Stokes County, NC

Food & Nutrition Services

What should I do if I am unable to get to one of the offices to apply?
If you are unable to come into the office, you can appoint someone you trust to represent you in the office or an application can be taken over the phone.  You can also download an application and mail it in.    

When will my benefits go into my account?
Your benefits will be available after 6:00 a.m. on the same day each month according to the last digit of the head of household's Social Security Number, even if that day is on a weekend or a holiday. 

I have received my EBT card.  How can I get it activated?
You can call customer service at 1-888-622-7328.  A recorded message with instructions will ask you to enter the card number, then your social security number then 4 digits to be used as your pin number (your choice).  At this time, the procedure for individuals without a social security number is to use their birthdates.

What is the EBT customer service number?
The toll free number is 1-888-622-7328 and they are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

When will my application be completed?
Emergency benefits must be completed within 7 days from your date of application. Applications that do not meet emergency criteria must be completed within 30 days from your date of application.

When will I receive my EBT card?
EBT cards should be received within 3-5 days after your Food Stamp case is completed.

What do I do if I have a change in my situation?
Your caseworker will review what changes are required to be reported when you apply.

Will I receive a new EBT card each month?
No. You use the same card each month. If your benefits terminate, you should keep your card. If you reapply, you may have your benefits deposited into the old EBT account. Be sure to let your caseworker know that you still have an EBT card. You can even keep your same pin number.

What happens if I use the wrong pin number when I am shopping?
If you try to use the wrong pin number 4 times in a row your EBT card will not work anymore that day. You will have to wait until after 12:01am the next day to try again.

How can I check my balance on my EBT card?
Call the customer service line at 1-888-622-7328. The number can be located on the back of your card. Any remaining balance at the end of the month is rolled over into the next month.

Why didn't I get the full benefits for the month I applied initially?
Benefits are prorated for the month of application based on your date of application. For example, if you apply on 12/8/02, you would receive benefits from 12/8/02 through 12/31/02 if eligible.

Family & Children’s Medicaid

What does Medicaid cover?
If you are eligible for Medicaid, you will receive a Consumer’s Guide to North Carolina Medicaid Programs, which contains listings of covered services. This list is not all-inclusive and does change. For more accurate information, ask your medical provider or pharmacist or call the CARE-LINE at 1-800-662-7030.

Why is one of my children eligible for Medicaid but the other are not?
Medicaid is determined by comparing countable income to an income level for the number in the family. The income levels are different based on the child’s age. Depending on each child’s countable income and age, the children could be in different income levels.

How do I let my doctor know that I have Medicaid?
When you are approved for Medicaid, you will receive a Medicaid ID card each month in the mail. You must take your current card with you each time you go to the doctor, hospital, pharmacy, or any other medical provider. Your Medicaid card is proof that you have coverage. It is very important to keep up with your Medicaid card! It works just like a health insurance card. If you do not show your card to the medical provider, they will not know Medicaid covers you and you may become responsible for paying the full cost of the medical bill or prescription.

How long can I receive North Carolina Health Choice after I am approved?
You may receive NCHC as long as you continue to meet the requirements. Your caseworker will review your situation every 12 months.  You must report all changes in situation to your caseworker within 10 days. You cannot receive North Carolina Health Choice if you begin receiving coverage through another health insurance program.

Adult Medicaid

What does Medicaid cover?
If you are eligible for Medicaid, you will receive a Consumer’s Guide to North Carolina Medicaid Programs, which contains listings of covered services. This list is not all-inclusive and does change. For more accurate information, ask your medical provider or pharmacist or call the CARE-LINE at 1-800-662-7030.

How do I let my doctor know that I have Medicaid?
When you are approved for Medicaid, you will receive a Medicaid ID card yearly. You must take your current card with you each time you go to the doctor, hospital, pharmacy, or any other medical provider. It is very important to keep up with your Medicaid card! It works just like a health insurance card. If you do not show your card to the medical provider you may become responsible for paying the full cost of the medical bill or prescription.

What is the definition of a disability?
As defined by Social Security, it is a physical or mental impairment that prevents an individual from engaging in any substantial, gainful activity, and which has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death.  To apply for disability benefits, you must apply through the Social Security Administration offices, 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY).

What is Carolina access?
Carolina Access is a Medicaid managed care program.  As a Medicaid recipient you must participate in this program unless you meet one of the exemption requirements.

Will Medicaid pay for my care in a nursing home?
If you meet eligibility requirements, Medicaid will pay for some portion of your cost of care in a long term skilled or intermediate care facility as well as medical expenses.

Will the state take my home if I get Medicaid?
If you receive CAP or are in a long-term care facility, estate recovery may apply to you.  This means at the time of your death the government may make a claim against your estate to recover the money paid to medical providers on your behalf.

Work First

Can I get transportation to look for a job?
There may be a way to obtain transportation to look for a job for a limited time span.  To find out more, you must be assessed by a social worker.

My children's father doesn’t pay child support?
Can I receive cash assistance?
Work First cash assistance is not an entitlement program.  If interested in cash assistance, apply for Work First and talk with a social worker, who will assess your particular situation.

Is there any type of assistance if I am experiencing a temporary crisis with employment?
The Department of Social Services offers the Benefit Diversion program.  It provides families with one-time cash assistance and up to three months of Medicaid to meet needs that are related to maintaining or accepting employment, or needs that have arisen due to a temporary break in employment.  In order to qualify for the Benefit Diversion program, you must apply for Work First and talk with a social worker who will assess your particular situation.

Medicaid Transportation

How far in advance do I need to call about a ride?
Clients must call at least three (3) working days in advance and no more than 30 days in advance.  To be assessed and make transportation requests, please call the Medicaid Transportation  Line at (336) 593-2861 (ext. 1130)

How long will it take after I apply until I can start getting rides to my appointments?
Clients may make transportation requests immediately following certification.

Can I get a ride to the store?
NO. Rides can only be given for medically necessary appointments/errands.

Can I get a ride to the Department of Social Services for my appointments?
NO. Rides can only be given for medically necessary appointments/errands.

Can I get a ride to the pharmacy to fill a prescription?
YES.

 I have trouble getting in and out of some vehicles because of my wheelchair.  Will I still be able to use this service?
YES. Just let us know when you schedule your appointment and a van with a chairlift will be sent to get you.