Government Resources Hub

Before you apply with us, let's make sure you're getting every benefit you're entitled to. These programs are free and available to qualifying families in North Carolina.

The Middle-Income Gap

Many mothers earn too much to qualify for government assistance but too little to afford essential support privately. We exist to fill that gap — but first, let's make sure you've explored every available resource.

TANF — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Cash assistance for families with dependent children. Covers basic needs including food, clothing, housing, utilities, and more. North Carolina's program is called Work First.

Who qualifies: Families with children under 18, meeting income guidelines
How to apply: Online at NCfast.nc.gov, in person at your local DSS office, or by phone
Mecklenburg County DSS: (704) 336-3000
Apply at NCfast.nc.gov

SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Food assistance (formerly Food Stamps) to help families buy groceries. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card monthly.

Who qualifies: Households meeting gross income limits (130% of federal poverty level)
How to apply: Online at NCfast.nc.gov or at your local DSS office
Average benefit: ~$234/month per person in NC
Learn More & Apply

WIC — Women, Infants & Children

Nutrition program providing healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5.

Who qualifies: Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women; infants and children under 5; income up to 185% of poverty level
Charlotte WIC Office: Mecklenburg County Health Department — (704) 336-4700
Find Your Local WIC Office

NC Pre-K & Childcare Subsidy (CCDF)

Subsidized childcare for working families. NC Pre-K provides free pre-kindergarten for eligible 4-year-olds. The childcare subsidy program helps pay for childcare for children up to 12.

Who qualifies: Working families with income up to 200% of federal poverty level
How to apply: Contact your local childcare resource and referral agency
Mecklenburg County: Child Care Resources Inc. — (704) 376-6697
Explore Childcare Options

Medicaid & NC Health Choice

Free or low-cost health coverage including mental health services, doctor visits, prescriptions, and hospital care. NC expanded Medicaid in 2024.

Who qualifies: Adults up to 138% of poverty level; pregnant women up to 196%; children up to 211%
Mental health included: Yes — counseling, therapy, psychiatric services covered
Check Eligibility & Apply

LIHEAP — Energy Assistance

Help paying heating and cooling bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides one-time payments to help with utility costs during extreme weather.

Who qualifies: Households at or below 130% of federal poverty level
When to apply: Heating season (Oct-Mar) and cooling season (Jun-Sep)
Also see: Crisis Assistance Ministry (Charlotte) — (704) 371-3001
Apply for Energy Assistance

Charlotte-Area Resources

Additional organizations serving Mecklenburg County families.

Mecklenburg County DSS

Central hub for government benefits applications — TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, childcare subsidy, and more.

Phone: (704) 336-3000

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Emergency rent, utility, and prescription assistance for Charlotte families in crisis.

Phone: (704) 371-3001

Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy

Free legal aid for low-income residents including benefits denials, housing, and family law.

Phone: (704) 376-1600

Already Applied and Been Denied?

If you've been turned down for government programs, that's exactly who we're here to help. Apply with Empower Her Village — we bridge the gap.

Apply for Services