Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy is raising awareness of a sudden pandemic-related public benefit decrease that will impact many low-income families. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service announced that the temporary increase in SNAP benefits (known as food stamps) put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic will end this February. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 law recently passed by Congress ends the emergency allotment of an additional $95 per month or more that families have received since March 2020. There will be no emergency allotment included in families’ March 2023 benefit. More information is available on the USDA’s website; easy to understand resources for families affected can be found on the Advocacy Center’s website.

The Advocacy Center has four recommendations for North Carolina residents:

1. Review current SNAP benefits through www.ebtedge.com, the EBTEdge mobile app or by calling the North Carolina EBT Call Center at 1-888-622-7328.
2. Compare. Those not already receiving the maximum monthly benefit may be able to increase benefits by reporting changes, including certain income and expenses.
3. Contact DSS to report changes.
   a. There are several circumstances that may result in increased benefits such as: decreased income, increases in rent, mortgage or property taxes, and added expenses of caring for a child or disabled adult.
   b. The Advocacy Center also encourages heads of households to ensure the Department of Social Services has their current address.
4. Call an advocate if something goes wrong. Those who have taken the above steps and still think something is wrong with their food stamps should contact a legal advocate for assistance. The Advocacy Center helps those in Mecklenburg County, and Legal Aid of North Carolina and Pisgah Legal Services provide support for those in surrounding areas.

About Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy provides those in need with information, advice and advocacy in consumer protection, home preservation, health care access and public benefits, immigration, tax assistance and more. Our mission is to pursue justice for those in need. Our vision is to build a just community, where all people are treated fairly and have access to legal representation to meet their basic human needs of safety, economic security, and stability. Learn more: charlottelegaladvocacy.org