The state of North Carolina is distributing $18 million in checks to help low-income households pay for food and other necessities. The state is also taking other measures to help people who are struggling during the H3N2 flu pandemic, including providing free masks at pharmacies and extending the period of time when residents can receive prescription drugs without charge from 90 days to 180 days.
Gas Stimulus Checks From North Carolina: Who Will Get Them?
More than 1.1 million households will receive one-time stimulus check payments from the state. The average payment is $200 per household, with many households receiving less than $100 and a few receiving more than $600. The state is distributing these checks to families who receive food assistance through SNAP or Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), as well as those who do not currently receive government benefits but were determined eligible for them based on income and other factors.
The payments are being sent to households that have qualified for and receive federal food assistance. The North Carolina DHHS has distributed information about the program to local meal programs, community action agencies and other organizations that help provide benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The stimulus checks will be sent to households that qualify for the payments and regularly receive SNAP benefits. If your household participates in SNAP, you should receive a letter or email from DHHS informing you of this new stimulus check benefit. If you do not receive a letter or email by October 2nd, please contact DHHS at 1-800-662-7030 at any time between 8am and 5pm on weekdays or by emailing your county department of social services.
North Carolina has enacted additional measures to help those in need during the pandemic. The state’s Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has begun distributing free gas and diesel to drivers who have been affected by the gas crisis. For example, drivers who purchased gas before July 6 can present their receipts at select NCDOT locations and receive reimbursements for up to $10 in fuel costs per day.
