Benefits Eligibility Guide

North Carolina Government Benefits

Find out which federal and state benefits you qualify for in North Carolina. Free, anonymous, and takes about 3 minutes.

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North Carolina Benefits Programs

Here are the major programs available to North Carolina residents.

NC Medicaid (Medicaid)

Medicaid expansion state

Adults: up to 138% FPL

Children: up to 216% FPL

Pregnant: up to 196% FPL

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) (Food Assistance)

Gross income limit: 130% FPL

Net income limit: 100% FPL

LIEAP / Crisis Intervention Program (Energy Assistance)

Income limit: 130% FPL

Helps with heating and cooling costs

Subsidized Child Care Assistance (SCCA) (Childcare)

Income limit: 200% FPL

Subsidized childcare for working families

Work First Family Assistance (Cash Assistance)

Lifetime limit: 24 months

Cash assistance for families with children

WIC (Nutrition)

Income limit: 185% FPL

For pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals and children under 5

Healthcare.gov (ACA)

Marketplace Type: Federal Exchange (HealthCare.gov)

Phone: 1-800-318-2596

Medicare / SHIP Counseling

SHIIP

Phone: 1-855-408-1212

SSI / SSDI

No state SSI supplement

Phone:

Plus: ACA Health Insurance Subsidies, EITC, Child Tax Credit, SSI, SSDI, Pell Grants, VA Benefits, School Meals, Head Start, and more.

Our screener checks 20+ programs at once.

Check Your Eligibility in North Carolina

Answer a few questions and see which programs you may qualify for. No account needed.

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North Carolina Benefits Guides

In-depth articles about specific programs in North Carolina.

North Carolina ACA Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, Subsidies, and How to Apply

Find out if you qualify for ACA Marketplace health insurance in North Carolina for 2026. Covers income limits, premium subsidies, Medicaid eligibility, application steps, and what changed after enhanced credits expired.

March 25, 2026

How to Apply for Section 8 in North Carolina (2025 Guide)

Step-by-step guide to applying for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers in North Carolina. Learn about income limits, waiting lists, required documents, and how to find your local housing authority.

March 13, 2026

How to Apply for Medicaid in North Carolina

Learn how to apply for Medicaid in North Carolina, including 2026 income limits, step-by-step application instructions, required documents, and eligibility rules for adults, children, and pregnant women.

March 4, 2026

Medicaid Office Locations in North Carolina: Find Your Local DSS Office

Find Medicaid office locations in North Carolina. Get addresses, phone numbers, and hours for all 100 county DSS offices, plus how to apply online or in person.

February 27, 2026

North Carolina Medicaid Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, Requirements, and How to Apply

Find out if you qualify for NC Medicaid in 2026. Complete guide to income limits by family size, eligibility requirements, application steps, and what coverage includes after North Carolina's Medicaid expansion.

February 21, 2026

North Carolina ACA Benefits and Coverage: Your Complete 2026 Guide

Learn about North Carolina ACA benefits and coverage options, including Marketplace plans, Medicaid expansion, premium subsidies, essential health benefits, and how to apply for affordable health insurance in NC.

February 15, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What government benefits am I eligible for in North Carolina?

North Carolina residents may qualify for programs including NC Medicaid (Medicaid), Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) (food assistance), LIHEAP energy assistance, childcare subsidies, tax credits like EITC and CTC, and more. Eligibility depends on your household size, income, and other factors. Use our free screener to check all programs at once.

How do I apply for NC Medicaid in North Carolina?

You can apply for NC Medicaid online at https://epass.nc.gov or by calling 1-888-245-0179. North Carolina has expanded Medicaid, so adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify.

How do I apply for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) (food stamps) in North Carolina?

Apply for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) online at https://epass.nc.gov or call 1-800-662-7030. The gross income limit in North Carolina is 130% of the federal poverty level. Net income must be at or below 100% FPL.