If you receive SNAP benefits in North Carolina, your EBT card is loaded on a set date every month based on the last digit of the primary cardholder's Social Security Number. Benefits are distributed from the 3rd to the 21st of each month, and your date stays the same every month regardless of weekends or holidays. This guide shows exactly when to expect your deposit, how to check your balance, and what to do if your benefits do not arrive on time.
North Carolina EBT Deposit Schedule by SSN Last Digit
North Carolina uses a staggered deposit system to spread payments across the month. The last digit of the primary cardholder's Social Security Number determines which day benefits load. If you do not have a Social Security Number, your benefits are deposited on the 3rd of the month.
| Last Digit of SSN | EBT Deposit Date |
|---|
| 1 | 3rd of the month |
| 2 | 5th of the month |
| 3 | 7th of the month |
| 4 | 9th of the month |
| 5 | 11th of the month |
| 6 | 13th of the month |
| 7 | 15th of the month |
| 8 | 17th of the month |
| 9 | 19th of the month |
| 0 | 21st of the month |
Your deposit date will not change from month to month. If the date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, your benefits are still available on that day. North Carolina does not shift the deposit date earlier or later for weekends or state holidays.
2026 Monthly EBT Deposit Calendar
The table below shows specific dates for each deposit day throughout 2026. Find your deposit digit in the left column, then read across to see the exact date for each month.
| SSN Last Digit | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|
| 1 | Jan 3 | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Apr 3 | May 3 | Jun 3 | Jul 3 | Aug 3 | Sep 3 | Oct 3 | Nov 3 | Dec 3 |
| 2 | Jan 5 | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Apr 5 | May 5 | Jun 5 | Jul 5 | Aug 5 | Sep 5 | Oct 5 | Nov 5 | Dec 5 |
| 3 | Jan 7 | Feb 7 | Mar 7 | Apr 7 | May 7 | Jun 7 | Jul 7 | Aug 7 | Sep 7 | Oct 7 | Nov 7 | Dec 7 |
| 4 | Jan 9 | Feb 9 | Mar 9 | Apr 9 | May 9 | Jun 9 | Jul 9 | Aug 9 | Sep 9 | Oct 9 | Nov 9 | Dec 9 |
| 5 | Jan 11 | Feb 11 | Mar 11 | Apr 11 | May 11 | Jun 11 | Jul 11 | Aug 11 | Sep 11 | Oct 11 | Nov 11 | Dec 11 |
| 6 | Jan 13 | Feb 13 | Mar 13 | Apr 13 | May 13 | Jun 13 | Jul 13 | Aug 13 | Sep 13 | Oct 13 | Nov 13 | Dec 13 |
| 7 | Jan 15 | Feb 15 | Mar 15 | Apr 15 | May 15 | Jun 15 | Jul 15 | Aug 15 | Sep 15 | Oct 15 | Nov 15 | Dec 15 |
| 8 | Jan 17 | Feb 17 | Mar 17 | Apr 17 | May 17 | Jun 17 | Jul 17 | Aug 17 | Sep 17 | Oct 17 | Nov 17 | Dec 17 |
| 9 | Jan 19 | Feb 19 | Mar 19 | Apr 19 | May 19 | Jun 19 | Jul 19 | Aug 19 | Sep 19 | Oct 19 | Nov 19 | Dec 19 |
| 0 | Jan 21 | Feb 21 | Mar 21 | Apr 21 | May 21 | Jun 21 | Jul 21 | Aug 21 | Sep 21 | Oct 21 | Nov 21 | Dec 21 |
What Time Do NC EBT Benefits Load?
North Carolina does not publish a specific hour for benefit deposits. Most recipients find their benefits available by midnight or early morning on their scheduled deposit date. If your balance has not updated by noon on your deposit day, check your balance using one of the methods below before contacting customer service.
How to Check Your NC EBT Balance
You have several ways to check your balance at any time:
Phone: Call 1-888-622-7328 (the number on the back of your EBT card). This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Have your 16-digit card number ready.
Online: Visit ebtedge.com and log in with your card number and PIN to see your current balance and recent transactions.
Mobile App: Download the ebtEDGE app from the App Store or Google Play. You can check your balance, view transaction history, and set up alerts.
Text Message: Text "BAL" to 42265 to receive your current balance. Text "MINI" to 42265 to see your last 5 transactions. You must register your phone number first through the ebtEDGE portal or app.
Store Receipt: Every time you make a purchase with your EBT card, the receipt will show your remaining SNAP and cash balances at the bottom.
What to Do if Your Benefits Are Late or Missing
If your deposit date has passed and your balance has not changed, follow these steps:
- Check your balance through two different methods (phone and app, for example) to rule out a display error.
- Wait until the end of your deposit day. Occasionally deposits process later than expected.
- Call NC DHHS at 1-888-622-7328 to confirm your case status and scheduled deposit date.
- If your case has had any recent changes (address, household size, income reporting), contact your local county Department of Social Services to confirm your case is active.
- If you believe your benefits were stolen or your card was compromised, report it immediately to the EBT Customer Service line so your card can be locked and reissued.
Work First Cash Assistance (TANF) Deposit Schedule
Work First Family Assistance, North Carolina's TANF cash assistance program, does not follow the same deposit schedule as SNAP. Cash benefits are deposited after your county Department of Social Services confirms you met the previous month's program participation requirements. Contact your local DSS office for your specific cash assistance deposit date.
North Carolina SNAP Income Limits for 2026
Not sure if you qualify for SNAP in North Carolina? The state uses an expanded gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is higher than the federal standard of 130% FPL. There are no asset limits for most households.
Gross Income Limits (200% FPL) for FY2026
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $2,608 |
| 2 | $3,526 |
| 3 | $4,442 |
| 4 | $5,358 |
| 5 | $6,276 |
| 6 | $7,192 |
| 7 | $8,108 |
| Each additional person | +$916 |
Net Income Limits (100% FPL) for FY2026
After allowable deductions, your household's net income must fall at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.
| Household Size | Monthly Net Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,304 |
| 2 | $1,763 |
| 3 | $2,221 |
| 4 | $2,679 |
| 5 | $3,138 |
| 6 | $3,596 |
| 7 | $4,054 |
| Each additional person | +$458 |
These limits apply October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The minimum monthly SNAP benefit for eligible households is $24.
Recent Changes to NC SNAP in 2025 and 2026
Two federal changes affect North Carolina SNAP participants. Expanded work requirements took effect December 1, 2025, affecting able-bodied adults without dependents. New non-citizen eligibility rules took effect February 1, 2026, affecting certain immigrant households. If either change may affect your household, contact your local DSS office or call 1-888-622-7328 to understand your current eligibility status.
How to Apply for SNAP in North Carolina
If you are not currently receiving benefits but want to apply, here are the steps:
- Apply online at epass.nc.gov. Create an account or log in to start your Food and Nutrition Services application. Online applications are available 24 hours a day.
- Apply in person at your local county Department of Social Services office. Use the NC DSS directory at ncdhhs.gov to find the office nearest you.
- Submit your application by mail or fax to your local DSS office if you cannot apply online or in person.
- Complete an interview. After submitting your application, you will need to complete a phone or in-person interview with a caseworker.
- Provide verification documents. Bring proof of identity, residency, income, and Social Security Numbers for all household members.
- Wait for a decision. NC DSS must process your application within 30 days. If approved, benefits are typically loaded to your EBT card within a few days of approval.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, you can use the free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check your eligibility across SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs in minutes.
Protecting Your EBT Benefits from Skimming
EBT card skimming has increased across North Carolina. Criminals place devices on card readers at grocery stores and ATMs to steal card numbers and PINs. To protect yourself:
- Check the card reader for anything loose or out of place before inserting your card.
- Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Change your PIN regularly through the ebtEDGE app or by calling 1-888-622-7328.
- Check your transaction history regularly and report any charges you did not make.
If you believe your card has been skimmed, contact EBT Customer Service immediately at 1-888-622-7328 to freeze your card and request a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What day does EBT deposit in NC?
North Carolina EBT deposits are made from the 3rd to the 21st of each month. The exact date depends on the last digit of the primary cardholder's Social Security Number. For example, if your SSN ends in 5, benefits load on the 11th of every month.
Does NC EBT deposit on weekends?
Yes. North Carolina deposits benefits on the scheduled date regardless of whether it falls on a weekend or holiday. Your benefits will be available on that day.
What time do EBT benefits load in North Carolina?
There is no published specific time. Most recipients find benefits available early in the morning on their deposit date. If the balance has not updated by noon, check again later in the day or call 1-888-622-7328.
What is the NC EBT customer service number?
The NC EBT customer service number is 1-888-622-7328. You can call this number to check your balance, report a lost or stolen card, change your PIN, or ask about your deposit date.
How do I find my NC EBT deposit date?
Your deposit date is based on the last digit of the primary cardholder's SSN. If your SSN ends in 1 you receive benefits on the 3rd, ending in 2 on the 5th, and so on through ending in 0 on the 21st. You can also call 1-888-622-7328 to confirm your scheduled deposit date.
What if my NC EBT benefits did not load?
First check your balance through the ebtEDGE app or by calling 1-888-622-7328 to confirm the deposit has not posted. If it is after your scheduled date and benefits are missing, contact your local county DSS office to check your case status.
Can I check my NC EBT balance without calling?
Yes. You can check your balance through the ebtEDGE website at ebtedge.com, the ebtEDGE mobile app, by texting "BAL" to 42265, or by checking the bottom of your last store receipt.
How do I apply for SNAP in North Carolina?
Apply online through epass.nc.gov, in person at your local county DSS office, or by mail. You will need to complete an interview and provide documentation of identity, income, and household size. Not sure if you qualify? Use the free eligibility screener at benefitsusa.org/screener.
What are the income limits for NC SNAP in 2026?
For fiscal year 2026, a single-person household can earn up to $2,608 per month in gross income. A family of four can earn up to $5,358 per month. North Carolina uses 200% of the Federal Poverty Level as the gross income limit, which is more generous than the federal minimum of 130% FPL.
Does North Carolina have an EBT Summer benefit?
Yes. North Carolina participates in the Summer EBT program, which provides additional food benefits to eligible school-age children during summer months when school meals are not available. Benefits are loaded to a separate Summer EBT card or existing EBT card depending on the household. For more information visit summerebt.org/states/north-carolina.
