Benefits
North Carolina Benefits for Older Adults
North Carolina has many programs that can help older adults pay for health care, drugs, food, heating bills, and property taxes on their home. This page lists each kind of help in North Carolina, what it pays for, and where to apply. The county or state agency makes the final decision on who gets help. You may qualify even if you own your home or get Social Security.
Kinds of benefits in North Carolina
The agency decides who qualifies. The limits below are the published figures — use them to see whether applying is worth your time.
Social Security in North Carolina
Social Security pays monthly benefits to retired workers, people with disabilities, and family members of workers who have died. Field offices can help you apply, replace a card, change your benefit information, and apply for Extra Help with drug costs. Many tasks can be done online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Social Security Administration |
| How to apply | Online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local field office. Use the SSA Office Locator to find your office. |
| Phone | 1-800-772-1213 |
| TTY | 1-800-325-0778 |
| Source | Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Medicaid for Older North Carolinians (Aged, Blind, and Disabled)
Medicaid in North Carolina for people 65 or older, blind, or disabled can pay for care that Medicare does not pay for, like long stays in a nursing home, help at home, some dental care, and hospice. From April 1, 2026, the income limit is $1,330 a month for one person and $1,804 for a couple, with resources up to $2,000 or $3,000. If your income is over the limit, a Medicaid deductible may still help. The county agency decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | NC Medicaid, NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS); county Departments of Social Services decide eligibility |
| What it covers | Health care Medicare does not pay for on its own, including long nursing home stays, help at home through Community Alternatives Program services, some dental care, rides to care, and hospice. |
| How to apply | Apply online through ePASS (epass.nc.gov) or at your county Department of Social Services. |
| Limits 2026 | Note: Non-MAGI limits for Medicaid for the Aged, Blind and Disabled, effective April 1, 2026 (NCDHHS limits published by county DSS). People over the limit may still qualify with a Medicaid deductible through the medically needy path.; Resources: Couple: 3000; Individual: 2000; Monthly income: Couple: 1804; Individual: 1330 |
| Source | NC Medicaid, NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS); county Departments of Social Services decide eligibility (humanresources.nhcgov.com) — checked November 9, 2026 |
North carolina notes
- North Carolina expanded Medicaid on December 1, 2023, so adults ages 19 to 64 can qualify on income alone up to 138 percent of the poverty level, with no asset test for that group.
- People who get SSI in North Carolina get Medicaid on its own, with no separate application.
Medicare Savings Programs in North Carolina (MQB)
Medicare Savings Programs help pay your Medicare costs, like the Part B premium, co-pays, and deductibles. North Carolina calls them MQB, MQB-B, and MQB-E. For 2026, MQB helps people with income up to $1,350 a month for one person. MQB-B helps up to $1,616 a month, and MQB-E up to $1,816 a month. Resources must be $9,950 or less for one person, or $14,910 for a couple. The state decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | NC Medicaid — Medicare Aid categories MQB, MQB-B, and MQB-E |
| How to apply | Apply online through ePASS or at your county Department of Social Services. Free help: SHIIP at 1-855-408-1212. |
| Limits 2026 | MQB: Income couple: 1824; Income individual: 1350; Note: North Carolina uses the federal Medicare Savings Program limits (SSA POMS HI 00815.023, 2026). In North Carolina, QMB is called MQB, SLMB is called MQB-B, and QI is called MQB-E.; MQB-B: Income couple: 2184; Income individual: 1616; MQB-E: Income couple: 2455; Income individual: 1816; Resources: Couple: 14910; Individual: 9950 |
| Source | NC Medicaid — Medicare Aid categories MQB, MQB-B, and MQB-E (secure.ssa.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
North carolina notes
- MQB pays Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. MQB-B and MQB-E pay the Part B premium only.
- Getting a Medicare Savings Program signs you up for Extra Help with drug costs on its own.
Food Benefits in North Carolina (Food and Nutrition Services)
In North Carolina, SNAP is called Food and Nutrition Services, or FNS. It helps people with low income buy food, and benefits come on an EBT card that works like a debit card. If you are 60 or older, your medical costs may count in a way that raises your benefit, and you can own your home and still get FNS. You apply through ePASS or your county Department of Social Services. The county decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | NC Department of Health and Human Services — Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), through county Departments of Social Services |
| How to apply | Apply online through ePASS (epass.nc.gov), by mail with form DSS-8207, or at your county Department of Social Services. |
| Source | NC Department of Health and Human Services — Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), through county Departments of Social Services (humanresources.nhcgov.com) — checked November 9, 2026 |
North carolina notes
- In North Carolina, SNAP is called Food and Nutrition Services, or FNS. Benefits come on an EBT card.
- Households with a member 60 or older or disabled face only the net income test, and medical costs over $35 a month may raise the benefit. Households with very little income may get expedited help within 7 days.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in North Carolina
SSI pays monthly cash to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very little income and few resources. For 2026, the federal part pays up to $994 a month for one person and $1,491 for a couple. Your resources must be $2,000 or less for one person, or $3,000 for a couple. The home you live in does not count. In North Carolina, people who get SSI also get Medicaid. Social Security decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Social Security Administration |
| How to apply | Apply with the Social Security Administration online, by phone, or at a field office. |
| Phone | 1-800-772-1213 |
| Federal benefit rate | Couple: 1491; Individual: 994 |
| Resource limits | Couple: 3000; Individual: 2000 |
| Year | 2026 |
| Source | Social Security Administration (www.ssa.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
North carolina notes
- People who get SSI in North Carolina get Medicaid on its own, with no separate Medicaid application (NCDHHS).
- North Carolina also runs State/County Special Assistance, which can help low-income adults pay for care in an adult care home. Ask your county DSS.
Extra Help with Drug Costs in North Carolina
Extra Help is a federal Medicare program that pays most of your Part D drug costs if your income and savings are low. It can save thousands of dollars a year on premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. If you get a Medicare Savings Program or SSI, you may get Extra Help on its own. Free help to compare drug plans is available from SHIIP at 1-855-408-1212. The federal government decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Social Security Administration / Medicare (Extra Help) |
| How to apply | Apply for Extra Help at ssa.gov or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. |
| Extra help | Income rule: Income below 150 percent of the federal poverty level; for a household of one in 2026 that is $23,940 a year.; Resource limits 2026: Couple: 33100; Individual: 16590 |
| Year | 2026 |
| Source | Social Security Administration / Medicare (Extra Help) (secure.ssa.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
North carolina notes
- Free, unbiased help comparing Part D plans is available from SHIIP at 1-855-408-1212.
Energy Help in North Carolina (LIEAP)
LIEAP helps North Carolina households with low income pay heating bills. It sends one payment a year straight to your heating company. Income must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty level. If you are 60 or older, you can apply in December, before the January opening for everyone else. You apply through ePASS or your county Department of Social Services. The county decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | NC Department of Health and Human Services — Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), through county Departments of Social Services |
| How to apply | Apply online through ePASS or at your county Department of Social Services. Bring proof of income and your heating bill. |
| Facts | LIEAP pays a one-time amount straight to your heating vendor each year (NCDHHS Division of Social Services)., To qualify, household income must be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty level, and the household must be responsible for its heating costs., Households with a person age 60 or older, or a person with a disability who gets Division of Aging and Adult Services help, apply December 1 to 31. All other households apply January 1 to March 31, or until funds run out. The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps with heating or cooling emergencies at up to 150 percent of the poverty level. |
| Source | NC Department of Health and Human Services — Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), through county Departments of Social Services (www.ncdhhs.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Property Tax Relief for Older North Carolina Homeowners
North Carolina lowers property taxes for older homeowners through the Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exclusion. If you are 65 or older and your income was $38,800 or less, the greater of $25,000 or half the value of your home comes off your tax bill. A second program, the Circuit Breaker, can cap your tax at 4 or 5 percent of your income. You apply with Form AV-9 at your county tax office by June 1. The county decides if you qualify.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | NC Department of Revenue / County Tax Assessor — Form AV-9 |
| How to apply | File Form AV-9 with your County Tax Assessor by June 1 of the tax year. |
| Facts | The Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exclusion takes the greater of $25,000 or 50 percent of the appraised value of your home off the tax rolls, if you are 65 or older or totally and permanently disabled and your prior-year income was $38,800 or less for the 2026 tax year (NC Department of Revenue Form AV-9, under N.C.G.S. 105-277.1)., The Circuit Breaker program caps the tax on your home at 4 percent of income (income $38,800 or less) or 5 percent of income (up to $58,200 for 2026); the tax above the cap is put off, not forgiven, and you must apply each year., Disabled veterans may exclude the first $45,000 of appraised value, with no income limit. |
| Source | NC Department of Revenue / County Tax Assessor — Form AV-9 (www.alamancecountync.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Aging Services in North Carolina (Division of Aging and Adult Services)
The NC Division of Aging and Adult Services and local Area Agencies on Aging help people age 60 and older and the people who care for them. They can help you find meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support, and benefits you may have missed. North Carolina has 16 Area Agencies on Aging, one for each region of the state. Help is free.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | NC Division of Aging and Adult Services / Area Agencies on Aging |
| How to apply | Call the Area Agency on Aging for your region, or your county Department of Social Services, to be pointed to local help. |
| Facts | North Carolina has 16 Area Agencies on Aging covering all 100 counties (NCDHHS Division of Aging and Adult Services)., Area Agencies on Aging give meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support, legal help, and benefits checks through local providers., County Departments of Social Services also run adult services, including Special Assistance and Adult Protective Services. |
| Source | NC Division of Aging and Adult Services / Area Agencies on Aging (www.ncdhhs.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Free Medicare Counseling in North Carolina (SHIIP)
SHIIP is the North Carolina name for SHIP, the free Medicare counseling program. Counselors can explain Medicare, compare plans, help with appeals, and check if you may qualify for programs that lower your costs, like the Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help. They do not sell insurance. Call 1-855-408-1212 to reach a counselor near you.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) — the North Carolina SHIP, NC Department of Insurance |
| How to apply | Call SHIIP at 1-855-408-1212 or email [email protected] to reach a counselor near you. |
| Phone | 1-855-408-1212 |
| Facts | In North Carolina, the federal SHIP program is called SHIIP, run by the NC Department of Insurance., Call SHIIP toll-free at 1-855-408-1212, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Counselors are in every county (NC Department of Insurance)., Counselors give free, unbiased help. They are not insurance agents and do not sell insurance. |
| Source | Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) — the North Carolina SHIP, NC Department of Insurance (www.ncdoi.gov) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Applying for Benefits in North Carolina (County DSS / ePASS)
Most North Carolina benefit programs run through your county Department of Social Services. You can apply for food help, health coverage, and Medicare premium help in one place online through ePASS, or at the DSS office for your county. Bring proof of who you are, where you live, your income, and your bank accounts. The agency makes the final decision.
| Program details | |
|---|---|
| Agency | County Departments of Social Services (DSS); ePASS online (NCDHHS) |
| How to apply | Apply online through ePASS (epass.nc.gov) for Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, and Food and Nutrition Services in one place, or in person at your county Department of Social Services. |
| Source | County Departments of Social Services (DSS); ePASS online (NCDHHS) (humanresources.nhcgov.com) — checked November 9, 2026 |
Good to know in North Carolina
- Medicaid for people 65 or older, blind, or disabled in North Carolina: from April 1, 2026 the income limit is $1,330 a month for one person and $1,804 for a couple, with resources up to $2,000 or $3,000 (NC Medicaid limits via NCDHHS). North Carolina expanded Medicaid on December 1, 2023 for adults under 65.
- North Carolina calls its Medicare Savings Programs MQB, MQB-B, and MQB-E. In 2026 they go up to $1,350 a month for MQB, $1,616 for MQB-B, and $1,816 for MQB-E for one person, with resources up to $9,950 for one person and $14,910 for a couple.
- Energy help in North Carolina is LIEAP, a one-time payment to your heating vendor, run by NCDHHS through county Departments of Social Services. Income must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty level. People 60 or older apply in December; all others from January to March 31.
- Homeowners 65 or older may get the Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exclusion, which takes the greater of $25,000 or half the appraised value of the home off the tax rolls, when prior-year income was $38,800 or less for the 2026 tax year (NC Department of Revenue Form AV-9).
- Free Medicare counseling in North Carolina is SHIIP, run by the NC Department of Insurance. Call 1-855-408-1212.
- Most benefits are applied for in one place: ePASS (epass.nc.gov) online, or your county Department of Social Services (DSS). North Carolina has 16 Area Agencies on Aging covering all 100 counties.
Free local help
Three national programs connect you to help in your own community, at no cost: