Online FNS and SNAP Change of Circumstance

You can now submit your Food and Nutrition (FNS) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) change of circumstances online through ePASS.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I submit my FNS/SNAP Change of Circumstance (CoC) online
• How do I enhance and link my ePASS account?
• Where can I find more information about enhancing my ePASS account?
• What changes require mandatory reporting? How long do I have to report these?
• What other information can I add or change for my Change of Circumstance (CoC)?
• When should I report a Change of Circumstance (CoC)?
• I have an enhanced account. How do I report a Change of Circumstance (CoC) for existing information on my case?
• I have an enhanced account. How do I report a Change of Circumstance (CoC) for new information on my case?
• Will my progress automatically save?
• How can I view my reported changes?
• How will I know if my reported change requires additional documentation?
• How do I upload additional documentation through my ePASS account?
• Who should I contact if I need assistance completing my Change of Circumstance?

Can I submit my FNS/SNAP Change of Circumstance (CoC) online

ePASS users with enhanced accounts now can submit their online CoCs. To submit an online CoC through ePASS, a beneficiary must meet the following criteria:

• You have an enhanced and linked ePASS account (see How do I enhance and link my ePASS account?), and
• That account is directly associated with you, and
• You have an active FNS or SNAP case.

How do I enhance and link my ePASS account?

Enhancing and linking your ePASS account is a two-part process. You must first enhance your account. An enhanced account lets you report changes and view case details online in addition to submitting applications and recertifications (see Where can I find more information about enhancing my ePASS account?).

IF YOU RECEIVE FNS/SNAP, BUT NOT MEDICAID, please contact your caseworker or your county DSS office to enhance and link your account. Visit ncdhhs.gov/localDSS to find the address and contact information of your local DSS office.

IF YOU RECEIVE BOTH FNS/SNAP AND MEDICAID, follow the steps below to enhance and link your account:

• If you do not have an existing ePASS account, you will be asked to enhance your account when you sign up for an ePASS account for the first time:
  1. Visit epass.nc.gov from a computer or mobile device and click ‘Sign up’
  2. Create your NCID account, username, and password (Note: you must have a working email address). Please write down your username and password so you can find it later and secure it in a safe place.
  3. Use your username and password to login to ePASS and get started!
     
• If you have an existing ePASS account, login to your ePASS account:
  1. Under ‘Your account,’ click ‘Dashboard’
  2. Click the blue arrow under ‘Enhance your ePASS account’
  3. ‘How do I enhance my ePASS account?’ will show. Click ‘Next’
  4. Select the address you want to use, then click ‘Next’
  5. Enter your information on the ‘Information about you’ page, then click ‘Next’
  6. Once your information has been verified, you will be asked to set up a primary (main) way to receive confirmation codes, also called two-factor authentication. This can either be a text or email message. Two-factor authentication helps make sure your personal information is secure and only you can view and change your information.

After you set up your primary choice to get confirmation codes, you will be asked to pick how you’d like to receive your confirmation code (text or email).

Important: If you do not have a social security number, you will not be able to complete this step and will need to go to your local DSS with documents that verify your identity. After your identity is verified your DSS caseworker will be able to link your enhanced account.

Where can I find more information about enhancing my ePASS account?

Visit epass.nc.gov/nfridp/qa for more information about enhancing your ePASS account, including:

• How long it takes to enhance your account
• Identity verification when enhancing your account
• Tips for success when enhancing your account

What changes require mandatory reporting? How long do I have to report these?

You must report the following changes:

1. Your income goes above the maximum gross income limit for your FNS/SNAP household size (visit here to view the amounts). You must add all sources of income to get the total amount of monthly income (wages, WFFA, child support, SSI, unemployment benefits (UIB), Social Security, Veterans benefits, disability payments, income of new household members, etc.). Note: if there are more than ten household members, begin with $6,592 and add $557 for each member. If your FNS/SNAP monthly household income is more than the amount in the table linked above, you must report the change by the 10th day of the month following the month your income increases. Please note that any change from the information given on the application that occurs after the interview (but before you receive a notice of eligibility) must be reported by the 10th of the month, following the month in which the notice of eligibility is received. At this time, you are not required to report income changes until your next recertification.
2. If your FNS/SNAP household includes an Able-Bodied Adult without Dependents (ABAWD), you must report if the ABAWD’s work hours are reduced to under 80 hours per month. For more information, visit NCDHHS’ ABAWD webpage here. You must report this change by the 10th of the month following the month the work hours reduce.
3. If your FNS/SNAP household receives lottery or gambling winnings over $4,250. You must report this change by the 10th of the month following the month you receive the winnings.

What other information can I add or change for my Change of Circumstance (CoC)?

You can add or change any information that is relevant to your case. This includes:

• Demographic information for yourself and household members, including date of birth and current address
• Housing expenses
• Dependent care expenses
• Child support expenses
• Utility expenses
• Unearned income information
• Employment status (including self-employment)
• Current benefits
• Liquid resources
• Medical expenses
• Disability information
• Work non-participation information
• Veteran/military status
• Education status
• Volunteering/work training information
• Criminal history
• Immigration information
• Scholarships
• Pregnancy
• Adoption/foster care payment information