Low-Income Resources in North Carolina

This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.

Food resources
Housing and utilities
Child and family care
Healthcare resources
Crisis care
Debt help

Food resources

If you need help with groceries, start with North Carolina’s Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP) through the Department of Health and Human Services. Nutrition support for families with young children and local food pantry options are also available statewide.

Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP) — North Carolina DHHS

Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details, then apply through the state portal.

Program overview: North Carolina SNAP (FNS)
Apply / manage benefits: ePASS NC

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — North Carolina DHHS

Helps with: Nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
How to start: Learn about the program and contact a local WIC clinic.

Program overview: North Carolina WIC Program

Find a food pantry — Feeding the Carolinas (NC Network)

Helps with: Locating food banks, pantries, and meal programs across North Carolina.
How to start: Use the food finder to search by location.

Find food in North Carolina

Housing and utilities

If housing or utility bills are a concern, North Carolina offers assistance through energy programs and housing agencies. Many services are delivered locally through community action agencies.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) — North Carolina DHHS

Helps with: Assistance paying home heating and cooling costs for eligible households.
How to start: Review program details and apply through your county DSS office.

Program overview: North Carolina Energy Assistance (LIEAP)
Find your county DSS: Local DSS offices

Housing programs and renter resources — North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

Helps with: Affordable housing programs, rental assistance information, and renter guidance.
How to start: Review renter resources and linked programs.

NCHFA renter resources

Child and family care

Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. In North Carolina, these programs are administered through county Departments of Social Services.

Child Care Subsidy — North Carolina DHHS

Helps with: Assistance paying for child care for eligible working families.
How to start: Review program details and apply through your county DSS.

Program overview: North Carolina Child Care Subsidy
Find your county DSS: Local DSS offices

Work First Family Assistance (TANF) — North Carolina DHHS

Helps with: Temporary cash assistance and employment supports for eligible families with children.
How to start: Review eligibility and apply through your county DSS.

Program overview: Work First Family Assistance
Find your county DSS: Local DSS offices

Healthcare resources

If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, North Carolina offers Medicaid and NC Health Choice for eligible residents. Applications are handled through the state benefits system.

North Carolina Medicaid & NC Health Choice

Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible individuals and families.
How to start: Review eligibility information and apply online or through your county DSS.

Program overview: North Carolina Medicaid
Apply: ePASS NC

Find a community health center — HRSA

Helps with: Locating federally supported clinics that often offer sliding-fee care.
How to start: Search by location to find a clinic near you.

HRSA Find a Health Center

Crisis care

If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.

211 North Carolina

Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and community services.
How to start: Call 211 or use the online directory.

Dial: 2-1-1
211 North Carolina

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (North Carolina)

Helps with: Free, confidential support for mental health or emotional crisis.
How to start: Call or text 988, or use chat.

Call or text: 988
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

North Carolina Crisis Services (Local Management Entities)

Helps with: 24/7 mental health crisis support and connection to local services statewide.
How to start: Use the crisis services directory to find your local number.

NC Crisis Services Directory

North Carolina Domestic Violence Hotline

Helps with: Confidential support and connection to domestic violence services across North Carolina.
How to start: Call the statewide hotline to reach an advocate.

Call: 1-800-799-7233
North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)

Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.

Call or text: 800-985-5990
Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
Helpline details

If debt is part of the picture

Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.

Talk with Money Fit Debt management plan help Payday loan help

Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.

Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/north-carolina/