NC DHHS
Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)
Year-round emergency utility help separate from LIEAP, applied through county DSS.
Open program page◢ South region · Capital: Raleigh
North Carolina grants &
benefits, all in one place.
Every federal program is administered through North Carolina state agencies, often with state-specific names, eligibility tiers, and seasonal windows. This page lists how to access each one, plus the North Carolina-only programs that stack on top.
Population10,835,491
Programs tracked107+
PostalNC
◢ North Carolina eligibility estimator
What programs do you likely qualify for in North Carolina?
Drop in your household size and income. The estimator returns programs your number is likely under, using the lower 48 federal poverty schedule.
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Programs in North Carolina
SNAP (food assistance)
≤130% FPLGross income test, North Carolina · Income limit: $34,645/yr
Medicaid (expansion adults)
≤138% FPLNorth Carolina expanded Medicaid · Income limit: $36,777/yr
LIHEAP energy assistance
≤150% FPLState variant; some use 60% state median income · Income limit: $39,975/yr
WIC (children under 5, pregnant)
≤185% FPLAuto-eligible if on SNAP or Medicaid · Income limit: $49,303/yr
Lifeline phone + ACP internet
≤200% FPLFederal program through any participating carrier · Income limit: $53,300/yr
Reduced-price school meals
≤185% FPLFree meals at 130% FPL · Income limit: $49,303/yr
ACA Marketplace subsidies
≤400% FPLStrongest subsidies below 250% FPL · Income limit: $106,600/yr
Estimator only — final eligibility includes asset, citizenship, and category tests.
◢ Where to apply
Core North Carolina agencies.
Most assistance programs in North Carolina flow through one of these state agencies. Bookmark the ones relevant to you.
Combined benefits portal
ePASS
North Carolina's one-stop application portal for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and other state benefits.
epass.nc.gov/
Energy assistance
LIEAP
State LIHEAP program. Apply at the start of the heating season; funds run out before the published deadline.
www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance
SNAP food assistance
North Carolina SNAP
Federal SNAP run by the state. Average benefit is about $202 per person per month.
www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services/food-and-nutrition-services-food-stamps
Health coverage
NC Medicaid
State Medicaid program. Children's CHIP coverage typically extends to higher income limits.
medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/
Housing
NC Housing Finance Agency
State housing finance agency. Section 8 vouchers are issued by local PHAs in each county.
www.nchfa.com/
◢ State-specific programs
Programs unique to North Carolina.
These programs only exist in North Carolina. They stack on top of federal benefits and use different income rules.
◢ By need category
Federal programs accessed in North Carolina.
Every federal program below is available to North Carolina residents through state-administered offices. Click any category for the full eligibility breakdown.
◢ North Carolina questions
Common questions about North Carolina programs.
Apply through ePASS, North Carolina's official benefits portal. The same application typically covers Medicaid and TANF. Most decisions arrive within 30 days, faster for expedited cases.
North Carolina's LIHEAP runs as LIEAP. Apply through the state's energy assistance office during the program's seasonal window. Crisis benefits process within 48 hours.
Yes. North Carolina runs 1 notable state-specific programs including Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). State-funded programs often have different income limits than federal versions.
North Carolina sets Medicaid income limits within federal rules. For non-disabled adults the cap is typically 138% of the federal poverty level if the state expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Children's CHIP coverage extends higher, often 200% FPL or more.
Call 211 first. The United Way line will route you to local Emergency Rental Assistance funds, North Carolina Community Action Agencies, and faith-based emergency funds active in your county. Most local funds process applications faster than state programs.
Editorial disclaimer
GrantsHubUSA is an independent editorial blog. We are not the North Carolina government, and we do not administer these programs. Always confirm current eligibility, deadlines, and contact details with the state agency before applying. See our full disclaimer.
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