Cumberland County, NC Senior Help Directory (2026)

Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Cumberland 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: Cumberland County Council on Older Adults, 339 Devers Street, Fayetteville, NC 28303, 910-484-0111 | Cumberland County Department of Social Services, 1225 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301, 910-323-1540 | Mid-Carolina Area Agency on Aging (Mid-Carolina Regional Council), 6205 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304, 910-323-4191. And 2-1-1, or 1-888-892-1162.

If you only make one call from this page, make it the Council on Older Adults. In Cumberland County the senior meals, Meals on Wheels and Medicare counseling do not run out of a county department. They run out of the Cumberland County Council on Older Adults, a nonprofit on Devers Street that offers its services at no cost to seniors 60 and older who live in Cumberland County. Its programs include Meals on Wheels, a free congregate lunch, SHIIP Medicare counseling, information and options counseling, in-home aide services, a home improvement program, telephone reassurance, a senior companion program, caregiver supports and respite, and dementia support. One number: 910-484-0111.

Social Services is the benefits office. Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, energy assistance, Special Assistance, the homemaker program, guardianship and Adult Protective Services all run out of 1225 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Main line 910-323-1540. There is a satellite office at the Spring Lake Family Resource Center, 103 Laketree Boulevard.

Mid-Carolina is the regional layer. The Mid-Carolina Area Agency on Aging serves Cumberland, Harnett and Sampson counties. It plans and funds aging services across the three counties, runs the Family Caregiver Support Program and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and funds services such as meals, in-home aides and transportation for people 60 and older through the Home and Community Care Block Grant. Its office moved; older state lists still show 130 Gillespie Street, but the agency's own site gives 6205 Raeford Road.

The city's senior centers, for 55 and up. Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation runs three centers for people 55 and older. Most activities are free, some classes charge a fee, and you register with proof of residence and age.

• Senior Center East, 917 Washington Drive, Fayetteville 28301, 910-433-1574.
• Bill Crisp Senior Center, 7560 Raeford Road, Fayetteville 28304, 910-433-1248.
• Tokay Senior Fitness Center, 328 Hamilton Street, Fayetteville 28301, 910-433-1414, weekdays 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Property tax relief (apply with Cumberland County Tax Administration, 910-678-7507)

The office. Senior and disability relief is handled by Cumberland County Tax Administration, in the Cumberland County Courthouse, 117 Dick Street, Room 530, Fayetteville, NC 28301, phone 910-678-7507, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The state's official list of county assessors gives the same phone and a mailing address of P.O. Box 449, Fayetteville, NC 28302. If you are paying a bill in person, that window is in Room 527.

The three programs. All three are set by the state, filed on the state's Form AV-9, and applied for with Tax Administration. The county says applications must be filed in person or by mail.

• Elderly or Disabled Exclusion. Takes the greater of $25,000 or 50 percent off the assessed value of your home and up to one acre. You must be 65 or older or totally and permanently disabled, own and live in the home, and have combined income for you and your spouse within the limit: $38,800 for 2026, $39,900 for 2027. The county counts all income before taxes, not adjusted gross income. It is a one-time application, unless ownership changes, the home stops being your permanent residence, or income goes over the limit. For disability, the county wants Form AV-9A signed by a physician licensed in North Carolina.
• Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment. Limits the tax to a percentage of income for owners who meet the exclusion rules and have owned and lived in the home for the past five years, with incomes up to $58,200 for 2026 or $59,850 for 2027. This is a deferral, not forgiveness. The county says the three most recent years of deferred taxes become due, with interest, when a disqualifying event happens, and deferred taxes become a lien on the property. And unlike the exclusion, the Circuit Breaker needs a new application every year. Understand the lien before your parent signs, especially if the plan is to sell the house or leave it to family.
• Disabled Veteran Exclusion. Takes $45,000 off the assessed value of the home of an honorably discharged veteran with a 100 percent total and permanent service-connected disability, or an unmarried surviving spouse. No age or income limit, one-time application, with Form NCDVA-9. Cumberland County Veterans Services (below) helps with that form.

Deadline. The county says applications must be filed by June 1 of the year relief is requested.

The 2025 revaluation did not cancel anyone's relief. Cumberland County revalued every property as of January 1, 2025, its first countywide revaluation since 2017. The county says previously approved tax relief applications are still valid, with no need to submit a new application.

Rates and this year's bill. The county rate on 2026 tax bills is 49.9 cents per $100 of value. Inside Fayetteville the city adds 44.95 cents, for a combined 94.85 cents. Unincorporated areas add a recreation and a fire district rate, for a combined 69.9 cents. Bills were due September 1, 2026, and the county says the deadline to pay 2026 taxes is January 5, 2027; interest starts January 6 at 2 percent, then 0.75 percent a month. You can make partial payments in any amount before then, or set up a formal payment plan before the delinquency date by calling 910-678-7507. Options narrow after delinquency.

Two protections worth ten minutes.

• The Register of Deeds offers a free Property Notification service: register once and you get an email alert when a document is recorded in the name you enter. Sign up at ccrod.org under Records Search, then New Property Notification, or call 910-678-7775. The office is in the courthouse, 117 Dick Street, Room 114, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Register of Deeds also records military discharges (DD-214s) free of charge for retired military. A recorded DD-214 is much easier to find years later when a family is sorting out benefits.

Food

Meals on Wheels. The Council on Older Adults delivers meals to Cumberland County residents who are at least 60, homebound (assessed through a home visit with program staff), and not able to prepare meals with no one willing or able to provide them. To make a referral, call 910-484-0111. The Council does not publish a waitlist status, so ask when you call.

Free lunch at 60. The Council's congregate lunch is a free lunchtime meal for people 60 and older. To enroll, go to the site you want Monday to Friday between 9 and 11 a.m. and fill out the registration. The Council lists these sites:

• Falling Run Missionary Baptist Church, 2852 Cedar Creek Road, Fayetteville 28312
• Cumberland County Association for Indian People, 2173 Downing Road, Fayetteville 28312
• VFW Post 10630, 3226 Davis Street, Hope Mills 28348
• Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 4320 Doc Bennett Road, Fayetteville 28306
• Spring Lake Senior Center, 301 Ruth Street, Spring Lake 28390

A county transportation page still shows an older list of meal sites, so go by the Council's list and call 910-484-0111 before a first visit.

The regional food bank. Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina, part of Action Pathways, serves Bladen, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Robeson and Sampson counties from its distribution center at 406 Deep Creek Road, Fayetteville, 910-485-6923. Its Harvest of Hope senior program offers food to low-income seniors 55 and older in the seven counties; it takes questions by email at seniorsshfb@actionpathways.ngo.

Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP). Apply online at epass.nc.gov, in person at 1225 Ramsey Street, or ask for an application by mail or email at 910-323-1540.

Energy and utility help

Low Income Energy Assistance (LIEAP). A once-a-year payment sent straight to the heating company. Cumberland County Social Services makes December a priority month for households with someone 60 or older, or a person getting services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services who also receives SSI, Social Security disability or VA disability. The state's page says the same, December 1 to 31. Everyone else applies January, February and March, while funds last. The county says income cannot exceed 130 percent of the federal poverty level, with a $2,250 household resource limit. The county's posted dollar chart looks older than this year's poverty guidelines, so ask for the current figure. Apply on ePASS, by fax to 910-677-2885, by mail to P.O. Box 2429, Fayetteville, NC 28302, or drop it off at 1225 Ramsey Street. Households that include a Native American adult 18 or older apply through the Lumbee Tribe, not the county.

Crisis Intervention Program (CIP). For a heating or cooling emergency, such as a disconnect notice or no heat, when someone's health is at risk. Cumberland takes CIP applications year round, July 1 to June 30, until the money runs out. Call 910-323-1540.

Who sends the power bill matters. Look at the name on the bill: the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC), Duke Energy Progress, or an electric cooperative such as Lumbee River EMC. Each has different help.

• PWC. PWC's Medical Priority program gives early notice and priority restoration to customers whose doctor completes the application, renewed every year. It does not reduce the bill. For help paying, PWC points customers to Social Services' CIP and LIEAP, Operation Blessing (910-483-1119), Fayetteville Urban Ministry (910-483-5944) and 2-1-1. PWC customer service: 910-483-1382.
• Duke Energy Progress. The Share the Light Fund is funded by Duke Energy Progress and handed out through county social services, for Duke Energy Progress residential customers. Ask Social Services at 910-323-1540.
• Lumbee River EMC. Its LREMC Cares Energy Assistance Program gives eligible members up to $150 once a year. For Cumberland County members it runs through Fayetteville Urban Ministry, 701 Whitfield Street, 910-483-5944.
• Any heating fuel. Piedmont Natural Gas's Share the Warmth fund is handed out through county social services. State policy says a household does not have to heat with gas or be a Piedmont customer, and the benefit is capped at $200 per state fiscal year. Ask Social Services whether money is available this season.

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. In Cumberland County the counseling site is the Council on Older Adults, 339 Devers Street, by appointment only: call 910-484-0111, extension 221, and ask for SHIIP help. The statewide SHIIP line is 1-855-408-1212, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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 at 910-323-1540, 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 with income under 300 percent of poverty; it says it may help some Medicare patients on a case-by-case basis. 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, in person at the first floor reception of 1225 Ramsey Street (Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.), by fax to 910-677-2885, or ask for a paper application at 910-323-1540. The NC Medicaid Contact Center is 888-245-0179. NC Medicaid says that for adults 65 and older and people with a disability, 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 shrinks to 2 months. 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 Cumberland County (dated May 2025) names Bladen County Health Department/CAP, 910-872-6257; CAP of Cape Fear Valley Health System, 910-615-1841; Divine Home Care, 910-904-2377; Healthkeeperz Inc., 910-522-0009; Primary Health Choice, 910-865-3500; RBS Case Management, 910-768-0002; RHA Management Services, Inc., 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, ask the Medicaid Contact Center.

Special Assistance In-Home. For someone who is eligible to live in a licensed residential care facility but wants to and can safely stay home, Social Services' Special Assistance In-Home program gives financial support. Call Adult Services at 910-677-2388 or 910-677-2389.

Mental health. Cumberland County's public mental health plan is Alliance Health. Its Behavioral Health Crisis Line is 877-223-4617, 24 hours a day; member services is 800-510-9132.

Home repair and safety

• County Housing Rehabilitation, outside Fayetteville city limits only. Cumberland County Community Development offers a deferred loan with no payments for owner-occupied homes outside the City of Fayetteville, for households below 80 percent of the county median income. The note is at 3 percent over 15 years, payment deferred, and it is forgiven annually on a prorated basis beginning on the sixth anniversary of the loan. Taxes must be current, there can be no outstanding liens or second mortgage, and single-wide mobile homes are not eligible. The loan amount is set case by case. 910-323-6112, 707 Executive Place, Fayetteville.
• City of Fayetteville Emergency Home Repair, inside city limits only. Run by Fayetteville Urban Ministry, it covers emergency repairs, not full rehabilitation, for owners who have lived in the home at least 12 months, are not facing foreclosure, and have income at or below 80 percent of area median, which the city lists as $45,850 for one person and $52,400 for two. Owners agree not to sell for 12 months after the repairs. 910-483-5944.
• Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity. Its critical repair, aging in place and veteran repair programs serve low-income homeowners who are veterans, elderly or disabled, and homeowners must be able to pay project fees. Applications are closed right now. Call 910-483-0952 to ask when they reopen; the office is closed October 5 to 12, 2026.
• Weatherization and heating repair. North Carolina's weatherization provider for Cumberland County is Action Pathways, 4525 Campground Road, Fayetteville, 910-485-6131. 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, and prioritizes the elderly and people with disabilities. Homes weatherized in the past 15 years do not qualify. Its Heating and Air Repair or Replacement Program (HARRP) inspects, repairs or replaces failing systems. Have ID for everyone 18 or older, proof of income (no bank statements) and a 12-month utility printout ready.

The emergency registry. Cumberland County's new Cumberland SAFE (Safety for Access and Functional Needs in Emergencies) is a confidential, voluntary registry that explicitly includes older adults living alone. Sign up at cumberlandcountync.gov/alerts, pick up a paper form at 500 Executive Place, Fayetteville, or call 910-321-6736, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Project Lifesaver. The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office Community Policing Unit runs Project Lifesaver, which fits people who wander because of dementia or a similar condition with a tracking bracelet. Call Community Policing at 910-438-4015, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sheriff's Office main line 910-323-1500, 131 Dick Street.

Rent, housing, emergency cash

• Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority, 1000 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, 910-483-3648, Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) waiting list is closed. It takes public housing applications online on the third Wednesday of each month, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; for help with documents, call 910-699-8134. It lists three senior communities: Azalea Manor Senior Living (910-475-0088) and Cypress Manor and Dogwood Manor Senior Living (910-223-5388).
• Social Services crisis help. Adult Services lists crisis intervention among its services; call 910-677-2388 or 910-677-2389.
• 2-1-1 knows which church funds and ministries have money this week.

Transportation

Free county rides to medical visits and the pharmacy. The Cumberland County Community Transportation Program gives free rides to medical appointments and pharmacy pickups within Cumberland County to residents 60 and older, or disabled with a doctor's verification, who do not live in a nursing or rest home and are not eligible for other transportation, such as Medicaid or ADA rides. Requests must be made by noon the business day before; same-day rides cannot be scheduled. Call 910-678-7619. The county's pages list slightly different call hours, so call in the morning. The office is at 130 Gillespie Street.

Rides to lunch. Through the Home and Community Care Block Grant, the same program takes people 60 and older to the senior nutrition sites. No fee is required; contributions are asked for, and service is not denied for inability to pay.

FAST buses. FAST's regular fare is $1.25, and the discount fare is 50 cents with a FAST Discount ID. The city's application qualifies riders 65 or older with a government photo ID, and the ID is issued at the FAST Transit Center, 505 Franklin Street, where a Medicare card, a Veterans service-connected health ID card or a valid government ID is accepted as proof. A 30-day pass is $17 at the discount rate. FAST's main line is 910-433-1329.

FASTTrac!, FAST's paratransit. For riders certified as eligible case by case, within three quarters of a mile of a FAST bus route. A one-way trip is $2. Book up to 7 days ahead, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Sunday; no same-day reservations. Call 910-433-1232, option 2.

Rural rides for anyone. The county's Rural General Public rides cost $2.50 each way, weekdays 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 910-678-7675.

Medicaid rides to appointments. Social Services' medical transportation coordinator is at 910-677-2529. The county does not publish its notice rules online, so ask how far ahead to book when you call.

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, Fayetteville office. 327 Dick Street, Suite 103, Fayetteville, 910-483-0400 or toll free 1-800-824-5340, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m., serves Cumberland, Hoke, Robeson, Sampson and Scotland counties. To apply, Legal Aid's general helpline is 1-866-219-5262, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Protecting an older adult.

• Cumberland County Adult Protective Services: 910-677-2389 or 910-677-2388. The intake line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The county asks that you not email or leave voicemail about abuse or neglect. In an emergency, call 911. North Carolina law requires anyone who suspects an older adult is being abused or neglected to report it.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman at Mid-Carolina, for problems in a nursing home or assisted living: 910-323-4191, extension 25.
• Guardianship questions, Social Services Adult Services: 910-677-2389 or 910-677-2388, ask for the intake social worker.
• 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 Cumberland County Register of Deeds, 117 Dick Street, Room 114, 910-678-7775. Wills and estates are handled by the Clerk of Superior Court at the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse, 117 Dick Street, Fayetteville, 910-475-3000.

For veterans and military retirees.

• Cumberland County Veterans Services, 301 East Russell Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301, 910-677-2970, by appointment, Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 8:30 to 11 a.m. It signs the NCDVA-9 for the Disabled Veteran property tax exclusion; bring the VA award letter showing 100 percent permanent and total status, or for a surviving spouse, the DIC award letter and the veteran's death certificate.
• Fort Bragg Retirement Services Office. The Army renamed Fort Liberty back to Fort Bragg on February 14, 2025. Its Retirement Services Office helps retirees and their families with benefits, entitlements and Survivor Benefit Plan questions: 910-396-5304 or 800-535-6067, in the Soldier Support Center, Building 4-2843, Normandy Drive. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Tuesday and Thursday.

Caregiver support

• Mid-Carolina Family Caregiver Support Program. Serves family caregivers of adults 60 or older, and caregivers of a person with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder at any age, including respite. 910-323-4191, extension 28.
• Council on Older Adults. Lists caregiver supports, caregiver respite, an ADRD (dementia) community support program and memory screening. 910-484-0111.
• Project C.A.R.E. Dementia-specific support and respite for families caring for someone with dementia at home. The state's Southeastern office covers Cumberland: 910-408-6365.
• Adult day programs. The state's April 2026 list of certified adult day programs in Cumberland includes Cape Fear Adult Day Health Care Center, 920 Stamper Road, Fayetteville, 910-323-4424; RDL Therapeutic Adult Day Center, 6007 Morganton Road, Fayetteville, 910-676-8676; and the day health center at LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines (below). Social Services offers adult day care case management: 910-677-2388.
• Homemaker help. Social Services' Homemaker Program can help with transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping: 910-677-2388 or 910-677-2389.
• Alzheimer's Association, 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900. The Eastern North Carolina chapter's Fayetteville Walk to End Alzheimer's is Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Segra Stadium.

PACE

Cumberland County has a PACE program, and the state's list covers the whole 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. In North Carolina it is sometimes called LIFE. LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines, part of Trinity Health PACE, runs its center at 4900 Raeford Road, Fayetteville: public line 910-483-4911, referrals 910-429-7200, TTY 711, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with 24/7 on-call support for participants.

Who qualifies. People 55 and older who live in a service area ZIP code and have been assessed by the state as needing nursing home care. The program says it is typically free for people who have Medicare and Medicaid or Medicaid only, and people without Medicaid pay a flat monthly fee.

Check the ZIP code. NC Medicaid's official PACE list names LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines for Cumberland County and portions of Harnett, Robeson, Moore and Hoke. Its ZIP list includes Fayetteville 28301 through 28312 and 28314, Fort Bragg 28307 and 28310, Falcon 28342, Godwin 28344, Hope Mills 28348, Linden 28356, Spring Lake 28390, Stedman 28391 and Wade 28395. The program's own site does not publish a ZIP list, so confirm your parent's address when you call. The state lists a different contact number, 910-429-7242; start with the program's public line.

Frequently asked questions

Mom is 72, lives in Hope Mills, and gets about $3,000 a month from Social Security and a small pension. Does she qualify for a tax break? Likely. About $3,000 a month is about $36,000 a year, under the $38,800 limit for 2026 and the $39,900 limit for 2027, as long as that is the combined income for her and any spouse. The Elderly or Disabled Exclusion takes the greater of $25,000 or half her home's value off the bill. It is a one-time application, due by June 1. Call Tax Administration at 910-678-7507.

Dad already had the exclusion. Does the 2025 revaluation mean he has to apply again? No. The county says previously approved relief is still valid and there is no need to submit a new application. If he uses the Circuit Breaker, though, he reapplies every year no matter what.

Should my father use the Circuit Breaker instead? Go in with open eyes. It limits his tax to a percentage of income, but the rest is deferred, not forgiven. It becomes a lien, and when a disqualifying event happens, the three most recent years of deferred taxes come due with interest. He must reapply every year and needs five years of ownership and occupancy first. If his income is under the exclusion limit, the exclusion is usually simpler. Ask Tax Administration to run both, and talk to the Senior Legal Helpline (1-877-579-7562) if the house is part of an estate plan. If he is moving into a nursing home, ask Tax Administration directly how that affects either program.

Dad is a retired soldier and Mom would be the surviving spouse. What should we do now? Three things. Record his DD-214 free at the Register of Deeds (910-678-7775). Call the Fort Bragg Retirement Services Office (910-396-5304) to review his Survivor Benefit Plan election. And if he has a 100 percent permanent and total VA rating, have Veterans Services (910-677-2970) sign the NCDVA-9 so the house gets the $45,000 Disabled Veteran Exclusion, and an unmarried surviving spouse can qualify for it too.

Mom's savings are running out and she may need Medicaid for care. Does timing matter? It can. NC Medicaid says people 65 and older who apply by December 31, 2026 can get approved costs covered for up to 3 months before they applied; from January 1, 2027, the look-back is 2 months. Call Social Services at 910-323-1540, and talk to the Senior Legal Helpline before moving any assets.

Mom lives alone in Spring Lake and I live out of state. What can I set up today? Put her on Cumberland SAFE (910-321-6736) so emergency managers know she lives alone. Sign her house up for the Register of Deeds Property Notification alert. Ask the Council on Older Adults (910-484-0111) about telephone reassurance and the free lunch at the Spring Lake Senior Center. And if she needs a nursing home level of care, ask LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines (910-483-4911) 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: https://www.ncdor.gov/2026-av-9-securedpdf/open and https://www.ncdor.gov/2027-av-9-securedpdf/open . Verified September 29, 2026.
• North Carolina Department of Revenue, County Assessors List (revised July 20, 2026): source of "Cumberland 910-678-7507 ... P. O. Box 449 Fayetteville, NC 28302": https://www.ncdor.gov/assessors-list-7-20-26pdf/open . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Cumberland County Tax Administration, Tax Relief, Tax Relief FAQ, About Us, Tax Bill Options, Payment Plans and Tax Rates pages: source of 117 Dick Street, Room 530, Fayetteville, NC 28301, 910-678-7507, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Room 527 for in-person payment, "Applications must be filed by June 1st," "filed in person, or by mail," the exclusion ("the greater of $25,000 or 50%," "not to exceed one acre," "Combined Income Limit $38,800 (Applicant & Spouse)," "One Time Application Required," Form AV9-A), the Circuit Breaker ("Must Own & Occupy Residence For Past Five Years," "Requires An Annual Application," "three most current years of deferred taxes becoming due, with interest," "Deferred taxes become a lien on the property"), the Disabled Veteran Exclusion ($45,000, "No Age or Income Limitations," NCDVA-9), income as "ALL income received BEFORE taxes," the 2026 rates (county 49.9 cents, Fayetteville 0.4495 and 0.9485 combined, unincorporated 0.699), "The deadline to pay 2026 property taxes is January 5, 2027," the 2 percent and 0.75 percent interest, partial payments and payment plans: https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/tax-group/tax/tax-relief , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/tax-group/tax/tax-relief/tax-relief-faq , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/tax-group/tax/about_us_tax , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/tax-group/tax/tax-bill-options , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/tax-group/tax/tax-bill-options/payment-plans , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/tax-group/tax/tax-rates . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Cumberland County, Property Tax Revaluation and Revaluation FAQ: source of "revalued as of January 1, 2025," the prior revaluation of January 1, 2017, and "Previously approved tax relief applications are still valid. There is no need to submit a new application.": https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/tax-group/tax/property-tax-revaluation and https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/tax-group/tax/property-tax-revaluation/revaluation-faq . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Cumberland County Register of Deeds, contact, office hours and home pages, and the Property Notification sign-up: source of Room 114, 117 Dick Street, (910) 678-7775, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, "We are pleased to record military discharges (DD214's) free of charge to our retired military," and the free email alert "when a document is indexed": https://www.ccrod.org/contact-information/ , https://www.ccrod.org/office-hours/ , https://www.ccrod.org/ , https://ncpropertynotification.org/Description?AgencyId=5 , and the county release https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/home/2024/09/30/register-of-deeds-highlights-property-notification-service . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Cumberland County Veterans Services, main and About Us pages: source of 301 E Russell Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301, 910-677-2970, hours, by appointment only, and the NCDVA-9 documents: https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/veterans-services-group/veterans-services and https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/veterans-services-group/veterans-services/about-us . Verified September 29, 2026.
• U.S. Army, "Fort Liberty is renamed Fort Bragg, effective immediately" (February 14, 2025): https://www.army.mil/article/283111/fort_liberty_is_renamed_fort_bragg_effective_immediately . Fort Bragg Retirement Services Office: source of (910) 396-5304, (800) 535-6067, Building 4-2843 Normandy Drive, the Monday, Wednesday and Friday hours, and Survivor Benefit Plan help: https://home.army.mil/bragg/services/all-services/retirement-services-office . Verified September 29, 2026.
• North Carolina Judicial Branch, Cumberland County contact directory and courthouse page: source of the Clerk of Superior Court at (910) 475-3000 and 117 Dick St., Fayetteville: https://www.nccourts.gov/locations/cumberland-county/contact-directory and https://www.nccourts.gov/locations/cumberland-county/judge-e-maurice-braswell-cumberland-county-courthouse . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Cumberland County Council on Older Adults, home, Meals on Wheels and Congregate Lunch pages: source of 339 Devers Street, Fayetteville, NC 28303, (910) 484-0111, services at no cost to seniors 60 and older in Cumberland County, the program list, the Meals on Wheels eligibility and home visit, the free congregate lunch, registration 9 to 11 a.m., and the five meal sites: https://www.ccccooa.org , https://www.ccccooa.org/mealsonwheels/ , https://www.ccccooa.org/congregatelunch/ . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Mid-Carolina Regional Council, Aging Services, Contact, Family Caregiver Support, Ombudsman, HCCBG and SHIIP pages: source of the Cumberland, Harnett and Sampson service area, 6205 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304, 910-323-4191, caregiver support at extension 28 and eligibility, the ombudsman at extension 25, and the Cumberland SHIIP site: https://www.mccog.org/aging-services.asp , https://www.mccog.org/contact.asp , https://www.mccog.org/family-caregiver-support-program.asp , https://www.mccog.org/regional-long-term-care-ombudsman-services.asp , https://www.mccog.org/home-community-care-block-grant-services-.asp , https://www.mccog.org/shiip.asp . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Cumberland County Department of Social Services, Contact Us, Adult Protective Services, Adult Services, Guardianship, Adult and Long Term Care Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, and Energy Assistance pages: source of 1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301, 910-323-1540, Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Spring Lake Family Resource Center, the medical transportation coordinator at 910-677-2529, APS at (910) 677-2389 or (910) 677-2388 "24 hours a day, seven days a week," the no email or voicemail request, the homemaker, Special Assistance In-Home, adult day care case management and crisis intervention services, guardianship intake, Medicaid applications and fax 910-677-2885, the LIEAP December priority month for households "including a person aged 60 or older," January to March for all households, 130 percent of poverty and the $2,250 resource limit, the Lumbee Tribe rule, and CIP "July 1 through June 30": https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/dss-group/department-of-social-services/contact-us , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/dss-group/department-of-social-services/adult-services/adult-protective-services , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/dss-group/department-of-social-services/adult-services/general-services , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/dss-group/department-of-social-services/adult-services/guardianship-services , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/dss-group/department-of-social-services/economic-services/adult-long-term-medicaid , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/dss-group/department-of-social-services/economic-services/fns-(food-stamps) , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/dss-group/department-of-social-services/economic-services/energy-assistance-programs . Verified September 29, 2026.
• NCDHHS, Low Income Energy Assistance: source of the December 1 to 31 window for households "including a person aged 60 or older": https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/energy-assistance/low-income-energy-assistance-lieap . Verified September 29, 2026.
• NC 211: source of "call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162": https://www.nc211.org/ . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation, Seniors page and center pages: source of the three centers, Senior Center East (910) 433-1574, Bill Crisp Senior Center (910) 433-1248 and Tokay Senior Fitness Center (910) 433-1414, their addresses, ages 55 and older, and registration with proof of residence and age: https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Recreation-Programs/Seniors , https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Facilities/Recreation-Centers/Senior-Center-East , https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Facilities/Recreation-Centers/Bill-Crisp-Senior-Center , https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Facilities/Recreation-Centers/Tokay-Senior-Fitness-Center . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina, home, contact and senior feeding pages: source of the seven-county service area, 406 Deep Creek Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28312, 910-485-6923, and Harvest of Hope for seniors 55 or older with seniorsshfb@actionpathways.ngo: https://hungercantwait.org , https://hungercantwait.org/about-us/contact-us/ , https://hungercantwait.org/feed-2/senior-feeding-programs/ . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Fayetteville Public Works Commission, Utility Assistance Resources and Medical Priority: source of the assistance referrals including Operation Blessing (910) 483-1119 and Fayetteville Urban Ministry (910) 483-5944, the annual Medical Priority application, and customer service 910-483-1382: https://www.faypwc.com/utility-assistance-resources/ and https://www.faypwc.com/medical-priority/ . Verified September 29, 2026.
• NCDHHS policy EP-500, Duke Energy Progress Share the Light Fund: source of "Share the light is funded 100% from monies contributed by Duke Energy" for Duke Energy Progress residential customers, handled by county social services: https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/EP-500-4.9.2025.pdf . Verified September 29, 2026.
• NCDHHS policy EP-520, Piedmont Natural Gas Share the Warmth: source of "Households do not have to heat with natural gas," "A household does not have to be a PNG customer," and $200 per state fiscal year: https://policies.ncdhhs.gov/wp-content/uploads/EP-520-9.18.2024.pdf . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Lumbee River EMC, Payment Assistance: source of LREMC Cares, "up to $150.00 in assistance once a year," and Fayetteville Urban Ministry, 701 Whitfield Street, 910-483-5944 for Cumberland County: https://www.lumbeeriver.com/payment-assistance . Verified September 29, 2026.
• NCDOI, SHIIP contact page and county counselor locator: source of 1-855-408-1212, Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm, and the Cumberland site, "Cumberland Co Coordinating Council on Older Adults 339 Devers Street Fayetteville NC 28303-4750 910-484-0111 Ext. 221," 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 September 29, 2026.
• NC Medicaid, Medicaid is Changing in 2026-27: source of "If you apply by December 31, 2026, Medicaid will cover approved costs for up to 3 months before you applied," the 2-month rule from January 1, 2027, and the Contact Center at 888-245-0179: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/beneficiaries/medicaid-is-changing . Verified September 29, 2026.
• NC Medicaid, CAP/DA case management agencies by county (May 5, 2025): source of the eight Cumberland agencies and phones, Bladen County Health Department/CAP 910-872-6257, CAP of Cape Fear Valley Health System 910-615-1841, Divine Home Care 910-904-2377, Healthkeeperz Inc. 910-522-0009, Primary Health Choice 910-865-3500, RBS Case Management 910-768-0002, 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 September 29, 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.
• NCDHHS, LME/MCO directory, and Alliance Health: source of Alliance Health serving Cumberland, the Behavioral Health Crisis Line 877-223-4617 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), and member services 800-510-9132: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/providers/lme-mco-directory and https://www.alliancehealthplan.org/ . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Cumberland County Community Development, Housing Rehabilitation Program: source of the outside-city-limits rule, 80 percent of median income, the deferred loan at 3 percent over 15 years with prorated forgiveness from the sixth anniversary, the eligibility rules, the single-wide exclusion, 910-323-6112 and 707 Executive Place: https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/community-development-group/community_development/programs/housing-rehabilitation . Verified September 29, 2026.
• City of Fayetteville, Emergency Home Repair Program: source of the city limits rule, 12 months of ownership and occupancy, 80 percent of AMI ($45,850 for one, $52,400 for two), no foreclosure, the 12-month no-sale agreement, emergency repairs rather than full rehabilitation, and Fayetteville Urban Ministry at 910-483-5944: https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/City-Departments/Economic-Community-Development/Housing-Opportunities/Emergency-Home-Repair-Program . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, Critical Home Repair and home page: source of "Applications are closed," the veterans, elderly or disabled focus, project fees, (910) 483-0952 and the October 5 to 12 closure: https://www.fayettevillenchabitat.org/critcal-home-repair and https://www.fayettevillenchabitat.org/ . Verified September 29, 2026.
• NC DEQ Weatherization Assistance Program state plan (Program Year 2027) and eligibility guidelines, and Action Pathways weatherization pages: source of Action Pathways, 4525 Campground Road, Fayetteville, serving Cumberland, (910) 485-6131, the 200 percent limit ($31,920 for one, $43,280 for two), priority for the elderly and people with disabilities, the 15-year rule, HARRP, and the documents list: https://www.deq.nc.gov/nc-wap-annual-state-plan/open , https://www.deq.nc.gov/energy-climate/state-energy-office/weatherization-assistance-program/eligibility-guidelines , https://actionpathways.ngo/our-programs/weatherization/about-weatherization-and-harrp/ , https://actionpathways.ngo/our-programs/weatherization/how-to-apply/ . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Cumberland County, "Residents urged to sign up for Cumberland Alerts and new Cumberland SAFE program" (January 23, 2026): source of the registry, "older adults living alone," cumberlandcountync.gov/alerts, 500 Executive Place, and 910-321-6736: https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/home/2026/01/23/residents-urged-to-sign-up-for-cumberland-alerts-and-new-cumberland-safe-program . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, Community Policing and Contact pages: source of "Project Life Saver" in the Community Policing Unit, (910) 438-4015, the main number 910-323-1500 and 131 Dick Street: https://cumberlandsheriffnc.gov/community-police/ and https://cumberlandsheriffnc.gov/contact-us/ . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority, HCV, Public Housing, Help Center and HOPE VI pages: source of "FMHA HCV/Section 8 Waiting List is Currently Closed," third-Wednesday public housing applications, 910.699.8134, 1000 Ramsey Street, 910-483-3648, hours, and the three senior communities, Azalea Manor 910.475.0088 and Cypress Manor and Dogwood Manor 910.223.5388: https://www.fmhanc.org/hcv-section-8 , https://www.fmhanc.org/public-housing , https://www.fmhanc.org/help-center , https://www.fmhanc.org/hope-vi . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Cumberland County Community Transportation Program pages and Elderly/Disabled policy: source of free medical and pharmacy rides for people 60 or older or disabled with a doctor's verification, the nursing home and other-transportation rules, requests "no later than 12 noon, the business day before," no same-day rides, 910-678-7619, 130 Gillespie Street, HCCBG rides for 60 and older with no fee required, and Rural General Public rides at $2.50 with 910-678-7675: https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/planning-group/planning-and-inspections/fampo-(fayetteville-area-metropolitan-planning-organization)/ctp , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/planning-group/planning-and-inspections/fampo-(fayetteville-area-metropolitan-planning-organization)/ctp/rural-operating-assistance-program-grant , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/planning-group/planning-and-inspections/fampo-(fayetteville-area-metropolitan-planning-organization)/ctp/home-community-care-block-grant , https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/docs/default-source/community-transportation-documents/ada/ada-english/policies-and-procedures-(elderly-andor-disabled).pdf . Verified September 29, 2026.
• City of Fayetteville, FAST Fares and Passes, Discount ID application, and FASTTrac!: source of the $1.25 and $0.50 fares, the $17 discount 30-day pass, the FAST Transit Center at 505 Franklin Street, the Medicare card and government ID proof, "Age 65 or Older," 910-433-1329, FASTTrac! eligibility, the three-quarter-mile area, 7-day booking with no same-day reservations, the $2 fare, and (910) 433-1232 option 2: https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/City-Departments/Transit/Fares-and-Passes , https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/files/sharedassets/main/v/1/transit/documents/discount-id-application-option-a.pdf , https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/City-Departments/Transit/FASTTrac . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Legal Aid of North Carolina, Apply and Offices: source of the Senior Legal Helpline 877-579-7562, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, for people 60 or older, the general helpline 1 (866) 219-5262 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and the Fayetteville office at 327 Dick St, Ste 103, 910-483-0400 and 1-800-824-5340, its hours, and its five counties: https://legalaidnc.org/apply/ and https://legalaidnc.org/offices/ . Verified September 29, 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.
• NC Medicaid, PACE service area list: source of "LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines ... 4900 Raeford Road, Fayetteville," "Counties: Cumberland, and portions of Harnett, Robeson, Moore and Hoke," the ZIP code list, and 910-429-7242: https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/ncpace-service-area/download?attachment . Trinity Health PACE, LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines contact and eligibility pages: source of 910-483-4911, referrals 910-429-7200, TTY 711, hours, age 55, service area ZIP codes, state assessment of nursing home need, and "typically free" with Medicaid or a flat monthly fee without it: https://www.trinityhealthpace.org/north-carolina/life-st-joseph-of-the-pines/contact-us/ and https://www.trinityhealthpace.org/north-carolina/life-st-joseph-of-the-pines/for-seniors/eligibility-requirements/ . Verified September 29, 2026.
• NCDHHS, Certified Adult Day Care and Adult Day Health Programs (April 21, 2026): source of Cape Fear Adult Day Health Care Center, 920 Stamper Road, (910) 323-4424, and RDL Therapeutic Adult Day Center, 6007 Morganton Road, 910-676-8676: https://ncdhhs.gov/4-17-26-adc-provider-list/download?attachment= . NCDHHS, Project C.A.R.E.: source of the Southeastern office covering Cumberland at 910-408-6365: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/aging/project-care-caregiver-alternatives-running-empty . Verified September 29, 2026.
• Alzheimer's Association, North Carolina: source of the 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900 and the October 24, 2026 Fayetteville Walk at Segra Stadium: https://www.alz.org/nc and https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=17755&pg=informational&sid=23932&type=fr_informational . Verified September 29, 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 September 29, 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.