members)
• Any documents related to changes (new job, moved, someone moved in/out, etc.)

If you don’t complete recertification or provide requested documents on time, your benefits may stop, even if you are still eligible. It’s important to open mail from the county and respond quickly.

14. What if You’re Denied or Disagree with the Decision?

If you’re denied, or you think your benefit amount is wrong, you usually have the right to request a fair hearing or appeal.

In North Carolina, the decision notice should include:

• Why you were denied or changed
• How long you have to request a hearing
• How to file that request (often by phone, mail, or in person at the county office)

If you decide to appeal, it may help to:

• Gather any missing or new documents
• Write down details about your situation
• Bring copies to your hearing or submit them by the method the notice explains

Appeal processes are handled through official state channels, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.

15. If You Don’t Qualify for North Carolina SNAP

If you’re found ineligible or get very low benefits, you may still have other options for food assistance:

• Local food pantries or food banks

  • Many communities have free food distributions.
  • You can call 2-1-1 to ask about food resources in your area.

• Community meal programs

  • Some churches, nonprofits, and community centers serve free or low-cost meals.

• School meal programs

  • Children in your household may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

  • If you are pregnant, postpartum, or have a child under 5, WIC may help with specific foods and nutrition support.

These programs are all run through their own official offices and hotlines. Contact them directly to learn their rules and required documents.

16. Avoiding Scams and Making Sure You’re Using Official Channels

Because SNAP involves personal information and benefits, it’s important to confirm you’re dealing with legitimate offices:

• Check the website address
  • Official North Carolina and county sites usually end in “.gov”.
• Be cautious with anyone asking for fees
  • SNAP applications are generally free. Be wary of people wanting payment to “guarantee approval.”
• Never share your EBT PIN
  • County staff may ask for some information to verify your identity but should not need your EBT PIN.
• Call to verify
  • If you’re unsure whether a website or number is official, you can:
    • Look up your county DSS phone number separately (such as via your county government site or phone book)
    • Call 2-1-1 for help finding official local resources

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only and does not process applications or request sensitive financial information.

By gathering these typical documents early—especially ID, proof of address, and income records—you can often make the North Carolina SNAP (FNS) application process smoother when you contact your county DSS or use the official state portal.