This news item expired on Sunday, October 31, 2021 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Effective October 1, 2021
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made several changes to the Food and Nutrition Services Program. One or more of the changes may affect the amount of benefits you receive, effective October 1, 2021.
- Benefit amounts
- Income Limits
- Some deductions
- Homeless Shelter Deduction
- If you are a homeless household and pay money for a place to live (shelter), you may be able to receive a “homeless shelter deduction,” in the amount of $159.73 or you may choose the actual amount you pay for shelter as an excess shelter expense. You have the right to a fair hearing of your case if you do not agree with our decision.
You can request a fair hearing by letting your local county department of social services know of your request. You may request the hearing in person, by telephone, or in writing. The hearing may be requested by any member of your Food and Nutrition Services unit or by your representative, including an attorney obtained at your own expense. Free legal advice may be available. Contact your nearest Legal Services Office.
You have 90 calendar days from October 1, 2021 to ask for a hearing. If you do not ask for a hearing by 12/30/2021, you cannot have one.
To find out what your benefits are, Download the ebtEDGE mobile app. The app is available as a free download on the Apple Store and Google Play or call Customer Service at 1-888-622-7328 on the day you normally receive benefits.
If you have any other questions about these changes, contact your local Department of Social Services.
Click here to learn more about Buncombe County Food and Nutrition Service Programs.