Economic Services

Food and Nutrition Services, also known as Food Assistance, are available to qualifying residents in need. If you're interested in applying for food assistance, you can do so online via ePass. You can also call 336-641-3000 for more information. If you currently receive food assistance benefits and have a question about your EBT card, call 1-888-622-7328.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for food assistance?

Online with ePass   By paper   solicitar por papel

How do I renew my benefits?

Renewals are completed at least every six (6) or 12 months. If you are a current customer, you will receive information in the mail when it is time to renew. Be sure to keep your address updated with our office so that timely information will be sent to you. If you have misplaced or lost your review paperwork, please contact the call center at 336-641-3000 to request a replacement.

Where do I turn in my recertification?

Recertifications are due at the beginning of the month it is due. Recertifications received after the 15th of the month are considered untimely. Be sure to include required verifications as listed with your form. You may mail your recertification form to:

Department of Social Services
PO Box 3388
Greensboro, NC 27402

You can also upload your documents online via our secure portal.

Upload Documents Online

What is the More Than A Job NC Program?

More Than A Job NC empowers individuals to reach their career potential and meets the workforce needs of North Carolina by enabling our trusted partners to provide jobs-driven, skills-based training, education, and support services that improve the confidence, health, and well-being of participants, families, and communities.

More Information about More Than A Job NC

Resources

All Guilford County residents should have access to enough nutritious food to eat every day. We work in partnership with local organizations to help combat food insecurity in our community and connect residents with the food resources they need to thrive. Whether you’re seeking food assistance or would like to donate food, the best place to get started is through the resources below.

Greater Guilford Food Finder app

Greater Guilford Food Finder app connects Guilford County residents and residents of surrounding areas with nutritious food options and access to emergency resources.

Download now from iPhone and for Android.

North Carolina Medicaid provides health care to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. NC Medicaid may help pay for certain medical expenses including but not limited to:

• Doctor bills
• Hospital bills
• Prescriptions
• Vision Care
• Dental Care
• Medicare Premiums
• Nursing Home Care
• Personal Care Services, Medical Equipment, and other Home Health Services
• In-Home Health Care under the Community Alternatives Program
• Mental Health Care
• Most medically necessary services for children under the age of 21

How to Apply

You can apply for Medicaid online, in-person, and by phone.

Online

You can apply for Medicaid online via ePass.

In-person

Visit us at1203 Maple St. in Greensboro or 325 E. Russell Ave. in High Point

By phone

Call us at 336-641-3000

Submitting your Application

If you choose not to apply online or by phone, paper applications are available in English and Spanish. Complete applications can be faxed to 844-837-5835, uploaded to our secure portal, mailed to PO Box 3388, Greensboro, NC 27402, or dropped off at one of our offices (1203 Maple Street in Greensboro and 325 E. Russel Ave. in High Point).

Using state and federal funds, North Carolina provides subsidized childcare services to eligible families based on need and income. Subsidized childcare services are provided for the protection, care, and developmental experiences of children ages birth through 17. It allows families to maintain employment, participate in job training, receive assistance for children with development needs, in crisis situations and in the custody of the county for a portion of the day but less than 24 hours. The program enables families to access childcare at an affordable cost by helping with payments to childcare providers.

Eligibility

You and your family may be eligible for childcare services if you meet the following guidelines:

• You are the primary caregiver to a child 0-12 years of age, or 13-17 with an extenuating circumstance
• You are a Work First Family Assistance (WFFA) cash recipient participating in Work First Employment Services (WFES) with a current MRA
• You are a teen parent who needs childcare to complete your high school education or its equivalent
• You are an employed parent
• You are a student, or in training leading to employment
• You have a child who needs care for their development needs

How to Apply

Parents looking for quality childcare can call Generation Ed to speak with a parent counselor who can give you referrals to licensed childcare facilities along with other resource information. Call 336-378-7700, or email info@gen-ednc.org.

An application for services is required and families must meet income limits established by the Division of Child Development and Early Education. You may be subject to the waiting list. Call 336-641-3000 for more information.

Extreme heat or cold during the winter and summer months can cause energy costs to rise, increasing energy bills that can impact a family's budget. There are some of the Guilford County programs that may be able to offer help for these expenses. For more information, call 336-641-3000.

Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)

Heating:

• Generally available in October through April (depending on funding and temperatures)
• Helps with primary heating sources like electric, natural gas, LP gas, oil, kerosene, and wood
• This program helps with past due accounts, disconnected accounts, or for establishing new services
• Residents must meet income requirements and experiencing or in danger of experiencing a heating-related emergency (life-threatening or health related emergency) to be eligible for the program
• Residents can apply online through ePass

Cooling:

• The program is generally available May through September (depending on funding and temperatures)
• This program helps with past due accounts, disconnected accounts, or for establishing new services
• Eligible applicants must meet income requirements and be experiencing or in danger of experiencing a cooling-related emergency (life-threatening or health related emergency)
• Residents can apply online through ePass

Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

• Available December through March, or until funds are exhausted
• The early application period begins in December for individuals aged 60 or older or a person with a disability and receiving services from NC Division of Adult and Aging Services
• Regular applications are accepted January through March. The program is open to anyone meeting the income guidelines.
• The program helps with primary heating sources like electric, natural gas, LP gas, kerosene and wood
• The program does not require a past due bill and can help create a credit balance
• You must meet income guidelines
• Residents can apply online through ePass.

Work First Family Assistance or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance to families with minor children. Other family members and legal guardians caring for children can receive financial services and some supportive services. Work First Family Assistance provides parents with short-term training and other services to help them become employed and move toward self-sufficiency through the Employment Services programs.

Work First Employment Services works closely with families receiving TANF to reduce any barriers they may have to going to work and keeping a job. All strengths and barriers of a family are assessed, and both the Employment Services social worker and client sign a Mutual Responsibility Agreement. This agreement outlines the plan for the family to move toward self-sufficiency as well as the services the Department of Social Services will provide to support the family's effort. Services that a family can access or be referred to include, but are not limited:

• Job readiness instruction
• Transportation assistance
• Child services
• Counseling
• Short-term vocational education
• Budgeting
• Intensive job search
• Job development
• Domestic violence and substance abuse treatment programs
• Mental health treatment

Call 336-641-3000 for more information about Work First Family Assistance or Work First Employment Services.

Program Integrity investigates internal and external fraud. The unit is responsible for investigating eligibility errors, recouping over-payments and notifying the programs of the source of errors made from client or employee error and/or employee fraud. Most of the money recouped is returned to the applicable state or federal program for redistribution.

A fraud hotline to report fraud concerns is manned by Program Integrity staff. If you suspect fraud, call 336-641-4741.

Guilford County residents who have a Medicaid pink or blue card and who have no other means of transportation, receive free transportation to medical appointments. Learn more about Transportation Services.