Catawba County, NC Senior Help Directory (2026)

Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Catawba County, NC. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.

Start here (works anywhere)

• 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988

Three local front doors: Catawba County Council on Aging, 400 17th Street SW, Hickory, 828-328-2269 | Catawba County Social Services, 3030 11th Avenue Drive SE, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-695-5600 | Western Piedmont Area Agency on Aging, 1880 2nd Avenue NW, Hickory, NC 28601, 828-322-9191. And 2-1-1, or 1-888-892-1162.

If your parent needs meals, start with Senior Nutrition Services. It is part of Social Services and runs Meals on Wheels of Catawba County and Seniors Morning Out from 507 Boundary Street, Newton, 828-695-5610, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (details under Food).

The Council on Aging is the Medicare door. The Catawba County Council on Aging is the state's listed SHIIP site for the county, offers Medicare counseling in Hickory, Newton and Sherrills Ford, and runs Telephone Reassurance calls for people living alone. Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (the Council says Friday hours can vary). 828-328-2269.

Social Services is the benefits office. Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, Special Assistance, CAP/DA, in-home aide services, Medicaid transportation and Adult Protective Services all run out of 3030 11th Avenue Drive SE, Hickory, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mailing address: PO Box 669, Newton, NC 28658. Main line 828-695-5600. Adult services, including adult day and in-home aide questions, are 828-695-5609.

Western Piedmont is the regional layer. The Western Piedmont Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging plans and funds aging services for Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties. It runs Family Caregiver Support, Project C.A.R.E. for dementia caregivers, free Options Counseling (828-485-4257) for families weighing care choices, and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (all below). Office hours are Monday to Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. It says its block grant services are for people 60 and older, based on need, not income, and there may be a waiting list for some.

Senior centers. The state's senior center directory lists two in Catawba County, both rated Centers of Excellence:

• West Hickory Senior Center, 400 17th Street SW, Hickory, 828-328-2269 (the same address and line as the Council on Aging).
• Neighbors Network, 502 Thornburg Drive NE, Conover, 828-464-1111.
• The City of Hickory also runs Westmont Senior Center, 1316 Main Avenue Drive NW, 828-324-1200, Tuesday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Property tax relief (apply with the Catawba County Tax Department, 828-465-8436)

The office. Senior and disability relief is handled by the Catawba County Tax Department, 25 Government Drive, Newton, NC 28658. Applications go by mail to Assessor's Office, Attn: Tax Relief, Box 368, Newton, NC 28658-0368, or in person at the Tax Department. For an appointment or more information, call 828-465-8436; the county's 2026 relief flyer says to call that number to request an application. The main Tax Department line is 828-465-8414, and the state's official list of county assessors (revised September 23, 2026) gives 828-465-8408 and fax 828-465-8413 for the county Assessor. The county does not post counter hours, so call before you drive.

The three programs. All three are set by the state and filed on the state's Form AV-9 with the county. The county's flyer says income means 2025 household income, including gross Social Security.

• Elderly or Disabled Exclusion. Takes up to half of your home's assessed value plus up to one acre of homesite, or $25,000, whichever is greater. You must be 65 or older or totally and permanently disabled, and household income must be within the limit: $38,800 for 2026, $39,900 for 2027. You do not need to reapply every year, but you must notify the Tax Assessor if you move, sell or rent the house. For disability, a physician completes Form AV-9A (the county page mislabels it "AV-9V" but links the right form).
• Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment. Limits the tax to 4 percent of income at $38,800 or less and 5 percent between $38,800 and $58,200 for 2026 (the 2027 ceiling is $59,850). You must have owned and occupied the home for 5 or more years. This is a deferral, not forgiveness. The county says that on death of the owner, transfer of the property, or the owner no longer living there, the deferred taxes come due for the current year plus the previous 3 years, with interest. And because it is based on yearly income, you must file a new application each year. Understand that before your parent signs, especially if the plan is to sell the house or leave it to family.
• Disabled Veteran Exclusion. Takes up to $45,000 off the assessed value for an honorably discharged veteran with a 100 percent total and permanent service-connected disability, or an unmarried surviving spouse. There is no income limit, and you do not reapply every year. The NCDVA-9 form is completed with a Veterans Service Officer (below).

Deadline. The county says to file no later than June 1.

The 2027 revaluation is coming. Catawba County has been on a four-year revaluation cycle since 1999. Today's values took effect January 1, 2023 and were mailed in early February that year. The county says the next revaluation is effective January 1, 2027, and that the next opportunity to appeal is January 2027. Office appeals that are not settled can go to the Board of Equalization and Review, then the NC Property Tax Commission. The county has not posted the 2027 notice date yet. Questions: 828-465-8436, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Revaluation@catawbacountync.gov.

The county's pages do not say how a revaluation affects relief that is already approved, so call 828-465-8436 once the new value arrives to confirm your parent's status. If a parent's income is under the 2027 limit and they are not yet on the exclusion, June 1, 2027 is the date to circle.

Rates. The county rate on 2026 bills is 39.85 cents per $100 of value, the same as every year since 2023. Towns add their own: Hickory 46 cents, Newton 45, Conover 39.5, Maiden 38, Claremont 41.75, Long View 49, Brookford 40, and the Town of Catawba 50. For this year's due date, payment arrangements or a bill question, call the Tax Department at 828-465-8414; the county's current pages do not post them.

Two protections worth ten minutes.

• The Register of Deeds links to a free Property Notification service (ncpropertynotification.org, run by the county's records vendor) that tells you when a name you list shows up in recorded documents. The office is at 100 Government Drive, Newton, 828-465-1573, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Register of Deeds also records a veteran's DD-214 free of charge. It must be done in person. A recorded DD-214 is much easier to find years later when a family is sorting out benefits.

Food

Meals on Wheels. Catawba County's Senior Nutrition Services runs Meals on Wheels of Catawba County. Meals come to the home four days a week, with frozen meals for the other days and monthly pet food for meal clients' pets. It is for anyone in Catawba County who is 60 or older, homebound, and has no one in the household able or willing to shop or cook. There are no income requirements and no cost (donations are accepted). Call 828-695-5610, Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The page does not mention a waitlist, so ask when you call.

Seniors Morning Out, free at 60. A half-day program for people 60 and older, Monday to Thursday except holidays and bad weather, free to participants, and the county says a hot, balanced lunch is served each day. Call the site at least 48 hours ahead:

• East Hickory: First United Methodist Church, 311 3rd Avenue NE, 828-320-5963
• North Hickory: Sandy Ridge Baptist Church, 3702 16th Street NE, 828-323-8746
• Newton: First Presbyterian Church, 701 North Main Avenue, 828-455-4133
• Claremont: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, 3180 West Main Street, 828-320-0434
• Maiden: Maiden Community Center, 207 East Klutz Street, 828-320-5966

Need a ride to a site? Ask Senior Nutrition Services about the bus at 828-695-5610.

Ashure Ministry (formerly ECCCM). 245 East N Street, Newton, 828-465-1702, Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Anyone in Catawba County may contact it. Food help runs on a six-month cycle, and it also helps with rent, utilities, fuel oil and clothing (see Energy). If you have an old flyer for Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry, this is the same group under the name it took in February 2024.

More meals and pantries. From the food bank's Catawba pantry list (October 2, 2026), which says to call for hours and requirements:

• Hickory Soup Kitchen, 110 Second Street SE, Hickory, 828-327-4828, Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• The Corner Table, 122 North Main Street, Newton, 828-464-0355, lunch Monday to Friday 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
• Salvation Army of Hickory, 771 4th Avenue Place SE, 828-322-8061, pantry Monday 1 to 4 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m. to noon.

The regional food bank. Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina serves Catawba County and has a Catawba Branch at 538 1st Avenue, Hickory, 704-763-9617. It has no food helpline; its main office answers at 704-376-1785, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 2-1-1 can point you to the nearest pantry.

Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP). Apply online through ePASS, call 828-695-5600 to have an application mailed, or apply in person at 3030 11th Avenue Drive SE, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Energy and utility help

Where to apply: Ashure Ministry. Ashure takes Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP), Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) and General Assistance applications for Catawba County residents on behalf of Catawba County Social Services, Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 245 East N Street, Newton, 828-465-1702.

LIEAP. A once-a-year payment toward heating. The state says households with someone 60 or older, or a disabled person getting services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services, can sign up December 1 to 31; everyone else applies January 1 to March 31 or until the money runs out. It is based on 130 percent of the poverty level.

CIP. For heating or cooling emergencies such as a disconnect notice, taken July 1 to June 30. The state sets income at 150 percent of poverty, and households with a member 60 or older or disabled can have resources up to $4,500. Catawba County does not post a dollar cap, so ask Ashure what this year's maximum is.

Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (GHCCM). 31 1st Avenue SE, Hickory, 828-327-0979, Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to noon. It helps with utility disconnection prevention, eviction prevention (rent and mortgage) and other crisis needs case by case, depending on funds. Bring a photo ID, proof of address, 4 weeks of household income, expenses, a bank statement, and the disconnect or eviction notice.

If the bill says City of Newton. Newton's CARE program, run with Ashure Ministry, helps Newton utility customers with bills in times of extreme need. Newton Customer Service is 828-695-4300; call before the due date to ask about a payment plan. Newton also runs a Gatekeeper Program to look out for elderly citizens: 828-695-4279.

If the bill says Town of Maiden. Maiden runs its own electric system. Call 828-428-5000 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or 828-464-3112 after hours, and ask Ashure about help with the bill.

Too hot, not just too cold. The state's Operation Fan Heat Relief gives fans, and air conditioners for some qualifying medical conditions, to people 60 and older and adults with disabilities, but only through October 31, 2026. Catawba County's providers are the Council on Aging (828-328-2269) and Ashure Ministry (828-465-1702).

Medicare, Medicaid, prescriptions

Free Medicare counseling. North Carolina's Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), run by the NC Department of Insurance, gives free, unbiased Medicare counseling. The state's county locator lists the Catawba County Council on Aging, 400 17th Street SW, Hickory, 828-328-2269, by appointment only (ask for SHIIP help). The Council offers counselors in Hickory, Newton and Sherrills Ford. The statewide SHIIP line is 1-855-408-1212. Call before any Medicare Advantage or Part D decision, especially during open enrollment, October 15 to December 7, 2026.

Help paying Medicare costs and prescriptions. The Medicare Savings Programs can pay Medicare premiums, and Extra Help lowers Part D drug costs. Apply for the Medicare Savings Programs through Social Services' adult Medicaid line, 828-695-5692, and for Extra Help through SHIIP or Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. NC MedAssist (1-866-331-1348) is a free prescription program for uninsured North Carolinians under 300 percent of poverty and says it may help some Medicare patients case by case. GHCCM's pharmacy (828-323-7913) fills some 30-day prescriptions for $4, but only for current Kintegra Health patients or people with a GHCCM Healthcare Card. We are not printing income limits for the Medicare programs; ask SHIIP to check them against your parent's numbers.

Medicaid, and a reason to apply before December 31. Apply by phone at 828-695-5692, online, in person or by mail. The NC Medicaid Contact Center is 888-245-0179. NC Medicaid says that if you apply by December 31, 2026, Medicaid will cover approved costs for up to 3 months before you applied. Starting in 2027, that window shrinks to 2 months for seniors and people with disabilities. If a parent is heading toward a nursing home or already paying for care, that difference can be real money.

Staying home on Medicaid: CAP/DA. The Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) is North Carolina's Medicaid waiver that brings in-home aide help, respite and case management so someone who would otherwise qualify for a nursing home can stay home. NC Medicaid's list of case management agencies for Catawba County (dated May 2025) names Catawba County DSS, 828-695-5609; KBHR Consulting Services, 704-962-1267; Lincoln County DSS, 704-732-0738; Primary Health Choice, 910-865-3500; RHA Management Services, 888-207-7828; and Walkers Home Care CAPDA, 252-432-6308. The list is more than a year old, so if a line does not answer, start with DSS.

Special Assistance In-Home. Help for Medicaid-eligible adults with income at or below 100 percent of poverty whose doctor verifies they need adult care home or group home level care, so they can stay home instead. Ask Adult Services at 828-695-5609.

Mental health. Catawba County's public mental health plan is Partners Health Management. Its Behavioral Health Crisis Line is 1-833-353-2093, 24 hours a day, every day; the member and recipient services line is 1-888-235-4673, Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Home repair and safety

• Urgent Repair Program 2026. Catawba County has $150,000 in Urgent Repair funds to help at least 12 homeowners with roofs, heating and air, no heat source, and porches. It is for owners who live in the home, are very low income, and have a special need, which includes being 62 or older, a household member with a disability, or a veteran. The 2026 income limits are $20,550 for one person and $23,500 for two. The Western Piedmont Council of Governments runs it; the county's notice names Laurie Powell, 828-485-4249. The notice gives no deadline, so call soon.
• Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley. Its repair program covers roofs, heating and air, ramps, porches and steps, and safety plumbing and electrical for owners who have lived in the home at least a year, with income at or below 80 percent of area median. The owner pays two payments, each 10 percent of gross monthly income. It is not taking applications right now and opens about once or twice a year; fill out its inquiry form to be told about the next round, or call 828-328-4663. It cannot respond to emergencies.
• Weatherization and heating repair. North Carolina's weatherization provider for Catawba County is Blue Ridge Community Action, 800 North Green Street, Morganton, 828-438-6255. It is not run out of Hickory. Weatherization serves households below 200 percent of poverty, which the state lists as $31,920 a year for one person and $43,280 for two; households on SSI or Work First qualify automatically. Its Heating and Air Repair and Replacement Program (HARRP) fixes or replaces failing systems, but SSI does not qualify a household automatically for HARRP. Blue Ridge says its programs may have waitlists.

The emergency registry. Catawba County keeps a Special Needs Registry for people who would need help in a disaster; sign up with the online form on the county's Emergency Services forms page. Emergency Management's office line is 828-465-8230. The county also runs a Community Alert System (CodeRED) for emergency calls and texts, linked from its Emergency Services resources page.

Rent, housing, emergency cash

• Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for Catawba County run through the Western Piedmont Regional Housing Authority at the Council of Governments, 1880 2nd Avenue NW, Hickory, 828-322-9191. Its last posted waiting list opening ran July 1 to July 26, 2024, and we found no notice that it has reopened. Ask to be told when it does.
• The City of Hickory Housing Authority posted in February 2025 that it will not be processing new leases at this time due to funding. Ask the Council of Governments whether that has changed.
• GHCCM, 828-327-0979, and Ashure Ministry, 828-465-1702, help with rent or mortgage to prevent an eviction, depending on funds (see Energy).
• Salvation Army of Hickory, 828-322-8061, Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call to ask what help it has this month.
• 2-1-1 knows which church funds and ministries have money this week.

Transportation

Greenway buses: 60 cents at 65. Greenway Public Transportation (Western Piedmont Regional Transit Authority) runs seven fixed routes in Hickory, Newton and Conover, Monday to Friday 5:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Saturdays (check the posted schedule), with no reservation needed. Routes reach Catawba Valley Medical Center, Social Services and Public Health, the Justice Center, the Hickory VA and the West Hickory Senior Center. The regular fare is $1.25; riders 65 and older, people with disabilities and Medicare card holders pay 60 cents with a Medicare card or a Greenway half-fare ID, which you get at the Greenway office, 1459 Robinwood Road, Newton. Tickets are cash only. Route information: 828-465-7634.

Greenway ADA paratransit. Curb-to-curb rides within three quarters of a mile of a bus route for riders certified through an ADA application, $2.50 each way. Weekdays 5:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., no Sunday service. Book the day before, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, at 828-464-9444. No same-day rides.

Rides outside the bus routes. Greenway also runs shared, curb-to-curb rides for the general public anywhere in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties, Monday to Friday 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., $2.50 each way ($5 out of the service area). Book by noon the business day before at 828-464-9444.

Medicaid rides to appointments. Social Services' Medicaid Transportation unit drives Medicaid members to covered appointments: 828-695-5608, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Give 3 business days notice for appointments in Catawba County and 5 business days for trips outside the county.

Legal help

Senior Legal Helpline. Legal Aid of North Carolina's Senior Legal Helpline gives free civil legal help to North Carolinians 60 and older: 1-877-579-7562, Monday to Friday 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Legal Aid's Senior Law Project gives priority to those with the greatest economic need and helps with wills and powers of attorney, Medicaid and other benefits, abuse and neglect, and housing.

Legal Aid of North Carolina, Foothills office. 211 East Union Street, Morganton, which serves Catawba County: 828-437-8280 or toll free 1-800-849-5195.

Protecting an older adult.

• Catawba County Adult Protective Services: 828-695-5609, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours and on holidays, call 911. North Carolina law requires anyone who suspects a disabled adult is being abused, neglected or exploited to report it.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman at Western Piedmont, for problems in a nursing home or assisted living. Call the Area Agency on Aging at 828-322-9191 and ask for the regional ombudsman who covers Catawba County.
• NC Attorney General Consumer Protection: 1-877-566-7226 (1-877-5-NO-SCAM).
• National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-372-8311.

Paperwork offices you will need. A power of attorney that will be used for real estate is recorded at the Catawba County Register of Deeds, 100 Government Drive, Newton, 828-465-1573. Wills and estates are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court at the Catawba County Justice Center, 100 Government Drive, Newton, main line 828-695-6100 (estates 828-695-6104), Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For veterans. Catawba County Veterans Services is in the Justice Center, 100 Government Drive, Newton; use the Emergency Services entrance on the south side of the building. Appointments are required: call 828-465-8255. Its service officers help with the NCDVA-9 for the Disabled Veteran property tax exclusion.

Caregiver support

• Western Piedmont Family Caregiver Support Program. For caregivers 18 and older caring for someone over 60, including caregiver directed respite vouchers: 828-485-4256.
• Project C.A.R.E. Dementia-specific support and respite for families caring for someone with dementia at home, with no specific income limits (funds are limited). The state's Foothills office, at the Western Piedmont Area Agency on Aging, covers Catawba County: 828-485-4267.
• Adult day. The state's April 2026 list of certified adult day programs in Catawba County: Adult Life Programs, Conover Center, 211 2nd Avenue Place NE, Conover, 828-464-0078 (adult day care); Adult Life Programs, Hickory Center, 1265-A 21st Street NE, Hickory, 828-324-1313 (adult day care and adult day health); and the PACE center in Newton (below), for PACE members. Social Services' adult day coordinator is 828-695-5609.
• Alzheimer's Association, 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900.

PACE

Catawba County has a PACE program, and its center is in Newton.

PACE, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, takes over a person's whole care plan, doctors, a day center, therapy, personal care, prescriptions and transportation, so someone who needs a nursing home level of care can keep living at home. Senior TLC, which was PACE @Home until its recent name change, runs its center at 1915 Fairgrove Church Road SE, Newton, NC 28658: main line 980-308-0858, toll free 855-327-7852, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The state's PACE list gives 828-468-3980.

Who qualifies. Medicare says PACE is for people 55 and older who live in a PACE service area, need a nursing home level of care as certified by the state, and can live safely in the community with PACE's help.

Check the ZIP code. Senior TLC's own service area page says it covers all Catawba County ZIP codes. NC Medicaid's official PACE list (October 2025) names the program for Catawba and Alexander counties and portions of Lincoln, Burke and Caldwell, but its ZIP code list for Catawba includes only Hickory 28601 and 28602, 28612, Hildebran 28637, Maiden 28650 and Sherrills Ford 28673. It does not list Newton 28658, Conover 28613, Claremont 28610, Catawba 28609, Terrell 28682 or Hickory 28603. Confirm your parent's address with Senior TLC when you call.

Frequently asked questions

Mom is 72, lives in Conover, and gets about $2,900 a month from Social Security and a small pension. Does she qualify for a tax break? Likely. About $2,900 a month is about $34,800 a year, under the $38,800 limit for 2026 and the $39,900 limit for 2027, as long as that is the whole household's income, counting gross Social Security. The Elderly or Disabled Exclusion takes the greater of $25,000 or half her home's assessed value off. The application is due by June 1. Call 828-465-8436 to request an application.

Dad's house gets a new value in 2027. What should we watch for? The county says the revaluation is effective January 1, 2027, and that is when the next appeal window opens. Last time, notices went out in early February. If the value looks wrong, call 828-465-8436 right away. If he uses the Circuit Breaker, he files again every year anyway.

Should my father use the Circuit Breaker instead? Go in with open eyes. It limits his tax to 4 or 5 percent of income, but the rest is deferred, not forgiven: at his death, a sale or transfer, or a move, the current year plus the previous 3 years come due with interest. He needs 5 years of ownership and occupancy and must reapply every year. If his income is under the exclusion limit, the exclusion is usually simpler. Ask the Tax Department to run both, and talk to the Senior Legal Helpline (1-877-579-7562) if the house is part of an estate plan.

Mom's savings are running out and she may need Medicaid for care. Does timing matter? It can. NC Medicaid says applications filed by December 31, 2026 can get approved costs covered for up to 3 months before the application; in 2027 that drops to 2 months for seniors. Call Social Services' adult Medicaid line at 828-695-5692, and talk to the Senior Legal Helpline before moving any assets.

Mom lives alone in Newton and I live out of state. What can I set up today? Add her to the county's Special Needs Registry and the CodeRED alerts. Sign her up for the Register of Deeds Property Notification service. Call Senior Nutrition Services (828-695-5610) about Meals on Wheels or Seniors Morning Out, and ask the Council on Aging (828-328-2269) about Telephone Reassurance. Newton is on the Greenway bus routes, 60 cents at 65. If the bill says City of Newton, ask about the Gatekeeper Program (828-695-4279). And if she needs a nursing home level of care, ask Senior TLC (980-308-0858) whether PACE can keep her home.

Sources

• North Carolina Department of Revenue, Form AV-9, 2026 and 2027 Applications for Property Tax Relief: source of the 2026 limits of $38,800 and $58,200 ("for the 2026 tax year is $38,800") and the 2027 limits of $39,900 and $59,850, and "The last three years of deferred taxes prior to a disqualifying event will become due and payable, with interest": https://www.ncdor.gov/2026-av-9-securedpdf/open and https://www.ncdor.gov/2027-av-9-securedpdf/open . Verified October 6, 2026.
• North Carolina Department of Revenue, County Assessors List (revised September 23, 2026): source of "Catawba Brian Myers County Assessor P.O. Box 368, Newton, NC 28658 828-465-8408 828-465-8413": https://www.ncdor.gov/assessors-list-9-23-26pdf/open (linked from https://www.ncdor.gov/documents/north-carolina-county-assessors-list). Verified October 6, 2026.
• Catawba County Tax Department, home, Tax Relief, Tax Relief forms, Revaluation, Real Property and Bankruptcy FAQ pages, the 2026 Available Tax Relief Programs flyer and the 2026 tax rates: source of 25 Government Drive and PO Box 368, Newton, NC 28658, (828) 465-8414, "ASSESSOR'S OFFICE ATTN: TAX RELIEF, BOX 368, NEWTON, NC 28658-0368," "call (828) 465-8436," "call ... 828-465-8436 to request an application," "2025 household income may not exceed $38,800 (includes gross Social Security wages)," the 4 and 5 percent Circuit Breaker tiers to $58,200, "THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION IS JUNE 1ST, 2026," "one-half of your home's assessed value plus your homesite ... or $25,000 (whichever is greater)," "NO LATER THAN June 1," "You do not need to reapply annually. However, you must notify the Tax Assessor if: You move, sell or rent your house," "owned and occupied your current permanent legal residence for 5 or more years," "you must file a new application each year," "the deferred taxes will come due for the current year, plus the previous 3 years with interest," the death, transfer and residence triggers, "a discount up to $45,000," "There is no income limitation," fax (828) 465-8413, "Values determined by the current revaluation were effective on January 1, 2023," "moved to a four-year revaluation cycle in 1999," "the next revaluation is scheduled for January 2027," "The next opportunity to appeal is January 2027," the appeal path, Revaluation@catawbacountync.gov, "(828) 465-8436 Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.," and the 2026 rates (county 0.3985, Hickory .46, Newton .45, Conover .395, Maiden .38, Claremont .4175, Long View .49, Brookford .40, Catawba .50): https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/tax/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/tax/tax-relief/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/tax/forms/tax-relief/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/tax/revaluation/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/tax/property-tax/real-property/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/tax/faqs/bankruptcy-faqs/ , https://catawbacountync.gov/site/assets/files/2417/2026_available_tax_relief_programs.pdf , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/site/assets/files/11757/2026_tax_rates.pdf . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Catawba County Register of Deeds, home, contact and military discharge pages, and the linked Property Notification service: source of 100 Government Drive, Newton, (828) 465-1573, Monday to Friday 8:00 to 5:00, "record and issue certified copies of military discharges (DD214's) free of charge," "Must be made in person," and notification "whenever those names appear in the index for recorded documents": https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/register-of-deeds/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/register-of-deeds/contact-us/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/register-of-deeds/military/military-discharges/ , https://ncpropertynotification.org/ . Verified October 6, 2026.
• North Carolina Judicial Branch, Catawba County Justice Center and contact directory; Catawba County Clerk of Court page: source of 100 Government Drive, Newton, NC 28658, Main Number (828) 695-6100, Clerk of Superior Court (828) 695-6100, hours Monday to Friday 8:30 to 5:00, and Estates (828) 695-6104: https://www.nccourts.gov/locations/catawba-county/catawba-county-justice-center , https://www.nccourts.gov/locations/catawba-county/contact-directory , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/clerk-of-court/ . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Catawba County Veterans Services: source of the Justice Center location, the Emergency Services entrance on the south side, "Appointments are required," and (828) 465-8255: https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/emergency-services/veterans-services/ . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Catawba County Emergency Services, Special Needs Registry form, Emergency Management and Resources pages: source of the "Catawba County Special Needs Registry," the Emergency Management admin line (828) 465-8230, and the Community Alert System sign-up at https://public.coderedweb.com/cne/en-US/D0604CCC69B7 : https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/emergency-services/forms/special-needs/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/emergency-services/emergency-management/ . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Catawba County Social Services, home, Adult Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, Adult Protective Services, Home and Community Based Services, and Medicaid Transportation pages: source of 3030 11th Ave Dr SE, Hickory, NC 28602, PO Box 669, Newton, 828-695-5600, "Office hours are 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday," adult Medicaid "By Phone: (828) 695-5692," ePASS and mailed applications for FNS, APS "(828) 695-5609 from 8:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday. If reporting after hours or during holidays, call 911," Special Assistance In-Home "for Medicaid-eligible individuals with incomes at or below 100% of the federal poverty level," CAP/DA, in-home aide and adult day at (828) 695-5609, and Medicaid Transportation "(828) 695-5608 between 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m." with "three-business-day" and "five-business-day" notice: https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/social-services/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/social-services/medicaid/adult-medicaid/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/social-services/family-support-services/food-nutrition-services/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/social-services/adult-services/home-community-based-services/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/social-services/medicaid/medicaid-transportation . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Catawba County Senior Nutrition Services, Meals on Wheels, Seniors Morning Out and contact pages, and the county news post "Seniors Morning Out Activities for October 2026" (September 29, 2026): source of meals "delivered to the recipient's home four days a week," frozen meals and pet food, "60 or older, homebound and who has no member of the household who is able or willing to shop for or prepare meals. There are no income requirements to participate, and there is no cost to recipients," (828) 695-5610, Monday to Friday 7:00 to 4:00, 507 Boundary St, Newton, Seniors Morning Out for "persons 60 or older ... Monday through Thursday ... free to participants," the five sites and site phones (East Hickory (828) 320-5963, Maiden (828) 320-5966, Newton (828) 455-4133, North Hickory (828) 323-8746, Claremont (828) 320-0434), the 48-hour call-ahead, and "A hot, balanced lunch is served each day": https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/social-services/senior-nutrition-services/meals-on-wheels/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/social-services/senior-nutrition-services/seniors-morning-out/ , https://www.catawbacountync.gov/county-services/social-services/senior-nutrition-services/contact-senior-nutrition-services/ , https://catawbacountync.gov/news/seniors-morning-out-activities-for-october-2026/ . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Western Piedmont Council of Governments, Area Agency on Aging, Caregiver Support, Project C.A.R.E., Options Counseling, HCCBG Services, Regional Ombudsman, Regional Housing Authority and Community and Economic Development pages, and the NCDHHS AAA staff roster (November 7, 2025): source of "Region E (Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba) ... (828) 322-9191," 1880 2nd Avenue NW, Hickory, NC 28601, Monday to Thursday 7:30 to 5:30 and Friday 7:30 to 11:30, the Family Caregiver Specialist at 828.485.4256 for "Caregivers age 18 and over who are caring for someone over the age of 60" and respite vouchers, Project C.A.R.E. at 828.485.4267 with "no specific income limitations," Options Counseling at 828-485-4257 ("a free service"), "Eligibility is based on need for the service, not on income. There may be a waiting list," the regional ombudsman program, the Regional Housing Authority for Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba, its waiting list notice that it "will close for applications on Friday, July 26th, 2024," and the Urgent Repair Program: https://www.wpcog.org/area-agency-on-aging , https://www.wpcog.org/caregiver-support , https://www.wpcog.org/project-care , https://www.wpcog.org/options-counseling , https://www.wpcog.org/hccbg-services , https://www.wpcog.org/regional-ombudsman , https://www.wpcog.org/regional-housing-authority , https://www.wpcog.org/community-economic-development , https://ncdhhs.gov/aaa-staff-roster-11-7-2025/download?attachment= . Verified October 6, 2026.
• City of Hickory Housing Authority notice (February 7, 2025): source of "will not be processing new leases at this time due to funding availability": https://www.wpcog.org/single-post/public-notice-hha-will-not-be-processing-new-leases-at-this-time . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Catawba County Council on Aging: source of 400 17th Street SW, Hickory, the hours "Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Friday: 8:00 am - 2:00 pm (can vary)," Tel 828-328-2269, SHIIP counselors "in Hickory, Newton, or Sherrills Ford," and Telephone Reassurance: https://www.catawbacoa.org/ . Verified October 6, 2026.
• NCDHHS, FY24-25 Senior Center Directory: source of "West Hickory Senior Center, CENTER OF EXCELLENCE ... 400 17th St., SW, Hickory ... (828) 328-2269" and "Neighbors Network, Inc. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE 502 Thornburg Drive, NE Conover ... 828-464-1111": https://www.ncdhhs.gov/fy24-25-senior-center-directory/download?attachment= . City of Hickory, Recreation Centers: source of Westmont Senior Center, (828) 324-1200, the hours and 1316 Main Ave Dr NW: https://www.hickorync.gov/recreation-centers . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Ashure Ministry, home, name and energy assistance pages: source of 245 East N Street, Newton, NC 28658, (828) 465-1702, "Anyone in Catawba County may contact us," the six-month food cycle, rent, utilities, fuel oil and clothing, the February 3, 2024 name change from ECCCM, and that it "distributes Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) and General Assistance (GA) funds to qualifying Catawba County residents on behalf of the Catawba County Department of Social Services ... Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm": https://ashureministry.org/ , https://ashureministry.org/our-name , https://ashureministry.org/ncdhhs-energy-assistance . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, Where We Serve, Our Facilities and contact pages, and the Catawba pantry list dated October 2, 2026: source of Catawba County in its service area, the Catawba Branch at 538 1st Avenue, Hickory, 704-763-9617, the main line 704-376-1785, "Please call for hours of operation and requirements," and the pantry listings for Hickory Soup Kitchen, 110 Second Street SE, 828-327-4828, M-F 7am-1pm, The Corner Table, 122 North Main St., 828-464-0355, lunch M-F 11:15-12:45, and the Salvation Army, 771 4th Ave Pl SE, 828-322-8061, "Pantry M 1-4 & Thurs 9-12": https://www.secondharvestmetrolina.org/about-us/where-we-serve , https://www.secondharvestmetrolina.org/about-us/our-facilities , https://secondharvest.b-cdn.net/files/resources/10-2-26hickorypantrylist.pdf . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Salvation Army, Hickory Corps: source of Monday to Thursday 10 to 4, Friday 10 to 2, and (828) 322-8061: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/nc/hickory/3rd-avenue-pl-se-corps/ . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry, home, contact, financial assistance and pharmacy pages: source of 31 1st Avenue SE, Hickory, NC 28602, (828) 327-0979, the hours, "Eviction prevention (rent and mortgage) / Utility disconnection prevention," "case by case basis depending on funding available," the documents list, the pharmacy at (828) 323-7913 with "$4.00 for each 30 day prescription" for current Kintegra Health patients or GHCCM Healthcare Card holders: https://ccmhickory.org/ , https://ccmhickory.org/contact-us/ , https://ccmhickory.org/financial-assistance/ , https://ccmhickory.org/pharmacy/ . Verified October 6, 2026.
• NCDHHS, Low Income Energy Assistance and Crisis Intervention Program: source of the December 1 to 31 window for households "including a person aged 60 or older," January 1 to March 31 for others, 130 percent of poverty, CIP "July 1st - June 30th," "150% of Federal Poverty Level," and the $4,500 resource limit for households with a member 60 or older or disabled: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-energy-assistance-lieap and https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-energy-assistance/crisis-intervention-program . Verified October 6, 2026.
• City of Newton, customer service policy; Town of Maiden, Electric; ElectriCities: source of the CARE program "offered by the City of Newton to provide financial assistance with utility bills to Newton citizens during times of extreme need ... a partnership between the City of Newton and Ashure Ministry," Customer Service (828) 695-4300, the Gatekeeper Program at (828) 695-4279, Maiden's own electric system at 828-428-5000 and 828-464-3112 after hours, and Newton and Maiden as public power towns: https://www.newtonnc.gov/departments/finance/customer_service_policy.php , https://maidennc.com/departments/public_works/electric.php , https://www.electricities.com/wp-content/uploads/Understanding_EC-2026.pdf . Verified October 6, 2026.
• NCDHHS, 2026 Operation Fan Heat Relief release and contact list: source of May 1 to October 31, 2026, eligibility for people 60 and older and adults with disabilities, air conditioners for qualifying medical conditions, and the Catawba providers "Council on Aging Hickory 828-328-2269" and "Ashure Ministries Newton 828-465-1702": https://www.ncdhhs.gov/2026-operation-fan-heat-relief/open . Verified October 6, 2026.
• NC 211: source of "call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162": https://www.nc211.org/ . Verified September 29, 2026.
• NCDOI, SHIIP contact page and county counselor locator: source of 1-855-408-1212 and the Catawba listing, "Catawba County Council on Aging, 400 17th St., SW, Hickory NC 28603, 828-328-2269," by appointment only: https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/medicare-and-seniors-health-insurance-information-program-shiip/contact-seniors-health-insurance-information-program-shiip and https://www.ncdoi.com/_Iframes/Search_For_a_Counselor_By_County_View.aspx . Verified October 6, 2026.
• NC Medicaid, Medicaid is Changing: source of "If you apply by December 31, 2026, Medicaid will cover approved costs for up to 3 months before you applied," two months for seniors and people with disabilities starting in 2027, and the Contact Center at 888-245-0179: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/beneficiaries/medicaid-is-changing . Verified October 6, 2026.
• NC Medicaid, CAP/DA case management agencies by county (May 5, 2025): source of the six Catawba agencies and phones, Catawba County DSS 828-695-5609, KBHR Consulting Services 704-962-1267, Lincoln County DSS 704-732-0738, Primary Health Choice 910-865-3500, RHA Management Services 888-207-7828 and Walkers Home Care CAPDA 252-432-6308: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/capda-case-management-agencies-county/open . Verified October 6, 2026.
• NC MedAssist: source of 866-331-1348, the 300 percent of poverty rule, and Medicare patients "on a case-by-case basis": https://medassist.org/ and https://medassist.org/free-pharmacy-program/ . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Partners Health Management and the NCDHHS LME/MCO directory: source of Partners serving Catawba County, the "Behavioral Health Crisis Line: 1-833-353-2093; 24 hours/day every day," and the "Member and Recipient Services Line: 1-888-235-4673; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday": https://www.partnersbhm.org/ and https://www.ncdhhs.gov/providers/lme-mco-directory . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Catawba County Urgent Repair Program 2026 notice: source of "$150,000 Urgent Repair Funds ... for at least twelve (12) HOMEOWNERS in Catawba County," roofs, heating and air, no heat source and porches, "very-low income, special needs and own/occupy the home," "at least 62 years old," the URP26 income limits ($20,550 for one, $23,500 for two), and Laurie Powell, 828-485-4249: https://catawbacountync.gov/site/assets/files/11756/notice_for_urp_2026.pdf . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley, Habitat Repairs: source of "currently not accepting applications," the inquiry form, "application periods approximately 1-2 times per year," "unable to respond in an emergency situation," the repair list, at least one year of ownership in Catawba County, 80 percent of area median income, the two payments of 10 percent of gross monthly income, and 828.328.4663: https://habitatcatawbavalley.org/our-programs/habitat-repairs/ and https://habitatcatawbavalley.org/ . Verified October 6, 2026.
• NC DEQ Weatherization Assistance Program state plan and eligibility guidelines, and Blue Ridge Community Action: source of "Blue Ridge Community Action, Inc., 800 North Green Street Morganton NC 28655" serving Catawba, (828) 438-6255, the 200 percent limits ($31,920 for one, $43,280 for two), automatic eligibility with Work First or SSI, HARRP, SSI "NOT automatically eligible" for HARRP, and "Programs may have waitlists": https://www.deq.nc.gov/state-energy-office/ncwap-fy26-state-planremediated/open , https://www.deq.nc.gov/energy-climate/state-energy-office/weatherization-assistance-program/eligibility-guidelines , https://www.brcainc.org/weatherization . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Greenway Public Transportation (Western Piedmont Regional Transit Authority), fixed route, bus fares, rider information and van and paratransit pages: source of fixed routes "in the cities of Conover, Hickory, and Newton ... No reservation is required," "Monday through Friday from 5:45 a.m.-6:30 p.m." with Saturday service, the route stops, 828-465-7634, the $1.25 fare, "Seniors (65 or older), Disabled Persons, or Medicare card holders ... $0.60," the half-fare ID at 1459 Robinwood Rd, Newton, cash-only tickets, ADA paratransit within three quarters of a mile at $2.50 each way with its hours, day-before booking at (828) 464-9444 and "Same day service requests are not available," and demand response "available to the general public" in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba, Monday to Friday 5:30 to 6:00, booked "by 12:00 p.m. on the preceding business day," $2.50 or $5.00 out of the service area: https://www.mygreenway.org/fixed-route , https://www.mygreenway.org/bus-fares , https://www.mygreenway.org/riderinformation , https://www.mygreenway.org/van-paratransit-service . Verified October 6, 2026.
• Legal Aid of North Carolina, Senior Legal Helpline, For Seniors and Offices: source of 877-579-7562, "9:00 AM - 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday," "North Carolinians 60 years of age or older," "priority given to those with the greatest economic need," and the Foothills office at 211 E Union St, Morganton, NC 28655, 1-800-849-5195 and 828-437-8280, serving Catawba: https://legalaidnc.org/senior-legal-helpline/ , https://legalaidnc.org/topic/for-seniors/ , https://www.legalaidnc.org/offices . Verified October 6, 2026.
• North Carolina Department of Justice, Protecting Consumers: source of 1-877-5-NO-SCAM (1-877-566-7226): https://ncdoj.gov/protecting-consumers/ . Verified September 29, 2026.
• NCDHHS, Certified Adult Day Care and Adult Day Health Programs (April 21, 2026): source of Adult Life Programs Conover Center, 211 2nd Ave. Pl. NE, (828) 464-0078, ADC; Adult Life Programs Hickory Center, 1265-A 21st Street NE, (828) 324-1313, ADC/ADH; and PACE@Home, Newton, ADH: https://ncdhhs.gov/4-17-26-adc-provider-list/download?attachment= . NCDHHS, Project C.A.R.E.: source of the Foothills office covering Catawba at 828-485-4267: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/aging/project-care-caregiver-alternatives-running-empty . Verified October 6, 2026.
• NC Medicaid, PACE service area list (October 2025): source of "PACE @Home ... 1915 Fairgrove Church Road, SE, Newton, NC 28658," "Counties: Catawba and Alexander, and portions of Lincoln, Burke, and Caldwell," 828-468-3980, and the ZIP list "28037, 28092, 28168, 28601, 28602, 28612, 28619, 28628, 28630, 28633, 28637, 28638, 28645, 28650, 28655, 28666, 28667, 28671, 28673, 28680, 28690": https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/ncpace-service-area/download?attachment . Senior TLC (formerly PACE at Home), home, Who We Serve and Contact pages: source of the name change, "Catawba County - all zip codes," "55 years of age or older," "Live safely in the community," 1915 Fairgrove Church Rd SE, Newton, Main 980-308-0858, Toll Free 855-327-7852, and Monday to Friday 8:00 to 5:00: https://www.pace-at-home.org/ , https://www.seniortlc-hickory.org/who-we-serve , https://www.seniortlc-hickory.org/contact-us . Medicare.gov, PACE: source of the four conditions, including "Need a nursing home-level of care (as certified by your state)": https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/health-plans/your-coverage-options/other-medicare-health-plans/PACE . Verified October 6, 2026.
• National anchor lines used in the "Start here" section, all of which work from anywhere: Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116: https://eldercare.acl.gov/ . Medicare 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE): https://www.medicare.gov/talk-to-someone . VA 1-800-827-1000: https://www.va.gov/contact-us/ . Social Security 1-800-772-1213: https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact/phone.html . Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900: https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline . National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 (1-833-FRAUD-11): https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/stop-elder-fraud/providing-help-restoring-hope . 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ . Verified September 29, 2026.

Verified October 6, 2026. Program names, phone numbers, income limits, and deadlines change. Confirm directly with each program before you rely on it.

Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. Not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Programs and contacts change, confirm directly before relying on them.