If money is tight, North Carolina has benefits programs that can help, including Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services (North Carolina's SNAP), Work First cash help, and energy assistance. Many start at ePASS, the state's online benefits portal. For SSDI, SSI, or VA disability benefits, start with Social Security or the VA.
North Carolina benefits programs at a glance
Program | What it helps with | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) | Monthly income when a health condition stops you from working | Social Security Administration (SSA), or with Turnout |
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) | Monthly income for people with disabilities or older adults with very limited income | SSA, or with Turnout |
VA Disability | Tax-free monthly payments for conditions connected to military service | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) |
Medicaid | Free or low-cost health coverage | ePASS or your county department of social services (DSS) |
ACA Subsidies (Affordable Care Act) | Lower monthly costs for marketplace health plans | HealthCare.gov |
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy | Health insurance for older adults and some people with disabilities, plus help using it | SSA to enroll, Turnout for advocacy |
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) | Money for groceries | ePASS or your county DSS |
WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) | Healthy food and nutrition support for families with young children | Your local WIC agency |
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) | Help paying heating bills and energy crises | ePASS or your county DSS |
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) | Cash help and job support for families with children | ePASS or your county DSS |
EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) | A bigger tax refund for working people | Your federal tax return |
Child Tax Credit | Lower taxes for families with children | Your federal and state tax returns |
Child Care Assistance (CCAP, Child Care Assistance Program) | Help paying for child care | Your county DSS |
IEP (Individualized Education Program) / Education Advocacy | Special education support at school | Your child's school, or with Turnout |
Disability and income
SSDI
SSDI pays monthly benefits to people who worked and paid Social Security taxes but can't work now because of a serious medical condition. SSA runs it nationwide. In North Carolina, Disability Determination Services (DDS), a division of the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), gathers your medical evidence and makes the first decision on whether you meet SSA's disability rules. You can apply on SSA's website. If you'd like one-on-one help, you can apply for SSDI with Turnout.
Official resources: SSA's disability benefits overview and the Blue Book listing of impairments.
SSI
SSI is a monthly payment for people with very limited income and savings who are older, blind, or disabled. SSA runs it. North Carolina adds State-County Special Assistance, a cash supplement that helps adults who are 65 or older or disabled pay for room and board in places like adult care homes. People who get it automatically qualify for Medicaid, and you apply for it at your county DSS. You apply for SSI through SSA. For one-on-one help, you can apply for SSI with Turnout.
Official resources: SSA's Understanding SSI guide, what counts toward SSI limits, and NC State-County Special Assistance.
VA Disability
VA disability compensation is a tax-free monthly payment for veterans with illnesses or injuries connected to their military service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decides claims and assigns a disability rating. In North Carolina, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has accredited veterans service officers who help you file and track VA claims for free. The state also offers homestead property tax relief for some disabled veterans and surviving spouses. Turnout doesn't represent veterans in VA claims, but you can learn more on Turnout's veterans benefits page.
Official resources: VA's disability compensation overview, how VA disability ratings work, and NC veteran property tax relief.
Health coverage
Medicaid
Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage for people with limited income, including children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities. In North Carolina, NCDHHS runs NC Medicaid through its Division of Health Benefits. The state expanded Medicaid in December 2023, so more adults can qualify. You can apply for Medicaid at ePASS, the NCDHHS online portal, or through your county DSS. New federal rules start October 1, 2026, so current members should check NC Medicaid's site for what's changing.
Official resources: the federal Medicaid program at Medicaid.gov and NC Medicaid.
ACA Subsidies
ACA subsidies are tax credits that lower what you pay each month for a health plan you buy on the marketplace. North Carolina uses the federal marketplace, so residents shop and enroll at HealthCare.gov. You can compare plans and apply for coverage at HealthCare.gov. Most people enroll during the yearly open enrollment period, and life changes like losing coverage or having a baby can let you enroll at other times. Consumer specialists at the NC Department of Insurance can answer health insurance questions at 855-408-1212.
Official resources: HealthCare.gov's guide to lowering costs and free local enrollment help.
Medicare / Healthcare Advocacy
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities, and you enroll through SSA. In North Carolina, the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), part of the NC Department of Insurance, offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling in all 100 counties. SHIIP counselors don't sell plans, and they can help you find programs that lower Medicare costs. When coverage isn't working, like a denial or a confusing bill, you can get one-on-one help from Turnout's healthcare advocacy team.
Official resources: Medicare.gov, Medicare Savings Programs, and NC SHIIP free Medicare counseling.
Food and nutrition
SNAP
SNAP gives households money each month to buy groceries. In North Carolina, it's called Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), and NCDHHS runs it with county DSS offices. Benefits come on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card. You may qualify if you have a low-paying job, get SSI, or are older or disabled with low income. Your benefits start from the date your application is received, even if it isn't complete yet. You can apply for FNS at ePASS or at your county DSS office.
Official resources: the federal SNAP program and NC Food and Nutrition Services.
WIC
WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children under five. In North Carolina, NCDHHS offers WIC through county health departments, health centers, and community action agencies. If you already get Medicaid, Work First, or FNS, you automatically meet the income rule. To start, call your local WIC agency or fill out a referral form, and a nutritionist will meet with you. Your first visit is best in person, though some clinics offer remote options.
Official resources: the federal WIC program from USDA, NC WIC, and the NC WIC County Directory.
Home and cash help
LIHEAP
LIHEAP helps households with limited income pay home energy bills. In North Carolina, NCDHHS runs it through two programs at county DSS offices. The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) makes a one-time payment to your heating company. Some older and disabled households can sign up in December, and other households can apply starting in January while funds last. The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps with heating or cooling emergencies throughout the year while funds last. You can apply for energy help at ePASS or at your county DSS.
Official resources: the federal LIHEAP program, NC Low Income Energy Assistance Program, and NC Crisis Intervention Program.
TANF
TANF is a federal program that gives states money to provide cash help and job support to families with children. In North Carolina, it's called Work First, and NCDHHS runs it through county DSS offices. Work First gives parents short-term training and other services to help them find work. Grandparents and other relatives raising children can also get support. You can apply for Work First at ePASS or in person at your county DSS.
Official resources: the federal TANF program and NC Work First Family Assistance.
Tax credits
EITC
The EITC is a tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can lower what you owe or increase your refund. The IRS runs it the same way in North Carolina as in every other state. You claim it on your federal tax return, and you need to file a return to get it, even if you don't usually have to file. To get started, learn how to claim the EITC from the IRS.
Official resources: the IRS EITC page and free in-person tax prep through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance).
Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit lowers federal taxes for families raising qualifying children, and part of it can come back as a refund. North Carolina adds its own Child Deduction, which lowers your state taxable income for each child who qualifies for the federal credit. The amount depends on your income and filing status. You claim the federal credit using Schedule 8812, the IRS form for the Child Tax Credit, and the deduction on your North Carolina return.
Official resources: the IRS Child Tax Credit page and the North Carolina Child Deduction from NCDOR.
Children and education
Child Care Assistance (CCAP)
Child Care Assistance helps families with limited income pay for child care. In North Carolina, it's called the Subsidized Child Care Program, and the Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE) runs it through county DSS offices. You may qualify if you're working or looking for work, in school or job training, or if your child has developmental needs. You can choose any provider that takes part in the program, and most families pay part of the cost. To apply, find your county DSS.
Official resources: the federal Office of Child Care and NC Child Care Subsidy from DCDEE.
IEP / Education Advocacy
An IEP is a written plan for a child with a disability that spells out the special education services the school will provide. The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) creates this right. In North Carolina, special education is called Exceptional Children (EC) services, and the Office of Exceptional Children at the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) oversees it. Ask your child's school for an evaluation in writing. If you'd like someone in the meeting with you, Turnout's education advocacy team starts with a free case review.
Official resources: the federal IDEA website and the NC DPI Office of Exceptional Children.
What this means for you
- Start with ePASS or your county DSS for Medicaid, food, energy help, or Work First. You can apply for all four through ePASS.
- Gather your papers before you apply: ID, proof of address, recent pay stubs, and any medical or school records.
- Plan ahead for heating help. LIEAP sign-ups open in December for some older and disabled households and in January for everyone else.
- Apply for federal programs on their own. SSDI, SSI, VA disability, marketplace plans, and tax credits don't run through ePASS.
FAQ
Where do I apply for most North Carolina programs?
Most state programs run through ePASS, the NCDHHS online portal, or your county DSS office. That includes Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, and Work First. WIC, marketplace plans, and federal programs like SSDI have their own applications.
What if I don't have internet at home?
You can use ePASS on a smartphone or at a public library. You can also apply in person at your county DSS office, which handles most state programs.
Who can help me with Medicare questions in North Carolina?
SHIIP counselors from the NC Department of Insurance offer free, unbiased help in all 100 counties. You can reach SHIIP at 855-408-1212.
Turnout is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice
It's your turn
You don't have to sort through all 14 programs on your own. Turnout's free North Carolina benefits scan asks a few plain-language questions about your household and income, then shows which programs you may qualify for. It takes about three minutes and gives you a clear place to start today.