Press Releases

Agency/Department

North Carolinians Can Apply Online for Help with Energy Costs Beginning Monday

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced beginning Jan. 4, households can apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) online at www.epass.nc.gov.

Food and Nutrition Services Participants Can Now Use Benefits for Online Purchases at ALDI

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Starting today, North Carolina Food and Nutrition Services participants will be able to purchase groceries online using their Electronic Benefit Transfer cards at an additional authorized online EBT retailer, ALDI.

NCDHHS to Provide Automatic Payment to Thousands of Seniors and People with Disabilities to Help with Winter Heating Bills

Monday, November 30, 2020

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced it will issue an automated payment to thousands of eligible households to help with winter heating expenses via the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program. The automated payment will be issued beginning Dec. 1 and is designed to help eligible seniors and people with disabilities access winter heating assistance in a safe and socially distanced manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NCDHHS Offers Spanish Translation and Improved Online Applications for Medicaid and Food and Nutrition Services

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced it has upgraded the mobile-friendly ePASS website to include a Spanish language option.

Open Enrollment Extension Until 3 a.m. on December 18

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

On Monday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that the HealthCare.gov 2020 enrollment period reopened and North Carolinians now have until 3 a.m. on Dec. 18 to sign up for health insurance coverage.

Applications for Low-Income Energy Assistance Program Accepted Starting Monday

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will begin accepting applications through county social services departments for the state's Low-Income Energy Assistance Program on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019.

Early Childhood Data Available for all NC Counties

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

The NC Department of Health and Human Services has released county data for the 10 goals and more than 50 measures that are part of the state’s Early Childhood Action Plan. These new data reports are available for all 100 counties and cover issues such as infant mortality, food and housing security, emergency room visits, child health, foster care, early learning and early literacy.

Eight More North Carolina Museums Offering Reduced or Free Admission for Low-Income Families

Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Eight museums in North Carolina have been added to the list of attractions offering free or reduced admission to families that receive benefits from the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program. The project started in 2017 at the state’s aquariums as a joint initiative between the North Carolina Departments of Natural and Cultural Resources and Health and Human Services and was inspired by the national Museums for All program.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Still Available for Families Impacted by Cold Weather

Tuesday, March 26, 2019 North Carolinians struggling to pay heating costs have until March 29 to apply for help. The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program has $11 million in funding available to cover up to $400 for heating assistance per family. With $11 million in funding still available, eligible households can still apply for and, if approved, receive a one-time payment to their heating vendor to help offset the cost of heating their home. Depending on the household’s primary heating source, the federally funded program will submit a payment in the amount of $200, $300 or $400.

March Food and Nutrition Services Benefits To Be Delivered Early

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 Because of the federal shutdown at the beginning of the year, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is continuing to adjust distribution schedules for Food and Nutrition Services benefits. March benefits for all recipients will be distributed by March 3.