Low to moderate income families will receive grant money and financial assistance in all counties and cities in North Carolina listed below, including Charlotte and Raleigh. Get help with paying bills (including utility or electric), rent, free food, or assistance with housing. There is financial help with mortgage payments or free gas cards, as well as other support. Find how to get financial help in NC near you below.

Free stuff and transportation programs are also available across NC. There are free clothes, car loan payment programs or auto repair services for work reasons. Or residents can find low-income housing or apartments, free clothes or groceries from pantries or dental or medical care at clinics along with emergency cash assistance from social services. There is also free cars or desktop computers for low-income families in NC who need assistance for a job.

Find free grant money for paying bills or free stuff in NC for lower income households

Child Care Financial Assistance -North Carolina's Division of Child Development provides free or subsidized daycare using a combination of federal and state government funds. Low income families will get free or income subsidized child care services through a locally administered state-supervised voucher system. If a family in meets the program eligibility criteria, the state of North Carolina will pay a portion of the cost of child care expenses or give a free voucher. Call 1-800-859-0829, or read more free daycare in North Carolina.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, also known as Work First - Through the Work First government assistance program, parents will get short-term job training, free money and other services that will help them become self-sufficient as well as employed. However, the NC Work First program is time limited, and government cash can help pay for housing, light bills, household stuff and other basic needs.. Dial 1-800-662-7030.

Home Repair Assistance - Several programs are offered. The Single-Family Rehabilitation Program will help lower income families in NC with major repairs. There are free grants to fix a house from the Urgent Repair Program, which helps elderly and families with a disability with home repairs and enhancements. There is also the Displacement Prevention Partnership will help with paying for roof repairs, plumbing or modifications if you need them as a result of an illness. Call 919-877-5700.

Government Assistance for Telephone Bills - North Carolina families can enroll into FCC supported programs such as Lifeline. It will provide the household with a discount on their monthly bill or a free government phone whether it is a cell unit or a home phone. The program can also pay a portion of installation or activation costs for low income families in NC. More on North Carolina Lifeline program.

North Carolina Senior Assistance - A number of resources and assistance programs are offered for adults over 55 years of age. The Division of Aging and Adult Services works with local Area Agency on Aging offices to administer programs for seniors and the elderly, including food, health insurance, free medications, and free grants for senior citizens. More Agency on Aging in North Carolina.

Emergency Assistance - North Carolina families who are experiencing a financial crisis or emergency may be eligible for financial help to pay for housing, rent, mortgages, and utility bills. Contact your local community action agency and ask about the state emergency assistance program. Learn more on emergency assistance in North Carolina.

There is also emergency assistance to help with rental payments in North Carolina. Tenants close to eviction, the unemployed, single others, veterans and others can apply for grant money or funds from charities. Or seeking legal aid, rehousing, and other resources.. Find other rental assistance in North Carolina.

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) - This is the states version of SNAP food stamps. Food and Nutrition Services is a government entitlement program. It allows all eligible low-income households and individuals to receive assistance with food, nutritional needs and grocery bills using an EBT card. The programs benefits may be used to purchase most groceries at numerous participating stores. Call 919-733-3055 or 1-866-719-0141.

Assistance and Benefits for the Disabled - Individuals with a disability and sometimes their families can receive immediate financial help. North Carolina offers services such as home care, meals and food, job training, medical assistance, help in applying for disability benefits, and other support. Or get free transportation or subsidized housing in NC for disabled people. More on disability programs in North Carolina.

Housing Assistance and Free Home Repairs for the elderly - An optional county service that can assist both older adults (seniors over the age of 60) in NC as well as disabled people. Agency on Aging runs it. There is help for those who either currently reside in or who may return to independent housing to: 1) become better informed about available housing resources and to 2) have full access to a higher standard of living by utilizing one or more state, federal, and local government assistance home improvement funding sources. People over 60 can call 919-855-3400.

Mortgage Help and Foreclosure Prevention Assistance - Find North Carolina programs that will help you with paying your mortgage. Free non-profit counselors and government resources are available in your town and county. Or get loan modifications and legal aid from other statewide programs that will also help reduce foreclosures. Read more North Carolina mortgage assistance.

In addition, numerous non-profit housing agencies, which are certified by the federal government HUD agency, provide mortgage advice and foreclosure counseling. Click here North Carolina HUD agencies.

North Carolina Legal Aid - Receive free legal consultations and advice from lawyers. There is free legal aid for the poor and low-income from this federal government funded program. Read more North Carolina free legal aid.

Resources from Energy and Utility Companies - In addition to the financial aid and energy bill assistance programs that you will locate in your county, click here for other North Carolina utility assistance programs that are offered across the state. Many companies offer emergency funds, payments plans, money to pay a utility deposit and other support to low income customers.

Crisis Assistance - While resources can be limited, the Salvation Army has dozens of centers across North Carolina. Programs can help people pay for their bills and living expenses in an emergency. Get free vouchers for gas, clothes, school supplies or motel or hotel rooms. Read more on Salvation Army services in North Carolina.

North Carolina Short Term and Low Income Housing - Individuals facing imminent eviction or the currently homeless can explore transitional housing resources. The non-profits that run them will offer qualified candidates self-sufficiency, housing and help in finding and paying for a more permanent home with no waiting list to live in. More transitional housing North Carolina.

Programs to Prevention Evictions and Rehouse the Homeless - Federal government grants are available from non-profit agencies. Funds can be used to pay the security deposit on low income housing or help North Carolina families pay overdue rent to prevent homelessness. Immediate homeless shelter and case management is available as well. Click North Carolina eviction help.

Rent Payment Vouchers - North Carolina families as well as single mothers that meet low income levels can receive government help with paying their monthly rent expense. The section 8 housing choice government assistance program administered by HUD and local PHAs offers partial assistance for housing costs and is for seniors, disabled, and income qualified residents. More details on section 8 housing Choice Vouchers in North Carolina.

Free Food Banks, Pantries, and Distribution Centers - Hundreds of food banks provide food, groceries and other forms of non-monetary support to low-income families, people with no money or income and individuals. Tens of thousands of families access the food banks or drive thru food pantries every year. Click here to find a North Carolina free food pantry location.

Social Services - Several statewide programs can provide cash assistance, free food, medical bill help, and other aid to the low income. Free government grant money also helps the unemployed. A focus is on families with children, seniors, and disabled. Read more on public assistance in North Carolina.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) - A Federally government funded assistance program that will provide for a one-time cash payment to those families that need it to help eligible families pay their winter heating or AC bills. This payment is usually sent out in February of each year. Free AC units or repairs are available in North Carolina too. More on LIEAP in NC.

North Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and Heating and Air Repair and Replacement Program (HARRP) - The Weatherization Assistance Program was created to help citizens with saving money on utility bills and reduce energy expenses. It does this through the free installation of energy conservation improvements and materials. Apply along with LIEAP (see above).
The Heating and Air Repair and Replacement Program (HARRP) works closely with the Weatherization Assistance Program to help repair and/or replace old and inefficient heating and air conditioning systems in the homes of lower-income families. The government program especially focuses on the elderly, families with children, and individuals with disabilities. Contact a community action agency to apply.

Get free medical, prescriptions and health care for low-income families in North Carolina

CHIP - Medicaid for Infants and Children (MIC) - Provides medical insurance coverage, grants, and help with health care bills for children under age 19 from low-income families. There is also free insurance for kids from single mom run homes in NC. It is one of the many types of free health insurance policies.

North Carolina Health Choice for Children (NCHC) - The NCHC program is a free or reduced price comprehensive health insurance plan that is aimed at children from low income families. If your family currently makes too much money to qualify for Medicaid, but they make too little money to afford the typical rising health insurance premiums, then your children may qualify for NCHC. Call 1-800-662-7030

Free Prescription Drugs - Med-assist, which is located in Charlotte, will serve as the centralized North Carolina state pharmacy. Pharmacists located at Med-assist fill prescriptions and then they will mail them to clinics near you located throughout North Carolina. Get free insulin, ADHD drugs and more. Call 866-331-1348.

Free Health Care Centers - The low income and people with no health insurance may be eligible to receive either low cost or free health care from clinics. Get information on North Carolina free community clinics.

Residents also have access to dental clinics in North Carolina. Numerous free or low cost care may be provided from dentists to people with no income or insurance. Click here free dental clinics in North Carolina.

Individuals who are under or uninsured can also apply for government and non-profit medical bill assistance programs. Several resources are available for low income children, seniors, and families with pre-existing conditions. Read North Carolina uninsured health care programs.

Help with debt, budgeting, and free job training or placement services in NC

Employment Programs, Crisis Grants, and Educational Services - Your local community action agency will assist residents with gaining new skills, finding employment, get a free low-income car for a job and paying bills while they look for work. Other services offered include Head Start for children, senior assistance programs, home repairs, information on government assistance grants and much more. More details on community action agencies in North Carolina.

Job Search and Training Assistance - Services are available for the under and unemployed in North Carolina. JobLink Career Centers and other government programs provide training, referrals, and help with preparing for and conducting a search for a new job. Or get free clothes for work, a tablet or computer. Continue with job training in North Carolina.

Income Producing Opportunities - There are a number of ways to make some extra money, some of it quickly. Everything from selling items to gig economy work, work at home jobs in NC, and much more. Read more on getting cash in an emergency.

Free Debt, Credit Repair, and Financial Counseling - If you are faced with high credit card or medical debts, need credit repair services, or are faced with bankruptcy in North Carolina. Various non-profits offer financial services, car payment help or assistance with debt. Get a listing of free or low cost North Carolina credit counseling organizations.

Assistance From North Carolina Cities and Counties

Find emergency or long term financial assistance by county and/or city below. Select your region below. There are charities, government agencies and other places for help in NC, including basic needs as well.

Alamance County (Graham)

Alexander County (Taylorsville)

Alleghany County (Sparta)

Anson County (Wadesboro)

Ashe County (Jefferson)

Avery County (Newland)

Beaufort County (Washington)

Brunswick County (Bolivia)

Buncombe County (Asheville)

Burke County (Morganton)

Cabarrus County (Concord)

Caldwell County (Lenoir)