North Carolina residents face different types of financial challenges, from the high cooling and housing costs on the coast to significant winter heating needs in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) provides the primary framework for public assistance, the state relies heavily on a network of local charities, faith based groups and community action agencies to offer additional help. Whether you are navigating the high cost of living in the Research Triangle or seeking rural support in Eastern NC, understanding the financial assistance programs by area, as listed below, will help.

There are a range of state-specific programs like Work First and CIP as well as regional nonprofits. It is important to note that many North Carolina programs are administered at the county level by local Departments of Social Services (DSS). Since funding for emergency rent or utility bill assistance is often limited, those with the highest risk - such as households with children, seniors, or veterans - are typically prioritized.

Rental and Housing Assistance

Housing support in NC, at the state level, is managed through a mix of federal HUD programs and the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA). There are also a wide variety of charity and church based rental assistance programs too, though they have limtied resources. With the state's rapid growth, finding affordable housing often requires working with local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).

North Carolina Rent Assistance Programs: Find local charities and faith based groups, which may offer localized help. Or locate state-funded resources that provide funds for back rent (including on mobile lots) or emergency deposits. Use this link to view rental assistance in North Carolina programs by county.
Eviction Prevention: Federal and charitable grants and the state’s homelessness prevention initiatives provide legal aid and financial assistance to keep families in their homes or apartments. Learn more about North Carolina eviction prevention help.

Section 8 Vouchers: Information on the Housing Choice Voucher program for low-income residents, seniors, and the disabled. Get details on section 8 housing Choice Vouchers in North Carolina including public housing authorities to apply at.
Mortgage Help: The NCHFA and HUD-approved counselors offer mediation and assistance programs for struggling homeowners. Read more on North Carolina mortgage assistance: The aim is to always try to stop a foreclosure and look for details about North Carolina mortgage assistance.

Utility and Electric Bill Help (LIEAP & CIP)

Energy assistance in North Carolina is divided into three main categories: the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), which provides a one-time winter heating payment, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP), which is available year-round for immediate heating or cooling emergencies. The last options is help directly from utility providers or a charity. Insider Tip: Major providers like Duke Energy and Dominion Energy offer a Customer Assistance Program (CAP) that provides flat monthly credits (often up to $40 to $50) to those who are already approved for LIEAP or CIP.

NC Utility Assistance: Find a list of programs (payment plans, rebates, forgiveness and more) from major gas and electric companies, including Piedmont Natural Gas and Duke Energy. Get comprehensive details about North Carolina utility assistance programs.
LIEAP in North Carolina: Learn about seasonal heating grants and how to apply via your local DSS. Many people that get LIHEAP may qualify for Weatherization & (The Heating and Air Repair and Replacement Program (HARRP, which is a vital resource for low-income families needing to fix or replace inefficient AC or heating units. This is often managed through local community action agencies. Learn more about LIEAP in NC.

Statewide Cash and Food Benefits (NCDHHS & ePASS)

The NCDHHS manages the state's core safety net programs, with many based on people in or near poverty. In North Carolina, the TANF program is known as Work First (WF), emphasizing short-term assistance and employment. Food stamps are officially called Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) and their are other benefits as well. Insider Tip: The ePASS (Electronic Pre-Assessment Service e-System) is the unified portal for NC residents to apply for FNS, Medicaid, and Energy assistance online. It is the most efficient way to manage your benefits.

Apply Online (NC ePASS): https://epass.nc.gov/.
NCDHHS Customer Service: 1-800-662-7030
Public Assistance Programs: Get additional details about Work First, FNS, and medical bill assistance through Medicaid. Learn more about options for public assistance in North Carolina.
Phone Bill Help: North Carolina residents can access the Lifeline program for discounted cell or landline service. Read more on the North Carolina Lifeline program.

Emergency Help and Basic Needs

Salvation Army: The North and South Carolina Division operates dozens of centers throughout NC, offering emergency help. This may include free vouchers for gas, clothing, and food or small amounts of financial support. Locate Salvation Army services in North Carolina.
Community Action Agencies: Every NC county is served (sometimes with a physical office) by an agency that is part of the North Carolina Community Action Association (NCCAA). These groups manage Head Start, HARRP, and CSBG-funded emergency aid. Get more details on community action agencies in North Carolina, including contact information.

NC 211 / United Way Referral

For 24/7 referrals to local charities, the United Way of North Carolina provides the online NC 211 service to search. There is also a customer service team for more direct contact. Query NC 211: https://nc211.org/ or dial for help.

Food Pantries, Food Banks and Nutrition Resources

Feeding the Carolinas is the umbrella organization that coordinates the major food banks across the state. The non-profit is part of Feeding America. The organization works on ensuring that even rural counties have access to mobile pantries and emergency groceries.

North Carolina Food Bank and Pantry Directory: Find local pantries, soup kitchens, and distribution centers by county: Look here for details on a North Carolina free food bank or pantry in your community.

Community Insight and North Carolina Forum

If you want to read about the experiences of other North Carolina residents or ask specific questions about local charity funds, visit our community forum. It is moderated and free to use. Visit the North Carolina Assistance Forum.

Legal Aid, Senior Services, and Disability

Free - Low-Cost Legal Aid: Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) provides civil legal assistance for low-income residents, focusing on housing, domestic violence, and public benefit appeals among other types of needs. Pro-bono and volunteer lawyers are also part of North Carolina free legal aid.
Senior Assistance: The NC Division of Aging and Adult Services coordinates with local Area Agencies on Aging to provide meals, medications, and respite care among other support. Find more details on help for seniors in North Carolina.
Disability Benefits: Specialized programs provide home care, vocational rehab, and financial support for those with physical or mental disabilities. There may also be transportation, income based housing and even guidance on applying for social security disability as part of disability programs in North Carolina.

Employment, Child Care, and Transportation

NCWorks Career Centers: These centers (formerly JobLink) provide job training, free clothes for interviews, and career placement services among other support. Read more about job training in North Carolina.
Child Care Vouchers: The NC Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) administers the state-supervised voucher system for working parents. Most programs are income based/subsidized, but there may be in some occasions free daycare in North Carolina.
Free Cars and Transport: Some regional non-profits provide refurbished vehicles or gas cards for residents who need reliable transportation for work. Though limited in scope and availability, it may be possible to get a free or subsidized car in North Carolina.
Debt & Credit Counseling: Non-profit agencies offer financial literacy and assistance with medical or credit card debt as well as help people deal with predatory lenders. Get a list of North Carolina credit counseling agencies.