Work First is NC's TANF program. It gives short-term cash help and job services to families with children. County DSS offices also have emergency help programs.
County next steps
Orange · Durham · Wake · North Carolina · Adults 18+
Orange County
Orange County DSS
113 Mayo Street, Hillsborough; or 2501 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill
919-245-2800- Ask about adult Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, or another benefit you need.
- Confirm application options, required documents, interview arrangements, and any emergency processing.
- Use ePASS where available, keep confirmation, and agree on the next follow-up. Eligibility is assessed by the program.
Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.
Durham County
Durham County DSS
414 East Main Street, Durham, NC 27701
919-560-8000- Ask about adult Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, or another benefit you need.
- Confirm application options, required documents, interview arrangements, and any emergency processing.
- Use ePASS where available, keep confirmation, and agree on the next follow-up. Eligibility is assessed by the program.
Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.
Wake County
Wake Health & Human Services — Swinburne
220 Swinburne Street, Raleigh, NC 27610
919-212-7000- Ask about adult Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, or another benefit you need.
- Confirm application options, required documents, interview arrangements, and any emergency processing.
- Use ePASS where available, keep confirmation, and agree on the next follow-up. Eligibility is assessed by the program.
Official source checked November 4, 2026. Confirm current hours, eligibility, costs, and availability directly.
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
Last checked October 2026. Amounts and rules change, so confirm with the official source before sharing.