Food, money & utilities

Key facts

• Report changes as the notice explains.
• Protect the card PIN. Card skimming is a real problem.
• Double Up Food Bucks or farmers market programs may stretch benefits.

Who qualifies

• Households with income under the limits (most households: gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level in NC)
• US citizens and eligible qualified non-citizens; ask county DSS about current household and immigration eligibility rules
• Some adults ages 18–64 face SNAP ABAWD work requirements and a three-month time limit unless exempt. Qualifying activities generally total 80 hours per month. Ask county DSS to screen current health-related exemptions and household circumstances.

What to bring (checklist)

• ID
• Social Security numbers
• Proof of income
• Rent or mortgage, utility bills
• Child care and medical costs (for people 60+ or disabled)

Step by step

1. Apply on ePASS or at the county DSS. Even a name, address, and signature starts the application date.
2. Do the interview (often by phone).
3. Send in the documents they ask for by the due date.
4. Get the EBT card. Lost or stolen card: call the EBT number on the back.
5. Recertify when the notice comes.

Official sources

• NC DHHS: Food and Nutrition Services
• ePASS
• USDA SNAP
• NC DHHS current ABAWD rules

Last checked October 2026. Amounts and rules change, so confirm with the official source before sharing.

Key facts

• WIC includes nutrition and food support for eligible pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding adults. Apply through the county health department; household eligibility is assessed by WIC.
• Use county food and basic-needs contacts and confirm pantry hours and eligibility directly.

Official sources

• NC WIC

Last checked October 2026. Amounts and rules change, so confirm with the official source before sharing.

Key facts

• Work First is for families with children under 18 (or 18 and in school), and some caregivers raising relatives' children.
• Most adults have work requirements and a time limit.
• Ask DSS about Emergency Assistance for a crisis like eviction or a utility shut-off.
• Ask the selected county DSS about local emergency assistance, current funding, and eligibility.

Official sources

• NC DHHS: Work First
• Find your county DSS

Last checked October 2026. Amounts and rules change, so confirm with the official source before sharing.

Key facts

• LIEAP: a one-time heating-vendor payment. December priority includes households with someone 60+, or a qualifying disabled person receiving services through NC Aging and Adult Services. Other households apply January 1–March 31, while funds last. County DSS determines eligibility.
• Crisis Intervention Program (CIP): income-eligible households with a health-related or life-threatening heating or cooling crisis may qualify. The July–June funding cycle can end early when funds run out; a past-due bill alone does not establish eligibility.
• Weatherization Assistance: free home repairs that cut energy use.
• Ask the power company about medical certificates (delaying shut-off when someone has a serious illness) and payment plans.

Official sources

• NC DHHS: Energy assistance (LIEAP and CIP)
• NC DHHS: LIEAP eligibility and application periods
• NC DHHS: Crisis Intervention Program
• NC Weatherization Assistance

Last checked October 2026. Amounts and rules change, so confirm with the official source before sharing.

Key facts

• Only one Lifeline benefit per household, not per adult. A household consists of people sharing income and expenses; people at one address may be separate households and may need the Household Worksheet.
• Lifeline discounts phone or internet service. A free phone, device, or zero-cost plan is not guaranteed.
• The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended June 1, 2024. Do not rely on old ACP enrollment or device offers; Lifeline is a separate program.

Who qualifies

• Income at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines, or
• Getting Medicaid, SNAP/FNS, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension benefits

Step by step

1. Check eligibility and apply through the National Verifier; an in-county library computer can help with online access.
2. Choose a participating company and confirm plan charges, device costs, coverage, and enrollment requirements before signing up.
3. Keep contact information current and respond to any annual recertification request; automatic eligibility checks may complete recertification.

Official sources

• FCC: Lifeline
• Lifeline National Verifier
• USAC: Eligibility and one-per-household rule
• USAC: Recertification
• USAC: ACP ended June 1, 2024

Last checked November 5, 2026. Amounts and rules change, so confirm with the official source before sharing.

Key facts

• VITA sites give free tax help to people with low to moderate income, people with disabilities, and people with limited English.
• Check IRS Free File eligibility or use the IRS VITA locator for free tax-preparation options. The IRS Direct File pilot is closed.
• People with no income may still want to file to get refundable credits.
• SSI and most benefits aren't taxable. Up to 85% of SSDI may be taxable at higher incomes.

Official sources

• IRS: Free tax return preparation (VITA)
• IRS: Earned Income Tax Credit
• IRS Free File
• IRS Direct File status

Last checked October 2026. Amounts and rules change, so confirm with the official source before sharing.