This news item expired on Sunday, December 31, 2023 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
In North Carolina and nationally, emergency allotments for COVID-19 in the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program will end in March 2023. This means that in March 2023, households will see a reduction in their FNS benefits because of a federal change that ends emergency allotments for all states.
These emergency allotments have been critical in helping families compensate for financial and economic hardships due to COVID-19. With the end of emergency allotments, the average FNS benefit per person per day will decrease from $8.12 to $5.45.
Households receiving FNS will continue to receive their regular monthly benefit amounts in March 2023. This means that the amount of the benefit received will be based on the household’s current eligibility, income, household size and other federal eligibility requirements.
FNS recipients can view their regular monthly FNS benefit amount online at www.ebtedge.com. Please remember to keep your FNS information up to date to receive the right amount of benefits.
We invite our community to learn more about additional food and nutrition resources at www.ncdhhs.gov/foodresources. Buncombe County residents can apply for FNS benefits online with ePass or by filling out a paper application.
FNS applications can submitted in the following ways:
Mail:
Buncombe County HHS
PO Box 7408
Asheville, NC 28802
Phone:
(828) 250-5500
Email:
dssmail@buncombecounty.org
In person:
Buncombe County HHS
40 Coxe Avenue
Asheville NC 28801
We also want to remind our community that a range of financial assistance is available.
Housing Rental Assistance Program
Financial assistance is available to support our community members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who need help with rent, mortgage, or utilities. Click here for more information.
The Septic Repair Assistance Program (SRP)
The Septic Repair Assistance Program (SRP) launched in November of 2022, and Permits & Inspections is still accepting applications through Wednesday, Feb. 15. The SRP provides financial assistance to repair failing septic systems of qualifying homeowners who do not meet the income limit of 80% of Buncombe County Area Median Income ($64,250 for a family of four). Learn more here.
Free Tax Assistance at Local Libraries
County Library System and Council on Aging, Inc. will offer free tax preparations for taxpayers of low and moderate income, with special attention to those aged 60 and older. More information on this opportunity can be found here.
Affordable Parking Program
Buncombe County is pleased to offer people who work in Downtown Asheville the opportunity to apply for one of a limited number of reduced rate monthly parking passes at the 40 Coxe Avenue deck. You must meet the eligibility requirements in order to apply. The cost of the reduced rate passes is $40/month. Click here for more information.