If you are affected by the Federal Government Shutdown, here are North Carolina-based resources available to you right now. This guide keeps things simple: manage cash flow, secure food and health coverage, keep your utilities on, and protect your housing.
NOTE: This information is gathered from public internet sources. Programs change; always click through, confirm details, and beware of scams (no fees to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, UI, housing, or 2-1-1). If something looks off, call the official numbers on the linked sites to verify before sharing personal info. This is not legal, financial, or life advice; seek licensed professionals for help.
🕐 What to do first (10-minute plan)
- Cash flow triage: File or reopen your Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim through the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security (DES) and certify weekly at des.nc.gov.
- Food & health coverage: Apply for SNAP (Food and Nutrition Services) and Medicaid through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) using the ePASS portal. Check eligibility for WIC through the North Carolina WIC Program.
- Keep the heat and lights on: Apply for Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) and Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) through your county Department of Social Services (DSS) or NCDHHS. Contact Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, or Piedmont Natural Gas for hardship or deferred payment programs.
- Housing stability: Get rent or mortgage help through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) and HUD North Carolina.
- One-stop referrals: Dial 2-1-1 North Carolina or visit nc211.org for food, housing, utility, and health resources.
🔗 Links & Resources (North Carolina)
Income & Jobs
North Carolina Division of Employment Security (DES):
🔗 https://des.nc.gov/
File or Reopen Claim:
🔗 https://des.nc.gov/apply-unemployment
NCWorks (Job Search & Training):
🔗 https://www.ncworks.gov/
Food Access
SNAP (Food and Nutrition Services):
🔗 https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/food-and-nutrition-services-food-stamps
Apply via ePASS:
🔗 https://epass.nc.gov/
WIC (Women, Infants & Children):
🔗 https://www.ncdhhs.gov/ncwic
Feeding the Carolinas (Food Bank Network):
🔗 https://feedingthecarolinas.org/
Health Coverage
Medicaid & NC Health Choice:
🔗 https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/
Apply via ePASS:
🔗 https://epass.nc.gov/
Community Health Centers:
🔗 https://www.ncchca.org/
Heat, Utilities & Weatherization
LIEAP (Energy Assistance):
🔗 https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-energy-assistance-lieap
Crisis Intervention Program (CIP):
🔗 https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/crisis-intervention-program
Duke Energy Assistance:
🔗 https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance
Dominion Energy North Carolina:
🔗 https://www.dominionenergy.com/north-carolina/billing/billing-options/assistance
Piedmont Natural Gas:
🔗 https://www.piedmontng.com/paymentassistance
Housing
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA):
🔗 https://www.nchfa.com/
HUD North Carolina:
🔗 https://www.hud.gov/states/north_carolina
Homelessness Prevention & Rental Assistance:
🔗 https://www.nchfa.com/renters
One-stop referrals
2-1-1 North Carolina:
🔗 https://nc211.org/
Community Action Agencies Directory:
🔗 https://www.nccaa.net/
Legal Help
Legal Aid of North Carolina:
🔗 https://www.legalaidnc.org/
North Carolina Justice Center:
🔗 https://www.ncjustice.org/
Disability Rights North Carolina:
🔗 https://disabilityrightsnc.org/
North Carolina Bar Association Lawyer Referral:
🔗 https://www.ncbar.org/public-resources/find-a-lawyer/
Crafted by JobsInMyState.com in support of fellow Americans.