Free, plain-English help for seniors and families across North Carolina. Education, not advice. Verify program details before relying on them.
Start here (works anywhere in NC)
- NC 211 - dial 2-1-1. Free, 24/7. Routes you to local rent, utility, food, and medical help.
- Eldercare Locator - 1-800-677-1116. Federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging, Adult Protective Services, and the long-term care ombudsman.
- BenefitsCheckUp - benefitscheckup.org. Screens you for every benefit you may qualify for.
- Medicare - 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security - 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits - 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline - 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline - 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline - 988
Free Medicare counseling (NC SHIIP)
North Carolina's program is SHIIP, the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program, run by the NC Department of Insurance. Free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare help: 1-855-408-1212.
Prescriptions
NC MedAssist runs a free pharmacy program for uninsured North Carolina residents under the income limit: 1-866-331-1348.
Energy / utility help
LIEAP (annual heating payment) and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) for heating/cooling emergencies are run through your county Department of Social Services. Seniors 60+ and disabled adults get a priority sign-up window. Find your county office through NC 211 or the NEAR line at 1-866-674-6327.
Property tax relief (North Carolina)
NC offers three programs, applied for at your county tax office (deadline June 1):
- Homestead Exclusion - greater of $25,000 or 50% off taxable value; 2026 income limit $38,800; age 65+ or totally and permanently disabled.
- Circuit Breaker - caps tax at 4-5% of income; income limit $58,200. CAUTION: it is a deferral that becomes a lien at 6% interest, due when the home is sold or the owner passes.
- Disabled Veteran Exclusion - $45,000 off taxable value; no income limit, no age requirement.
Home repair, food, transportation, caregiver, and legal help
Reach NC's Meals on Wheels, in-home aide services, the Family Caregiver Support Program, and senior transportation through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) or NC 211. For free civil legal help, contact Legal Aid of North Carolina. For home repair, ask about USDA Section 504 grants (homeowners 62+) and county weatherization programs.