The Dare County Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) is informing the community about important federal benefits affected by the ongoing shutdown of the United States federal government. This information was provided by the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS).

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has directed NCDHHS to pause all November SNAP benefits until further notice. Unless this suspension is lifted soon, November benefits will not be issued.

Residents can continue using any remaining benefits already loaded on their EBT cards and may shop as usual at stores that accept SNAP/EBT. This pause affects only new November benefits — existing benefits will not be removed from your account.

To check your current balance, use the ebtEDGE app or call the number listed on the back of your EBT card. NCDHHS is prepared to immediately resume SNAP distributions if authorized by the USDA.

Despite the suspension, all SNAP reporting requirements remain in place, including regular recertifications. The Dare County DHHS Division of Social Services (DSS) remains open and will continue processing new applications, recertifications, and reported changes.

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

North Carolina (NC) WIC is operational and remains open for business. Participants in the WIC program will continue receiving benefits through October. NC WIC anticipates that benefit redemption can continue into November with current funding.  If any changes to WIC operations are required due to the ongoing government shutdown, additional information will be sent out.

NCDHHS is actively exploring all available options to sustain benefits should federal funding remain unavailable.

Community Support and Resources

Dare County DHHS recognizes how vital these benefits are for families across our community. We remain committed to keeping residents informed as updates become available from NCDHHS.

Additionally, Dare County DHHS is working closely with local nonprofit agencies that may be able to assist families affected by the shutdown. Residents experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to reach out to these community resources to learn more about available support. 

For the latest information, please visit the NCDHHS website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/about/federal-government-shutdown