North Carolina Benefits & Assistance Programs
Explore official North Carolina government resources for SNAP food assistance, North Carolina Medicaid, housing and rental support, cash assistance programs, and other essential benefits available to North Carolina residents.
🍎 Food Assistance in North Carolina (SNAP)
North Carolina supports eligible residents with grocery help through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is meant to reduce food costs and help households maintain access to healthy meals throughout the month.
Benefits are provided on an EBT card that can be used at most grocery stores and approved retailers across North Carolina. Eligibility is determined using factors such as household size, income, and allowable deductions, and you can apply online or get help through local offices.
🍎 North Carolina Food Assistance (SNAP / Food and Nutrition Services)
In North Carolina, SNAP is administered as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). It helps qualifying individuals and families stretch their grocery budget with a monthly benefit that can be used to purchase eligible food items.
Approved benefits are delivered through an EBT card (like a debit card) and can be used at participating grocery stores and retailers across North Carolina. Eligibility generally considers household size, income, and certain deductions/expenses.
What North Carolina SNAP/FNS Can Help With
- Monthly grocery benefits loaded to an EBT card
- Support for households facing job changes or rising food costs
- Use at approved retailers (including many grocery chains and local stores)
North Carolina SNAP/FNS Income Limits
Income limits and eligibility rules can change and may differ based on your household details. To keep this page accurate, we recommend checking the official North Carolina resources below for the latest eligibility guidance.
How to Apply for SNAP/FNS in North Carolina
- Online: Apply through NC ePASS (you can also apply without an account).
- In person: Apply or drop off paperwork at your local County DSS office.
- By mail: Print and mail a paper application to your county DSS office.
Emergency Food Help in North Carolina
If you need food immediately, community food banks, pantries, and meal programs may help while your application is being reviewed.
1. Find a Local Food Bank (Feeding America Locator)
- Food Finder: Search for food banks and pantries near you
2. Local Pantries & Community Meal Programs
Many nonprofits, churches, and community centers offer groceries or prepared meals. Searching your ZIP code + “food pantry” can also help you find nearby options fast.
📝 Official North Carolina SNAP/FNS Resources
- NC DHHS — Food and Nutrition Services (Food Stamps) — overview, eligibility info, and program details.
- NC ePASS (Apply Online) — submit an application and manage benefit services.
- Find Your Local County DSS Office (Directory) — county contacts, addresses, and phone numbers.
📍 Find Food Near You
- Feeding America Food Finder — search by ZIP code for local help.
- Search your ZIP code + “food pantry” or “free groceries.”
- Check community centers, schools, and local nonprofits for meal programs.
Disclaimer: OBenefitFinder is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency or organization. Program rules, eligibility, and availability may change—always confirm details using official sources.
🏥 Medical & Health Coverage in North Carolina (Medicaid & Health Programs)
North Carolina provides access to healthcare coverage and medical assistance for eligible residents through North Carolina Medicaid and related state health programs. These services help ensure essential medical care is available for individuals and families with limited income or specific health needs.
Depending on eligibility, North Carolina health coverage may include doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, mental health services, preventive care, and long-term care support for children, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities.
🚨 Medical Emergency: If you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not delay urgent care or rely on online information.
🏥 Medical & Health Coverage in North Carolina (Medicaid & Family Health Programs)
North Carolina Medicaid helps eligible residents access free or low-cost healthcare. Program details, updates, and official guidance are provided by NC Medicaid (NCDHHS): NC Medicaid (Official Website) .
🩺 What North Carolina Medicaid May Cover
Covered services depend on your program and eligibility, but can include:
- Primary care and doctor visits
- Hospital and emergency services
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and behavioral health services
- Pregnancy, maternity, and postpartum care
- Preventive care (checkups, screenings, vaccinations)
- Long-term care supports for eligible seniors and people with disabilities
👨👩👧 Who May Qualify
You may qualify if you live in North Carolina and you are:
- A child or teen
- Pregnant
- A parent/caretaker in an eligible household
- Age 65+ or living with a disability
- Receiving SSI or meeting certain medical/financial criteria
- A qualified non-citizen who meets program rules
📊 Income & Eligibility Rules
Income limits and requirements can change and may differ by program type. The safest way is to review official application/eligibility guidance here: How to Apply for NC Medicaid (Official) .
🧾 Documents You May Need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of North Carolina residency (lease, utility bill, etc.)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters, or tax documents)
- Social Security Number (if applicable)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
- Health insurance information (if you have any)
🖥️ How to Apply for North Carolina Medicaid
Online:
- Apply online using NC ePASS: NC ePASS (Apply Online)
- You can also start from the official NC Medicaid “How to Apply” page: NC Medicaid — How to Apply
By Phone:
- NC Medicaid Contact Center: 1-888-245-0179 — Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Prefer local help? Call your county Department of Social Services (DSS): Local DSS Directory (Official)
In Person / Local Help:
- Apply at your local county DSS office (walk-ins available in many counties): Find Your Local DSS Office
⏳ Application Processing Time
Processing times vary based on the program and your situation. If you’re pregnant, applying for a child, or have urgent medical needs, ask your local DSS office about faster handling options.
💡 If You Don’t Qualify
- Check subsidized health plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace: Healthcare.gov
- Look for community health centers and low-cost clinics in your area
⚠️ Disclaimer
OBenefitFinder is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with NC Medicaid, NCDHHS, or any government office. Eligibility rules and program details can change—always confirm information using official North Carolina government resources.
🏡 Housing Assistance in North Carolina
Learn about housing assistance, rental support, and emergency shelter programs in North Carolina, including general eligibility guidelines, income considerations, and ways to apply for help.
Housing assistance in North Carolina is primarily provided through local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs), nonprofit housing organizations, and community agencies, with funding and oversight from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and North Carolina housing agencies. These programs are designed to help low-income households find and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing.
🏘️ Main Housing Programs in North Carolina
1. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
North Carolina’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program helps eligible low-income households afford safe housing in the private rental market. A portion of the rent is paid to the landlord, and the household pays the remainder based on income and program rules.
Who May Qualify- Low-income individuals and families
- U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens
- Seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children
- Must meet income limits set by the local Public Housing Authority (PHA)
- Apply through your local North Carolina Public Housing Agency (PHA)
- Use the voucher at approved private rental housing
- Tenant rent is typically based on household income
👉 Find your local North Carolina PHA: HUD — Public Housing Agency (PHA) Contact Information
2. Public Housing
Public Housing provides affordable rental units owned or managed by local housing authorities. Rent is generally calculated as a percentage of household income, and waitlists may apply.
- Low-income households
- Seniors and individuals with disabilities
- Applicants must meet eligibility and screening requirements
3. North Carolina Rental Assistance & Rent Help
Rent help in North Carolina may be available through local programs, housing authorities, and partner agencies. If you’re behind on rent or struggling to afford housing, use official state resources to locate current options.
- Help finding rent assistance programs (when available)
- Housing Choice Voucher guidance and where to apply
- Information for renters searching for affordable housing resources
👉 Official North Carolina rent help resources: NCHFA — Need Assistance Paying Rent?
4. Emergency & Transitional Housing
North Carolina offers emergency shelters and transitional housing support for individuals and families facing homelessness or a housing crisis. Local access is often coordinated through community entry points and referral systems.
- Emergency shelters (temporary stays)
- Transitional housing programs
- Rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention services
👉 North Carolina homelessness & shelter help: NCDHHS — Emergency Housing & Shelters (Emergency Solutions Grant)
📊 Income Limits
Housing assistance programs in North Carolina commonly use income limits set by HUD. Limits can vary by county/metro area and household size.
- Extremely Low Income: 30% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Very Low Income: 50% of AMI
- Low Income: 80% of AMI
*Income limits differ by location. Always confirm with your local PHA and program office.
🧾 Documents You May Need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of North Carolina residency
- Proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters)
- Social Security numbers for household members
- Birth certificates (if required)
- Immigration documents (if applicable)
📝 How to Apply
1. Apply Through Your Local PHA- Check for open waitlists
- Submit an online or paper application (varies by housing authority)
👉 North Carolina PHA contacts: HUD — Find Your Local Public Housing Agency
2. Online Applications- Some housing authorities accept online applications when waitlists are open
- For rental help guidance and referrals, you can also call: 1-800-955-2232 (NCHFA reference line listed on their renter resources page)
☎ Helpful Housing Contacts
-
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA)
NCHFA — Renters Resources -
HUD — Public Housing & Voucher Contacts
HUD PHA Contact Information -
NCDHHS — Homeless / Shelter Help
Emergency Housing & Shelters (ESG)
⚠️ Disclaimer
OBenefitFinder is an independent informational resource and is not affiliated with HUD, North Carolina Public Housing Authorities, NCHFA, or any government agency. Always verify housing details with official government sources.
💵 Cash Assistance in North Carolina
North Carolina offers several cash assistance and financial support programs to help eligible residents manage basic living expenses and short-term financial hardship. These programs are designed to support families, seniors, and individuals with limited income.
Major cash assistance programs in North Carolina include Work First Family Assistance (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other state or federal aid programs administered through local county agencies.
Cash assistance may help cover essential costs such as rent, utilities, food, clothing, transportation, and daily necessities, particularly during periods of unemployment, disability, or emergency situations.
📋 Work First Family Assistance (North Carolina TANF)
Work First Family Assistance is North Carolina’s cash-assistance program under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). It helps eligible families with children cover basic needs while connecting participants to employment services, training, and supportive resources.
👨👩👧 Who May Qualify
You may be eligible if you:
- Live in North Carolina
- Are pregnant or caring for a child under age 18 (or 19 if still in school, in some cases)
- Meet program income and resource (asset) rules
- Provide required proof documents (identity, residency, income, etc.)
- Agree to cooperate with work/training requirements (unless exempt)
Most cases are for parents/caregivers with children in the home, but eligibility can depend on household situation and county program rules.
📊 Benefit Amounts & Income Rules
North Carolina sets rules for income limits, resource limits, and monthly cash benefit amounts. Because amounts can change and may vary by household size, county practices, and circumstances, it’s best to confirm current standards through your local county DSS before applying.
- Benefits are based on household size and financial situation
- Some households may qualify for supportive services (example: transportation or child-care help)
- Rules may be different for guardians/relatives caring for children
*Program rules can change. Always verify current requirements through official North Carolina sources.
💵 What Work First Can Include
- Monthly cash assistance to help with basic living costs
- Work participation, job search, and job-readiness support
- Education or training services (when approved)
- Possible supportive services (example: transportation or child-care help)
- Referrals to food, medical, and housing resources
🧾 How to Apply in North Carolina
- Online: Apply through NC ePASS: NC ePASS (Apply Online)
- By phone: Contact your local county Department of Social Services (DSS) for help with eligibility and application steps.
- In person: Apply or get assistance at your county DSS office.
👉 Find your local county DSS office: North Carolina Local DSS Directory (Official)
Processing times vary. Some cases require an interview and completion of a work or participation plan.
📌 Other Cash-Related Support
Depending on your situation, you may also qualify for:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – federal monthly payments for eligible seniors and people with disabilities: SSI (Social Security)
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – benefits for eligible workers with disabilities: SSDI (Social Security)
- Local emergency help offered by community agencies, nonprofits, or faith-based organizations (availability varies by county).
📞 Emergency Help
- Dial 2-1-1 to ask about local emergency financial help, utility support, food resources, and community programs in North Carolina.
- Community Action Agencies and local nonprofits may offer short-term assistance depending on funding.
⚠️ Disclaimer
OBenefitFinder provides general information about North Carolina cash assistance programs and is not affiliated with NCDHHS, any county DSS office, the Social Security Administration, or any government agency. Eligibility rules, benefit amounts, and application steps may change—always verify details through official sources.
Frequently Asked Questions (North Carolina Benefits)
North Carolina provides food assistance through SNAP, also known as Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). Additional help may be available through local food banks, pantries, and community meal programs.
You can apply online through NC ePASS, or apply in person and by mail through your local county Department of Social Services (DSS).
North Carolina offers medical assistance through NC Medicaid and related health programs, serving eligible children, pregnant individuals, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Income limits depend on household size and eligibility group and may change over time. Always confirm current requirements through NC Medicaid (NCDHHS) or your local county DSS.
Housing help in North Carolina may include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, local rental assistance programs (when available), shelters, and homelessness prevention services.
Applications are managed by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs). Availability depends on waitlists, which may open or close throughout the year. Apply through the housing authority serving your city or county.
North Carolina offers TANF through Work First Family Assistance, along with SSI and SSDI, plus limited emergency help through local agencies and community organizations.
Some emergency programs may provide same-day or short-term help for rent, utilities, or food, depending on local funding. Standard benefit applications may take several weeks to process.
Yes. You may qualify for food, medical, housing, and cash assistance at the same time if you meet each program’s eligibility rules.
No. OBenefitFinder does not determine eligibility or process applications. We provide informational resources only and are not affiliated with any government agency.