Some Caldwell County adults who currently receive food and nutrition services (FNS) or benefits will have those benefits limited in July of this year.
Beginning July 1, any “able bodied adult without dependents” (ABAWD) will receive only three months of food and nutrition benefits in a 36 month period. Each case will be different and screened thoroughly to ensure that person is coded correctly to receive the correct amount.
Before July, letters will be mailed out by the North Carolina Division of Social Services to individuals who will be subjected to the ABAWD policy.
Under certain circumstances, some ABAWDs that meet special criteria, including working or volunteering, could regain eligibility during that 36 month time frame.
The state of North Carolina began implementing the ABAWD policy in January of this year for 23 counties. The remaining 77 counties, including Caldwell County, will begin following the ABAWD policy July 1.
The FNS program is an income based assistance program helping individuals and families subsidize their monthly income. Benefits are placed on debit-like cards each month for clients to use to purchase food items only.
There are several ways to apply for FNS. Clients can come by the Caldwell County Department of Social Services at the Health & Human Services Building, at 2345 Morganton Bld. SW and fill out the paperwork with a worker or complete it on their own and mail, fax or drop off the application. Clients can also go to www.epass.nc.gov and apply online.
For more information, contact Caldwell County Public Information Officer LouAnne Kincaid at lkincaid@caldwellcountync.org or 828-759-7879. # # #