Apply for Money to Buy Food After Hurricane Helene

Individuals and households not currently receiving Food and Nutrition Services benefits who were impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply for D-SNAP.

People can pre-register for benefits now through Tuesday, Oct. 22 at epass.nc.gov. Residents will then have seven days from Oct. 18 to apply. The application period will close on Oct. 24, 2024.

Eligible households will be notified within three days of completing the application and receive a one-time benefit on an EBT card to help buy food. The exact amount will depend on household size, income, and disaster losses.

While there are income eligibility standards, a number of considerations are taken into account. Individuals above these limits may still be eligible depending on disaster expenses, so everyone who needs support to purchase food is encouraged to begin their application by calling the D-SNAP Virtual Call Center at 1-844-453-1117.

“This program will be able to help people replace food who normally might not qualify for Food Assistance,” says Buncombe County Economic Services Director Phillip Hardin. “You can receive a one-month allotment of Food Assistance benefits based on your situation as it relates to the disaster.”

The benefits are good for up to nine months. Benefit cards will be available for pick up at the Buncombe County Health and Human Services building a 40 Coxe in Asheville or EBT cards can be mailed overnight at the address on the application.

There are no U.S. Citizenship requirements for D-SNAP. To be eligible, a person must:

• Have suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income.
• Have proof of identity and proof of residency (if available).
• Have income and resources below certain levels.
• Not be currently receiving benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program. People receiving FNS can find more information about how to get extra help at www.ncdhhs.gov/node/4049.

How to Apply

Buncombe County residents are encouraged to apply for D-SNAP by phone, when possible, by calling 1-844-453-1117. The D-SNAP call center will be open Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Residents can also use the ePASS Pre-Registration Tool (epass.nc.gov), now through Oct. 22. Once pre-registration is completed, applicants will be issued a confirmation number and they will need to call 1-844-453-1117 between Oct. 18 and Oct. 24 to complete the interview portion of the application.

Residents can also apply for D-SNAP in-person at Buncombe County Health and Human Services at 40 Coxe Ave. in Asheville. Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lines may be long so calling the call center at 1-844-453-1117 may be the best option. Residents can apply at any eligible county in western North Carolina. Residents can also complete their D-SNAP application ahead of time and bring it with them by downloading the form in English or in Spanish.

Please know there may be long wait times. County officials will do everything they can to process applications as quickly as possible.

People who may have a disability or are physically unable to go in person to apply can complete this form in English or Spanish and send an authorized representative in their place.

To begin the process, go to epass.nc.gov