Cumberland County: Pandemic Waiver Ended, Food And Nutrition Services Recertification For Residents

Press release from the Cumberland County:

Feb 14, 2022

A waiver granted in 2020 for Cumberland County residents by the U.S, Department for Agriculture expired on Jan. 1, 2022. Residents that were previously waived and had their benefits extended are now required to complete and submit their recertification forms and verifications. 

The USDA, which administers the Food and Nutrition Services Program, allowed households already receiving benefits to continue to receive without completing required recertification due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Households were not required to complete their recertification forms to report their financial circumstances or family and living status at the end of their “six-month” certification. Cases were automatically extended.  This was to ease the burden on families, promote social distancing, and align with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines during COVID-19.

Households whose certification period ends January 2022 and going forward should receive a recertification form in the mail from the NC Department of Health and Human Services.  The form must be completed, signed, and returned to the Cumberland County Department of Social Services. 

Once received the information will be reviewed to determine ongoing eligibility. Residents will be contacted should additional information or an interview be needed to complete the process.

If the recertification form is not returned, FNS benefits could be delayed or terminated.  Cumberland County residents can submit their completed, signed forms with verifications through the following ways:

• Mail to P.O. Box 2429, Fayetteville, NC 28302-2429.
• Email to  food_stamps@ccdssnc.com.
• Fax to 910-677-2885.
• Place in the drop boxes outside of the building.
• Bring them in person to Department of Social Services during normal office hours.

Cumberland County residents can apply for Food and Nutrition Services benefits online at https://epass.nc.gov/  Applications can be filled out in person during normal hours or by printing a paper application from the website completed, signed and submitted by:

• Email to  food_stamps@ccdssnc.com
• Mail to P.O. Box 2429, Fayetteville, NC 28302-2429.
• Fax to 910-677-2885.
• Utilize the drop boxes outside of the building.

Department of Social Services address is 1225 Ramsey St. in Fayetteville.  Normal operating hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Please call 910-323-1540 for any questions and more information.

All recertification and application forms must be signed and return to the Cumberland County Department of Social Services.

This press release was produced by the Cumberland County. The views expressed here are the author’s own.