Pitt County public and government aid programs.
The DSS in Pitt County provides numerous assistance programs to low income residents. In most cases, the client will also partner with a social worker on entering into some type of long term plan for self-sufficiency. While most of the aid provided is federally funded, such as SNAP food stamps, there are also some state resources available as well.
The county works to reduce evictions and foreclosures through Homelessness Prevention Programs, such as those known as Emergency Solutions Grant. This countywide service, offered in partnership with local non-profits, helps clients afford the cost of paying rent and offers funds for security deposits. While the county always emphasizes eviction prevention to begin with, they will also provide additional housing support services to tenants and homeowners as needed.
There are also transitional housing and other short term solutions in the region. Non-profits across Pitt County county, with the assistance of case managers, help place needy people into local motels (for a night or two as a last resort) or a local shelter. Many of these transitional solutions prioritize families with minor-age children.
Low income households in Pitt County County can turn to the government food stamp program known as SNAP. For clients that qualify for this public aid, DSS provides Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, food stamps, or vouchers. This is designed to help improve the nutrition and health of working-poor individuals. The disabled, senior citizens and really entire families.
Pitt County County Department of Social Services (DSS) helps clients apply for Medicaid to address medical bill and health care needs. The main resource is Medicaid, which operates as a government-insurance program that provides financial assistance to income-qualified persons so that they can acquire prescription medications, receive check-ups and pay medical bills.
This public program features different components that are intended for distinct groups, such as children and families, senior citizens, and disabled individuals. These components include NC Health Choice, the Family Planning Waiver program, Medicaid for children, discounted prescription drugs, and Medicaid for adults. Another option is the Direct Medical Fund, which is another resource that helps residents afford prescription medications and other life-saving medical equipment they may need.
Adult Case Management Services are available to the disabled and senior citizens in Pitt County. The Department of Social Services will help client apply for public aid such as CAP (Community Alternative Program), In-Home Services, and their care givers can get help from respite services. Another component of this is known as SOAR, and is SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery. Staff from the county help the homeless with applying for disability benefits.
An eye-care program is available to low-income and/or uninsured residents of Pitt County. DSS, on behalf of the state of North Carolina government, offers free exams, medications, glasses, check ups and contact lenses to eligible clients.
The department provides a number of different forms of public assistance for utility services. Households in crisis can qualify for grants that help them cover the expense of heating or cooling their homes during the winter or summer. Families can also receive a one-time cash subsidy in November to pay heating bills during the winter via the regular energy bill assistance program, commonly known as LIHEAP.
Moreover, financial aid from Pitt County DSS is available to elderly and/or disabled individuals to help them purchase heating oil, propane, or kerosene. The Emergency Energy Fund helps eligible working poor individuals pay delinquent electric, natural gas and heating bills. Under the county’s water hardship program, one time financial assistance is provided to clients who are facing water-service termination due to outstanding bills.
Residents seeking ongoing support can turn to the DSS Prevention Services. A social worker from the county can assist the low income on accessing transportation or housing needs in Pitt County, including low income units. Parenting classes are also provided too.
The county also manages the Work First program, which offers temporary assistance to clients who are seeking employment or attending job-training courses. Case managers also refer individuals to resources that streamline the job-search process and that can help them find and retain a job.
In addition, the Work First Emergency Assistance program may offer government grants for certain expenses. Funds from the county can help homeowners or tenants pay utility bills to resume service or avoid service disconnection. There may also be public funds used or no interest loans to assist residents with making back rent payments to prevent eviction. This program provides financial assistance for other essential expenses as well, at the discretion of the county and DSS. The Work First service is designed for families with children, with secondary emphasis on clients that lack any other options to resolve a crisis.
Low-income parents who are working or in job training can make use of public vouchers and subsidies to reduce the cost of childcare services in the Greenville area. This is only an option while they are at their job or attending training as required per program terms. Parents must still pay a percentage of the childcare expenses. The amount of money clients must contribute is determined by their income level and many other factors. In addition, any type of assistance is subject to age and other restrictions, and there is a waiting list.
Financial aid and other resources, such as case management, is available to developmentally disabled adults and senior citizens to help them remain in their homes as long as possible. DSS also helps such individuals obtain safe and affordable housing in an appropriate facility in North Carolina.
The social services department in Pitt County also coordinates a burial assistance program, and this is mostly for the indigent in the county. If found to be qualified, impoverished families can open or close a grave without bearing any costs. Funds are also available for cremation services, and this burial assistance solution is an option, though funds are limited and come with restrictions.
The main DSS office in Pitt County is located at 203 Government Circle, Greenville, North Carolina 27834. The information and intake line is 902.1000.
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