Assistance Programs in North Carolina
10 programs in NC, grouped by what you need help with. Each links to its official application site, and most have a plain-language how-to-apply guide.
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Local guides
Deeper, locally compiled program lists for these areas:
- King / Stokes County, NC 18 programs
Utility Bill Help
- Crisis Intervention Program (North Carolina CIP)
The Crisis Intervention Program helps when you are in or about to be in a heating or cooling emergency, such as a disconnect notice or no working heat or air. Unlike LIEAP, it runs year-round and covers both heating and cooling. Apply at your county Department of Social Services by mail, email, fax, or drop-off.
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program (North Carolina LIEAP)
LIEAP is a one-time yearly payment sent to your heating vendor to help with winter heating costs. The application window is set: households with someone 60 or older or a disabled person getting services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services can apply December 1-31, and all other households apply January 1 through March 31 or until funds run out. Apply at your county Department of Social Services or online at epass.nc.gov.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (North Carolina)
Free home energy-efficiency work for income-eligible North Carolinians: insulation, air sealing, and heating and cooling repairs that lower future bills. The NC Department of Environmental Quality runs it through local agencies. Use the Find Your Agency tool on the DEQ site to reach the provider serving your county.
Food Assistance
- Food and Nutrition Services (North Carolina SNAP)
Food and Nutrition Services is North Carolina's name for SNAP, monthly food money on an EBT card you use like a debit card at the grocery store. Apply online at epass.nc.gov, in person at your county Department of Social Services, or by mailing a paper application to your county DSS.
- North Carolina WIC
WIC gives healthy food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and health referrals to pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5. NC WIC is offered statewide through county health departments and community health centers. Call 1-844-601-6881 to find your local WIC clinic.
Free & Low-Cost Healthcare
- NC Medicaid
NC Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for children, pregnant people, parents, older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income adults. Since December 2023, adults 19 to 64 can qualify with income up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. Apply at epass.nc.gov, at HealthCare.gov, or at your county Department of Social Services.
Cash Assistance & Benefits
- Unemployment Benefits (North Carolina)
Temporary weekly payments if you lost work through no fault of your own, from the NC Division of Employment Security. File online through MyNCUIBenefits at des.nc.gov, which is the fastest way. For help, call the UI Support Center at 888-737-0259.
- Work First Family Assistance (North Carolina TANF)
Work First is North Carolina's TANF program, giving short-term cash assistance and work services to low-income families with children. Cash is provided primarily for the children, and the program pairs it with help finding a job. Apply online at epass.nc.gov or at your county Department of Social Services.
Free Legal Aid
- Legal Aid of North Carolina
Legal Aid of North Carolina is the statewide nonprofit law firm that gives free civil legal help to people with low incomes, covering eviction, unsafe housing, domestic violence, public benefits, and more. Apply by phone at 1-866-219-5262 or online through the JusticeHub portal at legalaidnc.org/apply.
Crisis Support
- NC 211
Dial 2-1-1 from any North Carolina phone, or call 1-888-892-1162, for free, confidential help finding local assistance with housing, utilities, food, healthcare, and more. NC 211 is run by United Way of North Carolina, covers all 100 counties, and answers around the clock in English, Spanish, and other languages.