Craven County, NC Senior Help Directory (2026)

Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Craven 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: Craven County Senior Services (George Street Senior Center), 811 George Street, New Bern, NC 28560, 252-638-1790 | Craven County Department of Social Services, 2818 Neuse Boulevard, New Bern, NC 28562, 252-636-4900 | Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging, 252-638-3185. In Havelock, add the Havelock Senior Center, 252-444-6445. And 2-1-1, or 1-888-892-1162.

Senior Services is the senior door. In Craven County, Senior Services is a division of the Department of Social Services, and it works out of the George Street Senior Center, 811 George Street, New Bern (mail to P.O. Box 12039, New Bern, NC 28561-2039), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., main line 252-638-1790. The state's senior center directory says the center opened in 1980 as the George Street Center. The division runs home-delivered meals, a congregate meal site, the Sunshine Center respite program, the Memory Cafe and other support groups, fitness classes and health promotion programs, and a library outreach class on the second Thursday of each month. The director is Alissa Andrewsbrown.

Social Services is the benefits office. Craven County DSS is at 2818 Neuse Boulevard, New Bern, main line 252-636-4900. Its Adult Services division covers Adult Protective Services, adult care home monitoring and placement help, case management for frail adults 60 and older and disabled adults, guardianship when a court orders it, in-home aide services, Special Assistance In-Home, and a Special Needs Registry for disasters (below). For information and referral, call 252-636-4900 and ask for Adult Services Intake.

Havelock has its own senior center. The Havelock Senior Center, run by the City of Havelock's Parks and Recreation Department, is at 103 Trader Avenue, Havelock, NC 28532, 252-444-6445, open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The city says it serves senior citizens who live in Havelock, and the state lists it as a Center of Excellence. It serves lunch at noon on weekdays (below).

Eastern Carolina Council is the regional layer. Craven County's Area Agency on Aging is the Eastern Carolina Council of Governments, 233 Middle Street, Suite 300, Third Floor, New Bern, NC 28563 (mail to P.O. Box 1717, New Bern, NC 28563-1717), 252-638-3185. It serves Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Greene, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico and Wayne counties, runs the regional Family Caregiver Support Program and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, and publishes a free Craven County Older Adult and Caregiver Resource Sheet (July 2026) that lists every licensed home care agency, adult care home and nursing home in the county.

Property tax relief (apply with the Craven County Tax Department, 252-636-6604)

The office. Senior and disability relief is handled by the Craven County Tax Department, 226 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560 (mail to P.O. Box 1128, New Bern, NC 28563-1128), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The county's relief pages say exclusions and exemptions are handled by the Personal Property Division at 252-636-6604 (email tax@cravencountync.gov). The Tax Administrator is Leslie Young, whom the state's official list of county assessors (revised September 23, 2026) names as Craven's County Assessor. Other lines: Real Estate Appraisal 252-636-6640, Tax Collection 252-636-6605.

The three programs. All three are set by the state and filed on the state's Form AV-9 with the county. The county posts a separate page and application for each.

• Elderly or Disabled Exclusion (the county's pages call it the Elderly Homestead Exclusion and the Disabled Homestead Exclusion). It excludes the greater of $25,000 or 50 percent of the appraised value of the home and up to one acre of land. You must be 65 or older on January 1, or totally and permanently disabled, be a North Carolina resident, and own and occupy the home by January 1. Income for the prior year must be within the limit: $38,800 for the 2026 tax year, $39,900 for 2027. The county counts "all monies received from every source" other than gifts or inheritances from a spouse, parent or child, and lists Social Security, pensions, IRA and 401(k) distributions, annuities, interest, dividends, rental income, wages and VA benefits among them. For a married couple living together, both incomes count, even if only one name is on the deed. The county also says a parent does not lose the exclusion for a temporary absence for health reasons or a stay in a nursing home, as long as the home sits empty or a spouse or dependent lives there.
• Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment. Caps the tax at 4 percent of income up to $38,800 and 5 percent from $38,801 to $58,200 for 2026 (for 2027 the ceilings are $39,900 and $59,850). The owner must be 65 or older or totally and permanently disabled and must have owned and lived in the home at least five years. The state's form says in capital letters that you must file a new application every year. This is a deferral, not forgiveness. The county's page quotes the law: the deferred taxes stay a lien on the home, and the deferred taxes for the preceding three years come due with interest when the owner sells or transfers the home, dies, or stops living there (with exceptions for a spouse or co-owner who stays). Understand that before your parent signs, especially if the plan is to sell the house or leave it to family.
• Disabled Veteran Exclusion. Excludes the first $45,000 of the appraised value for an honorably discharged veteran with a permanent and total service-connected disability, or who received specially adapted housing benefits, or an unmarried surviving spouse. The county lists no age or income requirement and calls it a one-time application. File the AV-9 with Form NCDVA-9, which the county links from its page. Craven County Veterans Services (below) can help with the paperwork.

Deadline. The county says applications should be filed during the regular listing period in January but must be accepted through June 1. Mark June 1 on the calendar every year for the Circuit Breaker, and once for the other two.

If your parent sells or dies mid-year. The county says that if the home is sold between January 1 and July 1, the exclusion comes off for that tax year; if the sale or death happens after July 1, the exclusion stays for that year.

No 2026 revaluation in Craven. The Tax Department says Craven's last revaluation was completed in 2023 and it is now conducting the next countywide revaluation for tax year 2028; it plans to post comparable sales in February 2028. That means the 2026 state law that pushed new values back a year in counties that revalued in 2026 does not apply here. When the 2028 values arrive, remember that the Elderly or Disabled Exclusion takes off half the appraised value, so the excluded part grows with a higher value.

Rates and bills. The Board of Commissioners kept the county rate at 44.48 cents per $100 in the 2026-2027 budget. Towns and fire districts add their own rates; the county's 2026 rate sheet lists every one, from a total of about 46 cents in some fire districts to about $1.19 in Havelock. The same sheet lists a $72 recycle fee, and $30 for elderly or disabled and disabled veteran accounts; ask the Tax Department whether your parent's bill gets the lower fee. The county says tax notices are mailed in August, are due September 1, and can be paid without interest through January 5; interest starts January 6. Pay online through myCravenCountyNC, which the county says supports scheduled and partial payments, or by mail or in person. Collections: 252-636-6605.

Paperwork that protects the house. The Craven County Register of Deeds is in the same building, 226 Pollock Street, New Bern, 252-636-6617. A power of attorney that will be used for real estate is recorded there. Its page lists a Recordation Notification service; ask the office how to sign your parent up to hear when a document is recorded under their name.

Food

Home-delivered meals at 60. Craven County Senior Services delivers a hot meal on weekdays to residents who are 60 or older, homebound and unable to prepare a full meal. The county says it serves an average of 150 to 160 meals a day in New Bern, Havelock, Vanceboro, Ernul, Cove City and Dover. Most routes get one hot meal a day; a few get one hot and four frozen meals once a week. In bad weather the county may send shelf-stable meals ahead. Call 252-638-1790 to ask about eligibility and whether there is a wait. The program also needs volunteer drivers, especially on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Lunch with company. The George Street Senior Center in New Bern is a congregate meal site; call 252-638-1790 for the schedule and how to sign up. In Havelock, the Havelock Senior Center serves lunch Monday through Friday at noon through the state's Congregate Meals Program for eligible seniors; the city says volunteers provide privately funded meals for others when those funds are available. Applications and lunch sign-up sheets are at the center's office, 252-444-6445.

The regional food bank. The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina's New Bern branch, 1702 Red Robin Lane, New Bern, 252-577-1912, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., serves Carteret, Craven, Jones, Onslow and Pamlico counties. It supplies local pantries; for the nearest one, dial 2-1-1 and call before you go.

Local pantries the city lists. The City of New Bern's utility assistance page names Religious Community Services, 919 George Street, New Bern, 252-633-2767, and Catholic Charities, 502 Middle Street, New Bern, 252-638-2188. The Area Agency on Aging's resource sheet says both run food pantries. Call for hours.

Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP). Apply online through ePASS (epass.nc.gov) or call Craven County DSS at 252-636-4900.

Energy and utility help

Where to apply: Craven County DSS, 252-636-4900. North Carolina's heating programs are applied for through ePASS or at Craven DSS, 2818 Neuse Boulevard.

LIEAP. A once-a-year payment toward heating bills, sent straight to the vendor. Both the state and the county say households with someone 60 or older, or a disabled person receiving 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.

CIP. The Crisis Intervention Program is for heating or cooling emergencies, taken July 1 to June 30 or until the money runs out. Craven DSS says the benefit can be up to $600 per crisis, but no more than $600 per state fiscal year, paid directly to the vendor. The state says a household with a member 60 or older or disabled can have resources at or below $4,500, must have a health-related or life-threatening emergency, and can bring a final notice or past-due bill.

Too hot, not just too cold. The state's 2026 Operation Fan Heat Relief list names two Craven providers: Craven County Senior Services, 252-638-1790, and the Havelock Senior Center, 252-444-6445. The program runs through October 31, so if your parent needs a fan this season, call this week; otherwise, note it for next May.

The electric bill. If your parent is a City of New Bern utility customer, the city's customer service line is 252-639-2750, weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The city says bills are due when received, a 5 percent late penalty is charged the day after the due date, and service can be interrupted ten days later. A customer who cannot pay by the due date can visit the office with photo ID to ask for a payment arrangement; the city says time extensions are not handled by phone, and the account holder can authorize someone else to go. The city's page also points to DSS, Religious Community Services, Catholic Charities, Coastal Community Action and the Salvation Army (1402 Rhem Avenue, 252-637-2277, appointment required) for help with the bill. Much of the rest of the county is served by Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative, with an office in Havelock, main line 252-247-3107; ask member services about payment arrangements and how to flag a home with medical equipment.

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 at 1-855-408-1212, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7. Ask Senior Services (252-638-1790) whether a SHIIP counselor is seeing people in Craven County this fall. Call before any Medicare Advantage or Part D decision, and read the Annual Notice of Change that arrives in October.

Help paying Medicare costs and prescriptions. The Medicare Savings Programs can pay Medicare premiums, and Extra Help lowers Part D drug costs. SHIIP counselors cover both, and Social Security (1-800-772-1213) handles Extra Help. NC MedAssist (1-866-331-1348) gives free prescription medicine to uninsured North Carolinians with household income below 300 percent of poverty. 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 online through ePASS or through Craven DSS at 252-636-4900. The NC Medicaid Contact Center is 888-245-0179, and the NC Medicaid Ombudsman is 1-877-201-3750, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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 January 1, 2027, that window shrinks to up to 2 months for adults 65 and older and people with a disability. 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 Craven County names CarolinaEast Medical Center, 252-633-8182; Lenoir Memorial Hospital, 252-522-7831; RHA Management Services, 888-207-7828; and Walkers Home Care, 252-432-6308. Ask DSS Adult Services (252-636-4900) which one is taking referrals.

Personal care and Special Assistance In-Home. Craven DSS says Medicaid members may qualify for Personal Care Services with a doctor's referral, and that low-income adults at risk of moving to an adult care home may qualify for Special Assistance In-Home, which helps with basic living expenses so they can stay home. Ask Adult Services Intake at 252-636-4900.

Mental health. Craven County's public mental health plan is Trillium Health Resources. Its Behavioral Health Crisis Line is 888-302-0738; member and recipient services is 877-685-2415.

Home repair and safety

• In-home aides. Craven DSS provides in-home aide services, mainly personal care and hygiene, for adults whose functioning is impaired, to prevent decline and a premature move to a facility. Call 252-636-4900 and ask for Adult Services Intake.
• Weatherization and heating repair. North Carolina's weatherization provider for Craven County is Coastal Community Action, 303 McQueen Avenue, Newport, NC 28570 (P.O. Box 729), main line 252-223-1630, weatherization 252-223-1645, serving Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico and Beaufort. The agency says households at or below 200 percent of poverty, or on Work First or SSI, qualify, and it puts the elderly and people with disabilities first. Owners and renters (with the landlord's written permission) can apply, for single-family and mobile homes. It also runs the state's Heating and Air Repair and Replacement Program. We are not printing dollar limits; ask the agency to check your parent's numbers.
• Home rehab. The NC Housing Finance Agency's partner list names three Single-Family Rehab partners for Craven: Craven County itself (406 Craven Street, New Bern, 252-636-6600), Coastal Community Action (252-223-1630), and North Carolina Baptist Men (Baptists on Mission) (800-395-5102). Separately, the county won a $950,000 Community Development Block Grant for substantial rehab and reconstruction of owner-occupied homes; it says five homes and one alternate have already been selected and construction should start in spring or summer 2027, so that round is closed.
• Urgent Repair. We found no Urgent Repair partner for Craven County on the state housing agency's current partner list. Ask the Area Agency on Aging (252-638-3185) or 2-1-1 who is doing emergency repairs and ramps right now.
• Accessibility changes. Independent Living Rehabilitation Program, 2832 Neuse Boulevard, New Bern, 252-649-6720, is the state housing agency's Displacement Prevention Partnership partner for Carteret, Craven, Jones, Onslow and Pamlico; that program pays for accessibility modifications that keep a person with a disability from having to move. Ask whether Craven applications are open.

Safety nets worth setting up.

• Project Lifesaver (New Bern). The New Bern Police Department and New Bern Fire-Rescue run Project Lifesaver with the Area Agency on Aging for people with dementia, autism or other conditions who are prone to wandering. Enrollees wear a small radio transmitter band, and the city says there should be no cost to enrollees who qualify, based on grant funds. The Area Agency on Aging handles intake: January Brown, 252-638-3185, extension 3011. Its resource sheet says the service is for New Bern residents only, not River Bend or Trent Woods.
• Havelock Senior Safety Initiative. For seniors and disabled adults who live alone in the City of Havelock, Havelock police dispatch makes two check-in calls a week, and if nobody answers, an officer does a wellness check. Your parent needs a working phone and must give the department a way into the home (key, door code or lockbox). Call Captain Anthony Fischer, 252-447-3212, extension 3131.
• Special Needs Registry. Craven DSS keeps a Special Needs Registry of residents who may need help in a hurricane or other disaster, so the county can reach them before it hits. The application is on the Adult Services page, or call 252-636-4900.

Rent, housing, emergency cash

• Coastal Community Action, 252-223-1630, lists HUD Section 8 rental assistance among its programs, plus Foster Grandparent, Senior Companion and RSVP volunteer programs. Ask whether the waiting list is open.
• Craven DSS, 252-636-4900: the Area Agency on Aging's resource sheet lists subsidized housing among the department's services; ask Adult Services Intake.
• Help with a bill. The City of New Bern points residents to Religious Community Services (252-633-2767), Catholic Charities (252-638-2188) and the Salvation Army (252-637-2277, appointment required). For retired or disabled veterans it lists Disabled American Veterans Chapter 26, 468 Highway 70 East, Havelock; call first at 252-652-9166.
• 2-1-1 knows which church funds and ministries have money this week. The state's NC Housing Search line is 1-877-428-8844.

Transportation

CARTS (Craven Area Rural Transit System). 1106 Clarks Road, New Bern, NC 28562, 252-636-4917, TDD/TTY 800-735-2962, office open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CARTS serves Craven, Jones and Pamlico counties, is open to the public, and says all of its vehicles are ADA accessible.

• Demand response. Rides anywhere in Craven, Jones and Pamlico counties, booked 48 business hours ahead, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The county says the fare starts at $3.25 and varies by mileage. Tell the dispatcher if your parent uses the wheelchair lift or brings an attendant. The vehicle arrives within 15 minutes of the scheduled time and may stop for other riders.
• EDTAP. The Elderly and Disabled Transportation Assistance Program is a grant that helps Craven residents 60 or older or with a permanent disability with ride costs. Apply online or ask CARTS to mail an application.
• Fixed routes in New Bern. Two routes, a bus at each stop every hour, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, $1 a ride, including a stop at the New Bern Mall.
• Same-day rides (OnDemand+). Since October 1, 2026, CARTS takes same-day requests across much of New Bern from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $5 a ride, when a vehicle is nearby. Not guaranteed.
• Greenville Express. A pilot run to Greenville, boarding at the New Bern Mall, arriving 10 a.m. and leaving 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. $20 one way or $40 round trip, paid before boarding; book at least two days ahead.
• Rules to know. Cancel before 5 p.m. one business day before the trip, or a fee may be charged. Drivers need exact cash and do not make change.

Medicaid rides. Medicaid members ask Craven DSS about Medicaid transportation at 252-636-4900.

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 of North Carolina, Greenville office. Serves Craven and 20 other eastern counties from 301 S. Evans Street, Suite 400, Greenville, NC 27858 (mail to P.O. Box 7283, Greenville, NC 27835), 252-758-0113, toll free 1-800-682-4592, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Area Agency on Aging also lists legal services for basic needs like wills and powers of attorney among the community programs it funds; ask at 252-638-3185.

Protecting an older adult.

• Craven County Adult Protective Services: call DSS at 252-636-4900. Reports are taken 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; on nights, weekends and holidays, call the Craven County Sheriff's Office at 252-633-2357 and ask for the on-call social worker. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. North Carolina law requires anyone who suspects a disabled adult is being abused, neglected or exploited to report it.
• Adult care homes. Craven DSS monitors licensed adult care homes at least quarterly and investigates complaints; call 252-636-4900.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman, for problems in a nursing home or assisted living: the Eastern Carolina Council Area Agency on Aging, 252-638-3185. The state's nursing home complaint hotline is 1-800-624-3004.
• 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. Powers of attorney for real estate are recorded at the Register of Deeds, 226 Pollock Street, New Bern, 252-636-6617. Wills and estates are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court at the Craven County Courthouse, 302 Broad Street, New Bern (mail to P.O. Box 1187, New Bern, NC 28563), 252-639-3000, open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For veterans. Craven County Veterans Services, 2402 M L King Jr Boulevard, New Bern, NC 28562, 252-636-6611, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call for an appointment. The office helps with VA disability, compensation and pension claims, VA health care enrollment, widows' and dependents' benefits, burial information and appeals, and it is the place to start on the NCDVA-9 form for the $45,000 Disabled Veteran Exclusion. The director is Jeff M. Futrell.

Caregiver support

• The Sunshine Center at the George Street Senior Center gives temporary relief to caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and related conditions: activities and social time in a safe group setting, currently Wednesdays 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Call 252-638-1790 to schedule.
• Memory Cafe. A dementia support group for caregivers and their loved ones, with dinner at 4 p.m., on the first Monday of each month, 4 to 6:30 p.m., at 811 George Street. Caregivers meet while trained staff stay with their loved ones. Reservations are required by noon on the last Friday of the month before; call 252-638-1790.
• P.E.R.C. A support group for people in the early stages of Alzheimer's or dementia, third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at 811 George Street. Call 252-638-1790 and ask for Alissa.
• Grief support. Senior Services runs a grief group led by a Cardinal Hospice facilitator, but the county's page and the Area Agency on Aging's sheet list different days, so call 252-638-1790 for the current schedule.
• Havelock. The Area Agency on Aging's resource sheet lists a caregiver support group at the Havelock Senior Center on the second Thursday of the month at 5 p.m.; confirm at 252-444-6445.
• Eastern Carolina Council's Family Caregiver Support Program. Call the Area Agency on Aging at 252-638-3185 and ask for the caregiver program.
• Project C.A.R.E. Dementia-specific support and respite for families caring for someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia at home. The state's office for Craven County, run by the Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging, is at 252-414-3230.
• Adult day. The state's September 2026 list of certified adult day programs shows one in Craven County: the adult day health center at Carolina SeniorCare in New Bern, for PACE participants (below).
• Alzheimer's Association, 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900.

PACE

One PACE program covers all of Craven County.

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. NC Medicaid's official PACE list shows:

• Carolina SeniorCare, New Bern center, 3681 Neuse Boulevard, New Bern, NC 28562, 252-597-9008 (TTY 1-800-735-2962), for all of Craven, Jones, Lenoir and Pamlico counties and portions of Beaufort, Carteret and Onslow. The program's own page lists the New Bern, Havelock, Vanceboro, Dover, Cove City, Bridgeton and Ernul ZIP codes among those it serves. Participants must be 55 or older, qualify for nursing facility level of care as determined by the state Medicaid agency, live in the service area and be able to live safely at home with PACE support. Once enrolled there are no deductibles, copays or coinsurance; people with Medicare only pay a set monthly fee, and Medicaid members pay a small monthly amount or nothing for the long-term care part.

No other PACE program on the state list serves Craven County. The program says eligibility is subject to verification of residency by ZIP code, so call to confirm it serves your parent's address and has room before you plan around it.

If PACE does not fit. Ask DSS Adult Services (252-636-4900) about CAP/DA, Personal Care Services and Special Assistance In-Home, and ask the Area Agency on Aging (252-638-3185) what else can keep your parent at home.

Frequently asked questions

Mom is 74, lives in Trent Woods, 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, including a spouse's. The Elderly or Disabled Exclusion takes the greater of $25,000 or half her home's value off. File Form AV-9 by June 1. Call the Tax Department's Personal Property Division at 252-636-6604.

Should my father use the Circuit Breaker instead? Go in with open eyes. It caps his tax at 4 or 5 percent of income, but the rest is deferred, not forgiven: on a sale, a death or a move, the deferred taxes for the preceding three years come due with interest. He needs five years of ownership and must file 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.

Dad moved into a nursing home. Does he lose the tax break on his house? Not by itself. The county says an owner does not lose the exclusion because of an extended stay in a rest home or nursing home, as long as the house is empty or a spouse or dependent lives there. If the house is sold, timing matters: a sale between January 1 and July 1 takes the exclusion off for that year. Call 252-636-6604 before you list it.

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; from January 1, 2027 that drops to 2 months for adults 65 and older. Call Craven DSS at 252-636-4900, and talk to the Senior Legal Helpline before moving any assets.

Dad has dementia and has wandered once already. What can we do? If he lives in New Bern (not River Bend or Trent Woods), ask the Area Agency on Aging about Project Lifesaver: 252-638-3185, extension 3011. Sign him up for the county's Special Needs Registry through DSS. Take a break at the Sunshine Center on Wednesday afternoons and try the Memory Cafe on the first Monday (252-638-1790). If he needs a nursing home level of care, Carolina SeniorCare (252-597-9008) serves the whole county.

Mom lives alone in Havelock and I live out of state. What can I set up today? Call Captain Anthony Fischer at 252-447-3212, extension 3131 about the Havelock Senior Safety Initiative, two check-in calls a week. Get her signed up for weekday lunch at the Havelock Senior Center (252-444-6445), ask Senior Services (252-638-1790) about home-delivered meals if she is homebound, set her up with CARTS (252-636-4917) and an EDTAP application for rides, and book a SHIIP Medicare review at 1-855-408-1212 before December 7.

Sources

• North Carolina Department of Revenue, Form AV-9, 2026 and 2027 Applications for Property Tax Relief: source of "the 2026 tax year is $38,800," "the 2026 tax year is $58,200," "the 2027 tax year is $39,900," "the 2027 tax year is $59,850," "YOU MUST FILE A NEW APPLICATION FOR THIS PROGRAM EVERY YEAR!!" and "This application must be filed by June 1st to be timely filed": https://www.ncdor.gov/2026-av-9-securedpdf/open and https://www.ncdor.gov/2027-av-9-securedpdf/open . Verified October 27, 2026.
• North Carolina Department of Revenue, County Assessors List (revised September 23, 2026): source of "Craven Leslie Young County Assessor P.O. Box 1128, New Bern, NC 28563 252-636-6604": https://www.ncdor.gov/assessors-list-9-23-26pdf/open . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Craven County Tax Administration, Elderly Homestead Exclusion, Disabled Homestead Exclusion, Circuit Breaker Homestead Exclusion and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Homestead Exclusion pages: source of 226 Pollock Street, New Bern, NC 28560, Monday to Friday 8 to 5, Leslie Young (Tax Administrator), Real Estate Appraisal (252) 636-6640, Tax Collection (252) 636-6605, "Personal Property Division | Exclusions & Exemptions ... PO Box 1128, New Bern, NC 28563-1128 ... Telephone (252) 636-6604 | Email tax@cravencountync.gov," "The exclusion amount is the greater of $25,000 or 50% of the appraised value of the residence and excludes one acre of land or less," "65 years of age or older as of January 01," "The owner's income for the preceding calendar year cannot exceed $38,800," "all monies received from every source other than gifts or inheritances," the list of income types, "the income of both most be included, whether the property is in both names or only one name," the temporary absence and nursing home rule, "If the sale of your residence occurs between January 01 st and July 01 st of the current year, then the exclusion will be removed for the current tax year," "may be filed and must be accepted at any time up to and through June 01 st," the Circuit Breaker statute text (4.0 and 5.0 percent, five years, deferred taxes a lien, "deferred taxes for the preceding three fiscal years are due," disqualifying events), "No age or income requirement," "One-Time application," "Assessment reduction $45,000," NCDVA-9, "August - Tax notices are mailed," "September 01 st - Taxes due through January 05 th without interest," "January 06 th - Taxes are delinquent, interest begins to apply," and the myCravenCountyNC scheduled and partial payments: https://www.cravencountync.gov/220/tax-administration , https://www.cravencountync.gov/2268/Elderly-Homestead-Exclusion , https://www.cravencountync.gov/2269/Disabled-Homestead-Exclusion , https://www.cravencountync.gov/2271/Circuit-Breaker-Homestead-Exclusion , https://www.cravencountync.gov/2302/Disabled-Veteran-Property-Tax-Homestead- , https://www.cravencountync.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1075 . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Craven County, Revaluation 2028 page: source of "conducting a countywide revaluation of all real estate property for Tax Year 2028," "The last revaluation was completed in 2023," and "Coming February 2028!": https://www.cravencountync.gov/2359/Revaluation-2028 . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Craven County, 2026 Tax Rates sheet and Board of Commissioners Adopt FY 2026-2027 Budget: source of the county rate 0.4448, the fire district and municipal totals (Township Number One 0.4648 through Havelock 1.1948), the "$72.00" recycle fee and the "$30.00" Disabled Veterans and Elderly / Disabled recycle fees, and "keeping the property tax rate at 44.48 cents per $100 of assessed value": https://www.cravencountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18118/Tax-Rates-2026 and https://www.cravencountync.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1064 . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Craven County Register of Deeds: source of "226 Pollock Street New Bern, NC 28560-4971," "Phone: 252-636-6617," and the Recordation Notification listing: https://www.cravencountync.gov/303/register-of-deeds . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Craven County Senior Services, main, Home Delivered Meals, Sunshine Center, Support Groups and Programs pages: source of 811 George Street, New Bern, NC 28560, PO Box 12039, New Bern, NC 28561-2039, 252-638-1790, "Mon. - Fri. 8am to 5pm," Alissa Andrewsbrown, Director of Senior Services, "Home Delivered Meals and Congregate Nutrition," "60 years of age or older," "Unable to prepare a full meal," "Home bound," "an average of 150-160 meals each day," "New Bern, Havelock, Vanceboro, Ernul, Cove City, and Dover," "1 hot and 4 frozen meals once a week," shelf-stable meals before bad weather, the driver need on Mondays and Wednesdays, the Sunshine Center ("temporary relief to caregivers," "Wednesdays from 12:30-4:30pm"), the Memory Cafe ("dinner provided at 4:00 pm," "1st Monday of each month from 4-6:30 pm," "Reservations are required," "last Friday of the prior month by noon"), the grief group with "Dr. Deneen Glasco from Cardinal Hospice," P.E.R.C. ("3rd Thursday of each month at 10:00 am"), and the library outreach on "the 2nd Thursday of every month": https://www.cravencountync.gov/2491/Senior-Services , https://www.cravencountync.gov/2493/Home-Delivered-Meals , https://www.cravencountync.gov/2494/Sunshine-Center , https://www.cravencountync.gov/2495/Support-Groups , https://www.cravencountync.gov/2501/Programs . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Craven County Department of Social Services, Adult Services and Energy Programs pages: source of 2818 Neuse Blvd., Phone 252-636-4900, Fax 252-636-4946, adult care home monitoring "at least quarterly," adult placement, "Reports can be made 24 hours/day, 365 days/year. Please call the Craven County Sheriff Department at 252-633-2357 on nights, weekends, & holidays to ask for the on-call social worker," case management for "the frail elderly (60+) and disabled adults," guardianship, "calling 252-636-4900 and asking for Adult Services Intake," in-home aide services, Personal Care Services with "A doctor's referral," Special Assistance In-Home, the Special Needs Registry "for individuals in Craven County with special needs who may require assistance in the event of a disaster," CIP ("up to $600 per application, per crisis situation; however, benefits cannot exceed $600 per State fiscal year," "All payments are made directly to the vendor"), and LIEAP ("age 60 and above ... December 1st through December 31st," "Any household ... January 1 through March 31"): https://www.cravencountync.gov/1798/Adult-Services and https://www.cravencountync.gov/1862/Energy-Programs . Verified October 27, 2026.
• NCDHHS, FY24-25 Senior Center Directory: source of "Craven County DSS / Craven County Senior Services ... Year Opened 1980 as George Street Center" and "Havelock Senior Center CENTER OF EXCELLENCE ... Telephone Number: 252-444-6445": https://ncdhhs.gov/fy24-25-senior-center-directory/open . Verified October 27, 2026.
• City of Havelock, Senior Center and Havelock's Senior Safety Initiative pages: source of "103 Trader Avenue Havelock NC 28532," "Phone: 252-444-6445," "Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm," "for all senior citizens who reside in Havelock," "Lunch is available Monday through Friday at noon for eligible seniors through the Congregate Meals Program," "privately-funded meals when those funds are available," "two check-in calls per week from HPD Dispatch," "If no response is received, a wellness check will be initiated," "Must be a senior citizen or disabled adult," "Must live alone in the City of Havelock," "Must have a working telephone," "Must provide home access (key, door code, or lockbox)," and "Captain Anthony Fischer ... 252-447-3212 ext 3131": https://www.havelocknc.us/230/Senior-Center and https://www.havelocknc.us/354/Havelocks-Senior-Safety-Initiative . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Eastern Carolina Council of Governments, Area Agency on Aging page and Craven County Older Adult and Caregiver Resource Sheet (July 2026): source of 233 Middle Street, Ste. 300, Third Floor, New Bern, NC 28563, PO Box 1717, New Bern, NC 28563-1717, (252) 638-3185, the nine counties, the Ombudsman and Family Caregiver Support programs, legal services for "wills, Powers of Attorney," "January Brown 252-638-3185 x3011," the George Street and Havelock senior center listings, Catholic Charities and Religious Community Services food pantries, Project Lifesaver "available to New Bern residents only (excluding River Bend and Trent Woods)," "2nd Thursday of the month at 5:00 pm, Caregiver Support Group - Havelock Senior Center," "Nursing Home Complaint Hotline: 1-800-624-3004," and "North Carolina Housing Search: 1-877-428-8844": https://www.eccog.org/aging and https://eccog.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/CRAVEN-COUNTYcaregiver-resources.pdf . Verified October 27, 2026.
• City of New Bern, Project Lifesaver and Utilities Financial Assistance pages: source of the New Bern Police Department, New Bern Fire-Rescue and ECCAAA partnership, "at-risk individuals who are cognitively impaired and prone to wandering," the Personal Locating Unit, "there should be no cost to enrollees who meet prerequisite criteria," "(252)639-2750," "a 5% late penalty," "Ten days later, delinquency action can begin," "Photo identification is required," "Time extensions are not handled by phone; you must visit the office," and the listed agencies (Craven County DSS 2818 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28562; Religious Community Services, 919 George Street, (252)633-2767; Catholic Charities, 502 Middle Street, (252)638-2188; Salvation Army, 1402 Rhem Ave, "Appointment Required," (252)637-2277; Disabled American Veterans Chapter 26, 468 Highway 70 E, Havelock, "Call first (252)652-9166"): https://www.newbernnc.gov/departments/police_department/project_lifesaver.php and https://www.newbernnc.gov/departments/utilities/financial_assistance.php . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative: source of the Newport and Havelock offices and "Main Office: (252) 247-3107": https://www.ccemc.com/ . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, Locations: source of the New Bern branch, 1702 Red Robin Lane, New Bern, NC 28562, 252 577 1912, Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4, "Serving five eastern North Carolina counties: Carteret, Craven, Jones, Onslow, and Pamlico": https://foodbankcenc.org/locations/ . Verified October 27, 2026.
• NCDHHS, Low Income Energy Assistance and Crisis Intervention Program: source of the December 1 to 31 sign-up for households with a person 60 or older, January 1 to March 31 for all others, CIP "July 1st - June 30th," "Resource limit for households with a member aged 60 or older or disabled=at or below $4,500," "must have a health-related or life-threatening emergency," and "Applicants can present a final notice or past due utility bill": https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-energy-assistance and https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-energy-assistance/crisis-intervention-program . Verified October 27, 2026.
• NCDHHS, 2026 Operation Fan Heat Relief contact list: source of "Craven-P Senior Services New Bern 252-638-1790 Alissa Andrewsbrown" and "Craven-P Havelock Senior Center Havelock 252-444-6445": https://www.ncdhhs.gov/2026-operation-fan-heat-relief/open . Verified October 27, 2026. The May 1 to October 31, 2026 season was verified on the same list October 20, 2026.
• NC Department of Insurance, Medicare and SHIIP: source of 1-855-408-1212 and "Oct. 15 - Dec. 7": https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/medicare-and-shiip . Verified October 27, 2026.
• NC 211: source of 1-888-892-1162: https://nc211.org/ . Verified October 27, 2026.
• NC Medicaid, Medicaid is Changing, Contacts and NC Medicaid Ombudsman pages: source of "If you apply by December 31, 2026, Medicaid will cover approved costs for up to 3 months before you applied," "Starting January 1, 2027, Medicaid will cover up to 2 months of health care costs incurred before you submit your application" for "adults 65 and older, and people with a disability," 888-245-0179 and 877-201-3750: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/beneficiaries/medicaid-is-changing , https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/about-nc-medicaid/contacts , https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/about-nc-medicaid/nc-medicaid-ombudsman . Verified October 27, 2026.
• NC Medicaid, CAP/DA case management agencies by county: source of the four Craven agencies, CarolinaEast Medical Center- Craven County 252-633-8182, Lenoir Memorial Hospital 252-522-7831, RHA Management Services, Inc. 888-207-7828 and Walkers Home Care CAPDA 252-432-6308: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/capda-case-management-agencies-county/open . Verified October 27, 2026.
• NC MedAssist: source of 866-331-1348 and the free pharmacy program for uninsured North Carolinians with household income below 300 percent of poverty: https://medassist.org/ . Verified October 27, 2026.
• NCDHHS LME/MCO directory: source of Trillium Health Resources with Craven among its counties, "BH Crisis Line : 888-302-0738" and "Member and Recipient Services : 877-685-2415": https://www.ncdhhs.gov/providers/lme-mco-directory . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Coastal Community Action, Weatherization Assistance page and Craven resource sheet listing: source of "at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines," Work First and SSI, "Priority is placed on providing assistance to the elderly, individuals with disabilities," single-family and mobile homes, renters with "written permission from their landlord," (252) 223-1645, "Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Jones, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico and Beaufort," and 303 McQueen Ave, Newport, (252) 223-1630, with Senior Companion, RSVP, Foster Grandparent, "HUD Section 8 Rental assistance," weatherization and "heating and air repair/replacement": https://coastalca.org/weatherization-assistance/ and https://eccog.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/CRAVEN-COUNTYcaregiver-resources.pdf . Verified October 27, 2026.
• NC Housing Finance Agency, Current Community Partners directory filtered to Craven County: source of "Coastal Community Action, Inc. - Newport ... (252) 223-1630 ... Single-Family Rehab ... Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Jones, and Onslow," "Craven County 406 Craven St New Bern, NC 28560 (252) 636-6600 Single-Family Rehab," "North Carolina Baptist Men, Inc. dba Baptists on Mission ... (800) 395-5102 ... Single-Family Rehab ... Craven, Pamlico, and Sampson," "Independent Living Rehabilitation Program - New Bern 2832 Neuse Blvd ... (252) 649-6720 ... Displacement Prevention Partnership ... Carteret, Craven, Jones, Onslow, and Pamlico," and no Urgent Repair partner listed for Craven: https://www.nchfa.com/home-ownership-partners/community-partners/current-community-partners?county-id=766 . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Craven County, Awarded $950,000 Grant for Home Rehabilitation Program: source of the CDBG Neighborhood Revitalization award, "substantial rehabilitation and reconstruction projects for owner-occupied, single-family dwellings," "five homes and one alternate site have been selected," and "construction will begin sometime during the spring or summer of 2027": https://www.cravencountync.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1085 . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Craven County, Transportation (CARTS) and CARTS Craven County pages, and CARTS service announcements: source of "Public Transportation for Craven, Jones, and Pamlico Counties," 1106 Clarks Road, New Bern, NC 28562, "Phone: 252-636-4917 | TDD/TTY: 800-735-2962," "Demand Response services are provided from 5 AM to 5 PM," office hours 8 to 5, "call 252-636-4917 before 5:00 PM one business day prior," "Exact cash is required," "all vehicles are ADA accessible," "48 business hours in advance," "The cost to ride On Demand starts at $3.25 and varies by mileage," EDTAP ("at least 60 or older or have a permanent disability"), same-day rides "10:00 AM to 2:00 PM" at "$5.00," "2 fixed routes within the City of New Bern," "every hour from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM," "Fares for the fixed route are $1," the October 1, 2026 changes and the New Bern Mall stop, and the Greenville Express ("arrive in Greenville at 10:00 AM and depart at 2:00 PM," "Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays," "$20 one way or $40 roundtrip," "at least two days prior"): https://www.cravencountync.gov/165/Transportation-CARTS , https://www.cravencountync.gov/2582/Craven-County , https://www.cravencountync.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1082 , https://www.cravencountync.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1080 . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Legal Aid of North Carolina, Senior Legal Helpline and Offices: source of "Toll-Free: 877-579-7562," "9:00 AM - 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday," "Free legal help for North Carolinians 60 years of age or older," and the Greenville office (301 S Evans St, Ste 400, Greenville, NC 27858; PO Box 7283, Greenville, NC 27835-7283; 1-800-682-4592; 252-758-0113; M-F 9 AM to 5 PM) serving "Beaufort, Bertie, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Jones, Martin, Northampton, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell, Washington": https://legalaidnc.org/cta/senior-legal-helpline/ and https://legalaidnc.org/get-help/offices . Verified October 27, 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 October 27, 2026.
• North Carolina Judicial Branch, Craven County Courthouse and Contact Directory: source of "302 Broad St," 28560, "PO Box 1187," 28563, "(252) 639-3000," the Clerk of Superior Court line, and Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM: https://www.nccourts.gov/locations/craven-county/craven-county-courthouse and https://www.nccourts.gov/locations/craven-county/contact-directory . Verified October 27, 2026.
• Craven County Veterans Services: source of "2402 M L King Jr Boulevard New Bern NC 28562," "Phone: 252-636-6611," "call (252) 636-6611 for an appointment," Monday to Friday 8 to 5, the list of services, and Jeff M. Futrell, Director: https://www.cravencountync.gov/189/Veterans-Services . Verified October 27, 2026.
• NCDHHS, Project C.A.R.E.: source of "For Beaufort, Bertie, Carteret, Camden, Chowan, Craven ... counties call: 252-414-3230" and the Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/aging/project-care-caregiver-alternatives-running-empty . Verified October 27, 2026.
• NCDHHS, Certified Adult Day Care and Adult Day Health Programs (September 2, 2026): source of the single Craven County program, Carolina SeniorCare-New Bern, 3681 Neuse Blvd, ADH: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/adult-day-care-day-health-provider-directory/open . Verified October 27, 2026.
• NC Medicaid, PACE service area list; Carolina SeniorCare New Bern, Eligibility page: source of "Carolina SeniorCare ... Counties: Craven, Jones, Lenoir, Pamlico, and portions of Rowan, Davidson, Davie, Iredell, Onslow, Carteret, Beaufort," "Carolina SeniorCare- New Bern 3681 Neuse Blvd," no other program listing Craven, "Craven, Jones, Lenoir, and Pamlico counties and portions of Beaufort, Carteret, and Onslow counties," the ZIP list including 28519, 28523, 28526, 28527, 28532, 28533, 28560, 28561, 28562, 28563, 28564 and 28586, "must be a minimum of 55 years of age," "nursing facility level of care as determined by the State Medicaid Agency," "Eligibility is subject to verification of residency by zip code," "there are no deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance," the Medicaid and Medicare-only payment rules, "3681 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28562," and "252-597-9008 or TTY at 1-800-735-2962": https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/ncpace-service-area/download?attachment and https://carolinaseniorcare.org/new-bern/eligibility/ . Verified October 27, 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 27, 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.