North Carolina Government Assistance: Programs for Food, Health, and Financial Support

Accessing North Carolina government assistance provides a crucial lifeline for residents needing support with food, healthcare, housing, and financial stability. Programs offered through the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and other state agencies are designed to help low-income individuals, families, children, and seniors. Understanding which services you may be eligible for and how to apply through portals like ePASS or at your local County Department of Social Services (DSS) office is the first step toward security.

Your Primary Portals for NC Benefits

Navigating public assistance in North Carolina involves understanding three key components: the main state agency (NCDHHS), the online application portal (ePASS), and the local offices that deliver services (DSS).

The Main Gateway: NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is the primary state agency that oversees most, but not all, of the state's public benefit programs. NCDHHS manages critical services for low-income residents, including food assistance, medical assistance (Medicaid), and cash assistance.

While NCDHHS sets the rules and policies from the state level, it operates on a system that is state-supervised and county-administered. This means that the actual delivery of services—processing applications, conducting interviews, and determining eligibility—is handled by local offices in all 100 North Carolina counties.

For general questions, the NCDHHS Customer Service Center can be reached at 1-800-662-7030.

Applying Online: The ePASS Benefits Portal

The ePASS portal is North Carolina's secure, self-service website for applying for many of the state's largest assistance programs. It is the fastest and most direct way to submit an application for most NCDHHS-managed benefits.

Programs you can apply for using the ePASS portal include:

• Medical Assistance (NC Medicaid and NC Health Choice for Children)
• Food and Nutrition Services (FNS / SNAP or "Food Stamps")  
• Work First Family Assistance (TANF / Cash Assistance)
• Energy Assistance (LIEAP and the Crisis Intervention Program)

To apply for most benefits, you will need to create an NCID, which is a secure user ID and password for state government programs. However, for Food and Nutrition Services, you can submit an application without creating a full account, though this option does not allow you to save your progress or check your application's status online.

Existing beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to create an "enhanced account". This allows you to not only apply but also to view your case details, report changes in your circumstances (like a new address or job), and complete your Medicaid renewal online.

Keeping your contact information current through an enhanced account is critical to receiving important notices and avoiding a potential loss of benefits.

The ePASS portal is located at: https://epass.nc.gov

In-Person Support: Finding Your Local County DSS Office

Your local county Department of Social Services (DSS) office is the physical "front door" for almost all state and federal human services programs. These 100 offices are where applications are processed, whether you submit them online or in person.

You will need to contact your local DSS office to:

• Apply for benefits in person
• Attend a scheduled interview with a caseworker
• Get help with an online ePASS application
• Apply for certain programs not on ePASS, like Subsidized Child Care
• Report suspected child or adult abuse or neglect

You can find the website, phone number, and physical address for your specific office by using the official NCDHHS Local DSS Directory located at: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/local-dss-directory.

Food and Nutrition Assistance Programs

North Carolina offers two primary programs to help residents afford healthy food: Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) and the WIC program.

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS): North Carolina's SNAP Program

This is the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps. FNS provides eligible households with an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card to buy food at authorized stores.

Who is Eligible for FNS

To qualify for FNS, you must meet several requirements:

• Be a North Carolina resident.
• Be a U.S. citizen or have a qualifying legal status.
• Have a Social Security Number (SSN) or have applied for one.
• Meet the program's income and resource limits.

Income and Resource Guidelines

Eligibility is based on your household's income (before and after deductions) and, in some cases, your resources (like cash in a bank account).

Most households must meet a gross income limit (130% of the Federal Poverty Level) or a net income limit (100% of the Federal Poverty Level). Based on the federal guidelines for Fiscal Year 2025 (October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025):

• Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% FPL):
  • 1 person: $1,632
  • 2 people: $2,215
  • 3 people: $2,798
  • 4 people: $3,380
• Net Monthly Income Limit (100% FPL):
  • 1 person: $1,255
  • 2 people: $1,704
  • 3 people: $2,152
  • 4 people: $2,600

Some households, such as those with elderly or disabled members, may have a higher gross income limit.

Because the FNS calculation includes deductions for expenses like shelter, utilities, childcare, and medical bills (for those over 60 or disabled), you should apply even if your income is slightly above these limits. A caseworker at the DSS office will perform the official calculation.

A separate, "Simplified Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)" may be available for individuals who are age 65 or older, receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and live and prepare food independently.

How to Apply for FNS

There are three ways to apply: 

1. Online: At the ePASS portal (epass.nc.gov). This is the fastest method.
2. In-Person: At your local county DSS office.
3. By Mail: By sending a paper application to your local DSS office.

You will need to gather documents for your application, including:

• Identification (e.g., driver's license)    
• Social Security numbers for all household members    
• Proof of all income (pay stubs, award letters)    
• Proof of household bills (rent, utility bills, childcare costs)    
• Information on bank accounts and other resources    

After you apply, a caseworker will contact you for an interview, which can be done over the phone, by video, or in person.

WIC: Support for Women, Infants, and Children

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides specific healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.

WIC Eligibility

To be eligible for WIC, you must meet four criteria:

1. Categorical: You must be one of the following:
   • A pregnant woman
   • A breastfeeding woman (up to 1 year after giving birth)
   • A postpartum woman (up to 6 months after giving birth)
   • An infant or a child up to their 5th birthday
2. Residency: You must live in North Carolina.
3. Income: Your family's gross income must be at or below 185% of the Federal Poverty Level. For example, for a family of three, the maximum annual income is $49,303; for a family of four, it is $59,478.   
4. Nutritional Risk: A health professional must determine that you are at "nutritional risk." This assessment is done for free at your WIC appointment.

A significant time-saver is "automatic eligibility." If you or a family member is already enrolled in Medicaid, FNS (SNAP), or Work First (TANF), you automatically meet the WIC income requirement and do not need to provide separate income proof.

The WIC Application Process

You cannot apply for WIC through the ePASS portal. The application process requires an in-person appointment.

1. At the appointment, a nutritionist will conduct the free health and nutritional risk assessment.
2. Contact your local WIC agency to schedule an appointment.
3. Bring proof of ID, residence, and income (if you are not automatically eligible) to your appointment.

Health Care Coverage

North Carolina provides health care coverage for low-income residents primarily through NC Medicaid and, for children, NC Health Choice.

NC Medicaid: Eligibility and Coverage

NC Medicaid provides comprehensive, low-cost or no-cost health insurance to eligible individuals, including children, pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income adults.

Understanding the NC Medicaid Expansion

The most significant recent change to NC government assistance is Medicaid Expansion, which began December 1, 2023. This change allows more adults to get coverage.

• Who it Covers: Medicaid is now available to adults ages 19 through 64 who were not eligible before.
• Income: This group is generally eligible if their household income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
• The Key Message: Even if you were denied Medicaid in the past, you should apply again, as you may now be eligible.

Income Limits for NC Medicaid

Eligibility is based on your monthly household income (before taxes) and family size. While a caseworker makes the final decision, the general income limits are:

• Adults (Ages 19-64):
  • Family of 1: $1,800/month or less
  • Family of 2: $2,433/month or less
  • Family of 3: $3,065/month or less
• Children (Ages 0-18):
  • Family of 1: $2,752/month or less
  • Family of 2: $3,719/month or less
  • Family of 3: $4,686/month or less
• Pregnant Persons:
  • Family of 2 (person + unborn child): $4,353/month or less
• Adults (Ages 65+) and Individuals with Disabilities:
  • The income limits are generally lower (e.g., $1,305/month for a single person) and may also include limits on resources or assets.

When determining your "family size," you generally must include yourself, your spouse, your children under 21, and anyone else you claim on your federal income tax return.

Four Ways to Apply for Medicaid

You can apply for Medicaid, which is called "Medical Assistance" on the application, using one of four methods:

1. Online (Fastest): Apply at the ePASS portal (epass.nc.gov). A "short form" application is available for single adults applying under the new expansion rules.
2. In-Person: Apply at your local county DSS office.
3. By Phone: Call your local county DSS office to apply over the phone.
4. By Mail/Fax: Mail, email, or fax a paper application to your local DSS.

You do not need to have all your documents (like proof of income or residency) to start your application. Submitting the application as soon as possible establishes your start date for coverage if you are approved. A caseworker will contact you if more information is needed.

NC Health Choice (CHIP): Insurance for Children

North Carolina Health Choice (NCHC) is the state's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). It provides free or low-cost health insurance for children (birth through age 18) from working families. 

This program is designed to "fill the gap" for families whose income is too high to qualify for regular NC Medicaid but too low to afford private health insurance. The income limit for NC Health Choice is generally 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

The application process is seamlessly integrated with Medicaid. Parents use the same application for Medical Assistance.

The DSS caseworker will first check the child's eligibility for Medicaid. If the family's income is too high for Medicaid, the same application is automatically reviewed for NC Health Choice eligibility. There is no need to fill out a separate form.

Financial, Cash, and Emergency Aid

For families facing a financial crisis or needing short-term cash support, the primary program is Work First.

Work First Family Assistance (TANF): Short-Term Cash Support

Work First is North Carolina's Temporary Assistance for the Needy Families (TANF) program. It provides temporary cash assistance and employment services to help parents support themselves and their families.

This program is an "employment program" first and a cash assistance program second. The name "Work First" is literal: its goal is to help families find and keep jobs.

• Mutual Responsibility Agreement (MRA): Adult recipients are required to sign an MRA and "work or participate in work-related activities" to receive benefits.
• Time Limits: Work First is not a long-term program. There is a federal 60-month (5-year) lifetime limit on receiving TANF benefits. North Carolina also typically limits families to 24 consecutive months of benefits before they must wait three years to reapply.
• Eligibility: To be eligible, a family must have a child under 18 living in the home. The family must also meet strict income and asset requirements.
• How to Apply: You can apply for Work First online at the ePASS portal or in person at your local DSS office.

Benefit Diversion and Emergency Assistance

Because Work First has a lifetime limit, the program is designed to "divert" families from needing long-term cash aid by offering two alternative forms of short-term help:

1. Benefit Diversion: This is a one-time, lump-sum payment equal to a maximum of three months of Work First benefits. It is for families who are employed but facing a temporary crisis that could cause them to lose their job (e.g., needing a car repair to get to work). Accepting Benefit Diversion solves the immediate crisis without starting the 24-month or 60-month time clock.
2. Emergency Assistance: This is a separate short-term financial aid program for families in a financial emergency, designed to pay for housing and utilities. It is for families with a child, with income at or below 200% of the poverty level, who are facing a non-recurring crisis (like an eviction). This assistance is limited and cannot extend beyond four months.

Housing and Utility Assistance

Several state and federal programs can help North Carolina residents with heating bills, cooling bills, water bills, and rent.

Help with Utility Bills

North Carolina offers three distinct utility programs. The first two are for energy, and the third is for water.

• Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP): This is a proactive program that provides a one-time annual payment directly to a household's heating vendor. It is only for heating bills. The application schedule is seasonal:
  • December 1-31: Applications are open only for households with a person aged 60 or older, or an individual receiving disability benefits.
  • January 1-March 31: Applications open for all other eligible households, until funds run out.   
• Crisis Intervention Program (CIP): This is a reactive, emergency program for households in a "life-threatening or health-related" situation. This typically means having a disconnect notice or no heating/cooling source. CIP can be used for both heating and cooling crises. Applications are accepted year-round (July 1 - June 30) or until funds are exhausted.
• Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): This is a separate, federally-funded program for emergency assistance with drinking water and wastewater bills.

To apply for LIEAP, CIP, or LIHWAP, you should apply online at the ePASS portal or contact your local county DSS office.

Affordable Housing and Rent Support

Housing assistance is split between long-term federal subsidies and immediate emergency services.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

This is the federal government's main program for long-term rental assistance. It is not an emergency program. Participants receive a voucher and typically pay 30% of their adjusted income for rent, with the voucher paying the rest.

How to Apply

This program is not run by NCDHHS or ePASS. It is administered locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), such as the Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA) or Durham Housing Authority (DHA).

Waiting Lists

To get a voucher, you must apply to a PHA's waiting list. These lists are often closed for years due to high demand. This is a long-term solution, not a fix for an immediate crisis.

Specialized Vouchers

Separate, targeted vouchers may be available for specific groups, such as the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program or the Mainstream Voucher Program for non-elderly persons with disabilities.

Emergency Housing and Homelessness Services

For residents in an immediate housing crisis, NCDHHS provides funding for "Emergency Housing and Shelters for the Homeless" and "Programs to Find and Maintain Housing". Families facing an eviction may also be eligible for Work First Emergency Assistance to help pay rent or a deposit.

Employment and Child Care Support

Two separate state systems provide support for residents who are out of work or need help with child care to maintain employment.

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

If you have lost your job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for temporary income through the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program.

This program is not managed by NCDHHS or ePASS. It is run by the NC Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security (DES).

• How to Apply Online (Fastest): The primary way to file a new claim is through the MyNCUIBenefits portal, which is a separate system from ePASS. You can access the portal at:   https://des.nc.gov
• How to Apply by Phone: You can also file a claim by calling 888-737-0259.
• Weekly Certifications: After filing your initial claim, you must return to the MyNCUIBenefits portal each week to complete a "weekly certification" to confirm you are still unemployed and eligible to receive payment.

Job Training and Career Services: NCWorks Career Centers

While UI provides financial support, NCWorks Career Centers provide free job-seeker services. These centers are available to all residents, not just those on unemployment.

Services are free of charge and include:

• Career assessment and guidance
• Résumé and cover letter writing assistance
• Practice for job interviews
• Access to job fairs, workshops, and hiring events
• Free computer and internet access for job searching
• Information on training and education programs
• Specialized programs for veterans, young adults (NextGen), and justice-involved individuals.

You can find your local center at: https://www.ncworks.gov

Subsidized Child Care Assistance

This program helps eligible families pay for child care by providing financial assistance. It is primarily a work-support program.

Eligibility for Child Care Subsidy

Eligibility is based on your family's situation. You may qualify if you need child care for one of the following reasons :   

• You are working or trying to find work.
• You are in school or a job training program.
• Your child is receiving child protective services.
• Your child has developmental needs.

How to Apply for Child Care Subsidy

You cannot apply for this program using the ePASS portal. You must apply within the county where you live.   

1. Contact your County Child Care Worker, who is typically located at your local DSS office.   
2. The agency will tell you if you need an appointment and what documents to bring (e.g., proof of income, work/school schedule).
3. The agency has 30 days to determine your eligibility. If approved, your eligibility is valid for 12 months.   

For more information, visit the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education at: https://ncchildcare.ncdhhs.gov

Frequently Asked Questions