Low Income Energy Assistance Program: 

A one time cash payment to help eligible families pay their heating costs. 

To be eligible the family must:

• Include at least one US citizen or eligible alien,
• Be subject to rising energy costs,
• Meet income guidelines-the countable income must be equal to or less than 110% of current poverty level,
• Meet resource guidelines-countable resources must be $2200 or less

Most families that receive food stamps are automatically eligible for a LIEAP check.  Other families can apply during the application period in November.  Families that are eligible for a LIEAP payment receive the check in February.

Medicaid Transportation:

N.C. General Statutes 108A.14 requires the local Department of Social Services to assure that all Medicaid recipients who are unable to arrange transportation for medical services are assisted in obtaining appropriate transportation.  If medical transportation is arranged, it is to the nearest medical provider of the Medicaid recipient’s choice that is appropriate to his/her needs and is provided by the least expensive means suitable to his/her needs.  Contact James Walker at ext. 2321 or Zachary Mason at ext. 2395.

Work First Family Assistance:

Provides temporary monthly assistance to families with children.  All families are required to sign a Mutual Responsibility Agreement that details their plan to become non-dependent on public assistance.  Most families that include an adult are subject to a federal 60-month time limit and a state 24-month limit on receipt of this assistance. 

In order to be eligible for a WFFA check:

• There must be a child age 18 or younger in the home,
• The child (ren) must live with an adult relative who is within a certain degree of kinship or with a non-relative who has legal custody or legal guardianship,
• The family must meet income and resources guidelines,
• Unless exempt, adults in the household are subject to work requirements,
• All family members need to provide or apply for Social Security number,
• Must meet citizenship and residency requirements,
• Must cooperate with Child Support requirements when applicable.

In lieu of a monthly WFFA check, families may receive Benefit Diversion.  Contact Jamie Towe @ ext. 2317 or Jill McCracken @ ext. 2368.

Program Integrity: 

Assures citizens who receive benefits to which they are entitled and in the correct amount.  Determines client misrepresentation and prevents payments to non-eligible families.  Recovers all overpayments made in Public Assistance Programs due to client error, client fraud, or worker error.  Contact Susan Bumgarner @ ext. 2344.

Second Floor Reception Staff:

One Office Assistant III is assigned to support the Adult Assistance Programs Section, Adult Services and the Community Resource Unit.  This OA-III is under the direct supervision of Susan Dune and tasks are assigned by this program area to meet the needs of the staff on this floor.

General Assistance:

This program was designed to meet the essential needs of household or stranded travelers who are in an emergency or crisis situation.  Other available resources are assessed and sought prior to the authorized use of this program, as the program is funded 100% by the county.  Funds may be used for assistance such as food, vehicle fuel, bus tickets, emergency shelter, prescriptions ($100 per year total limit), and burial funds for unclaimed bodies only (maximum of $650).  Other requests are considered with assistance depending upon the assessment of the EA worker and Supervisor.

For more information, or to inquire about assistance, contact Supervisor Susan Dune, 452-6620, ext. 2391