UPDATED: FEBRUARY 2023
Almost all Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) households, known as SNAP nationwide, will see an increase in their FNS benefits on October 1, 2022. These changes will be made automatically; households did not need to take any action. For more information, visit: SNAP Benefit Changes.
Why will FNS benefits increase in October 2022?
Almost all FNS households will see an increase in their FNS benefits to account for changes in the cost of living. Maximum FNS benefits, which are tied to food inflation, will increase by about 12% starting October 1, 2022. This increase is about $26-$31 per person per month.
The table below shows maximum FNS benefit amounts for households ending September 30, 2022) and what the new maximum benefit will be starting October 2022:
| Household Size | Oct 2021-Sept 2022 Maximum FNS Benefit | Oct 2022-Sept 2023 Maximum FNS Benefit |
| 1 | $250 | $281 |
| 2 | $459 | $516 |
| 3 | $658 | $740 |
| 4 | $835 | $939 |
In addition, North Carolina is still providing monthly pandemic-related Emergency Allotments to FNS households. This is typically a supplement of up to $95 if households are already receiving the maximum or close to the maximum. These supplements are added to households’ EBT cards later in the month than their regular monthly allotment. Households will see a decrease in their total monthly benefits when the temporary pandemic-related Emergency Allotments end in North Carolina. PLEASE NOTE: February 2023 will be the last month households will receive this extra payment.
What happens after the Emergency Allotments ends?
The total amount of FNS benefits you receive each month will change when North Carolina stops issuing Emergency Allotments. February 2023 will be the last month households will receive this extra payment.
In general, your monthly FNS benefit amount may change based on your household’s circumstances, such as your income, the number of people in your household, and certain expenses you pay for.
You should continue reporting changes in your household circumstances to your local Department of Social Services (DSS).
How can Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy help?
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy fights to help families put food on the table and avoid food insecurity. We can help by:
- Providing representation in appeals of overpayment claims, including Intentional Program Violations (IPVs), Inadvertent Household Errors (IHEs), and Agency Errors (AEs)
- Disputing incorrect calculations of overpayment amounts or monthly benefit levels
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy also advocates for policies at the state and federal level that promote equity in and improved access to food support programs and resources.